Dudhwa National Park

According to wildlife experts, nearly the entire Terai belt was home to the Indian one-horned rhino but the animals were mostly wiped out with the loss of habitat. Sometime in the late 1970s, the one-horned rhino from Assam was introduced here, and it seems to have adapted well to the surroundings. After a long search, we were lucky to see a rhino family out for its morning browse.

Tigers are difficult to sight at Dudhwa. One can spot deer grazing on fresh grass. Cranes, storks, and fishing eagles seemed to be common here. In winter, the reservoirs in Dudhwa play host to a number of migratory birds, too. The Jhadi Tal lake in the Kishanpur sanctuary area is famous for its birds. The Banke Tal is also preferred by bird watchers. For those looking for an added bonus, take the train journey from Dudhwa to either Gauri Phanta or Chandan Chauki. The railway lines run right through the park and offer a closer look at the wild beauty of the jungles.

How to reach Dudhwa Tiger Reserve?

By Air: The nearest airport is Lucknow.
 

By Rail: Palia, 10 km from the national park, is an important road and rail link. There are two other railway stations nearby: Dudhwa (4 km) and Mailani (37 km).

By Road: UPSRTC buses run between Palia and Dudhwa, and also links Palia to Lakhimpur-Kheri and Shahjahanpur. From Lucknow, one can drive to Lakhimpur (via Sitapur) and then take either the Bijua-Bhira-Palia route or the Shardanagar-Nighasan-Palia trail to reach Dudhwa. From Delhi, the road follows Moradabad-Bareilly-Pilibhit (or Shahjahanpur)-Khutar-Mailani-Bhira-Palia-Dudhwa and is nearly 430 km long.

Accommodation Options in Dudhwa National Park

There are several locations inside the forest, but the accommodation facility at Dudhwa is the best. However, do not expect much by way of frills. The infrastructure is very basic. There are rest houses at Sonaripur, Sathiana, Bankati, Belrayan, Kila, and Chandan Chauki. Also, check out with the forest department about the facilities at all forest rest houses before booking. Bedding and meal facilities are available at Dudhwa, but all arrangements have to be made at other places.

Best time to Visit Dudhwa National Park

The park remains open between November 15 and June 15 every year.  Winter months are cold but pleasant. The best time to visit the park is March-April.

Wildlife Tours India || Periyar National Parks