Chuka Beach
Off Beat Destination

Chuka Beach; an unglorified jewel of Uttar Pradesh

For a tropical escape from our daily routine, we usually take on to popular beaches like Goa, Vizag, Puri, Digha, etc. But if you want to experience something unique or for those offbeat backpackers, then Chuka Beach is the place for you.

I am sure many have not heard the name before. Chuka Beach is a manmade beach that is an unacknowledged gem of Uttar Pradesh.

Chuka Beach is not like the typical beaches of India. It does not have long sandy shores rather it is surrounded by thick green forest. It is also the home to a few wild animals and birds.

Chuka, UP
Source: Google Image

This place embraces calmness and green serenity. It has so much to offer visitors, right from exploring the forest, tiger safari, relaxation in a peaceful environment, boating, scenic views for clicking photos, etc.

Pleasant weather makes the place a refreshing and soothing tourist destination. This unfamed place is a perfect paradise for offbeat travelers.

Greenery
Source: Google Image

Where is Chuka Beach Located?

This unconventional beach is located in the Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh. Chuka Beach occupies an area between Sharda Sagar Dam and Sharda Canal in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve region.

Dam, Pilibhit distrct
Source: Google Image

How to reach?

This offbeat destination is well connected with different cities and regions. We can travel to Chuka Beach in three ways:

  • By Train:

Pilibhit Junction is the nearest railway station to Chuka Beach. One can also travel via Bareilly, Moradabad, Lucknow, and reach Pilibhit.

The distance between Pilibhit and Chuka Beach is 50km. You can hire a can to reach Chuka.

  • By Road:

This region is well connected to different cities by road.

# First route: Lucknow-Sitapur-Shahajappur-Bareilly-Pilibhit-Chuka.

# 2nd route: Delhi-Moradabad-Bareilly-Pilibhit-Chuka.

The distance between – Lucknow to Pilibhit is 260km

      Bareilly to Pilibhit is 51km

Moradabad to Pilibhit is134km.

  • By Flight:

The nearest airport to Chuka is Lucknow airport. Once you land in Lucknow you can reach Pilibhit either by train or by car. From Pilibhit you can travel to Chuka Beach by car.

 

What is the best time to visit?

Summers can be tremendously hot and the monsoon receives a good quantity of rainfall. So both the seasons are not the ideal time to visit. To experience pleasant weather, October to March is the best time to visit Chuka.

Pilibhit-chuka
Source: Google Image

What to do at Chuka Beach?

Chuka Beach is not a typical sun-soaking beach. It is a manmade beach that is surrounded by lush greenery.

The main tourist attraction in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. you can book a tiger safari both online and offline.

Tiger Reserve Pilibhit
Source: Google mage

To book online visit www.upecotoursm.in and to book a safari ride offline you have to visit Nehru Park from where the safari begins. There are two-time slots for tiger safari – morning 6 a.m and after 2 p.m.

The Forest Department has built Treehouses and Thatched Huts for the tourist to relax and enjoy the calm environment of Chuka. The cost of staying may vary from 1500/- to 4000/- rupees per night.

Chuka Tree House
Source: Google Image

 

Hut-chuka
Source: Google Image

Staying overnight is not a good idea because of the attack of wild animals. It is advisable to spend the whole day in the Chuka region and head back to Bareilly in the late evening and stay in a hotel.

You can enjoy paddle boating in the quiet waters. It is a perfect place for clicking photos. You can also explore the forest with the guidance of local villagers.

 

How was Chuka Beach discovered?

In 2002, Chuka Beach is the result of an initiative taken by an IFS officer Ramesh Pandey. He transformed an isolated land between Sharda Sagar Dam and Sharda Canal into a tourist attraction without any financial help from the Government. He raised money from his colleagues and friends and dedicated his time to spread awareness about the region.

Chuka Beach Forest
Source: Google Image

After his transfer, the Forest Department took up the responsibility to build the tourist spot. In 2014 it formally opened for tourists. This tourist spot now is manage by the Uttar Pradesh Government.

 

Conclusion:

This offbeat destination has a lot to offer as a tourist spot. Though it has not achieved the popularity that it should, but slowly this place is coming to notice by the tourists. Hopefully, in the future,  the Uttar Pradesh Government will take much-needed measures to spread more awareness to attract tourism.

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