Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is one of the most exciting and underrated wildlife destinations in North India. Tucked away in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh near the Indo-Nepal border, this incredible reserve is home to Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, swamp deer, crocodiles, and over 300 bird species. If you are thinking about visiting this beautiful jungle, the first thing you need to know is how to reach Pilibhit Tiger Reserve comfortably and conveniently.
The good news is that Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is well connected by train, road, and air from major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Bareilly. This complete travel guide will help you plan your journey step by step and make your Pilibhit safari trip smooth and hassle free.
About Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Officially declared a Tiger Reserve in 2014 under Project Tiger, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve spreads across approximately 730 sq km of dense sal forests, open grasslands, rivers, and wetlands. It is one of the fastest growing tiger reserves in India and offers a peaceful and less crowded jungle safari experience compared to more popular wildlife destinations. Whether you are a wildlife photographer, nature lover, or adventure traveller, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is a destination worth every bit of the journey.
How to Reach Pilibhit Tiger Reserve by Air
For travellers coming from distant cities or from abroad, reaching Pilibhit Tiger Reserve by air is a practical and time saving option.
Bareilly Airport is the nearest airport to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, located approximately 43 km from Pilibhit city. It has limited domestic flight services but is very well placed for a quick drive to the reserve.
Pantnagar Airport is another nearby option to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, located approximately 90 to 100 km away. It offers domestic flight connections from Delhi and Lucknow and is the most convenient air travel option for most visitors.
For travellers flying from other parts of India or from abroad, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the most well connected option. Delhi is approximately 300 – 330 km from Pilibhit and the onward road or rail journey is straightforward and comfortable.
After landing at any of these airports, private taxis and cabs are easily available for a direct and comfortable drive to the reserve.
How to Reach Pilibhit Tiger Reserve by Train
Travelling by train is the most popular and budget friendly way to reach Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, especially for visitors coming from Delhi and Lucknow.
Pilibhit Junction Railway Station, station code PBE, is the nearest major railway station to the reserve. It is located approximately 30 km from the pilibhit tiger reserve entry point and has regular train connections from Delhi, Lucknow, and Bareilly.
From Delhi, the Purnagiri Express is one of the most popular and direct train options for tourists. It departs from Delhi in the early morning and reaches Pilibhit Junction by afternoon, making it a very convenient travel option for wildlife travellers.
Other useful nearby railway stations include —
Bareilly Junction — approximately 55 – 60 km from the reserve and very well connected with Delhi, Lucknow, and other major cities across India. From Bareilly, you can easily hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pilibhit.
Tanakpur Railway Station, located about 58 km from the reserve, is a convenient railhead for visitors travelling from Uttarakhand and nearby Himalayan regions.
From Pilibhit Junction, the reserve is just a short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride away. Hiring a private cab from the station is the easiest and most comfortable option to reach the safari entry point.
How to Reach Pilibhit Tiger Reserve by Road
Reaching Pilibhit Tiger Reserve by road is an excellent option for self-drive travellers and those coming from nearby cities. The route is well-maintained, and the drive through the picturesque Terai region offers beautiful natural scenery along the way.
From Delhi — Distance — approximately 300 – 330 km Recommended route — Delhi → Moradabad → Bareilly → Pilibhit → PTR Mustafabad Approximate travel time — 5 to 6 hours by car
From Lucknow — Distance — approximately 260 km Recommended route — Lucknow → Sitapur → Lakhimpur Kheri → Khutar → Puranpur → Madhotanda → PTR Mustafabad Approximate travel time — 5 to 6 hours
From Bareilly — Distance — approximately 55 to 83 km Approximate travel time — 1.5 to 2 hours Bareilly is the closest major city to the reserve and this is the shortest and most convenient road route.
From Tanakpur — Distance — approximately 56 km A great option for travellers coming from the Uttarakhand side.
State transport buses from UP Roadways connect Delhi, Bareilly, Lucknow, and Shahjahanpur to Pilibhit on a regular basis. Private taxis and cabs are also easily available from Bareilly and Lucknow for a direct and comfortable drive straight to the reserve.
How Book Your Pilibhit Jungle Safari
Once you reach Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, the real adventure begins with a Gypsy safari through the dense forests. Safari is available in two zones — Mustafabad Zone and Pilibhit City Zone. Both morning and evening safari slots are available and advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during the peak season from November to March.
You can book your Pilibhit Tiger Reserve safari quickly and easily at pilibhit safari booking.online your trusted safari booking partner for Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport, about 90–100 km away. Bareilly Airport is another option, around 55 km away.
Pilibhit Junction is the nearest railway station, located about 30 km from the reserve.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is approximately 300 to 330 km from Delhi, with a travel time of around 5–6 hours by road.
The reserve is about 250 km from Lucknow.
Bareilly is located approximately 55–80 km from the reserve.
No, it is open from October to June and remains closed during the monsoon season.
The most convenient options are the Purnagiri Express train or a road trip via Bareilly.
Conclusion
Reaching Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is easier than most travellers think. Whether you choose to travel by air, train, or road, the reserve is well connected from all major cities including Delhi, Lucknow, and Bareilly. The journey itself is scenic and peaceful, passing through the beautiful Terai countryside of Uttar Pradesh.
Once you arrive, the dense sal forests, open grasslands, and thrilling jeep safaris of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve will make every kilometre of your journey completely worth it. From spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger to enjoying the natural beauty of Chuka Beach, every moment here is truly memorable.
