Into the Wild, A Complete Travel Guide to Dudhwa National Park

Did you know that Dudhwa National Park is one of the few locations in India where you may see both the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger?

Dudhwa National Park is situated in the Terai region of Lakhimpur Kheri district, northern part of Uttar Pradesh, India. Along the India-Nepal border, a paradise for wildlife lovers, offering a rich diversity of animals and birds.

This national park, which spans an area of over 490 square kilometres, is part of the greater Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, which is also home to the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.

With full of scenery that includes, beautiful meadows, rivers, marshes, and dense sal trees. Created as a wildlife refuge in 1958.

Later, in 1977, it became a national park where animals are fully protected. In 1987, it joined a special program to save tigers. Many endangered species, including tigers, one-horned rhinos, and various birds, now reside in safety in Dudhwa.

Everything you need to know about Dudhwa National Park is included in this guide, including safari zones, animals, lodging alternatives, and dining options.

Safari Zones in Dudhwa National Park

Dudhwa National Park is divided into several zones, each offering a unique wildlife experience:

Dudhwa Safari Zone: This is the primary safari zone in Dudhwa National Park, which is renowned for its verdant forests with tigers, elephants, and rhinoceros sightings. It’s ideal for birdwatchers as well because of the waterways and grasslands.
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary: This zone is well-known for its swamp deer (barasingha) and diverse bird species, this zone offers good chances of spotting wildlife close to bodies of water.
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary: This zone is famous for gharial (fish-eating crocodile), this zone is great for both land and boat safaris. Here, you may also see Gangetic dolphins.

Wildlife and Bird Species at Dudhwa National Park

Dudhwa National Park is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore its thick sal forests and sprawling grasslands while encountering some of India’s most magnificent species.

Animals: Bengal tigers, leopards, one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, swamp deer, hog deer, and sloth bears are among the animals you can see here.
- Rhinoceros of Dudhwa Park: One of the park’s highlights is its Indian rhinoceros population, reintroduced in the 1980s as part of a conservation effort. Visitors often see these animals near the marshy areas of the park during safaris.
- Bengal Tigers: As a part of the Project Tiger initiative, Dudhwa is home to around 80-100 Bengal tigers. Spotting these elusive creatures is a major attraction for visitors, although sightings are never guaranteed.
- Other Mammals: Leopards, sloth bears, wild elephants, swamp deer (barasingha), and Indian bison (gaur) roam freely in Dudhwa’s diverse habitats. Swamp deer are an endangered species native to this region, making sightings particularly special.
Birds: Dudhwa is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 species of birds. From the great hornbill, paradise flycatcher, woodpeckers, and the endangered Bengal florican. The wetlands attract migratory birds such as Sarus cranes, painted storks, and various waterfowl during winter months.

Timings, Entry Fees, and Safari Information

Dudhwa National Park is open to visitors from November 15 to June 15, during which wildlife sightings are at their peak. The park remains closed during the monsoon season due to heavy rains.

Safari Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fees:
- Indian tourists: ₹100 per person
- Foreign tourists: ₹600 per person
Vehicle charges: ₹100 for two-wheelers, ₹300 for four-wheelers
Safari Costs:
- Jeep Safari: ₹2,000-₹2,500 (up to six people)
- Elephant Safari: ₹500 per person
Camera Fees: ₹50 (Indian visitors), ₹100 (foreign visitors) for still cameras and around ₹500 for professional video cameras.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Dudhwa National Park is from November to April. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and wildlife is more active & easier to spot as they come out to get the sunlight.

Early summer (March to April) provides the best opportunities for spotting tigers, rhinoceroses, and other animals as they frequent water bodies. Morning safaris during this period are particularly recommended for wildlife sightings.

Note: The park remains closed during the monsoon months (July to October) due to heavy rainfall.

How to Reach Dudhwa National Park

Dudhwa National Park is easily accessible via road, rail, and air.

By Air: The nearest airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, about 230 km from the park. From Lucknow, you can hire a taxi or take a bus.
By Road: Dudhwa is well-connected to major cities in Uttar Pradesh. From Lucknow, it’s a 4.5-hour drive (230 km). Taxi fares from Lucknow range between ₹3,500 and ₹4,500, depending on the type of vehicle. Regular bus services are also available with fares ranging from ₹200 to ₹500.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Dudhwa Railway Station, just 4 km from the park’s entrance. Palia Kalan Railway Station is also nearby, located 10 km from the park. Both stations are connected to major cities such as Lucknow and Delhi.

Accommodation Options

There are several places to stay around Dudhwa National Park, from budget lodges to forest rest houses:

Forest Rest Houses: The park offers government-run forest rest houses in Dudhwa, Sathiana, and Kishanpur. These are simple but provide a close-to-nature experience.
Private Resorts: Several eco-resorts and hotels are located near the park’s entry gates, offering more luxurious options with comfortable rooms and local food.

Fooding Options

Most accommodations in and around Dudhwa National Park offer local and Indian dishes. Forest rest houses offer basic meals, while resorts provide a wider range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine.

If you want to try something local, ask for dishes like bajra roti and sarson ka saag, which are popular in the region.

Safari and Activities

Beyond the regular jeep and elephant safaris, Dudhwa National Park offers a range of exciting activities for visitors, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Birdwatching: With its wetlands and forests, Dudhwa is perfect for bird enthusiasts. Early morning walks or safaris offer the best chances to see a variety of species.
Boat Safari at Katarniaghat: Explore the river and its wildlife, including crocodiles, gharials, and river dolphins.
Dudhwa Jungle Safari Tour: Jeep safaris are the most popular way to explore the Dudhwa National Park. Safaris are offered in the morning and evening, each lasting roughly two to three hours. Safaris in the morning are highly advised for improved sightings of wildlife such as rhinos and tigers.
Elephant Safari: Experience the park’s dense forests and grasslands from a higher vantage point with an elephant safari. Elephant rides are perfect for navigating areas that jeeps cannot access and provide a slower, more detailed observation of the wildlife.
Dudhwa Wildlife Tour: Many travel agencies organize comprehensive wildlife tours that include jeep safaris, birdwatching walks, and visits to Kishanpur and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuaries. These tours provide a broader experience of Dudhwa’s natural and ecological diversity.
Dudhwa Forest Tour: For those seeking a more intimate experience, guided walking tours are available. Accompanied by trained guides, visitors can explore the forest trails on foot, offering a closer connection to the flora and fauna of the park.

Dudhwa National Park offers a deep dive into the rich wildlife and natural beauty of India. Whether you’re eager to spot a tiger on safari, marvel at the sight of a one-horned rhino, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of nature, Dudhwa promises an unforgettable adventure.

Plan your trip between November and April for the best experience, and don’t forget your binoculars and camera to capture all the incredible sights!