Pilibhit at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Famous For | tiger reserve |
| Best Time to Visit | November to March |
| Ideal Duration | 2-3 days minimum |
| Language | Hindi, English |
| Nearest Airport | Pantnagar Airport (PGH), 120km from city |
| Nearest Railway | Pilibhit Junction (PBE) |
| Entry Fee | Free – ₹50+ (varies) |
| Best For | all travellers |
Pilibhit: What Makes It Worth Visiting
Pilibhit is a city located in Uttar Pradesh, bordering Nepal. It's known as 'Tiger Town' due to its proximity to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, a significant protected area for Bengal tigers. The region is characterized by dense forests, fertile agricultural lands, and a relatively remote setting.
Pilibhit offers a unique experience for nature lovers and those seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations. The tiger reserve is the main draw, but the city itself lacks extensive tourist infrastructure and can be challenging to navigate. If you are looking for a pure wildlife experience, this is it.
Pilibhit: Temples & Religious Site Opening Hours
| Name | Hours | Entry Fee | Best Time | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauri Shankar Temple | 06:00-20:00 daily | Free | Any time of the day. | Remove footwear before entering |
| Jama Masjid | Open during prayer times. | Free | Visit during non-prayer times | Remove footwear before entering |
How to Reach Pilibhit: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
train Train to Pilibhit: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Pilibhit Junction (PBE) — Main railway station in Pilibhit, connecting to major cities in Uttar Pradesh and nearby states.
- From Delhi: 6-8 hours (₹500-1500)
- From Lucknow: 4-6 hours (₹400-1200)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Pilibhit: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), 120km from city
- Delhi: 1.5 hours (₹3000-5000)
- Mumbai: 3 hours (₹6000-9000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹2500-3500
directions_bus Bus to Pilibhit: Services & Timings
- From Bareilly: 2-3 hours (₹200-300)
Trains more comfortable
Best Time to Visit Pilibhit: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: November to March
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: November to March | 10-25 degrees C | This is the best time to visit the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, as the chances of spo | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: October, April | 20-35 degrees C | The shoulder season offers a balance between good weather and fewer crowds. Wild | Be prepared for occasional showers |
| Avoid: May to September | 30-45 degrees C | Visiting during this period is not recommended due to the extreme heat, heavy ra | Some parts of the tiger reserve may |
Peak season note: Book your safari and accommodation in advance, as this is the peak tourist season. Prices for transportation and accommodation may be slightly higher.
2-Day Pilibhit Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Top Highlights
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
📍 Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is a protected area known for its healthy tiger population and diverse ecosystem. It spans across lush …
💡 Tip: Try to book a safari during the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
Day 2 — Nature & Local Culture
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
🙏 Gauri Shankar Temple
The Gauri Shankar Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is a popular pilgrimage site fo…
💡 Visit during the evening aarti (prayer ceremony) for a truly immersive experience.
📍 Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is a historical mosque showcasing intricate Mughal architecture. This is the primary place of worship for the city…
💡 Observe the intricate details of the minarets and the calligraphy inside the mosque.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🏖️ Chuka Beach
Chuka Beach is a man-made reservoir inside the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve offering a unique experience of enjoying a beach-like settin…
💡 Carry your own snacks and water as there are limited options available at Chuka Beach.
⛰️ District Park Pilibhit
The District Park is a green space offering a respite from the city. Locals enjoy the park for recreation and relaxation.…
💡 Visit the park during the weekends to witness local cultural events and performances.
Top Places to Visit in Pilibhit: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 📍 Pilibhit Tiger Reserve | ₹50 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) | 4-6 hours | 06:00-18:00 daily |
| 2 | 🙏 Gauri Shankar Temple | Free | 1 hour | 06:00-20:00 daily |
| 3 | 📍 Jama Masjid | Free | 1 hour | Open during prayer times. |
| 4 | 🏖️ Chuka Beach | ₹20 | 2-3 hours | 08:00-17:00 |
| 5 | ⛰️ District Park Pilibhit | Free | 1-2 hours | 08:00-20:00 daily |
| 6 | ⛰️ Jaisinghpur Forest | ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) | 3-4 hours | Sunrise to Sunset |
| 7 | 📍 Hasanpur Village | Free | 2-3 hours | Anytime during daylight hours |
📍 1. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is a protected area known for its healthy tiger population and diverse ecosystem. It spans across lush forests, grasslands, and wetlands, providing habitat for various species of flora and fauna.
📍 Getting there: Accessible by jeep or private car from Pilibhit city, approximately 20km.
🙏 2. Gauri Shankar Temple
The Gauri Shankar Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is a popular pilgrimage site for locals and devotees from nearby regions.
📍 Getting there: Located in Pilibhit city, easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
📍 3. Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is a historical mosque showcasing intricate Mughal architecture. This is the primary place of worship for the city's muslim population.
📍 Getting there: Located in the heart of Pilibhit city, easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
Food & Restaurants in Pilibhit: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Peda, Aloo Tikki, Chole Bhature, Lassi
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Butter Chicken | ₹₹ (₹400-600 for two) | Pilibhit City Center |
| Biryani | ₹₹₹ (₹600-800 for two) | Near Railway Station |
| Thali | ₹₹ (₹300-500 for two) | Pilibhit Bus Stand |
🛺 Street Food: Pilibhit Main Market — Aloo Tikki, Gol Gappe, Samosas (₹50-100 per person)
Pilibhit Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹800-1200/night | ₹1500-2500/night | ₹3500+/night |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Hotels in Pilibhit: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Hotel Grand Sharda
₹800-1200/night
Near Pilibhit Bus Stand
Hotel Swagat
₹700-1000/night
Pilibhit City Center
🏨 Mid-Range
Hotel The White Inn
₹1500-2500/night
Near Railway Station
Hotel Park City
₹1800-2800/night
Pilibhit Bypass Road
⭐ Luxury
The Wild Adventure Resort
₹3500+/night
Near Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Namami Gange Resort
₹4000+/night
Near Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Overcharging by auto-rickshaw drivers: Always negotiate the fare before starting the journey.
- ✓ Fake guides offering safaris: Book safaris only through authorized tour operators or the forest department.
- ✓ Wear comfortable and modest clothing. Dress in layers as the weather can change throughout the day. Carry comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
- ✓ ATMs are available in Pilibhit city but may be limited in rural areas.
- ✓ Airtel and Jio offer good network coverage in Pilibhit. Purchase a SIM card with a valid ID proof.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Pilibhit
How many days are enough for Pilibhit?
2-3 days minimum is ideal for Pilibhit. Day 1 covers Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, while Day 2 explores Gauri Shankar Temple and Jama Masjid.
What is Pilibhit famous for?
Pilibhit is famous for tiger reserve.
What is the best time to visit Pilibhit?
The best time to visit Pilibhit is November to March. Pleasant and dry weather, ideal for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities. The skies are generally clear, making it easier to see animals.
Is Pilibhit worth visiting?
Yes, Pilibhit is worth visiting for tiger reserve. It is especially recommended for all travellers and can be combined with a visit to Bareilly.
What is the budget for a trip to Pilibhit?
A 2-day trip to Pilibhit costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹800-1200/night per night.
What are the timings of Gauri Shankar Temple?
Gauri Shankar Temple is open 06:00-20:00 daily. Best time to visit: Any time of the day..
What is the entry fee for Gauri Shankar Temple?
Entry fee at Gauri Shankar Temple: Free.
What is the dress code for Gauri Shankar Temple?
Remove footwear before entering when visiting Gauri Shankar Temple.
What are the timings of Jama Masjid?
Jama Masjid is open Open during prayer times.. Best time to visit: Visit during non-prayer times to explore the architecture peacefully..
What is the entry fee for Jama Masjid?
Entry fee at Jama Masjid: Free.
What is the dress code for Jama Masjid?
Remove footwear before entering when visiting Jama Masjid.