Dudhwa National Park
Uttar Pradesh, India
About Dudhwa National Park
In the mid-1940s, the captivating Terai Forest lured Billy Arjan Singh, the Prince of Kapurthala, who found its enchantment so irresistible that he chose to establish his permanent abode in Dudhwa. Initially a Wildlife Sanctuary, Dudhwa attained national park status in 1977, thanks to Billy’s persistent efforts. Nestled in Uttar Pradesh, Dudhwa is an integral part of the Terai Arc Landscape, sharing borders with Nepal and forming a continuous forest with Bardia National Park.
Home to an intriguing mix of wildlife, Dudhwa plays a crucial role in Project Rhino, initiated in the late 1970s, resulting in approximately 40 Rhinoceros thriving in an enclosed area. This conservation success is a testament to Dudhwa’s commitment to preserving biodiversity. Tigers also roam these lush landscapes, with Dudhwa witnessing a groundbreaking experiment led by Billy, who successfully reintroduced the hand-reared Tigress, Tara, into the wild.
Dudhwa, a treasure trove of biodiversity, beckons wildlife enthusiasts for tiger safaris, offering a unique blend of nature safari experiences in India. Explore the tiger and culture tours, marvel at the Taj Mahal’s splendor on tiger and Taj Mahal tours, and witness the beauty of India’s avian wonders through bird watching adventures. The park’s diverse habitats house not only tigers but also leopards, sloth bears, and other fascinating species, creating an immersive wildlife and cultural experience in the heart of Uttar Pradesh.
Highlights
- Rich biodiversity with tigers, rhinos, and diverse bird species.
- Home to the endangered Gharial and Bengal Floricans.
- Serene, less-visited sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Kishanpur Sanctuary, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in the neighborhood.
- Untouched, pristine forest with minimal tourist footfall.
- Diverse wildlife, including otters, elephants, and sloth bears.
- Picturesque landscapes, perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
- Unique sanctuary preserving nature's beauty in a tranquil environment.
Related Tiger Safari Tours
The nearby forests include Kishanpur Sanctuary, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, and Katerniaghat. Katerniaghat is home to a breeding population of the endangered Gharial, making the entire region incredibly rich in biodiversity. It boasts nearly 500 species of birds, as well as a variety of wildlife like Crocodiles, Bengal Floricans, Gharials, Otters, Rhinos, Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bears, and the majestic Tiger. Unlike popular parks such as Corbett, Ranthambhore, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh, Katerniaghat remains relatively undiscovered and untouched by tourists, offering a serene and pristine forest experience.
Facts about Dudhwa National Park
Area: Total of 680 sq. km: 490 sq. km core and 190 sq km. buffer
Coordinates: Latitude: 28.5249° N, Longitude: 80.7062° E
Key Species of Dudhwa National Park
Mammals
- Tiger
- Asiatic Elephant
- Indian Rhinoceros
- Sloth Bear
- Leopard
- Jungle Cat
- Barasingha
- Wild Pig
- Spotted Deer
- Gangetic Dolphins
Birds
- Fulvous Whistling Duck
- Lesser Whistling Duck
- Grey Nightjar
- Crested Treeswift
- Greater Coucal
- Common Hawk Cuckoo
- Ruddy Breasted Crake
- White Breasted Waterhen
- Sarus Crane
- Bengal Florican
Reptiles
- Indian Python
- Indian Rat Snake
- Cobra
- Russell’s Viper
- Himalayan Pit Viper
- Common Krait
- Banded Krait
- Fresh Water Snake
- Painted Roofed Turtle
- Red Sand Boa
Safari Zones of Dudhwa National Park
This National Park is divided into 5 Zones:
1. Dudhwa Safari Zone: This zone is famous among tourists for its beautiful and open grasslands, Excellent Tiger and Asiatic Elephant Sightings as well.
2. Sonaripur Safari Zone: This zone is famous for the One Horned Rhino Sightings.
3. Kishanpur Safari Zone: Kishanpur is another important tourism zone in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, again for its Tigers and excellent Birding experience.
4. Katarniaghat Safari Zone: This Zone is famous for its Tigers, Crocodiles, Dolphins, Boating and Wild Grasslands.
5. Chuka Tiger Reserve: Chuka, also known as the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is also a part of Dudhwa.
Reaching Dudhwa National Park
Flight
The closest Airport to the Dudhwa is Lucknow at a distance of 221 kms. One will have to drive post this point. Lucknow is easily accessible by flight from major cities in the country like New Delhi and Mumbai.
Road
Delhi to Dudhwa National Park (430 kms)
Weather and Clothing
- DO NOT carry shiny/bright colored clothing. Instead, carry earthy colors like shades of dull green or olive green, beige, and grey. Black is also avoidable as it attracts mosquitos.
- Carry comfortable, breathable clothes (cotton) in summer.
- Carry layers (4-5) of thin woolen clothes rather than one heavy jacket for winter. Layers are a lot more helpful through the varying temperatures during the day.
- Carry a wind cheater/rain coat just in case there is a light shower.
- Carry a Cap/Hat during summer.
- Avoid wearing strong perfume while on safari. Animals have a strong sense of smell and it may distract them.
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FAQ
Dudhwa National Park is a prominent national park in India, situated in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Dudhwa National Park plays a vital role in the conservation of several endangered species, including tigers, Indian rhinoceros, and Gharials. It is an essential part of India’s conservation efforts.
Dudhwa National Park offers thrilling tiger safaris, allowing visitors to observe these majestic big cats in their natural habitat. The park is home to a significant tiger population, making it a prime location for tiger enthusiasts.
The best time for a tiger safari in Dudhwa National Park is from November to May when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. The park remains closed during the monsoon season from June to October.
While on a tiger safari in Dudhwa, visitors have the opportunity to encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including Indian rhinoceros, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Dudhwa National Park has stringent safety protocols in place during tiger safaris. Visitors are accompanied by trained guides and forest officials who prioritize the safety of tourists while ensuring minimal disturbance to the wildlife.
Yes, visitors are required to follow guidelines such as maintaining silence, not feeding the animals, and staying within designated safari zones. These rules are in place to protect the park’s ecosystem and ensure a safe experience for all.
Dudhwa National Park offers various accommodation options, including forest rest houses and private resorts, to cater to different preferences and budgets. These accommodations provide a comfortable stay in the heart of the wilderness.
Visiting Dudhwa National Park is a unique and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. Going on a tiger safari allows visitors to witness the raw beauty of the park, its diverse wildlife, and the thrill of encountering tigers in their natural habitat.
Dudhwa National Park remains relatively less frequented by tourists compared to some of the more famous national parks in India. This hidden gem offers a serene and untouched forest experience, making it a special destination for those seeking tranquility amidst nature.