Dudhwa National Park

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In 1977, Dudhwa was declared a national park and became part of project tiger in 1988. It lies close to the Indo-Nepal border and is nestled in the foothills of Himalaya and also extends to the plains of the ‘terai’ in Uttar Pradesh.

The Park is famous for its swamp deer (barasingha) and tigers. According to a survey, the park shelters more than 1,600 swamp deer and around 101 tigers. Around 37 species of mammals and 16 species of reptiles have been recorded. Indian Rhinoceros was reintroduced into Dudhwa from Assam and Nepal in 1980.

The National park is dotted with marshlands that provide an ideal haven for both local and migratory winged species. Around 400 species of birds, including rare and endangered species, have been recorded, and most of them are aquatic in nature. The serenity, lush green backdrop and the chirping of the birds near a serene lake is a spectacular view, and a nerve-tingling experience.

The vegetation comprises of Sal trees, tall termite mounds, patches of riverine forests and large open grasslands.


Flora: The Dudhwa National Park is punctuated by extensive stretches of grasslands. The predominant tree species found in the park are Shorea robusta, Terminalis tomentosa, Adina cordifolia, Eugenia jambolana, Terminalia belerica, Bombax malabaricum and Dalbergia sissoo, and more.

Fauna:Swamp Dee r, Chital, Hog Deer, Tiger, Sambar, Rhino, Hispid Hare, a dark brown animal earlier thought to have become extinct, but rediscovered in 1984.

Avian-Fauna: Drongos, Barbets, Cormorants, Ducks, Geese, Hornbills, Bulbuls, Teal, Woodpeckers, Heron, Bee Eaters, Minivets, Kingfishers, Egrets, Orioles, plenty of painted storks, sarus cranes, owls and more. One can also spot rare species like the Bengal florican.

You can also spot a wide variety of owls here, including, Great Indian Horned Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Dusky Horned Owl, Scoops Owl, Jungle Owlet, The Brown Wood Owl and Tawny Fish Owl.

Major Attractions:

Barasinghas: Passing through open grasslands, one can spot herd of these rare animals. Around half of the surviving population of Barasinghas is found in the park. These animals are smaller than sambar and weigh around 180 kg. The barasinghas have 12 antlers that measure up to 100 cm. Due to their slightly woolly, dark brown to pale yellow cloak, the grasslands acts as the perfect camouflage.

Elephant Rides: The spotting of animals and birds in their natural habitation, and that too sitting on top of an elephant is an experience to treasure for a long time.

Dudhwa National park is situated near Palia at the Indo-Nepal border in Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh (UP)

Area: 490 sq. km

Route: From Lucknow: board a bus or a train to Dudhwa which is at a distance of 4 km from Park’s entry gate. From Delhi: hit the national highway (NH) 24 going towards Shahjahanpur via Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Rampur and Bareilly. Reaching there, a district roadway takes you to Dudhwa via Pawayan, Kutar, Mailani, Bhira and Palia.

Buses ply between Palia and Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly and Delhi. Local buses are regularly available from Palia to Dudhwa. Lucknow is the nearest airport in India, while nearest railheads are at Dudhwa, Palia and Mailani.

Best Time to Visit: November to May

Other Places to Visit:

Frog Temple: This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Oyal, which is nearly 10 km from Hurgaon en route Lakhimpur-Kheri. The base of the temple is in the shape of a large frog.

Surat Bhawan Palace: This 19th century Indo-Sarasenic style built Palace is located around 8 km from the Dudhwa National Park. One can see the Himalayan Treks from the Palace terrace on a clear day.

Things to keep in mind:

• Park timings are from 7 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 6 pm
• Prior entry permit is required
• The Park remains closed from July to October

Keep in your Trek Bag:

• Walking stick
• Hiking shoes
• Woolen clothes
• Water, juices, snacks
• Electric torch
• Medical kit
• A good compass
• An extra pair of clothes