Paul Pitchard: Jim Corbett & Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.
Mr. Paul Pitchard was on his business trip to India. He had hardly 05 days in hand. So asked us for wild life safari. He was thinking of Ranthambhore & other park but it was not practical to give Ranthambhore as good zones in Jeeps were sold out.
He is a good birder so second option for him was Jim Corbett. In Jim Corbett , Dhikala night stay permits were not available. And we knew that outer zones of Corbett will not give spotting in 04 safaris.
After discussing with our planning team & daily sightings updates from various parks, we suggested him to take Pilibhit Tiger reserve in addition to Jim Corbett Safari.
08 Mar 2025: Delhi – Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve
After breakfast Mr . Paul was transferred by ac sedan car ( 05:30 Hrs.). Check in the resort & had lunch.
08 Mar 25 : Afternoon safari.
Zone: Jhirna
This zone has good grassland areas after Dhikala zone in Corbett.
The jeep reported at the resort . we spotted lots of Sambhar deer , Spotted deer, Languor Monkeys & Rhesus Monkeys . different kinds of bird. Corbtett is heaven for birders as it alone has list of approximately 600 different species. We saw some tushkars . Heard warning calls many times but tiger did not come out. No tiger sighting done.
Plan Your Wildlife Journey
Ready to Experience India’s Wild Side?
Let us create your personalised Jim Corbett and Pilibhit safari journey with private transfers, comfortable stays, safari permits, jeep arrangements and experienced local support. Tell us your dates and wildlife interests to receive a tailored plan.
Personalised route · Limited safari permits · Expert local planning
09 Mar 2025: Morning Safari
Zone: Bijrani.
This zone is second most important zone in Corbett. We left hotel early morning & entered the park in time. Different species of Birds & mammals with Elephants were seen. Still the Tiger was not spotted in our second & last safari of Corbett. Sometimes jungles are quite too.
After breakfast we check out & drove to Pillibhit Tiger Reserve ( 04:00 Hs). This afternoon was free for relax.
10 Mar 2025: Pilibhit Tiger Reserve – Morning Safari
Zone 02: Morning Safari
Since last 04 years Pilibhit Tiger Reserve has done extremely well in tiger sightings. This place is several times better than Jim Corbett’s outer zone . We started safari & entered the park . Fresh air was excellent in open jeep. We found pugs marks of various tigers in their territories. We waited several places to listen to warning calls but they were not strong enough to suggest any predator’s presence. Any way this safari was also without tiger spotting.
If you’d like to book a safari in Pilibhit and Jim Corbett, feel free to contact Sudhir Sharma for assistance and hassle-free reservations.
10 Mar 2025: Afternoon Safari
Zone 02:
After lunch we left for our afternoon safari. As we had same zone so we decided to recheck those area where there were pugmarks of tigers. As during morning safari non tiger was seen , our guide told us to focus in those areas only. After waiting for some time, we some moment in bushes. A huge male tiger Rocket emerged in front of us. We spent good time with him & taken many good pictures. This sighting made our day.
As there were pugmarks in S3 territory as well so we decided to take chance for the second tiger as well. After reaching its area we saw him siting under a huge banyan tree. Around 04;45 pm it too started moving on the main road.
There is water canal in zone 02 & surprisingly these two tigers were on opposite to each other.
Nature sometimes gives you more then our wishes. A lot birding was done in Jim Corbett & Philibhit gave us two tiger sightings. What great day it was.
11 May 2025: Morning Safari
Zone 01:
As usual we started from hotel for our last safari of the trip & in Philibhit Tiger Reserve. Zone 01 is also as good as zone 02 in Philibhit. Here sloth bears are more in density . So, we checked the whole zone / trek in first 45 minutes of safari. Found some pugmarks & started waiting near a water hole. Few calls from spotted deer were there but finally no tiger moment.
As Mr. Paul had to drive back to Delhi so we left the park little early to manage time to avoid evening traffic of Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are needed for a Jim Corbett and Pilibhit wildlife safari?
A minimum of 4 to 5 days is recommended for a combined Jim Corbett and Pilibhit Tiger Reserve safari. This gives you time for travel, multiple jeep safaris, birdwatching and a more relaxed wildlife experience.
Are tiger sightings guaranteed during the safari?
No. Tiger sightings are never guaranteed because safaris take place in natural forest habitats. Sightings depend on the zone, season, weather and animal movement. Planning more than one safari improves your chances and lets you enjoy the complete forest ecosystem.
Why combine Jim Corbett and Pilibhit Tiger Reserve?
Combining both parks provides a richer wildlife experience, more safari opportunities and different forest landscapes. Jim Corbett is known for its diverse habitats, mammals and birdlife, while Pilibhit offers rewarding jeep safaris and strong tiger-tracking possibilities.
Which safari zones were visited during Paul Pitchard’s journey?
Paul explored the Jhirna and Bijrani zones in Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve. In Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, he visited Zone 02 for morning and afternoon jeep safaris, followed by a final morning safari in Zone 01.
What wildlife can I see besides tigers?
Depending on the safari zone and season, you may see elephants, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, langur monkeys, rhesus macaques and many bird species. Pilibhit can also offer opportunities to look for sloth bears and other forest wildlife.
Is Jim Corbett suitable for birdwatching?
Yes. Jim Corbett is an excellent destination for birdwatching because it combines forests, grasslands, river habitats and diverse wildlife. The journey can be planned for both tiger safaris and birding, depending on your interests.
How do safari permits and jeep bookings work?
Safari permits are limited and depend on the park rules, available zones and travel dates. Popular zones, jeeps and resorts can sell out early, so it is best to share your preferred dates in advance for suitable permit and safari planning.
How far are Jim Corbett and Pilibhit from Delhi?
Delhi to Jim Corbett generally takes around 5 to 6 hours by private car, depending on traffic and the resort location. The drive from Jim Corbett to Pilibhit usually takes about 4 hours. Travel times should always be planned with flexibility for road conditions.
What is the best time for a tiger safari in Jim Corbett and Pilibhit?
The best travel period depends on whether your main focus is tiger tracking, birdwatching, weather or photography. The cooler months are comfortable for travel, while warmer periods can improve wildlife visibility around water sources. We can recommend suitable dates based on your safari priorities.
How can I plan a similar Jim Corbett and Pilibhit safari trip?
Share your preferred travel dates, number of travellers, safari interests, hotel preference and budget range. We can then suggest a customised plan with private transfers, accommodation, safari permits, jeep arrangements and local guide support, subject to availability.
