Dudhwa Safari Booking – Jeep, Elephant & Rhino Safaris in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
Book your official Jeep, Elephant, or Rhino Safari in Dudhwa National Park, part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
Discover Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian One-Horned Rhinos, Barasingha (Swamp Deer), Elephants, and over 450 bird species across sal forests, wetlands, and grasslands — guided by trained naturalists under the U.P. Forest Department’s Project Tiger initiative.
About Dudhwa Safari Experience
A safari in Dudhwa National Park is more than just a wildlife tour — it’s an unforgettable journey through the untouched Terai forests of Uttar Pradesh, where nature breathes freely and every turn tells a story.
As your jeep passes through sal forests, lush grasslands, and seasonal wetlands, you may witness the Royal Bengal Tiger, herds of Swamp Deer (Barasingha), and the reintroduced Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, along with flocks of migratory birds that travel thousands of kilometers from Siberia and beyond.
The park officially opens for visitors from 15 November to 15 June each year — the prime season for wildlife sightings. During these cooler months, the weather remains pleasant and animal activity peaks, making it ideal for morning and evening safaris.
Whether it’s the fresh mist of a morning safari or the golden glow of an evening drive, every ride through Dudhwa offers an authentic wilderness experience that stays with you long after your journey ends.
Dudhwa National Park remains one of the most biodiverse tiger reserves in North India, offering a glimpse of India’s rich natural heritage — right from the swampy Terai grasslands to the dense sal forest canopy.
Safari Options in Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa offers a variety of official safari experiences, each designed to help you connect with the wildlife of the Terai region.
From exploring dense sal forests in an open jeep to the peaceful rhythm of an elephant ride, every safari in Dudhwa brings you face-to-face with tigers, rhinos, swamp deer, elephants, and over 450 bird species that make this park one of India’s most celebrated tiger reserves.
Jeep Safari
The most popular way to explore Dudhwa, jeep safaris take visitors through sal forests, grasslands, and wetland habitats inside the park’s core zones.
Sightings often include Royal Bengal Tigers, one-horned rhinos, elephants, barasingha, and even crocodiles basking near riverbanks.
Open jeeps are ideal for wildlife photography and provide greater mobility for exploring longer routes inside the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
Best for: Wildlife photographers, families, and tiger enthusiasts
Elephant Safari
For a truly immersive jungle experience, the elephant safari offers a higher vantage point with trained mahouts leading the ride.
These safaris are especially rewarding in tall grassland zones, where elephants safely traverse marshy terrain unreachable by vehicles.
Riders often encounter rhinos, barasingha (swamp deer), and rare birds during early-morning rides through Dudhwa’s mist-covered wetlands.
Best for: Families, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts, adventure lovers
Rhino Safari
A signature highlight of Dudhwa, the Indian One-Horned Rhino Safari lets you witness India’s successful Rhino Reintroduction Programme, conducted by WWF-India and the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.
Dedicated routes in Kishanpur and Dudhwa zones allow visitors to observe these rare giants from a safe distance — a unique experience available in very few reserves across India.
Best for: Conservation tourists, researchers, and wildlife photographers
Bird Watching Trails
With over 450 recorded bird species, Dudhwa is a paradise for bird lovers and nature photographers.
During winter, migratory birds such as the bar-headed goose, Bengal Florican, and great slaty woodpecker arrive from Central Asia and Siberia.
Guided birding tours take you through wetlands, forest edges, and open meadows, offering picture-perfect sunrise and sunset moments.
Best for: Birders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, peace lover
Book Your Dudhwa Safari – Official Guide-Assisted Tours
Plan your Dudhwa adventure with verified forest guides and authorized permits.
Choose Jeep, Elephant, or Rhino Safari and explore the lush sal forests, wetlands, and wildlife of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
Quick confirmation • Transparent pricing • Government-approved routes.
🔒 We value your privacy — details are used only for safari coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.
Which Safari is Best in Dudhwa?
Each Dudhwa National Park Safari offers a unique way to explore the Terai wilderness.
Whether you want close-up wildlife encounters or wide-range forest drives, here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best safari experience — all regulated under the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department’s Project Tiger initiative.
Safari Types
Jeep Safari – Most Popular
Best For: Tigers, rhinos, swamp deer, elephants
Coverage: Core zones and buffer areas across sal forests, grasslands, and wetlands
Duration: 3 hours (Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Evening: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Highlights: Ideal for wildlife photography and family groups; official permit-based Jeep Safari with expert guides
Booking Tip: Limited jeeps per zone — book early through verified Dudhwa Safari operators
Elephant Safari – Exclusive & Raw
Best For: Exploring tall grasslands and dense jungle tracks
Wildlife Sightings: Rhino, barasingha, and rare birds in misty wetlands
Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours (Morning only; restricted slots)
Highlights: Offers a close-up view of wildlife with trained mahouts and certified forest guards
Rhino Safari – Rare & Special
Best For: Spotting the Indian one-horned rhinoceros reintroduced under WWF & Forest Dept. program
Wildlife Sightings: Rhino, swamp deer, and migratory wetland birds
Duration: 2 – 3 hours (Special permits | Sonaripur & Kishanpur ranges)
Highlights: A once-in-a-lifetime experience in Dudhwa’s protected grasslands — ideal for conservation enthusiasts
Bird-Watching Trails – Paradise for Birders
Best For: Migratory and resident birds (450 + species)
Key Species: Bengal Florican, bar-headed goose, and great slaty woodpecker
Duration: 2 – 4 hours (Guided walks or jeep safaris)
Highlights: Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International — perfect for photographers and researchers
Pro Insight
Morning safaris have higher visibility and animal movement; evening drives are ideal for sunset photography and tranquil forest experiences.
All safaris are conducted with licensed naturalists ensuring safety, sustainability, and compliance with U.P. Forest Department guidelines.
Safari Zones in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
Each zone inside the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve offers a different landscape, wildlife density, and safari experience. Here’s how the main zones—Dudhwa, Kishanpur, and Katarniaghat—compare for visitors and photographers.
Dudhwa Zone (Core Park Area)
Highlights: The most popular and frequently visited zone inside Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Dense sal forests, tall elephant grass, and wetlands dominate the landscape — best known for tiger and rhino sightings.
Wildlife: Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian One-Horned Rhinoceroses (Sonaripur), Barasingha (swamp deer), elephants, mugger crocodiles, and over 400 bird species such as owls, hornbills, and eagles.
Experience: The classic jeep safari zone — perfect for tiger tracking, rhino viewing, and birdwatching in their natural habitat.
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: ~30 km from the main Dudhwa range.
Highlights: Known for its rich grasslands and wetlands, ideal for deer herds, birdlife, and leopard sightings.
Wildlife: Tigers, leopards, swamp deer, sambar, hog deer, spotted deer, and 250+ bird species. (No rhinos here, unlike Dudhwa core.)
Experience: A quieter zone for visitors seeking big cat activity and large deer herds in a less crowded environment.
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: ~100 km from Dudhwa zone, along the Indo–Nepal border.
Highlights: Offers both jeep safaris and unique river safaris on the Girwa River.
Wildlife: Gharials, Gangetic dolphins, mugger crocodiles, Bengal Florican, and migratory wetland birds.
Experience: Best for river-based wildlife encounters and aquatic species photography — ideal for travelers seeking beyond-the-jungle adventures.
Pro Tip for Visitors
If you have limited time, choose the Dudhwa Zone for tiger and rhino sightings.
For birdwatching and deer herds, add Kishanpur, and for river safaris or gharial viewing, explore Katarniaghat.
Safari Zone Comparison – Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is divided into three core tourism zones — Dudhwa Core, Kishanpur, and Katarniaghat. Each zone has its own unique habitat, wildlife specialties, and safari experience. Exploring more than one zone gives visitors a complete view of the Terai ecosystem of Uttar Pradesh.
| Zone | Location | Key Highlights | Main Wildlife | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dudhwa Zone (Core Park) | Inside main park area | Dense sal forests, grasslands, wetlands | Tigers, Barasingha (Swamp Deer), Elephants, Rhinos, 400+ bird species | Classic jungle safari, tiger & rhino sightings |
| Kishanpur Sanctuary | ~30 km from Dudhwa | Open grasslands, wetlands | Tigers, Leopards, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer, Spotted Deer, Water Birds | Big cat activity, large deer herds |
| Katarniaghat Sanctuary | ~100 km from Dudhwa, near Indo–Nepal border | River safari on Girwa River, unique aquatic ecosystem | Gangetic Dolphins, Gharials, Mugger Crocodiles, Bengal Florican | River safaris, aquatic wildlife & rare birds |
Visitor Tip: If you’re booking multiple safaris, start with the Dudhwa Core Zone for tigers and rhinos, add Kishanpur for leopards and barasingha, and finish with Katarniaghat for dolphins and gharials — giving you the most complete safari experience in the Terai belt.
Dudhwa Zone (Core Park Area)
Location: Inside the main park area (core zone)
Highlights: Dense sal forests, tall elephant grass, and swampy wetlands
Main Wildlife: Royal Bengal Tiger, Barasingha (swamp deer), Indian one-horned Rhino, Elephants, Mugger Crocodile, 400+ bird species
Best For: Classic jungle safari, tiger & rhino sightings, birdwatching
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: ~30 km from Dudhwa core
Highlights: Open grasslands and wetlands—great visibility for herbivores & predators
Main Wildlife: Tigers, Leopards, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer, Spotted Deer, water birds
Best For: Big cat activity & large deer herds, wildlife photography
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: ~100 km from Dudhwa, near the Indo–Nepal border
Highlights: River safaris on the Girwa River, unique aquatic ecosystem
Main Wildlife: Gangetic Dolphins, Gharials, Mugger Crocodiles, Bengal Florican, wetland birds
Best For: Boat/river safaris, aquatic wildlife, rare bird sightings
Visitor Tip: First-timers should start with the Dudhwa Core Zone (tigers & rhinos), add Kishanpur for big cats & deer herds, and finish at Katarniaghat for Girwa River safaris with gharials & dolphins.
Safari Timings in Dudhwa National Park (Official Schedule)
The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve welcomes visitors every year from 15th November to 15th June, when the Terai forests are alive with wildlife activity.
Safaris operate twice daily — morning and evening — giving guests the chance to experience the park’s changing moods, from misty dawn trails to golden-light evenings.
Note: The park remains closed from 16th June to 14th November every year during the monsoon season, to allow forest rejuvenation and wildlife protection under the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department guidelines.
Dudhwa Safari Schedule
| Months | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |
| 15th November – 31st March | 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| 1st April – 15th June | 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
Visitor Tips & Best Practices
During peak winter (December–January), morning safaris may start slightly later due to fog.
Morning safaris are ideal for spotting tigers, rhinos, and swamp deer, as wildlife activity is at its peak.
Evening safaris offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography in soft golden light.
Safari slots are limited and sell out fast, especially on weekends and holidays — it’s best to book early online.
Advance booking ensures your preferred zone (Dudhwa, Kishanpur, or Katarniaghat) and safari timing.
For verified booking support and transparent permits, visit the Dudhwa Safari Booking page.
Dudhwa Safari Charges & Booking Fees (2025 Updated)
Booking your Jeep, Elephant, or Rhino Safari in Dudhwa National Park is simple and convenient with our verified coordination service.
Our team arranges authorized vehicles, trained guides, and entry permits so you can focus on the experience — not the paperwork.
Each safari package includes complete field support and seamless local assistance.
Jeep Safari Charges
Indian Visitors: ₹6,500–₹7,500 per jeep (max. 6 adults + 2 children below 5 years)
Foreign Visitors: ₹28,000–₹30,000 per jeep (max. 4 persons)
Zones Covered: Dudhwa Core, Sathiana, Kishanpur, Katarniaghat
Includes: Jeep, driver, permit handling, naturalist guide, coordination fee, GST
Best For: Tiger & rhino sightings, family groups, photographers
Elephant Safari Charges
Indian Visitors: ₹6,000–₹7,000 per elephant ride (max. 4 persons)
Foreign Visitors: ₹59,000 per elephant ride (max. 4 persons)
Availability: Morning rides only
Zone: Rhino Conservation Area (Dudhwa Range)
Note: Perfect for rhino viewing and immersive jungle experience.
Rhino Safari (Special Permit)
Operated in Sonaripur & adjoining grasslands
Conducted with special approval & limited daily slots
Charges: Based on permit availability and custom itinerary (on request)
Focus: Indian one-horned rhinos, barasingha, and migratory water birds
Camera Fees
- ₹50–₹500 depending on lens size (as per UP Forest Department norms)
Pro Tips for Visitors
Book 30–45 days in advance, especially for weekends and holidays
Morning drives give the best chance of tiger & rhino sightings
Elephant rides are limited — reserve early
Always carry a valid ID proof for every visitor
Combine Jeep + Elephant Safari for the most rewarding experience
Trust & Safety – Your Comfort is Our Priority
Every safari in Dudhwa National Park is organized in partnership with registered local operators and conducted as per Uttar Pradesh Forest Department’s Project Tiger regulations.
Our team coordinates with certified naturalist guides to ensure that your safari experience remains safe, responsible, and educational — while fully respecting the park’s conservation protocols.
Why Visitors Trust Us
Government-Aligned Safaris – All safaris are operated under Project Tiger norms and supervised by officially registered field guides and drivers.
Expert Naturalist Guides – Each jeep safari is accompanied by certified guides trained in wildlife behavior, eco-tourism ethics, and visitor safety.
Eco-Friendly Operations – We follow “no plastic, no feeding, no noise” rules to minimize human impact and protect Dudhwa’s delicate forest ecosystem.
Secure Permits & Transparent Process – All bookings are handled through verified channels linked to the official Forest Department system — no hidden fees or middlemen.
Emergency Assistance – Park rangers, medical staff, and coordination teams remain available during operating hours for visitor support.
How to Book a Safari in Dudhwa National Park
Booking your Dudhwa Tiger Reserve safari is easy, but advance planning is essential.
Since safari slots and vehicles per zone are limited, it’s recommended to book 25–30 days in advance, especially during weekends and peak holiday seasons.
Step-by-Step Booking Process
1️⃣ Choose Your Safari Type
Pick from officially recognized safari options:
Jeep Safari – Available in Dudhwa, Sathiana, Kishanpur, and Katarniaghat zones.
Elephant Safari – Conducted in the Rhino Conservation Area (Dudhwa Zone), morning only.
Rhino Safari – Special-permit ride through Sonaripur’s grasslands (limited slots).
Bird Watching Trails – Guided walking or jeep-based tours for bird photographers and researchers.
2️⃣ Prepare the Required Documents
To ensure smooth entry and verification:
Valid Government photo ID (Aadhar / Passport / Voter ID / Driving License).
Full name, age, and gender of all visitors (as per ID proof).
Preferred safari date, time, and chosen zone.
3️⃣ Make the Advance Payment
Full safari amount must be paid at the time of booking.
Charges apply per jeep / per elephant, not per individual.
Online & assisted payment modes accepted through verified channels.
4️⃣ Confirm Your Booking
Confirmation is shared via official coordination team or booking helpline.
The same ID used during booking must be carried for entry verification.
On-spot booking inside the park is not guaranteed due to limited vehicle permits.
Important Notes for Visitors
Children below 5 years ride free (maximum 2 per jeep).
Entry is allowed only with the same ID used during booking.
Passport is mandatory for foreign nationals.
Safari slots are limited — early booking helps secure your preferred zone and guide.
During peak winter (Dec–Jan), morning safaris may begin slightly later due to fog.
Important Guidelines for Dudhwa Safari Booking
To maintain visitor safety and smooth forest operations, all safaris in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve follow the official permit and eco-tourism regulations. Please review these important points before booking:
✅ 100% advance payment is required to confirm your safari. (No spot or post-ride payments are accepted.)
✅ Each visitor must carry the same ID proof used during booking for verification at the entry gate.
❌ Cancellations or refunds are not permitted once booking is confirmed due to forest department policy and limited seat allocation.
❌ Bookings are non-transferable — names cannot be changed after submission.
⏰ Advance booking window: 30 – 45 days before your planned safari date.
🌍 Foreign nationals must provide passport details at the time of booking.
📜 Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to zone availability.
🌧️ The park authority reserves the right to close safaris without prior notice in case of heavy rain, safety alerts, or departmental orders.
💰 If prices are revised by the forest department after booking, visitors are required to pay the difference at entry.
🕒 Visitors should report at least 15 minutes before departure at the designated boarding point.
⚠️ Disclaimer: The booking service acts as a facilitator for eco-tourism coordination. We are not responsible for delays, accidents, theft, or natural disruptions occurring during safaris.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dudhwa
Dudhwa National Park is renowned for its Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian One-Horned Rhinos, and Barasingha (Swamp Deer) — species that thrive in the lush sal forests, wetlands, and grasslands of Uttar Pradesh’s Terai region. It’s also home to over 450 bird species, including the endangered Bengal Florican.
The Jeep Safari in Dudhwa costs around ₹6,500 per jeep for Indian visitors (up to 6 adults + 2 children) and approximately ₹28,000 per jeep for foreign tourists. The cost covers guide, permit, driver, and vehicle.
The Elephant Safari costs approximately ₹6,000 per elephant ride for Indian visitors and ₹59,000 for foreign visitors. Rides are limited and conducted only in the morning shift within the Rhino Conservation Zone.
You can book your Dudhwa Safari online through our official booking page on DudhwaNationalPark.net. Advance booking of 30–45 days is highly recommended, as seat availability is limited in each zone.
Visitors can spot Tigers, Rhinos, Elephants, Leopards, Barasingha, Crocodiles, and several bird species like the Bengal Florican and Great Slaty Woodpecker during safaris.
The Dudhwa Core Zone is best for tiger and rhino sightings.
For birdwatching and deer herds, Kishanpur Sanctuary is ideal, while Katarniaghat Sanctuary offers rare aquatic encounters with gharials and dolphins.
Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Summer), 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM (Winter)
Evening Safari: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Winter), 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Summer)
The park is open from 15th November to 15th June every year.
Yes. A valid Government ID (Aadhar, Passport, or Voter ID) is mandatory for all guests and must match the name used during online booking.
No. As per Forest Department policy, bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable once confirmed. Safari permits are issued against verified IDs.
One jeep safari can carry a maximum of 6 adults and 2 children (Indians) or 4 persons (foreign visitors) along with a driver and naturalist guide.
Yes. All safaris are conducted under trained naturalist supervision and follow Uttar Pradesh Forest Department safety protocols to ensure secure wildlife experiences.
Absolutely. Advance booking of 30–45 days is strongly advised, especially for weekends and holidays, since limited jeeps and elephant rides are available per zone.