Tiger Reseves OF Terai Region
Jim Corbett · Pilbhit · Dudhwa
In the rich Terai belt of northern India, Jim Corbett, Pilibhit, and Dudhwa’s tiger reserves make up one of Asia’s greatest wildlife areas. The region is within the well-known Terai Arc Landscape – a vital wildlife route stretching through both India and Nepal – and is the home of the magnificent Bengal Tiger, the hard-to-find Leopard, and the vulnerable One-Horned Rhinoceros.
Jim Corbett National Park – India’s earliest national park, founded in 1936 – is a place of stories; of rolling grasslands, thick sal woods, rivers, and hills, all where the tiger moves about in the open. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, a quieter, less-visited area of wilderness in Uttar Pradesh, is a growing home to tall sal trees, barasingha, and many birds, and provides a really different safari experience. Further to the east is Dudhwa National Park, on the India-Nepal border, a safe place for large mammals and over 400 kinds of birds, where rhinos, elephants, and crocodiles all live in the land and water.
Unlike fancy hotels, this trip puts guests right into the wild – you’ll be staying in Government Forest Rest Houses within the parks. These old places to stay are simple, but cosy, and put you in the middle of the jungle, where the forest sounds come to life at night. Jeep safaris and walks by the rivers mean every day is a real wilderness experience – perfect for tiger viewing, bird-watching, and photography.
Tour Highlights
- Explore three iconic Terai tiger reserves – Jim Corbett, Pilibhit & Dudhwa – across 14 days.
- 17 jeep safaris focused on Bengal Tigers, Leopards, One-Horned Rhinoceros, elephants and rich birdlife.
- Stay inside or close to the forests in Government Forest Rest Houses and comfortable jungle lodges.
- Experience the diverse habitats of the Terai Arc Landscape – sal forests, grasslands, marshes and river systems.
- Remote, less commercial experiences in Pilibhit and Dudhwa compared to mainstream parks.
- Ideal for serious wildlife enthusiasts, birders and photographers who enjoy rustic, immersive stays.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01
Arrive Delhi
Get to Delhi and go to your hotel. The evening is yours to unwind before the trip begins.
Day 02
DELHI TO JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK (270 KM / 6 HRS)
We’ll collect you from your Delhi hotel in the morning and drive to Jim Corbett National Park. You’ll be in Corbett by evening.
Corbett is ideal for all the things you could want on a bird-watching trip of northern India. In the foothills of the Himalayas, in Uttarakhand state, Corbett National Park is a place for wildlife fans to see India’s amazing wildlife. It was named in honour of the late Jim Corbett, a famous hunter who became a protector of wildlife and did much to help set up this Tiger Reserve.
Days 03
JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK (MORNING /EVENING GAME DRIVE)
Spend three nights at Dhikala Forest Rest House, right in the middle of the forest.
Dhikala Forest Rest House is in the heart of the forest, but is pretty basic. The lodge is circled by a
solar fence for your safety – it’s a memorable experience to sit on your balcony and enjoy the wild
sounds of the night.
Stay overnight at Dhikala Forest Lodge.
Day 04
CORBETT NATIONAL PARK (MORNING /EVENING GAME DRIVE)
We’ll have two safaris in the park today.
Days 05
CORBETT NATIONAL PARK (MORNING /EVENING GAME DRIVE)
We’ll have two more safaris in the park today.
Day 06
CORBETT (MORNING SAFARI) THEN TO PILIBHIT TIGER RESERVE (140 KM / 3 HRS)
Morning safari, and then in the afternoon drive to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. It’s a Forest Rest House (a little basic, but right in the forest).
Days 07
PILIBHIT TIGER RESERVE (MORNING /EVENING GAME DRIVE)
Early in the morning we set off for our first jeep safari, and there will be another one in the afternoon. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is the home of over 127 kinds of animals, 326 kinds of birds, and 2,100 flowering plants. It’s a mix of high sal woods, plantations, and grasslands with several pools of water. The woods are home to a huge number of wild animals, including the endangered tiger, barasingha, Bengal florican, hog deer, leopard, and so on. The bird life is very full and different, and hundreds of bird types can be seen all year round.
Day 08
PILIBHIT TIGER RESERVE (MORNING /EVENING GAME DRIVE)
This morning we’ll have our third and fourth safaris in the park.
Day 09
PILIBHIT – KISHANPUR /DUDHWA NATIONAL PARK (113 KMS / 2.5 HRS)
Today we can have a relaxed morning and, after breakfast at the lodge, move on to Dudhwa
National Park.
Get to our lodge in the afternoon.
Day 10
KISHANPUR TIGER RESERVE - MORNING /EVENING SAFARI
This morning we’ll have our first jeep safari, looking for Tigers, Indian One-Horned Rhinos, wild elephants, crocodiles, a lot of kinds of mammals, and over 400 bird types. After lunch, leave for an afternoon safari, which will give you more chances to see the wonders of Dudhwa National Park.
Day 11
KISHANPUR TIGER RESERVE - MORNING /EVENING SAFARI
This morning we’ll have our third and fourth safaris in the park.
Day 12
DUDHWA TIGER RESERVE - MORNING /EVENING SAFARI
We’ll leave early this morning to get to the Dudhwa gate for the morning safari. After the morning safari from Dudhwa Gate, we can spend the afternoon at a lodge closer to Dudhwa Gate for lunch and to use their room to rest/shower.
Day 13
DUDHWA TO DELHI (410 KM / 8 HRS)
Drive back to Delhi.
Day 14
DEPARTURE
Go to the international airport for your onward journey.
