Pilibhit Tiger Reserve – Chuka Beach, Tigers & Eco-Tourism in Uttar Pradesh
Nestled along the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh’s Terai belt, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is a living mosaic of sal forests, rivers, and meadows. — where tigers roam freely through golden grasslands, herds of deer graze near rivers, and the calm of the forest meets the thrill of the hunt. Experience authentic eco-tourism, Chuka Beach serenity, and India’s living tiger corridor.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve – Where Forest, River & Wilderness Breathe Together
Nestled along the foothills of the Shivalik range and nourished by the Sharda River, the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) is a living mosaic of grasslands, dense forests, and glistening water bodies. Located in Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur districts of Uttar Pradesh, the reserve forms one of India’s most captivating natural corridors — connecting the Terai Arc Landscape with the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and Nepal’s Shuklaphanta National Park.
Spanning over 730 sq. km, Pilibhit is not just about tigers. It’s about the quiet rustle of tall grass, the haunting call of the sarus crane, and the glimmer of sunlight dancing on the Girwa and Sharda rivers.
Here, life slows down, the forest takes over, and every trail leads to a story worth remembering.
About Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2014 under the Project Tiger program, Pilibhit stands out as one of India’s youngest yet most biologically rich reserves. Its terrain blends sal forests, riverine belts, and grasslands (chaurs), forming a paradise for both big cats and migratory birds.
The reserve is home to:
Over 65 tigers (2024 census – as per UP Forest Department)
200+ species of birds, including the rare Great Slaty Woodpecker and Sarus Crane
Leopards, sloth bears, sambhar, spotted deer, and wild boars
Crocodiles, gharials, and gangetic dolphins in its rivers and canals
Pilibhit’s ecosystem is a rare balance between aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity, offering visitors a blend of land and water safaris unlike any other park in North India.
Chuka Beach – Pilibhit’s Hidden Paradise
Located inside the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Chuka Beach is one of the region’s most enchanting eco-tourism sites. Set on the banks of the Sharda Sagar Dam, this stunning lakeside retreat is famous for its golden sands, emerald waters, and peaceful wooden eco-huts surrounded by sal forests.
Here you can:
Watch the sunrise reflect on Chuka Lake, turning the water golden.
Take a boat ride while spotting migratory birds gliding low across the still surface.
Stay overnight in Chuka eco-huts or forest rest houses, surrounded by the sound of nature.
For those seeking tranquility and adventure rolled into one, Chuka Beach Pilibhit is the answer — a lesser-known yet spectacular sibling to Dudhwa’s dense wilderness.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Safari & Booking Information
Exploring Pilibhit means immersing yourself in its diverse habitats — from riverine grasslands to sal-dominated forests.
Visitors can book a Jeep Safari or Boat Safari (seasonal) to explore the different zones of the reserve.
Safari Zones & Highlights:
| Zone | Highlights | Wildlife Sightings |
|---|---|---|
| Chuka Range | Lake views, wetlands & eco-huts | Tigers, Crocodiles, Birds |
| Madhotanda Range | Sal forests, grassland corridors | Deer, Elephants, Leopard |
| Haripur Range | Riverine patches & open tracks | Tiger, Boar, Peacock |
| Mala Range | Wet grassland with marsh habitat | Barasingha, Crocodile, Birds |
Safari Timings:
Morning Safari: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Evening Safari: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Advance booking (20–30 days prior) is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.
Visitors can book online through verified eco-tourism partners like DudhwaNationalPark.net — your trusted booking assistant for all UP Tiger Reserves.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Safari Charges
| Visitor Type | Entry + Safari Fee (Approx.) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Nationals | ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 per Jeep (up to 6 adults) | Entry, vehicle, guide & permit |
| Foreign Nationals | ₹8,000 – ₹10,000 per Jeep | Guide, forest permit, and vehicle |
| Boat Safari (Seasonal) | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per person | Boat ride with naturalist |
| Camera Fee | ₹100 – ₹500 | Depending on lens size (as per Forest Dept. rules) |
Prices may vary by season and official UP Forest Department circulars.
Best Time to Visit Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Like other Terai reserves, Pilibhit remains open from November 15 to June 15 each year.
The park closes during the monsoon (mid-June to mid-November) for wildlife breeding and maintenance.
November – February: Ideal for birdwatching and scenic views of misty forests.
March – April: Excellent for tiger sightings as animals visit water bodies.
May – June: Great for photography — dramatic light, dry landscapes, and clear visibility.
Pro Tip: Early morning safaris offer the best chance to spot tigers and gharials basking on riverbanks.
How to Reach Pilibhit
Pilibhit is easily accessible from major cities of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
By Road:
300 km from Lucknow (approx. 6–7 hrs)
250 km from Bareilly (via NH30)
45 km from Puranpur and 10 km from Pilibhit city
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Pilibhit Junction (PBE), connected to Lucknow, Delhi, and Bareilly.
From the station, cabs and local transport are available to reach the Chuka Gate.
By Air:
Bareilly Airport (BLY) – 100 km away
Lucknow Airport (LKO) – 270 km away
Stay Options – Chuka Eco Huts & Forest Rest Houses
For an authentic wilderness experience, stay inside the Chuka Eco Tourism Complex, managed by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.
The property offers eco-huts, log cottages, and forest rest houses built from local materials and surrounded by lush greenery.
Each hut offers:
Lake-facing balconies
Solar-powered lighting
Locally sourced meals
Guided night walks and bonfire areas
Nearby, private stays and resorts around Puranpur and Pilibhit city offer comfortable options for families and groups.
Conservation Significance
Pilibhit plays a crucial role in the Terai ecosystem, serving as a natural corridor for tiger dispersal between India and Nepal.
The reserve’s rivers sustain communities and agriculture while providing safe passage for wildlife.
The UP Forest Department, WWF India, and Project Tiger authorities actively monitor the landscape through camera traps, anti-poaching patrols, and habitat restoration projects.
Pilibhit’s unique forest-river-wetland system has earned it international recognition under the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) and the Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS) framework.
Why Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Deserves a Spot on Your Travel Map
Few destinations in India offer the diversity Pilibhit does —
tigers, gharials, elephants, migratory birds, wetlands, and beaches, all in one reserve.
Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, a family explorer, or someone seeking peace by the riverside, Pilibhit promises a story written by nature itself —
a story that starts with the call of a kingfisher and ends with the roar of a tiger echoing across the Sharda.
FAQs about Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is situated in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India, bordering Nepal. It spreads across the districts of Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich, forming part of the Terai Arc Landscape — a vital corridor for tigers and elephants.
The reserve is renowned for its thriving tiger population, dense sal forests, and scenic Chuka Beach on the Sharda River. It won the TX2 Award (2020) for doubling its tiger count, highlighting its global conservation success.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve covers around 730 square kilometers, including core and buffer zones that protect tigers, swamp deer, elephants, and over 300 species of birds.
Safaris can be booked online through authorized operators or local eco-tourism portals. Visitors can choose from Jeep Safaris in the core zone or eco-walks near Chuka Lake, accompanied by trained forest guides.
The park remains open from November to June. The best time for tiger sightings is March to May, while winter (November–February) is ideal for birdwatching and photography.
Besides the Royal Bengal Tiger, visitors may spot leopards, elephants, swamp deer (barasingha), sambhar, wild boars, and birds such as hornbills and painted storks.
The nearest major city is Bareilly (55 km), while Lucknow Airport is around 250 km away. Pilibhit Junction Railway Station is the closest railhead. Regular road transport is available via SH-29 and NH-730.
Chuka Beach is a serene eco-tourism site within the reserve, located along the Sharda River. It offers bamboo huts, forest cottages, boating, and wildlife photography experiences surrounded by lush greenery.
No, private vehicles are not allowed inside the core zone. Only registered forest jeeps with official guides are permitted to ensure minimal human interference with wildlife.
Entry fees vary by nationality and safari type. For Indian visitors, Jeep Safari costs approximately ₹4,000–₹6,000 per trip, while foreign visitors pay higher rates as per forest department norms.
You can stay at Chuka Eco-Huts, Forest Rest Houses (FRH), or nearby eco-resorts in Pilibhit town. All stays offer close access to safaris and riverfront views.
Yes, it’s completely safe when following park rules. Guides accompany every safari, and forest staff ensure all visitors stay on designated routes and follow eco-tourism safety protocols.