Dudhwa National Park

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Location
Located in Lakhimpur-Khiri District, in Uttar Pradesh.

Best Season
November to May, best season being February to April.

Major Wildlife Attractions
MigSwamp Deer, Leopard, Sloth bear and several Migratory Birds.

About the Sanctuary
OneSpanning in an area of 811 sq Km, with a core area of 650 sq Km, the Dudhwa National park is a perfect habitat of Swamp deers and Tigers. Dudhwa was established as a national park in 1958. In 1977, it was converted to a wildlife sanctuary and then in 1988 it became a Tiger reserve. The park shares its north border with the Indo-Nepal border while River Suheli marks the southern boundary. The park is also famous for untiring efforts of ‘Billy’ Arjan Singh, one of India’s leading wildlife conservationists, who was instrumental in the creation of Dudhwa as a sanctuary of the Swamp Deer. Later he successfully hand-reared and re-introduced zoo-born Tigers and Leopards into the wilds of Dudhwa.

Attractions of the Park
Wildlife Attractions
Major attractions of Dudhwa National Park are the Swamp Deers and Tigers. There are more than 1500 deers and 100 tigers in the park. The park has also substantial number of the One-horned Rhino. Other major wildlife attractions are Elephants, Sloth bear, Jackal, Wild pig, Fishing cat, Leopard, Jungle cat and Civet. There are more than 37 mammal species in the park.
Avian Attractions
The swamp marshes of Dudhwa has facilitated migratory birds to settle here during winters. Dudhwa has an abundance of birds. One can find water birds, local and migratory birds during January to March. There are spectacular painted storks, black and white necked storks, sarus cranes and varied night birds of prey, ranging from the great Indian horned owl to the jungle owlet. Colourful woodpeckers, barbets, kingfishers, minivets, bee eaters, and bulbuls flit through the forest canopy.
Other Attractions
A Frog Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, lies at Oyal village, 10 km from Hargaon on the route to Lakhimpur-Kheri and Dudhwa. The temple's base is in the shape of a large frog. The Surat Bhawan Palace Near Dudhwa Tiger Reserve on the Lakhimpur-Nighasan-Dudhwa route is another place to visit. The palace is set in a large lush green, nine acre retreat. Expanses of lush lawns, fountains, a swimming pool and interesting architectural details make a visit worthwhile.

The Park Trip
The park can be viewed on a jeep safari. Alternatively visitors can also opt for a Elephant safari. Visitors to Dudhwa national park have to get entry permits from the Director of the Park, whose office is at the district headquarters of Lakhimpur Khiri. Entry Fee is Rs 100 for three days, for foreigners. Indians pay less, and extra charges are levied for vehicles and cameras.

Getting There
Dudhwa National Park can be reached by road from Lucknow and Bareilly. The park is 245 Km from Lucknow, 260 Km from Bareilly and 440 Km from Delhi. Buses and taxis are easily available from these cities to Dudhwa. One can also take local trains from Lucknow or other cities of Uttar Pradesh to reach Lakhimpur or Palia, close to Dudhwa National Park.

Accommodations
Forests Guest houses, Lodges are available in the park. Palia (5 Km) and Sathiana (10 Km) also have some acommodation options available. Though luxury stay is not a choice here, comfortable stay is offered at the hotels in these areas.