Tiger of Terai & Temple Tour
17 Nights / 18 Days
Trip Highlights & Overview
Tiger of Terai & Temple Tour
An exploration across North India unfolds as a remarkable passage through untamed wilderness, royal legacy, and sacred tradition. In Jim Corbett National Park, framed by the Himalayan foothills, shimmering rivers, open grasslands, and dense sal forests set the stage for encounters with the majestic Bengal tiger, roaming Asian elephant herds, and a vibrant diversity of birdlife. Each drive carries the excitement of classic tiger country blended with spectacular mountain scenery.
The journey continues into the Terai heartland of Dudhwa National Park, a remote and enchanting mosaic of wetlands and tall grasslands. Here, conservation success stories thrive, from the imposing greater one-horned rhinoceros to the graceful swamp deer. The park’s quiet, less-travelled character lends a rare sense of exclusivity, where wildlife sightings feel intimate and profoundly authentic.
From forested frontiers, the narrative shifts to refined culture in Lucknow, a city celebrated for its Nawabi elegance, grand architecture, and legendary hospitality. Mughal-era monuments, bustling bazaars, and an enduring culinary heritage reveal a sophisticated layer of India where history and daily life remain beautifully intertwined.
The odyssey culminates on the timeless ghats of Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities. Dawn boat rides along the Ganges, ancient temples, and hypnotic evening ceremonies create moments of deep spiritual resonance. It is here that travellers witness India at its most profound—where faith, ritual, and eternity flow together beside the sacred river.
Together, these destinations weave a rich tapestry of wildlife, heritage, and living spirituality, delivering a journey that is as diverse as it is unforgettable.
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Tiger of Terai & Temple Tour
Detailed Itinerary
Tiger of Terai & Temple Tour
Day 01: Arrive New Delhi – Corbett (275 km, 6-hour drive)
On arrival at the Airport a team member from Nature Safari India will be waiting for you outside the arrival lounge. He will escort you to your chauffer driven SUV. Your driver will drive you to Ramnagar. On arrival check – in at the lodge situated outside Corbett national park, Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 02: Corbett outside – Corbett Dhikala
After relaxed breakfast drive to Dhikala. Arrive at the park gate and change into the safari vehicle with your baggage The next 32 kms is a drive through the Corbett National Park to the Forest Rest house which takes approximately 2 hours.
Be ready with your camera equipment to shoot, as a lot of wild and birdlife can be seen on this trail. On arrival, Check into the Forest Rest House. These Rest Houses are unique to Corbett National Park. It is only here that you get an opportunity to stay inside the national park. The complex is located on the banks of Ramganga river and overlooks the foothills of the pristine Himalayas. Post lunch proceed for an afternoon safari in the most scenic national park of India. Only vegetarian food is served here. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted within the National Park. Return from the safari at sunset. Dinner and overnight at the Forest Rest House.
Day 03: Corbett National Park
Morning and afternoon jeep safari at the park. Corbett has aptly been described as the land of the Roar, Trumpet, and Song. It represents a scene of remarkable beauty.
Corbett had the proud distinction of being the chosen venue for the inauguration of Project Tiger in India. The rich biodiversity of the Reserve is partly attributed to the variety of habitat found here. Due to the location of the Reserve in the foothills of the central Himalayas, both Himalayan and peninsular flora and fauna are found in the Reserve. Dinner and overnight at the Forest Rest House.
Day 04: Corbett National Park
Morning and afternoon jeep safaris in Dhikala zone of Corbett.
The variety of wildlife, and landscapes in Corbett is unparalleled not only in India, but it can be easily said to be amongst the top 3 national parks in the world. Trip Advisor chose Corbett to be the 2nd most popular park in the world. Tigers of Corbett have a dark orange coat that makes them very attractive. Male tigers in Corbett are rarely seen and would occasionally snarl on seeing a tourist vehicle. Tigresses of Corbett are the prettiest in the entire country. Some of them have become bold and do not hesitate to come out with their young cubs.
The terrain of Corbett is a mix of dense woodlands, open grasslands, riverbeds. While moving from one forest type to another one needs to change the camera settings often so as not to overexpose images. The light in different backdrops is quite different and dramatic. Seeing tigers in these different backdrops in one jungle is unique. Corbett is also a great place to photograph birds. It is common to see some raptors perched on trees next to the Ramganga river waiting for their food. One can commonly see Pallas’s Fishing Eagle, Lesser Fishing Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Crested Kingfishers on the tress next to the riverbed.
Day 05: Corbett [Dhikala – Dhela] (25 Km/4-minute drive)
Morning safari, breakfast and checkout from the Forest Rest House. Do not pack your camera equipment, as you will most likely encounter some wildlife before you exit from the park.
After exiting the national park. Transfer to lodge situated on the vicinity of park. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 06: Corbett National Park (JJR)
Morning and afternoon jeep safari to nearby of Dhela or Jhirna.
Jhirna Zone: Located in the southern part of Corbett, Jhirna is open to visitors throughout the year, making it a unique option for off-season safaris. The terrain here is slightly different—more open and dominated by dry deciduous forest and shrubs, offering clearer visibility and better chances of spotting animals.
Jhirna is a hotspot for sloth bears, and sightings are fairly common during the summer and monsoon months. The zone is also known for leopards, elephants, and the elusive tiger. Numerous bird species can be observed in Jhirna, especially in the winter months, making it a birder’s delight. Herbivores like nilgai, sambar, and chital are abundant, and one can often witness predator-prey dynamics playing out in real-time. Overnight stay is at Jim’s Jungle Retreat.
Day 07: Corbett – Kishanpur (Dudhwa National Park)
Day 08: In Kishanpur
Morning and afternoon jeep safari in Pilibhit Tiger reserve. All melas at the lodge.
A safari in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve offers a raw, immersive, and wonderfully uncrowded wildlife experience in the terai landscape of northern India. Located along the India–Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh, Pilibhit is characterized by dense sal forests, tall grasslands, riverine belts, and wetlands, creating an ideal habitat for tigers and a rich diversity of wildlife.
Unlike more commercial parks, safaris in Pilibhit feel quiet and exploratory, allowing guests to truly connect with nature. The reserve is known for its healthy tiger population, and sightings are often rewarding due to minimal tourist pressure and expansive territories. Leopards are also present, along with swamp deer (barasingha), spotted deer, hog deer, barking deer, wild boar, and occasionally sloth bears. Pilibhit is especially notable for its birdlife, with over 450 recorded species. During a safari, one can expect to see raptors, woodpeckers, storks, kingfishers, hornbills, and a wide range of migratory birds in winter, making it a paradise for birdwatchers as well as photographers. Dinner and overnight stay at lodge near Kishanpur Sanctuary.
Day 09: In Kishanpur
Kishanpur Sanctuary. The Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve near Mailani in Uttar Pradesh, India. It covers an area of 227 km (88 sq mi) and was founded in 1972. Located some 30 kms from Dudhwa National Park, this sanctuary spreads over 203 sq kms and lies along the banks of the Sharada. The forests of Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary are not contiguous and there is agricultural land in between.
Kishanpur’s vegetation resembles Dudhwa’s, with dense riparian forests and moist deciduous trees like sal, teak and jamun. The open meadows dotted with tals and perennial streams, attract a variety of animals and birds.
An enviable 450 resident and migratory bird species visit Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and plenty of these can be spotted at Jhadi Tal, the premier waterbody of the Kishanpur sanctuary. The red-crested pochard, mallard, dabchick, grebe, common pochard, pintail, shoveller, river tern, the white-eyed pochard, spoonbill, egret, snakebird, heron, black-necked stork and many other avian species frequent the tal. Visitors have frequently spotted herds of chital, barasingha, or playful otters prancing about Jhadi Tal.
It is the tiger that is often elusive and although Sharada Beat, around Jhadi Tal, is a known hotspot, a glimpse of this majestic striped cat is entirely a matter of chance. Overnight stay at lodge near Kishanpur Sanctuary.
Day 10: In Dudhwa National Park
Morning and afternoon jeep safari to the Dudhwa national park. Meals and overnight at Jaagir Manor.
(Your luggage will be transferred from Tiger Lili to Jaagir Manor while you will be doing morning safari)
If you want to relive the prehistoric era, then Dudhwa National Park is the National Park for you. Surrounded by Sal trees and Tall Grassland provides perfect back drop for most vulnerable species to thrive and co-exist. Sal accompanies with Shisham and Jamun ornate Dudhwa National Park. The wildlife thrives in Lakhimpur and Kheri District of Uttar Pradesh. The Lifeline of this forest is river Mohana Khola which criss-crosses in Nepal and India. Nature does not understand human borders and provides shelter to its wildlife beings without any boundaries. Little less known fact is the presence of River Dolphins post monsoon season.
Dudhwa is also emerging as alternative to celebrity parks of Ranthambhore, Kanha and Bandhavgarh to name a few. One thing we would like to mention here is that above parks are on the world map for tiger sighting as they frequency of tigers showing up is far greater in those parks.
It is also known as Billy Arjan Singh Country. Indian hunter turned Conservationist and author. It is amazing to find the two National parks huddled together in Terai are after two famous wildlife personalities – Billy Arjan Singh and Jim Corbett. Both of them gave radical thinking for wildlife conservation.
Day 11: In Dudhwa National Park (Katarnia Ghat)
Morning drive to Katerniaghat 110 kms /2 hrs drive. KATARNIAGHAT – where rare is common.
The tag line found on the notice boards could not be more appropriate. You get to see Crocodiles, Alligators, Elephants, Tigers, Gangetic Dolphins, rare turtles, deers and antelopes. They all are found in their natural habitat. It is few places in India where you would find fresh water dolphins. The waters of Gairwa provide safe haven for crocodiles and alligators. Do not miss the chance to ride on the motorboat here.
Katarniaghat can be imagined a puzzle with a kid which has only five types of pieces – Sal, Teak, Lush grasslands, swamps and wetlands. The kid arranges the puzzle which fits perfectly to form this Terai-fic forest. Katarniaghat has four divisons – Katernia, Nishangara, Murthia & Dhampur are located in the core area.
Katarnia ghat resides in the Bahraich district. 400 sq kms of pristine beauty and wildlife. Of 1300 species of birds found in India 450 are present in terai region. Katarniaghat boasts of providing home to various aquatic species. Darters, Grey Heron, Painted Storks, Spoonbills, Asean openbil and Northern Pinten are few to name here. You can spot Red Pochard, Rudy shelduck on migration. If you are lucky you would be able to locate Fishing Cat also called fisher cat. These are twice the size of the domestic cats but very solitary and great swimmers. They are threatened species and strongly associated with wetlands. Their appearance is quite unique with black to grey stripes. It leaves its solitary status when raising the young ones. After spending full day at Katarniaghat return to Dudhwa and overnight at Jaagir Lodge.
Day 12: Dudhwa - Lucknow – Delhi (by road 240 Km/ 5 hrs. and flight)
Day 13: Lucknow
Day 14: Lucknow – Varanasi (331 kms / 5 hrs. drive)
Post breakfast, depart for Varanasi by road. On arrival check in at the hotel. Varanasi is one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus. Known also as Kashi and Benaras, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest living cities, and has been a centre of learning and culture for well over 2000 years.
Evening: Visit the “Ghats” or bank of the Ganga River. This is a fascinating walk as you can experience the cultural ethos that guides the life of the pious. See the rituals that take place to the setting sun and the ablutions that are performed in the river. As boats float down-stream, some carrying goods, fruits and vegetables, you will see others carrying the pious who perform ceremonies along the river.
On the banks or “ghats”, you can see some absorbed in prayer and the chanting of hymns, and others engaged in commerce and yet others performing functions like hair-cutting, massaging and even cleaning ears! Walk across to the Manikarnika Ghat, where you can see cremation, performed with intense ritual – the process of sending the departed soul to the heavens. Hindus believe that the gateway to the Heavens and for the Re-incarnation of the Soul `in a better state’, is possible when life’s last journey is from Varanasi. Overnight stay at the hotel in Varanasi.
Day 15: Varanasi
Early morning: Take a boat ride at dawn down India’s most sacred river, The Ganges. Sun rise at the holy river is a truly tranquil and breath-taking sight with pilgrims standing waist-deep in water, praying to the rising Sun. See the famous Vishwanath temple with its spires covered with gold, dedicated to Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Return to the hotel for Breakfast
Also visit Sarnath a city located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Gomati rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Singhpur, a village approximately one km away from the site, was the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism, and a temple dedicated to him. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 16 & 17: Varanasi
Day 18: Varanasi – New Delhi (Flight)
Trip Inclusions
- Accommodation in Lucknow & Varanasi on bed and breakfast basis
- Accommodation in Corbett & Dudhwa on room, all meals and exclusive jeep safari basis
- Your entrance fee and Naturalist charges in Corbett & Dudhwa
- 6 Exclusive jeep safaris in Corbett
- 6 Exclusive jeep safaris in Corbett (outside)
- 2 Exclusive jeep safaris in Kishanpur WS
- 2 Exclusive jeep safaris in Pilibhit TR
- 2 Exclusive jeep safaris in Dudhwa NP
- 01 Full Day to visit (jeep and boat safari) to Katarniaghat Sanctuary (Dudhwa)
- Monument entrance charges Lucknow & Varanasi
- Monument entrance charges Lucknow & Varanasi
- Guide charges in Lucknow & Varanasi sightseeing on exclusive basis
- Assistance at airport and hotels
- All land transfers in air-conditioned Toyota Innova Car
- All currently applicable taxes
Trip Exclusions
- International and domestic airfare (Domestic can be arranged if needed)
- Still / video camera fee in the monuments and national parks.
- Expenses of personal nature like Tips, smokes, liquor, laundry and telephone calls.
- Travel insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Please note that any changes in entrance fees or government taxes will be payable extra and the same will be advised to you if applicable
Extend your stay
Extend your stay in India by choosing any one of the tours below. It could be a mix of wildlife and culture or focused on special interest activities such as food tours in Old Delhi, cycling through the historic remnants of the capital city or even beach holidays toward the end of the tour.
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Tiger of Terai & Temple Tour
