Geography of Dudhwa National Park – Map, Area & Location Details
Explore the natural heart of the Terai region — where India meets Nepal, forests meet rivers, and biodiversity thrives. Learn about Dudhwa’s exact location, terrain, and accessibility before you plan your visit.
Located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, Dudhwa National Park stretches across Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich districts, covering 884 sq. km of pristine wilderness. The park forms the core of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, connecting with Kishanpur and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuaries to create one of India’s most biologically rich corridors along the Indo-Nepal border
The park is also part of the Upper Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests ecoregion, recognized globally for biodiversity. The presence of tall sal forests, dense grasslands, and riverine belts make Dudhwa distinct from other tiger reserves in India.
Quick Facts
- Location: Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India
- Districts Covered: Lakhimpur Kheri & Bahraich
- Coordinates: 28.30°N to 28.42°N, 80.57°E to 80.97°E
- Total Area: 884 sq. km (Core National Park)
- Dudhwa Tiger Reserve: 1,284 sq. km (includes Kishanpur & Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuaries)
- Nearest Town: Palia Kalan (approx. 10 km)
- Nearest Airport: Lucknow (approx. 230 km)
Geography and Landscape
Dudhwa lies in the Terai belt of northern Uttar Pradesh, forming a vital green corridor between India and Nepal. This low-lying floodplain between the Mohana and Suheli rivers supports a mosaic of sal forests, marshes, and tall elephant grasses, making it one of the last surviving examples of the Terai ecosystem in India.
The park also falls under the Upper Gangetic Plains Moist Deciduous Forests ecoregion, recognized by global conservation agencies for its outstanding biodiversity.
Its fertile alluvial soil, rich wetlands, and year-round water sources make Dudhwa a haven for over 47 mammal species, 450 bird species, and 1,500+ plants — all thriving in this unique landscape.
Area and Boundaries
The core National Park spans 884 sq. km, while the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve covers 1,284 sq. km.
Dudhwa borders Nepal’s Royal Bardia National Park, creating a critical transboundary wildlife corridor for elephants, tigers, and rhinos.
The larger ecosystem includes the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary (204 sq. km) and the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (400 sq. km), together forming the Dudhwa Tiger Landscape, one of northern India’s most important conservation complexes.
This connected geography allows free wildlife movement between India and Nepal — an essential lifeline for species survival.
Map and Accessibility
Dudhwa is located around 230 km from Lucknow and 450 km from Delhi, making it accessible to both domestic and international travelers.
By Road:
Connected via State Highway from Lucknow to Palia Kalan (nearest town).
Taxis and private vehicles frequently operate from Lakhimpur and Palia Kalan.
By Rail:
Nearest railway station: Dudhwa Railway Station, located about 4 km from the park gate.
By Air:
Nearest airport: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow.
Charter and eco-tourism flights may also operate seasonally to the Palia airstrip (subject to forest department approval).
Travel Tip for Visitors: The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department provides detailed maps showing safari zones, entry gates, forest rest houses, and connecting routes between Dudhwa, Kishanpur, and Katarniaghat sanctuaries.
Downloadable maps and official guides are available at the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve HQ in Palia Kalan.
FAQs – Geography, Access & Location of Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa lies in the Terai belt of northern Uttar Pradesh, India, along the Indo–Nepal border, mostly in Lakhimpur Kheri & Bahraich districts.
The park sits approximately between 28.30°N–28.42°N latitude and 80.57°E–80.97°E longitude. Elevation varies from about 150 to 183 meters above sea level.
The core national park area is about 884 sq km, while the full Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (including adjacent sanctuaries) extends to ~1,284 sq km.
Dudhwa is ecologically connected with Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, forming a larger trans-boundary landscape.
The Mohana and Suheli rivers flow through the park, contributing to its wetlands, marshes, and floodplains.
Dudhwa is approximately 230 km from Lucknow and around 450 km from Delhi by road.
The nearest town is Palia Kalan, located about 10 km from park gates.
Dudhwa Railway Station (code DDW) is located within the park area and is the closest railhead, about 4 km from entry gateways.
The Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow is the nearest full-service airport to Dudhwa.
Yes. Dudhwa adjoins Nepal’s Bardia National Park, forming a critical transboundary wildlife corridor for elephants, tigers, and other large mammals.
Dudhwa’s landscape is composed of alluvial plains, riverine wetlands, marshes, grasslands, and dense sal forests, all characteristic of the Terai ecosystem.
Because of its location, connectivity with adjacent sanctuaries, river systems, and shared boundary with Nepal, Dudhwa allows free movement of wildlife and enhances genetic flow across the Terai landscape.