Overview
Dudhwa National Park is a national park that is located on the Indo-Nepal border in the Lakhimpur Kheri District of Uttar Pradesh, India. It lies in the Terai belt of marshy grasslands which is considered as one of the few diverse and productive ecosystems left in the world. Often considered as one of the major projects of the conservation of wildlife in India, the park was declared a tiger reserve under the famous Project Tiger initiative in 1987. It represents a wide variety of flora and fauna and is considered as a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Information
The unique landscape of Dudhwa National Park consists of some of the best natural forests and grasslands remaining in the Terai district. It is home to one of the finest sal forests in India. The park covers a wide area of 490.3 square kms and is well known for its tiger population and variety of bird species. Some of the famous mammal species include Royal Bengal tiger, swamp deer, sambar deer, barking deer, spotted deer, hog deer, sloth bear, ratel, jackal, civets, leopard cat. There are more than 350 species of birds in the park that include both inhabitant and migratory birds such as swamp francolin, great slaty woodpecker, Bengal florican, painted storks, black and white necked storks, sarus cranes.
- Size – 490.3 square kms
- Forest type – Moist deciduous forest with prominence of sal
Star Species
Dudhwa National Park is a true charm for tourists who come from all parts of the world to witness the park’s various marvels. Many people stay in the resorts in Dudhwa National Park to experience the wilderness and excitement from up close. The park is an unexplored heaven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. This raw and organic quality is what makes Dudhwa National Park a traveller’s delight.
- Key Mammals – Royal Bengal tiger, swamp deer, sambar deer, barking deer, spotted deer, hog deer, sloth bear, ratel, jackal, civets, leopard cat
- Key Birds – swamp francolin, great slaty woodpecker, Bengal florican, painted storks, black and white necked storks, sarus cranes
How to Reach
- By train – The nearest railheads to the park are Dudhwa (4 kms), Palia (10 kms), Mailani (37 kms) and Gola Gokaran Nath (70 Kms). These stations offer good rail connectivity to other cities of the country. One can then take local transport outside the station to reach the park.
- By air – The nearest and most convenient airport to Dudhwa National Park is the Lucknow airport that is approximately 230 kms away from the national park. One can then take a bus or train from Lucknow airport to reach the park.
- By road – Uttar Pradesh State roadways has a good bus network that links Palia to Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly and Delhi. There is frequent bus service between Palia and Dudhwa. The city of Dudhwa enjoys good road connectivity to other major cities of India like Delhi which is approximately 430 kms far from Dudhwa National Park.
Safari Zones
- Dudhwa Safari Zone
- Sonaripur Safari Zone
- Kishanpur Safari Zone
- Katarniaghat Safari Zone
- Chuka Tiger Reserve
Weather
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum°C | 8 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 25 | 20 | 14 | 9 |
| Maximum°C | 21 | 25 | 31 | 38 | 43 | 42 | 38 | 37 | 36 | 35 | 29 | 23 |
Things to Carry
Clothing tips for the right safari experience:
- Clothes in the earthy colours to be worn which are greens, beige and grey. Black attracts mosquitoes and should be avoided. Shiny or bright colours are a big no.
- Clothes as per expected weather are very important:
- Summer clothes to be carried should be preferably cotton or cotton blend that is comfortable, breathable.
- Winter clothes to be packed should be planned for layering over each other when worn. Advisably 4-5 woollen clothes than one heavy item.
- A raincoat or a windcheater is also recommended.
- A hat or a cap as per the weather or season is also prescribed.
- Avoid wearing strong fragrances on the safari.
Gallery
