Tiger Reserve, Chuka Eco Tourism Spot, Mahof Range, Pilibhit

Friends, India is renowned for its culture, tradition, heritage and natural beauty. Today I am taking you to a place of natural beauty in Uttar Pradesh which is so far untouched by tourism. In February 2017 we spent 2 days at this place. I feel more people should be aware about this place, hence this article.

Asia’s biggest lake was constructed on Sharda river in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh. Due to water shortage in this area, British blocked the Sharda River to construct a dam and many canals for the purposes of irrigation.  On one side of the lake lies Utaarakhand and on the other side lies the Tiger Reserve, Chuka Eco Tourism Spot, Mahof Range Pilibhit.  Chuka Eco Tourism Spot was developed on the banks of Sharda Sagar Dam in 2001 where the natural forests are full of wild life forces. Chuka beach is situated 25 kms beyond Madho Tanda after travelling from Pilibhit on Khutar Road. Just before the entry gate a concrete bridge over Sharda canal is seen. This canal was built by the British is very deep and broad. After crossing this bridge is the main entrance of the Chuka Eco Tourism Spot. The entry fee of Rs. 300 for your vehicle and Rs. 100 per person is payable once. 6 Km long rough, black and circuitous road made of sand and clay brings you to the tourist spot. While progressing on the road after travelling 1.5 kms you can experience the absolute stillness, chirping of birds and sound of waves whetting the beach of Sharda Dam. Our minds are forced to a state of elation on beholding the dense forest, circuitous rough roads, the songs of the birds spreading and deers taking to flight on seeing us, groups of Antelopes and peacocks spreading their plumes and dancing in the cold air. This heightens the thrill and we reach the middle of the 2.5 hectare Chuka Eco Spot. The forest department has built two “THARU HUTS” in 2001 for people visiting the place. Gradually the lodgings have been extended by a proper guest house of forest department, a “TREE HUT” placed on three trees which you reach after climbing three flights of wooden stairs and a “BAMBOO HUT” which is built on water with tree trunks supporting the base. All these facilities have proper washrooms with modern amenities minus running hot water.  On June 9 2014 this tourism spot was assimilated into the Tiger Reserve. Good food and snacks are provided by the canteen run by “SANYUCT VAN PRABHANDH SAMITI, MUSTAFABAD” a cooperative society which runs the resort. Non veg and hard drinks are not allowed in the resort. And they serve the food personally in your hut with hot tava roties and insist to have just one more just like your home.

Friends, to the peace loving people, the natural beauty, the rising rays at dawn, the redness of the setting sun, the beautiful sun rays falling through leaves of trees, the songs of birds, the sounds of wildlife, the hopes of beholding sights of exotic birds of Siberia, the expectations of a chance encounter with tiger, the whispers of trees in the darkness of nights, the fearful sounds of the waves heard in the stillness of night, beautiful moonlight spread on the lake is just magical. Forget the nights, even during the day, when you walk on the dry leaves the crumpling sound is enough to entice one’s mind. The waters of the lake are so pure that the algae at the depth of 8 feet near the banks are seen waving clearly with the water beautifully. Reflections of the trees on the lake create the illusion that they are floating in the lake. The lake is so big that the banks can hardly be seen, just the panoramic sight of merger of the sky and earth is visible. This place is ideal for people who love capturing wild life in their cameras and who love nature. The area is totally protected by double security of barbed wire and 440 volts electric fence with back up of solar power energy.

Yes, I would definitely say that do not expect to see a tiger on your first attempt as we did. I was told by our guide after we left, a group from America came who stayed for 3 days and took 5 Safaris sighted a tiger on their last ride. What I mean to say that if you are very keen to see a tiger make a longer stay as wild animals are not expected to be seen loitering around human settlements. If they so desire, they bring themselves before us else we are forced to return without meeting them.

I would like to give some important information for you that would make your stay comfortable. The best season for visiting Chuka Eco Spot is from March to May. The spot is closed from 15th June to 15th November every year.  The winters are acute as you stay near a large water body amidst dense forests, the summers are very hot. But tiger lovers, what can you do?, if you wish to encounter a tiger you need to visit during summer when the elephant grass is burnt.  If you wish to overwhelm your senses with natural beauty, then even winters are good. Wherever you stay, be it the Tharu hut made of bamboo and mud, the Tree hut built on trees with bamboos which sways with the winds, or the bamboo hut built by bamboo in the lake with a large  terrace for catching the sun swaying with the waves, you get a wonderful thrilling experience. Just imagine how romantic an experience you can have when the sounds of wind and water collide; where there is no TV or noise, there is no electricity. However, our mobile with Vodafone connection worked fine at the resort but not in the jungle. Electricity is provided from generators during evening for three hours only and in the night you have to take help of solar energy lamps only. We found it to be extremely thrilling and worth visiting again and again.

I am posting some snaps we clicked and also give below names and mobile numbers for persons who stay there for more information and bookings.

Mr. Rahmat 8392857702, Mr. Anees 8394054771, Mr. Zeeshan 8859889425
online booking : www.ptr-pilibhit.in

Happy visiting
Neelima Kumar