Dudhwa and Pilibhit Tiger Reserves protect a vital swathe of Terai wilderness in northern Uttar Pradesh, part of the fertile Indo-Gangetic Plain that stretches across northern India. Dudhwa encompasses three distinct protected zones—Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary—each with varied habitats ranging from sal forests and marshes to oxbow lakes and grasslands. Pilibhit lies to the east, centred on the Chuka Forest Zone, where tall grasslands and riverine forests support Bengal tiger, elephant, swamp deer, and an abundance of birdlife, including the rare Bengal florican.
Wildlife viewing is by jeep or elephant safari, and visitors can enjoy scenic areas like Pilibhit’s Chuka Beach and Dudhwa’s lakes and wetlands. The reserves are also part of an ambitious programme to establish a viable population of Indian one-horned rhinoceros, with individuals reintroduced from Assam in the 1980s and recent efforts focused on creating free-ranging habitat. With a reputation for strong conservation efforts—Pilibhit won the prestigious TX2 award for doubling its tiger population—the adjoining reserves offer a quieter, more immersive experience than India’s larger parks, ideal for birders, big cat enthusiasts, and those seeking a deeper connection with the wild.
