UP's Dudhwa, Pilibhit Tiger Reserves Draw Over 1.33 Lakh Tourists In 2025-26 Season

Published 1 July 2026 · india

UP's Dudhwa, Pilibhit Tiger Reserves Draw Over 1.33 Lakh Tourists In 2025-26 Season Published By, Last Updated: July 01, 2026, 14:11 IST Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

UP's Dudhwa, Pilibhit Tiger Reserves Draw Over 1.33 Lakh Tourists In 2025-26 Season Published By, Last Updated: July 01, 2026, 14:11 IST Dudhwa Tiger Reserve generated over Rs 2.96 crore, up from Rs 1.86 crore in the previous season, while Pilibhit Tiger Reserve earned more than Rs 1.62 crore. Rapid Read The state government said its continued focus on eco-tourism has contributed to a steady increase in tourist arrivals Uttar Pradesh’s Dudhwa and Pilibhit Tiger Reserves witnessed a sharp rise in tourist arrivals during the 2025-26 tourism season, with more than 1.33 lakh visitors visiting the two protected forests between November 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. During the eight-month tourism season, a large number of Indian and international visitors explored the rich wildlife of Dudhwa and Pilibhit Tiger Reserves. According to the state government, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve attracted 75,615 Indian tourists and 796 foreign visitors, while Pilibhit Tiger Reserve received 56,567 Indian tourists and 216 international visitors.

The increase in visitor numbers also translated into higher tourism revenue. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve generated over Rs 2.96 crore, up from Rs 1.86 crore in the previous season, while Pilibhit Tiger Reserve earned more than Rs 1.62 crore, registering a marginal increase over last year’s revenue of Rs 1.60 crore. Officials said the rise in tourist arrivals reflects the growing popularity of Uttar Pradesh’s wildlife destinations and the state’s emphasis on promoting eco-tourism. Forest officials attributed the strong tourist response to frequent wildlife sightings during safaris. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Divisional Forest Officer Manish Singh said visitors regularly spotted tigers, swamp deer (barasingha), bears and other wildlife. A major attraction this season was the sighting of 10 tiger cubs belonging to four tigresses, which drew wildlife enthusiasts from across the country. At Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Deputy Director Jagdish R. said tourist footfall increased by around 30 per cent this season.

Besides tiger sightings, visitors were also able to see one-horned rhinoceroses, with eight rhinos currently roaming freely inside the reserve. During the season, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve organised the Divya Darshan programme, under which children with disabilities and their guardians were taken on guided wildlife safaris. The reserve also conducted educational tours for school students with the support of over 110 trained tourist guides. The Yogi government’s continued focus on promoting eco-tourism has resulted in a steady rise in tourist arrivals year after year, leading to significant growth in revenue. As visitor numbers at Uttar Pradesh’s tiger reserves have increased annually, tourism revenue has also registered consistent growth. The state government said its continued focus on eco-tourism has contributed to a steady increase in tourist arrivals and revenue at Uttar Pradesh’s tiger reserves over the past three years, making Dudhwa and Pilibhit among the state’s leading wildlife tourism destinations.