Explore the unique landscapes and habitats of the Terai on this in-depth photography tour with Nick Garbutt, focusing on the Bengal tiger and other wildlife across three distinct protected areas.
The Terai is a landscape of extraordinary diversity, where stunning sal forests, sweeping grasslands and tranquil wetlands combine to create one of the Indian subcontinent’s richest wildlife regions. Cloaked in morning mist and bathed in soft golden light, these fertile lowlands support an astonishing variety of species. Stretching across northern India and southern Nepal, the Terai remains one of Asia’s most important wilderness landscapes.
Unlike some of the more heavily visited tiger reserves of central India, the parks of the Terai tend to offer a more relaxed and rewarding safari experience. Their varied habitats support an impressive array of wildlife, from herds of Asian elephants feeding in expansive grasslands and one-horned rhinoceroses browsing in marshy wetlands, to elusive tigers stepping briefly into view along the forest tracks.
The remarkable diversity of habitats found across the Terai also makes it one of the best birdwatching regions in the Indian subcontinent. Vast grasslands provide opportunities to search for sarus cranes and the highly endangered Bengal florican, while lakes, rivers and marshes support an abundance of kingfishers, herons, storks and waterfowl. Within the forests, the calls of barbets echo through the canopy, and colourful minivets, brown fish owls and the great hornbill are among the many species on offer.
Typical Itinerary
-
Day 1:
Depart UK
-
Day 2:
Arrive in Delhi
Upon our arrival into Delhi, we're met and transferred a short distance to our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel near Delhi Airport, 1-night
-
Day 3:
Drive to Corbett National Park & Afternoon Safari
This morning we have an early breakfast before driving 260 kilometres to Corbett National Park, arriving at the lodge in time for lunch.
We then head out for our first afternoon safari, using small Suzuki Maruti jeeps, hoping to enjoy our first photographic opportunities with the wildlife of the Terai.
Accommodation: Jim’s Jungle Retreat, 3-nights
-
Days 4-5
:
Explore Corbett National Park
During our two full days in Corbett National Park, we enjoy both morning and afternoon safaris. Exploring the stunning sal forests, we lookout for a wealth of wildlife, but a particular focus is on finding tigers. These beautiful forests and grasslands are thought to be home to one of India’s highest tiger densities.
We hope, with the gorgeous soft light of early spring, we're rewarded with exceptional photographic opportunities of these enigmatic big cats, alongside other mammals such as Asian elephant, leopard, three different deer species, and maybe even sloth bear.
-
Day 6:
Morning Safari & Drive to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Today, there's one last morning safari in Corbett National Park, before returning to the lodge for breakfast. After a little time to freshen up, we drive to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, arriving at our accommodation in the afternoon.
Accommodation: The Bagh Homestay, 4-nights
-
Days 7-9
:
Explore Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
We have three full days to discover the wild delights of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, enjoying morning and afternoon safaris throughout our stay. The reserve is quieter than many others in India, and with dense forest it can be a little harder to find tiger, but the sightings can be great photographically when it all comes together.
The reserve is also an excellent area for sloth bear, and we hope to maximise our chances of photographing all the area’s wildlife during our time here.
-
Day 10:
Morning Safari, Drive to Dudhwa National Park
Following another fabulous morning drive, hoping to add to our portfolio in Pilibhit, we return to the lodge. After time to freshen up, we check-out and drive the two hours to our next destination, Dudhwa National Park.
Upon our arrival at our next lodge, we head out and explore the towering sal forests, enjoying a perfect introduction to this stunning area.
Accommodation: Camp Tigerlily, 7-nights
-
Days 11-16
:
Explore Dudhwa National Park & Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
For the next six days, we alternate safari days between either Dudhwa National Park or Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary. Dudhwa is famed for its tall sal forests, with stunning grasslands and wetlands, while Kishanpur is much more open with large areas of grassland.
Here we have an excellent chance of seeing greater one-horned rhinoceros, alongside Bengal tiger. There's also a thriving population of Asian elephant, barasingha (swamp deer) and even leopard and sloth bear. The birdlife is exceptional, with great hornbill and sarus crane possible, and even the rare Bengal florican is sometimes seen.
-
Day 17:
Transfer to Lucknow, Fly to Delhi
We leave Dudhwa this morning and drive to Lucknow for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, we're driven to our hotel in Aerocity.
Accommodation: Hotel near Delhi Airport, 1-night
-
Day 18:
Arrive in the UK
Today we leave Delhi for our flight back to the UK.
