About Dudhwa National Park – Uttar Pradesh’s Tiger Reserve & Rhino Habitat
Journey into the wild heart of the Terai — where the Royal Bengal Tiger roams beside the One-Horned Rhinoceros, and over 450 bird species fill the forest skies.
Explore one of India’s most biodiverse national parks, home to dense sal forests, wetlands, and rich wildlife corridors connecting India and Nepal.
About Dudhwa National Park – Uttar Pradesh’s Terai Jewel of Wilderness
Discover the untouched beauty of Dudhwa National Park, a living treasure of biodiversity in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Nestled along the Indo-Nepal border, Dudhwa forms the core of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, which also includes the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary — together creating one of North India’s richest ecosystems.
Here, dense sal forests, shimmering grasslands, and winding wetlands shelter the Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned Rhinoceros, Barasingha (Swamp Deer), and over 450 bird species.
Recognized under Project Tiger and accredited by CA|TS (Conservation Assured Tiger Standards), Dudhwa stands as India’s proud symbol of conservation success and eco-tourism excellence.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, nature photographer, or eco-traveler, a journey through Dudhwa promises an authentic experience of India’s wild heart — where nature still rules.
Key Facts About Dudhwa National Park
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | Declared a National Park in 1977; joined Project Tiger in 1987–88 |
| Total Area | ~884 sq. km (core: 490 sq. km; buffer: ~394 sq. km) |
| Location | Lakhimpur Kheri District, Uttar Pradesh – along Indo-Nepal border |
| Flora & Fauna | Over 1,500 plant species and 47+ mammal species, including tiger, rhino, elephant, and barasingha |
| Birdlife | Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International |
| Governing Authority | Managed by Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (U.P. Forest Department) under Project Tiger |
| Tourism Zones | Dudhwa, Kishanpur, and Katarniaghat eco-tourism ranges |
| Nearest Towns | Palia Kalan (10 km) and Mailani (30 km) |
| Best Time to Visit | November to June — ideal for safaris, photography, and birdwatching |
Why Dudhwa Matters
It’s Uttar Pradesh’s only Tiger Reserve with rhinos and tigers sharing the same habitat.
Serves as a critical link in the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), connecting India and Nepal’s forest ecosystems.
A model for eco-tourism and sustainable wildlife conservation.
Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a conservationist, or a curious traveler, Dudhwa National Park offers a journey through one of India’s last untouched wildernesses — a realm where the jungle still breathes in rhythm with the earth.
Geography, Map & Area of Dudhwa National Park
Located in the Terai belt of northern Uttar Pradesh, Dudhwa National Park lies along the Indo–Nepal border, sharing its landscape with Nepal’s Shuklaphanta National Park. The region forms part of the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) — one of Asia’s most fertile and biodiverse plains — stretching from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Gangetic plains.
Dudhwa’s topography blends dense Sal forests, riverine grasslands, marshes, and swamps, making it a crucial corridor for wildlife movement between India and Nepal. The Suheli and Sharda rivers flow through the park, sustaining this mosaic of habitats and supporting thousands of migratory birds, mammals, and aquatic species.
This remarkable terrain creates a living example of harmony between wetlands, forests, and wildlife — a true “Jewel of the Terai.”
Geographical Highlights of Dudhwa National Park
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 28.5°N to 28.7°N latitude, 80.5°E to 81.0°E longitude |
| Altitude | 150–183 meters above sea level |
| Total Area | 884 sq. km (Core: 490 sq. km; Buffer: ~394 sq. km) |
| Eco-Region | Indo-Gangetic Moist Deciduous Forest (Champion & Seth Classification) |
| Rivers & Wetlands | Sharda, Suheli, and Mohana Rivers; Banke Tal, Jhadital marshes |
| Terrain Type | Alluvial plains, floodplains, grass meadows, dense sal forests |
| Soil & Vegetation | Moist alluvial soil dominated by Shorea robusta (Sal) and Saccharum grasslands |
| Connectivity | 230 km from Lucknow and 190 km from Bareilly — accessible by road, rail, and nearby airstrips (Lucknow & Palia) |
Ecological Importance
Dudhwa forms the northernmost limit of the tropical moist deciduous forests in India and acts as a natural buffer between the Shivalik Hills and Gangetic plains.
Its proximity to Nepal ensures a free exchange of wildlife, particularly elephants, rhinos, and tigers, across the trans-boundary conservation zone.
The park’s landscape plays a vital role in:
Groundwater recharge and flood control for nearby agricultural lands.
Providing seasonal refuge for migratory birds like bar-headed geese and sarus cranes.
Supporting eco-tourism livelihoods for local Tharu communities.
These combined natural functions make Dudhwa not only a wildlife reserve but also an ecosystem protector for the Terai region.
Flora and Fauna
The landscape of Dudhwa National Park is dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta) forests, interwoven with rich grasslands, swamps, and marshes. This ecological blend makes Dudhwa part of the Indo-Gangetic Moist Deciduous Forest ecoregion, home to a dazzling variety of life forms.
The park shelters over 1,500 species of plants, including rare medicinal herbs and aquatic vegetation that sustain countless animal species.
Biodiversity at a Glance
The exceptional faunal diversity of Dudhwa makes it one of India’s most significant wildlife habitats.
Mammals: 47+ species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros, Barasingha (Swamp Deer), Fishing Cat, Sloth Bear, and Leopard.
Birds: Over 450 bird species recorded — including the critically endangered Bengal Florican, great slaty woodpecker, swamp francolin, and bar-headed goose, making Dudhwa a paradise for birdwatchers.
Reptiles & Amphibians: The park supports a vibrant population of gharial, mugger crocodile, Indian rock python, and several snake and lizard species thriving in its wetlands.
Dudhwa also harbors India’s largest surviving population of swamp deer (barasingha) — once near extinction, now a flagship conservation success story.
Flora Richness
The flora here ranges from towering Sal trees to dense undergrowth of elephant grass (Saccharum spp.) and reed beds, which provide shelter and breeding grounds for herbivores and nesting birds alike. Seasonal blooms along wetland fringes support butterflies, bees, and pollinators, reflecting the park’s ecological balance.
Conservation & Management
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) — managed by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department under the Government of India’s Project Tiger — represents one of India’s finest examples of integrated conservation.
Its management combines strict protection measures, local community involvement, and habitat restoration programs aligned with Conservation Assured/Tiger Standards (CA/TS).
Key Conservation Programs
Tiger Conservation: Regular camera trap monitoring, anti-poaching patrols, and the CA/TS framework ensure long-term tiger population security.
Rhino Reintroduction Program: Since 1984, Indian rhinos have been successfully bred and protected within Dudhwa. As of 2023, the population reached 46 individuals, with new Rehabilitation Areas (RRA-3 & RRA-4) approved in 2025.
Barasingha Revival: Visionary conservationist Billy Arjan Singh led initiatives that revived the barasingha population to over 2,000, symbolizing India’s wildlife resurgence.
Community Involvement: Eco-tourism programs and Forest Rest Houses engage the Tharu community, generating local livelihoods while spreading awareness about wildlife protection.
Dudhwa is not merely a park — it is a living conservation laboratory, where forest officials, researchers, and local villagers jointly preserve a heritage that sustains both biodiversity and human harmony.
FAQs - About Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park lies in Lakhimpur Kheri district, Uttar Pradesh, along the Indo-Nepal border in India’s Terai belt.
The core area is about 490 km², with buffer zones expanding the reserve. It includes forest (≈66%), grassland (≈22%), and wetlands (≈12%).
Key species include the Royal Bengal Tiger, One-horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Barasingha (Swamp Deer), plus over 450 bird species, gharials, and various reptiles.
The ideal period is November to April when weather is pleasant and wildlife activity peaks. The park is open from 15 November to 15 June annually.
Yes. Morning safaris run roughly 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and afternoon safaris typically 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Safari booking must be done via dudhwanationalpark.net, The charge includes jeep, guide, permit, and entry fees. For example, Indian tourists pay approx. ₹6,500 per jeep safari.
No. It remains closed during the monsoon season (July to October) to allow for wildlife breeding and avoid flood risks.
Visitors must carry valid photo ID, obtain a permit for day visits or night halts, and enter via official gates. Unauthorized access is prohibited.
Do carry litter bags and follow carry-in carry-out policy
Do use registered guides
Don’t stray off safari routes, use drones, or play loud music
Firearms and pets are prohibited
The Tharu tribe lives around Dudhwa. Their cultural practices, art, and traditions are intertwined with the forest and often included in eco-tourism itineraries.
Rhinos were reintroduced in 1984 from Assam. As of 2023, the population is estimated at 46 individuals.
The park includes dense Sal forests, grasslands, wetlands, river ecosystems with Suheli, Mohana, and adjacent riverine corridors. These provide diverse niches for birds, mammals, and reptiles.