Pilibhit - the emerging tiger reserve
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve lies within the great Terai belt, a landscape born of rivers descending from the Himalaya.
It has 2 core tourism zones,zone 1(Mohof),zone 2(Barhai).Here, water shapes everything. Tall elephant grass sways over seasonally flooded plains, sal forests rise on slightly higher ground, and wetlands spread quietly into reed-filled marshes. The land feels soft, layered, and alive—constantly shifting with the rhythms of rain and retreating waters.
This abundance sustains a strong prey base. Chital, sambar, hog deer, nilgai, and wild boar move through grasses and forest edges, while tigers use the dense cover and riverine corridors to their advantage. Leopards, swamp deer, and smooth-coated otters further reflect the reserve’s wetland character, making Pilibhit distinct from the drier forests of central India.
Birdlife is inseparable from the Terai experience here. Marshes, oxbow lakes, and riverbanks host an impressive variety of resident and migratory species. Calls echo from hidden grasses at dawn, waterbirds line the shallows, and the skies remain busy through changing seasons.
Pilibhit is not a landscape of sweeping views, but of immersion—of moving through tall grass, damp earth underfoot, and waterways quietly alive with movement. It is a Terai forest in its truest sense: fluid, fertile, and quietly powerful.
testimonials
Trusted by many, proven by results
Dr Suneet Raut, Palghar
Namaskar, I am Dr Suneet Raut. Myself and my wife, Dr Sushila visited Kanha National park, last year, by April 2025. Our close friend, Dr Prakash Babu,called me whether we were interested doing this Safari trip. As we both are nature lovers, and having visited Tadoba and other sanctuaries,were delighted by this call. It was last week of April.We flew from Mumbai to Jabalpur,then to Kanha sanctuary. I must say,the total experience of those 4 days was WONDERFUL. The flights, transportation to and fro by road, the accommodation, food, overall comforts and personal attention and care of Curated Canopy Safaris was exceptional. One thing I would like to mention, that, Dr Prakash himself is a wildlife enthusiast, has a deep knowledge of birds and animals, has good knowledge of flora and fauna. His planning is meticulous and punctual. His venture CURATED CANOPY Safaris is dependable service. We both look forward to join his safaries in future also. -- Dr Suneet Raut, Palghar
Dr. Susheela Raut, Palghar
We had gone with Dr. Prakash Babu for a Tiger safari to Kanha National Park safari last year. We enjoyed the trip thoroughly. The trip was very meticulasly arranged by Dr. Babu from Curated Canopy Safaris, taking into consideration all the minutest needs of ever member The stay was very comfortable. Tours well arranged and comfortable. We saw 4 tigers and made us all very happy and fulfilled.
Dr. Geeta Raju
Curated Canopy Safaris organised our trip to Kanha National Park in May ‘25. The Stay was in a serene hotel close to the park with amazing food and courteous staff. We did 1 night safari and 4 day safaris. We could see 4 tigers in 5 safaris. The tour guide and drivers were very alert and had a thorough know how of the parks. Besides tigers we could spot many deer, wild boars, peacocks and bisons. Overall we felt the time and money was well spent and looking forward to similar experiences with Canopy Safaris 👍
Dr. Surya Raju
Attended Curated Canopy Safari trip to Kanha National Park in May 2025 with family and friends, it was a wild thrilling trip, early morning trips,Night rides with awesome rides through jungle. Well organised, over zealous guides,saw a lot of tigers,birds,deers bear etc.It was a wholesome awesome experience, good food, good stay.Looking forward to future safaris with curated canopy safaris.
Dr. Shobha Sankhe
Dr. Prakash Babu is a true and passionate naturalist, and the ideal person to begin his venture, Curated Canopy Safaris. It is rightly said that a true naturalist is best suited to design wildlife safaris, as such a person is deeply well-versed with nature, flora, and fauna. Dr. Babu brings with him rich and varied experiences from safaris and sanctuaries across India. Along with wildlife exploration, he consistently strives to inculcate a love and respect for nature among the common man. Living in harmony with nature is essential for the survival of our ecology, which today stands at the edge of a cliff, challenged by increasing human impact. We wish him the very best in pursuing his passion, not only through curated wildlife experiences but also in contributing towards the protection of sanctuaries and wildlife. Apart from this, his deep knowledge of birdlife, combined with immersive wildlife exploration, truly serves as a panacea for human stress.
About the Reserve
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, is shaped by rivers flowing down from the Himalayas. The landscape here is rich in water, with wetlands, grasslands, and sal forests creating a setting that feels very different from the dry forests of central India.
The reserve has two main tourist zones — Chuka and Mala — along with the Barahi range. Tall elephant grass, marshes, and river channels spread across the area, giving it a soft, layered, and constantly changing landscape.
Safari Zones in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit is divided into a few safari areas, each offering a slightly different experience.
Chuka Safari Area
01
Known for its scenic views and water bodies, this zone offers a good mix of wildlife sightings and open landscapes.
Mala Range
02
One of the main areas for safaris, with regular wildlife movement and chances of spotting tigers.
Barahi Range
03
A quieter zone with grasslands and marshes, ideal for a more peaceful and relaxed safari experience.
Best Time to Visit Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Winter
November - February
Pleasant weather, great time for wildlife sightings and birdwatching
Summer
March - June
Higher chances of tiger sightings near water.
Monsoon
July - September
Park remains closed.
How to Reach Pilibhit
Tiger Reserve
There are many ways to get to Kanha by air, rail, and road.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bareilly (around 70 km). Lucknow Airport (about 250 km) is the better-connected option.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Pilibhit, with connections to major cities via Bareilly and Lucknow.
By Road
Pilibhit is well connected by road to Bareilly, Lucknow, and Delhi. The drive from Bareilly takes about 1.5–2 hours.
Why Choose Curated Canopy Safaris
Curated Canopy Safaris gives you a full Kanha forest safari booking experience that is professionally handled.
- All-Inclusive Packages – Stay, all meals, forest permits, gypsy safaris, and trained guides are included for a seamless experience.
- Experienced Local Guides – Knowledgeable guides who understand the jungle, read alarm calls, and track wildlife effectively
- Comfortable Safari Lodges – Carefully selected stays that offer both comfort and proximity to the park
- Thoughtfully Planned Expeditions – Every detail is considered to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and rewarding safari
- Fair Pricing – Well-curated experiences offered at reasonable and transparent costs.
Plan Your Safari
How to Book
You can book your complete package through Curated Canopy Safaris.
You will need to provide a valid ID (Aadhar card / PAN card / Driving Licence) for permit booking.
Safaris are limited and should be booked in advance.
Tips for Safarists
- Book in Advance – Safari permits are limited and sell out quickly, so plan ahead.
- Wear Neutral Colours – Earth tones help you blend into the surroundings and avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Carry Essentials – Mobile phones may be restricted in some parks, so bring a camera and binoculars.
- Follow Park Guidelines – Always follow the rules and instructions provided by forest authorities and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can book through official websites or directly via our platform, Curated Canopy Safaris. We will take care of all permit bookings.
From November to June is a great time to watch wildlife in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.
testimonials
Trusted by many, proven by results
Dr Suneet Raut, Palghar
Namaskar, I am Dr Suneet Raut. Myself and my wife, Dr Sushila visited Kanha National park, last year, by April 2025. Our close friend, Dr Prakash Babu,called me whether we were interested doing this Safari trip. As we both are nature lovers, and having visited Tadoba and other sanctuaries,were delighted by this call. It was last week of April.We flew from Mumbai to Jabalpur,then to Kanha sanctuary. I must say,the total experience of those 4 days was WONDERFUL. The flights, transportation to and fro by road, the accommodation, food, overall comforts and personal attention and care of Curated Canopy Safaris was exceptional. One thing I would like to mention, that, Dr Prakash himself is a wildlife enthusiast, has a deep knowledge of birds and animals, has good knowledge of flora and fauna. His planning is meticulous and punctual. His venture CURATED CANOPY Safaris is dependable service. We both look forward to join his safaries in future also. -- Dr Suneet Raut, Palghar
Dr. Susheela Raut, Palghar
We had gone with Dr. Prakash Babu for a Tiger safari to Kanha National Park safari last year. We enjoyed the trip thoroughly. The trip was very meticulasly arranged by Dr. Babu from Curated Canopy Safaris, taking into consideration all the minutest needs of ever member The stay was very comfortable. Tours well arranged and comfortable. We saw 4 tigers and made us all very happy and fulfilled.
Dr. Geeta Raju
Curated Canopy Safaris organised our trip to Kanha National Park in May ‘25. The Stay was in a serene hotel close to the park with amazing food and courteous staff. We did 1 night safari and 4 day safaris. We could see 4 tigers in 5 safaris. The tour guide and drivers were very alert and had a thorough know how of the parks. Besides tigers we could spot many deer, wild boars, peacocks and bisons. Overall we felt the time and money was well spent and looking forward to similar experiences with Canopy Safaris 👍
Dr. Surya Raju
Attended Curated Canopy Safari trip to Kanha National Park in May 2025 with family and friends, it was a wild thrilling trip, early morning trips,Night rides with awesome rides through jungle. Well organised, over zealous guides,saw a lot of tigers,birds,deers bear etc.It was a wholesome awesome experience, good food, good stay.Looking forward to future safaris with curated canopy safaris.
Dr. Shobha Sankhe
Dr. Prakash Babu is a true and passionate naturalist, and the ideal person to begin his venture, Curated Canopy Safaris. It is rightly said that a true naturalist is best suited to design wildlife safaris, as such a person is deeply well-versed with nature, flora, and fauna. Dr. Babu brings with him rich and varied experiences from safaris and sanctuaries across India. Along with wildlife exploration, he consistently strives to inculcate a love and respect for nature among the common man. Living in harmony with nature is essential for the survival of our ecology, which today stands at the edge of a cliff, challenged by increasing human impact. We wish him the very best in pursuing his passion, not only through curated wildlife experiences but also in contributing towards the protection of sanctuaries and wildlife. Apart from this, his deep knowledge of birdlife, combined with immersive wildlife exploration, truly serves as a panacea for human stress.