The dense forests of Pilibhit are punctuated by vast open meadows and contain plenty of prey for predators, making it an ideal habitat for tigers. However, contrary to popular belief, the forests of Pilibhit have not been notified as a Tiger Reserve as yet. Located in Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich districts, this reserved forest lies along the Indo-Nepal border on the foothills of the Himalayas and the plains of the Terai and forms a part of the tiger corridor along with the forests of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Although there are tracts of agricultural land between these forests, the tigers are said to travel to and fro through this corridor during mating season.
Currently a reserved forest, Pilibhit has a core area of about 1,000 sq kms and a buffer area of about 627 sq kms. The rivers Sharada and Ghaghara act as its northeastern and southwestern borders. Pilibhit is among the most densely wooded areas in the Terai and about 23% of this district's total area covered by vegetation.
The tigers in the Terai region are distributed into one major and three smaller populations; the major population is shared by Dudhwa National Park, Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Pilibhit Reserve Forest while a smaller tiger population is concentrated around Bijnor in the east and Suhelwa and Sohagi Barwa in the west. Uttar Pradesh has been developing the forests of Pilibhit as a viable home for the striped cats in a big way and talks are on to turn this into a Tiger Reserve in the near future.
Where to stay
Tourists can stay in the huts and forest rest houses available at Bankatti, Mala, Chuka and other places within the forest area at a nominal charge. Alternatively, one can stay in hotels of Pilibhit and Bareilly and plan a trip to the forests from there.
Distance from Lucknow: 260 kms
Getting there: Lucknow is the nearest airport; nearest railheads are Bareilly, Delhi, Lakhimpur Kheri and Shahjahanpur.
Timings: 7 am to 10 am, 3 pm to sunset
Best time to visit: September to mid-June
Major animals: Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, hispid hare, swamp deer
For more information on Pilibhit Reserve Forest Uttar Pradesh contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agency in India.