Wilderness of the Terai
Fifteen nights across the Terai Arc, from the grasslands of Dudhwa through Pilibhit and Corbett to the elephant forests of Rajaji.
Four reserves along the Himalayan foothills, including India’s oldest national park and the birthplace of Project Tiger.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
15
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Grassland, Sal Forest and Foothill
Along the Terai Arc Landscape
This journey through the forests and grasslands of North India’s celebrated Terai Arc Landscape explores some of the country’s most important wildlife habitats and conservation success stories.
Beginning in the wetlands and grasslands of Dudhwa National Park, home to Tiger, One-horned Rhinoceros and Swamp Deer, the itinerary continues to the dense forests of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, one of India’s most rapidly emerging tiger landscapes. The journey then ventures into the legendary wilderness of Corbett Tiger Reserve, India’s oldest national park, before concluding amidst the elephant-rich forests of Rajaji National Park and the spiritual landscapes of Rishikesh.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Four reserves, eight full safari days, and a corridor that runs unbroken into Nepal.
Corbett, the Original
Jim Corbett National Park, established 1936 and birthplace of Project Tiger, with one of India’s highest densities of Bengal Tigers.
Rhinos at Dudhwa
Dudhwa National Park is one of the few places in North India where Tiger, Asian Elephant, Swamp Deer and One-horned Rhinoceros may all be encountered.
Pilibhit's Emerging Landscape
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, designated in 2014, now supports Bengal Tigers, Fishing Cat and Smooth-coated Otter across sal forest and grassland.
Elephants at Rajaji
Rajaji National Park is renowned for its large population of Asian Elephants, moving freely across the Shivalik foothills.
The Ramganga River
Gharials and Mugger Crocodiles in the river systems of Corbett, alongside Otter and over 600 recorded bird species.
Grassland Birding
Bengal Florican, Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, Pallas’s Fish Eagle and Black-necked Stork across the Terai wetlands.
Your Journey
Along the Himalayan Foothills
West along the Indo-Nepal border through four reserves, from the Uttar Pradesh grasslands into the Uttarakhand hills.
Delhi
Stop 1
Dudhwa
Stop 2
Pilibhit
Stop 3
Corbett
Stop 4
Rajaji
Stop 5
Sample Itinerary
Your Wilderness of the Terai Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Days 01 - 02 : Arrive Delhi
Days 1–2
Old and New Delhi
A warm airport reception with fresh floral garlands. A full day covering Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Raj Ghat and Jama Masjid, then a Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and the aromatic spice market, with a photo stop at the Red Fort.
Days 03 - 05 : Delhi - Lucknow - Dudhwa National Park
Day 3-5
The Terai Grasslands
The flight for Lucknow, then a scenic drive through the plains of Uttar Pradesh to Dudhwa National Park. Two full days of jeep safaris across grassland, wetland, riverine forest and sal woodland, searching for Tiger, Leopard, One-horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Swamp Deer and Hog Deer.
Days 06 - 08 : Dudhwa - Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Day 6-8
An Emerging Tiger Landscape
Drive to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, part of the internationally important Terai Arc Landscape. Two full days searching for Tiger, Swamp Deer, Fishing Cat and Otter, with low visitor numbers making for an intimate safari experience.
Days 09 - 11 : Pilibhit - Jim Corbett National Park
Days 9-11
India's Oldest National Park
Drive to Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 and birthplace of Project Tiger. Two full days of private jeep safaris across different tourism zones, searching for Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Gharials and Mugger Crocodiles.
Days 12 - 14 : Corbett - Rajaji National Park
Days 12-14
Elephant Country
Drive to Rajaji National Park in the Shivalik foothills, a critical wildlife corridor connecting the western Himalayan forests. Two full days of private jeep safaris for Asian Elephants in family groups, plus Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Goral, Sambar and Chital.
Days 15 - 16 : Rajaji - Rishikesh - Dehradun - Delhi
Days 15-16
The Ganges and Departure
A relaxed morning, or an Optional: sightseeing tour of the Rishikesh taking in Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula and the Beatles Ashram, where the Beatles studied Transcendental Meditation in 1968. Then the flight from Dehradun to Delhi for a final night.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 15 nights accommodation, including twelve at wildlife lodges across four reserves
- All meals served at the lodges during the reserve stays
- Morning and afternoon private jeep safaris with experienced naturalists and local trackers
- Introductory naturalist sessions on arrival at each reserve
- Delhi to Lucknow and Dehradun to Delhi flights, plus all road transfers
- A full day of guided sightseeing in Delhi
- Conservation discussions, birdwatching and photography sessions at the lodges
Tailor Your Holiday
- Add the Rishikesh sightseeing tour on the final morning
- Add extra safaris at any of the four reserves
- Request the Dhikala zone at Corbett, subject to season and permits
- Add a dedicated bird guide for the Terai grassland specialists
- Add nights at Corbett or Dudhwa
- Extend into Nepal to follow the corridor across the border
- Travel November to February for birding, March to June for sightings
Choose Your Rajasthan Experience
Travel North India Your Way
Every journey is privately arranged and priced around your travel dates, chosen lodges, number of safaris and pace. Because lodge availability and safari permits vary considerably by season, we quote each itinerary individually rather than publishing a fixed price.
What we will need from you
Based on two adults sharing
- Your preferred travel dates, or the month you have in mind
- How many are travelling, and whether you need single rooms
- Your preferred level of lodge, from comfortable to premium
- How many safaris you would like at each reserve
- Anything you particularly hope to see, so we can advise on timing
Luxury Rajasthan
Based on two adults sharing
- Luxury 5★ hotels throughout
- Palace & heritage hotel options
- Daily breakfast
- Private chauffeur & premium vehicle
- Private airport transfers
- Expert private local guides
- Enhanced touring & experiences
Rajasthan Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- Iconic palace & heritage properties
- Oberoi, Taj, RAAS, Raffles & more
- Suite & premium room options
- Private chauffeur throughout
- Bespoke private touring
- Exclusive dining & cultural experiences
- Completely personalised itinerary
Prices depend on travel dates, lodge selection and safari permit availability. Safari permits are allocated by the Forest Department and advance booking is strongly recommended. International flights are not included but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Not sure when to travel?
Season makes more difference to a wildlife journey than to any other kind. Tell us what you hope to see and we will advise on the best months, and on which reserves are open when.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
Fifteen nights already covers a great deal of ground. These are the additions guests ask for most.
Rishikesh on the Way Home
Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula and the Beatles Ashram, an easy half day before the Dehradun flight.
The Dhikala Zone at Corbett
The park's most celebrated zone, open mid-November to mid-June and worth requesting early.
A Dedicated Bird Guide
Over 450 species at Dudhwa and 600 at Corbett. A specialist changes what you see.
Extend into Nepal
Follow the Terai Arc across the border into Bardia or Chitwan for a fuller corridor journey.
Travel With Confidence
Why Book With India Vacations?
Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.
India Specialists
Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.
ATOL Protection
Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.
Tailor-Made Travel
Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.
Personal Assistance
Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.
Your North India Story Starts Here
Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India
Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.
All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.