Dudhwa National Park is one among the national park situated at Terai region of Indian state, Uttar Pradesh.  This park is widespread in this region covering approximately 189.3 sq.miles (490.3 sq. km) together with buffer zone of 73 sq.miles (190 sq. km). Dudhwa National Park comes under Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. This is situated exactly on the border region of India and Nepal in district of Lakhimpur Kheri with sufficient buffering on its southern and northern sides. This park stands as an example of productive and highly diverse Terai ecosystem containing numerous numbers of highly endangered fauna together with tall and wet grassland species and also species that are known to be of highly restricted survival.

History

This Dudhwa jungle witnessed incredible encroachment after independence. This led to the transformation of forest land into pure agriculture land. Because of its presence in the border between India and Nepal, there came an increased probability of hunting and poaching. There was an increased trading of hunted animals in the Nepal border where there is a huge demand for them. Poachers made a good sum of money at this place. This park gained its richness back only because of the dedicated efforts of ‘Billy’ Arjan Singh. In 1965, his idea to convert this land to sanctuary for wild animals was greatly appraised  by international wildlife lovers and wildlife conservationists. Arjan Singh requested Indira Gandhi in 1977 to propose this forest as national park. Seven Rhinos from Nepal and Assam were then bought back to this place where they lived 150 years back. This place was declared to be one among the Tiger Reserves under Project Tiger within 4 years and is currently known as major destination for tigers.

Climate

Dudhwa carries humid subtropical climate along with dry winters (CWa). Summer season is known to be very hot with temperatures soaring above 104° F or 40 ° C. At the time of winter season between the months of mid-October and mid- March, there will be 68 – 86 ° F (20 - 30° C). The perfect time to visit this park is between the months of February and April.

Between mid April and May end, there may be hot wind. The monsoon season will commence from mid of June and ends by September end with an account of about 90% of annual rainfall (150 cm). The temperature will range between 113° F during summer to 48 ° F during winter.

Wildlife

Fauna

Swamp Deer (1,600 in numbers) and Tigers (98 in the year 1995) are major attraction in this place. Leopards and tigers that were born in zoo were hand-reared and relocated to this place by Billy Arjan Singh. There are also few rare species. Hispid that were considered as extinct were again rediscovered here during 1984.

Indian rhinoceros from Nepal and Assam was bought back here during 1980s. Various other animals include leopard cat, fishing cat, jungle cat, civets, jackal, ratel, sloth bear, Indian rhinoceros, tiger, hog deer, spotted deer, barking deer, Sambhar deer and swamp deer.

Barasingha is also present in Dudhwa National park. Their population is more than half present in the whole world. Being smaller than sambar deer, barasinghas possess 12 antlers that are about 39 inches (100 cm). This animal weighs about 180 kg and appears to be woolly, pale yellow to dark brown in color.

Avifauna

There are about 350 species of birds including Bengal Florican, Great Slaty Woodpecker, and Swamp Francolin. There are also many migratory birds that visit this place during winter season. The list includes bulbuls, bee-eaters, minivets, kingfishers, barbets, woodpeckers, Sarus Cranes, white and black necked storks, painted storks and various night birds.

There are also owls, Sarus cranes, various painted storks, orioles, egrets, kingfishers, minivets, bee-eaters, Heron, woodpeckers, teal, bulbuls, hornbills, geese, ducks, cormorants, barbets, drongos and many more.

A serious bird watcher can have very good time at Dudhwa National Park hosting 400 different species of migratory and resident birds. Major population of avian fauna in this park lives in water and can be spotted in any of Dudhwa Lake like Banke Tal.

Flora

Tropical deciduous moist forest is widely present in Dudhwa region. There are also riparian forests, swamp forest, dry and deciduous forest, semi-evergreen tropical forest. The entire space of Dudhwa Park is decorated with very long stretches of beautiful grasslands known as phantas. There are various trees present in this park including Dalbergia sissoo, Bombax malabaricum, Terminalia belerica, Eugenia jambolana, Adina cordifolia, Terminalis tomentosa and Shorea robusta.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit this park is from November to May. January will be peak season. The park will remain open between November 15 and June 15 for tourists. From November to February, the temperature will be around 20° - 30°. During March to May, it may go above 35° C. however, it will be pleasant during night with temperature of about 100 to 150 ° F. Park will remain closed from June to September because of heavy rain. Just after rainfall, the grassland will remain prime facilitating animals to get out of their hiding place.

Accommodation

There are rest houses run by forest department at various places. Bankati Forest Rest house contains 4 suites with good electricity. Dudhwa Forest Rest House consists of 4 suites with 25 beds in dormitory with good bedding and electricity amenities. One can have snacks and meals at Dudhwa canteen. The caterer or park officer makes immediate arrangement for food within short span of time.

For reservations at any of these rest houses, contact: Field Director, Project Tiger, Dudhwa National Park, Lakhimpur-Kheri – 262701. Tel.: 05872-2106.

Sathiana Forest Rest House (Bedding and electric generators for limited hours are available on payment). For reservations contact: Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Uttar Pradesh, 17, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow – 226001. Tel.: 0522-2206584.

Tharu Hut, Dudhwa (12 suites and 24 beds are available). For reservations contact: Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Uttar Pradesh, 17, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow – 226001. Tel.: 0522-2206584.

Visitor Information

One can visit this park after getting approval from Dudhwa National Park Director at Lakhimpur – Kheri.

It is opened for public between sunrise and sunset however, night visit is strictly prohibited. Late afternoon and dawn are ideal time to catch the view of wildlife. One should give sufficient time to enjoy the hidden beauty of Dudhwa.

It is essential to get clearance certificate while leaving this place. There are medical amenities and bank at Lakhimpur-Kheri and Palia.

One should prepare their own meals in many places of their stay. Palia is the place to get all the provisions. Rest House will provide all utensils and crockery to cook food. Only on prior intimation one can get canteen facility at Dudhwa.

Safaris

Wildlife lovers can get the view of outstanding species only through safaris in this dense forest. Jeep is available to take people into this park. There is no forest department approved jeep facility in this Park. There is private jeep facility for tourists. There are also elephant safaris and those elephant drivers or mahouts act as forest guide.

Safari Timing

An open four wheeler is available between 7 AM and 10 AM and also between 3 PM and 6 PM.

Attractions in National Park

Frog Temple

There is an interesting Frog Temple about 12 km from this Lakhimpur at Oel town inbetween Sitapur and Lakhimpur.  This temple was constructed by Oel king in 1860-70. This temple is base on Maduk Tantra and is dedicated to God Shiva. It is constructed on the back of large frog inside an octagonal shaped lotus. Shivling located inside this temple was shifted from Banasur Prati Narmdeshwar Narmada Kund. This temple architecture was derived from Tantra Vidya with east direction main gate and exit at south.

Surat Bhawan Palace

Near to Dudhwa National Park there is a Surat Bhawan which was constructed in 1894.  It was built on Indo-Sarasenic style with 10 bedrooms, a big dining room, 2 lounges and a pantry. This palace is 8 km far from Dudhwa National Park and is widespread in 9 acre with east gate towards this reserve.

Park Charges

	Indian	Foreigners
Entry Fees	50	50
Vehicle	150	150
(Rates are subject to change)

How to Reach

By Air

The closest airport is at Lucknow which is about 238 km from this place.

By Rail

The nearby station is at Dudhwa which is only 4 km from this park. It is linked with Nainital and Lucknow through a 37km Mailani on metre gauge. From Delhi, it is 301 km to Shahjahanpur by rail and from here one can take road to reach Dudhwa (107 km).

By Road

The closest town is about 5 km, Palia. From Lucknow , it is only 238 km. there are private and government operated buses from Palia to Bareilly (260 km), Delhi (430 Km), Shahjahanpur and Lakhimpur – Kheri.  Palia appears to be noisy and dusty area but one should stop here to buy all provisions and there won’t be anything after this spot. There is a bus that transports people between Palia and Dudhwa.

Within the Reserve

One can travel inside the park through jeep and a coach hired from National Park Office. There is also an elephant safari for wildlife journey. From the top of elephant, the grassland view is a splendid experience.