Safaris in the terai forests of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, with winter timings of 6.30-10.00 am and 2.30 pm to sunset per the district website.
The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Jungle Safari is a jeep drive through the terai forests of Pilibhit District, Uttar Pradesh, along the Sharda and Ghaghara river belt close to the Nepal border. The reserve is part of the Terai Arc Landscape and is known for tiger, leopard, swamp deer, hog deer, sloth bear and a large bird list that includes the Bengal florican in the grasslands. Safaris are run by the reserve under the forest department, with a forest guide and driver in each vehicle, and visitors reach the reserve by road from Pilibhit town.
The activity is easy. Visitors sit in the vehicle throughout, so no particular fitness is required, and families commonly take part, though the tracks are rough and long periods of silence are expected. Neutral clothing, binoculars and a camera are the usual items to carry. The district website lists winter timings of 6.30 to 10.00 am and 2.30 pm to sunset, with booking points at Mahof Gate and Mustfabad Gate. Fees are not verified here, so visitors should confirm the current vehicle and entry charges with the reserve office before travelling.
The forest department sets the safety rules. Passengers stay inside the vehicle, keep their voices low, and avoid approaching or feeding animals; the guide gives a short briefing at the gate and holds radio contact with the range staff. The nearest medical help is in Pilibhit town, reached by road, and evacuation would be by the same route. The best season is November to June, when the reserve is open and tracks are passable. The monsoon is best avoided because heavy rain and flooded tracks close parts of the forest, and the hottest weeks in May and June bring high temperatures although animals are easier to see near water. Winter mornings can be cold and misty, so warm layers help on the early shift. Visitors usually combine the trip with a night in Pilibhit.
| Price | Fees not verified; booking points include Mahof Gate and Mustfabad Gate |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 3 hours per shift |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | November to June |
| Address | Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh |
Activity facts
- Where
- Pilibhit
Equipment
Binoculars, neutral clothing, camera
Location
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh
28.6100, 79.9400 View on map
Highlights
- Jeep safari through terai forest and grassland on the Nepal border belt
- Tiger, leopard, swamp deer and sloth bear among the wildlife
- Booking points at Mahof Gate and Mustfabad Gate
- Morning and afternoon shifts with a forest guide
Tips for visiting
- Confirm the current vehicle and entry fees with the reserve office before arriving.
- Book the morning shift (from 6.30 am in winter) for the best chance of sightings.
- Carry warm layers for winter mornings and water in the hotter months.
- Wear neutral colours and keep noise low in the forest.
- Plan an overnight stay in Pilibhit town to reach the gate on time.
When to visit
November to June, with early morning shifts best for wildlife and cooler weather.
Accessibility
Entry to the jeep is by a high step and tracks are uneven, so the safari is difficult for wheelchair users; limited mobility should be raised with the reserve office.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Pilibhit safari timings?
The district website lists winter timings of 6.30 to 10.00 am and 2.30 pm to sunset. Timings can change by season, so check with the reserve.
Where are the entry points?
Booking points include Mahof Gate and Mustfabad Gate. The reserve office can confirm which gate suits a given date.
Is a tiger sighting guaranteed?
No. Tigers are present but elusive in dense terai forest, and sightings depend on luck, season and time of day.