Uttar Pradesh, a state brimming with diverse tourist attractions, is often celebrated for its cultural heritage and historical landmarks. However, amidst the plethora of well-known destinations, there lies a hidden gem largely undiscovered by the masses—Chuka Beach.
Chuka Beach remains a well-kept secret within the Mahof forest range, quietly nestled between the Sharda Sagar Dam and Sharda Canal in the lesser-known Pilibhit district. This hidden paradise has managed to elude the tourist crowds, making it an ideal haven for those seeking tranquillity away from the hectic pace of city life.
Tucked within the expanse of the Pilibhit tiger reserve, this beach offers a pristine escape. It provides an opportunity for exploration through the dense forest, inviting you to embark on scenic trails, capture the beauty of avian life through bird photography, or simply unwind under the sun's warm embrace while reclining on its sandy shores.
The treehouse perched on this secluded beach promises breathtaking views, allowing you to glimpse the beauty of nature in its purest form. And if you're lucky, you might even have the chance to spot some of the area's elusive wild inhabitants.
In December 2002, Ramesh Pandey, an IFS officer, took on the job of creating and promoting a sort of ecotourism that would help with tiger conservation. Ramesh began asking his coworkers to contribute a little portion of their pay to the effort. Additionally, he devoted time to raising environmental awareness in the nearby towns. They soon began assisting him in realising his vision as well. The locals continue to be vocal advocates for the forest.
Unfazed, Ramesh continued working with neighbourhood Gram Sabhas and joint forestry management committees to ensure the project would benefit nature. Additionally, he stated that the funds from the ecotourism at Chuka Beach would be directly deposited into the committees’ bank accounts, ensuring that arrangements would be made to invest the funds for the benefit of the locals and the forest.
At Chuka, Pandey successfully constructed four eco-huts over the two years of his employment. The forest department continued to develop the tourist destination after his move in 2004 and adopted his concept. In 2014, Chuka Beach was formally designated as a tourist destination and made accessible to visitors.
Chuka paints a picturesque scene of living near the pristine, azure waters, where occasionally, even wildlife descends for a refreshing pause, nestled within one of the nation's most captivating forests, within the confines of a treehouse.
You can partake in the speed boat experience, which offers immense enjoyment and breathtaking beach vistas. Furthermore, the safari adventure takes you deeper into the heart of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, presenting numerous opportunities to encounter elephants, leopards, deer, and perhaps even a tiger. Among the huts in the area, the Water Hut reigns supreme in popularity. Most online images showcasing the Uttar Pradesh beach feature this hut gracefully perched above the crystal-clear waters.
The tourism authority has constructed what they call “tree houses,” which are thatched cabins. The price ranges from INR 1500 to INR 4000 for a single day's stay. When visiting in a group, you can reserve a tree house to unwind and hang out during the day because overnight stays are not necessarily advised. Book here.
From October to March, Pilibhit enjoys its most delightful weather. The monsoons sometimes bring about substantial rainfall, while the summers can be uncomfortably hot for exploration.
Pilibhit town boasts excellent bus and train connections with several key Indian cities, making it easily accessible. You can also rent a car in Pilibhit for a convenient automobile journey to Chuka Beach.