5 Nights | 10 Safaris | Start & End: Lucknow
Some wildlife journeys are defined by a single destination. Others are remembered for the sheer diversity of landscapes and experiences they bring together. This expedition through the Terai Arc is firmly the latter.
Some wildlife journeys are defined by a single destination. Others are remembered for the sheer diversity of landscapes and experiences they bring together. This expedition through the Terai Arc is firmly the latter.
Combining the extraordinary wilderness of Dudhwa National Park, the intimate forests of Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and the vast forest patches of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, this carefully crafted safari showcases one of India's richest yet least explored wildlife regions. Spread along the Indo-Nepal border, these protected forests form an uninterrupted landscape where tigers, elephants, rhinos and countless other species continue to roam much as they have for centuries.
The journey begins in Dudhwa, a park unlike any other in India. Towering elephant grass, dense Sal forests, marshes and wetlands create an ecosystem that is both beautiful and remarkably productive. While Dudhwa has long been celebrated for its Tigers and magnificent Swamp Deer, it has also become one of the few places in India where visitors now have the opportunity to observe the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, successfully reintroduced as part of an ambitious conservation programme. Combined with Leopards, Asian Elephants, Marsh Crocodiles and over 450 species of birds, Dudhwa offers a safari experience that extends far beyond its celebrated big cats.
From here, the journey continues into the quieter forests of Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary. Smaller, more intimate and wonderfully peaceful, Kishanpur rewards those who enjoy exploring lesser-known wilderness areas. Beautiful water bodies, dense woodland and open grasslands provide excellent habitat for Tigers, Leopards, Swamp Deer and an extraordinary variety of birdlife. With very few vehicles inside the forest, every safari feels wonderfully exclusive.
The expedition concludes in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, one of India's newest and most exciting tiger landscapes. Criss-crossed by crystal-clear rivers and covered by expansive grasslands and Sal forests, Pilibhit has rapidly established itself as one of North India's finest tiger reserves. Healthy populations of Tigers, Leopards and herbivores thrive here, while the reserve's peaceful atmosphere allows visitors to experience the forest at a wonderfully unhurried pace.
Together, these three protected areas offer a rare opportunity to experience the complete Terai ecosystem. Rather than focusing on a single park, this journey reveals how these forests are connected, both ecologically and historically, creating one of India's most remarkable wildlife landscapes.
Across ten carefully planned safaris, this expedition promises an authentic wilderness experience for travellers seeking exceptional wildlife, beautiful forests and the quiet satisfaction of exploring places that remain refreshingly untouched.
This is a fixed-date group departure: the dates, your lodge, two safaris a day and your instructor are all set. You simply reserve your seat — ideal for solo travellers and small groups who want a great trip without the planning. Between drives there's time to rest, review photos, and swap notes over chai with your naturalist.
Upon arrival at Lucknow Airport, you will be welcomed by the Beyond Wild team before beginning the scenic drive towards Dudhwa National Park.
As the journey progresses through the fertile plains of Uttar Pradesh, the landscape gradually changes into forests, sugarcane fields and wetlands that characterise the Terai region.
After checking into your jungle resort and enjoying lunch, set out on your first evening safari in Dudhwa National Park.
As temperatures begin to cool, wildlife slowly emerges from the cover of the forest. Herds of deer gather in the grasslands while the possibility of encountering a tiger, leopard or even one of Dudhwa's recently established Greater One-horned Rhinoceroses adds to the excitement of every drive.
Return to the resort after sunset for dinner and overnight stay.
Spend the day exploring the remarkable wilderness of Dudhwa National Park through morning and evening safaris.
The towering elephant grass, tranquil wetlands and magnificent Sal forests support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Tigers patrol ancient forest tracks, elephants move silently through dense woodland and Swamp Deer graze peacefully in open meadows. Birdlife is exceptional throughout the reserve, making every drive rewarding for both wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
Every safari reveals a different side of this beautiful national park, where patience and observation are rewarded with unforgettable encounters.
Today is devoted entirely to exploring the beautiful forests of Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary.
Separated from Dudhwa by only a short distance, Kishanpur possesses a character entirely its own. Quiet forest roads, shimmering lakes and open grasslands create ideal habitat for Tigers, Leopards, Swamp Deer and numerous bird species.
With relatively few safari vehicles inside the reserve, Kishanpur offers an intimate wildlife experience where every sighting feels wonderfully personal.
Return to your lodge after another rewarding day in the wilderness.
(Note - the exact order of safari zones will be decided by our tour mentor based on local factors and animal activity / updates).
Enjoy one final morning safari in Dudhwa before breakfast.
Following check-out, drive towards Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, one of North India's newest and most exciting protected areas.
Upon arrival and after lunch, head out on your first safari through Pilibhit's expansive grasslands and beautiful Sal forests. Healthy tiger populations, excellent birdlife and the reserve's peaceful atmosphere make it a fitting continuation of your Terai adventure.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Spend the day exploring Pilibhit through morning and evening safaris.
The reserve's wide forest tracks, clear streams and lush grasslands provide outstanding habitat for Tigers, Leopards, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer and numerous bird species.
Every drive presents new opportunities to appreciate the diversity of this increasingly celebrated tiger reserve, while its relatively low visitor numbers ensure an enjoyable and unhurried safari experience.
After breakfast, check out and begin the drive back to Lucknow Airport for your onward journey.
Guests wishing to conclude their journey in Bareilly can also be assisted with private transfers at actual additional cost.
As you leave the Terai behind, you carry home memories of one of India's richest and least explored wilderness landscapes, where forests, grasslands and wetlands come together to create an unforgettable safari experience.
Per person, twin sharing:
| Stay | Basis | Per person |
| — | Per-person price | On enquiry |
| — | Flights (if arranged) | At actuals |
Prices per person, twin sharing. Seats limited to 12. Final rates confirmed at booking.
Other dates for this trip
Everything's set: the dates, your lodge, two safaris a day and your instructor. Per-person pricing is above — book online or on WhatsApp and hold your seat with a deposit.
Fixed dates, fixed price, expert-led — limited to 12 guests. Hold your seat with a deposit.
Pick a departure and tell us who's coming — we'll hold your seat and get in touch.