How to Reach Dudhwa National Park – Distance, Routes & Nearest Airport/Railway Station
Dudhwa National Park is located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh near the Indo-Nepal border. It is accessible by road, rail, and air from major cities such as Delhi, Lucknow, Agra, Ayodhya, Varanasi, and even Nepal.
How to Reach Dudhwa
Dudhwa National Park, in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh near the Indo–Nepal border, is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The park lies about 230 km from Lucknow, 430–450 km from Delhi, 370 km from Agra, 250 km from Ayodhya, and 400 km from Varanasi, making it well connected for both domestic and international tourists.
Nearest Airport: Lucknow (≈230 km / 5–6 hrs by road).
Nearest Railway Station: Palia Kalan (≈10 km from park gate).
For Nepali visitors, the Gauriphanta border crossing near Dhangadhi (≈35 km) is the shortest route to reach Dudhwa.
Pro-Tips for Travellers – How to Plan Your Journey to Dudhwa
- Carry valid ID & safari permit – mandatory for entry inside the park.
- Best airport: Lucknow (≈230 km) – regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru.
- Nearest railway station: Palia Kalan (≈10 km) – direct trains available from Lucknow.
- Best road routes: Delhi → Shahjahanpur → Palia Kalan | Lucknow → Sitapur → Palia Kalan.
- Avoid monsoon (July–October) – park remains closed due to heavy rains and breeding season.
- Stay options nearby: Forest Rest Houses & eco-resorts around Dudhwa, Sathiana, and Kishanpur.
- Travel light & eco-friendly – avoid plastic, carry binoculars and a good camera.
By Road – Best Routes to Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park is well connected by national and state highways, making it one of the easiest tiger reserves to access in North India. Located near the Indo–Nepal border, the park is about 230 km from Lucknow, 430–450 km from Delhi, and 370 km from Agra. The roads remain motorable throughout the year, except during heavy monsoon rains (July–October).
Popular Road Routes:
From Lucknow (≈230 km / 5–6 hrs):
Lucknow → Sitapur → Lakhimpur Kheri → Palia Kalan → Dudhwa.
(Most preferred route with regular buses and taxis available from Lucknow’s Alambagh and Kaiserbagh bus stands.)From Delhi (≈450 km / 9–10 hrs):
Delhi → Hapur → Moradabad → Rampur → Shahjahanpur → Palia Kalan → Dudhwa.
(Alternatively via Bareilly → Pilibhit → Palia Kalan for smoother drive.)From Bareilly (≈260 km / 6 hrs):
Bareilly → Shahjahanpur → Lakhimpur → Palia Kalan → Dudhwa.From Agra (≈370 km / 8 hrs):
Agra → Etah → Bareilly → Shahjahanpur → Palia Kalan → Dudhwa.From Nepal (via Dhangadhi border, ≈35 km):
Enter India through the Gauriphanta checkpost → Palia Kalan → Dudhwa.
(Ideal for travelers from Lumbini and Chitwan planning a cross-border safari.)
Travel Tips for Road Visitors
Start early from Lucknow or Delhi for smooth traffic and daylight driving.
Carry offline maps or GPS — mobile networks can drop inside forest areas.
Fuel stations available at Lakhimpur & Palia Kalan — refuel before entering forest zone.
Keep photocopies of ID and safari permit handy for checking at entry gates.
Avoid travel during heavy monsoon (July–October) when internal park routes may close.
By Train – Nearest Railway Stations to Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park is well connected by rail through nearby towns in the Lakhimpur Kheri district. Several express and passenger trains link this area to Lucknow, Delhi, Varanasi, and other major cities. Though Dudhwa has its own small railway station, most visitors prefer to get down at nearby larger stations for better connectivity and road access.
Nearest Railway Stations:
Palia Kalan (≈10 km from park gate):
The closest active railhead for visitors. Connected to Mailani Junction and Lucknow via short-distance passenger trains. It’s a small, quiet station ideal for tourists staying near the park.Mailani Junction (≈37 km):
The main junction for travelers arriving from Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, and Shahjahanpur. Trains are frequent, and taxis or shared jeeps to Dudhwa are easily available from here.Lakhimpur Railway Station (≈55 km):
A larger, better-connected station linked to Lucknow and Kanpur by express trains. It’s preferred by tourists who want smoother transfers and better local facilities.Shahjahanpur (≈130 km):
A major railway junction on the Delhi–Lucknow route, offering wide connectivity to Mailani or Lakhimpur via connecting trains or buses.
Popular Train Options
From Delhi: Avadh Assam Express, Raptisagar Express (to Lakhimpur/Mailani).
From Lucknow: Intercity Express and passenger trains to Mailani.
From Bareilly: Mailani Passenger trains.
Train Routes to Dudhwa
From Lucknow: Regular trains to Mailani (5 hrs) and Lakhimpur (4 hrs).
From Delhi: Avadh Assam Express or Raptisagar Express to Lakhimpur/Mailani (overnight).
From Bareilly: Mailani Passenger (approx. 4 hrs).
After reaching Mailani, Lakhimpur, or Palia Kalan, you can hire taxis, local jeeps, or buses to reach your resort or the Dudhwa Safari Gate.
Pro Tip: The Mailani–Palia Kalan–Dudhwa railway line runs parallel to dense sal forests — so the final hour of your journey offers a glimpse of wildlife, grasslands, and forest villages before you even arrive at the park!
By Air – Nearest Airport to Dudhwa National Park
The nearest airport to Dudhwa National Park is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow (≈230 km). Lucknow serves as the main gateway to Dudhwa and offers daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. From Lucknow, you can easily reach Dudhwa by car, taxi, or train in about 5–6 hours via Sitapur and Lakhimpur Kheri.
For international and long-distance travelers, Lucknow remains the most practical arrival point, with well-developed transport facilities and smooth road connectivity to the Terai region.
Other Nearby Airports:
Lucknow Airport (≈230 km / 5–6 hrs by road):
The most convenient and widely used airport for reaching Dudhwa.Varanasi Airport (≈400 km / 8–9 hrs by road):
Useful for tourists combining a cultural visit to Varanasi with a wildlife trip.Delhi Airport (≈450 km / overnight train or 9–10 hrs drive):
Best for international tourists landing in Delhi before connecting to Dudhwa.
Palia Kalan Airstrip – Exclusive Entry Point
For special eco-tourism and official forest department tours, Dudhwa has a small airstrip at Palia Kalan, located only 10 km from the main park gate. While not open for regular commercial flights, it is occasionally used by private charters, research teams, and VIP eco-tourism programs.
This facility gives Dudhwa a unique edge among India’s wildlife reserves — allowing direct aerial access during conservation or survey missions.
Quick Summary for Travelers
Nearest Airport: Lucknow – 230 km / 5–6 hrs by road.
Alternate Options: Varanasi (400 km), Delhi (450 km).
Special Airstrip: Palia Kalan (10 km from park gate, non-commercial).
Best Route: Fly to Lucknow → drive via Sitapur & Lakhimpur Kheri → Dudhwa.
City-wise Guide to Reach Dudhwa
From Delhi (India Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar)
Delhi is about 430–450 km away from Dudhwa National Park and offers multiple ways to reach the park.
By Road: The most scenic and commonly used route is Delhi → Hapur → Moradabad → Rampur → Shahjahanpur → Palia Kalan → Dudhwa (approx. 9–10 hours drive).
By Train: Overnight trains from Delhi to Lakhimpur or Mailani Junction, then continue the last stretch by taxi or shared jeep.
By Air: You can fly to Lucknow Airport (230 km) and continue by road in about 5–6 hours.
Tip: This is the best option for international travelers landing in Delhi. A connecting flight to Lucknow followed by a road trip offers a comfortable and fast journey
Delhi to Dudhwa vs Delhi to Jim Corbett
| Feature | Delhi → Dudhwa National Park | Delhi → Jim Corbett National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Distance by Road | ~450 km (≈ 9 hrs) | ~250 km (≈ 6 hrs) |
| By Train | Delhi → Shahjahanpur / Lakhimpur → Palia Kalan (10 km from Dudhwa) | Delhi → Ramnagar (direct trains) |
| By Air | Nearest airport: Lucknow (230 km away) | Nearest airport: Pantnagar (80 km away) |
| Unique Wildlife | One-horned Rhino, Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Hog Deer, Hispid Hare | Leopards, Elephants, Crocodiles, Fishing Cats |
| Tiger Sightings | Less crowded zones, higher chance of undisturbed encounters | High tourist rush, but popular tiger reserve |
| Experience | Raw wilderness, fewer tourists, dense Terai forests | More commercial, well-known, popular with weekend travelers |
From Agra (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri)
Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, lies around 370 km (≈8 hours by road) from Dudhwa.
By Road: Agra → Etah → Bareilly → Shahjahanpur → Palia Kalan → Dudhwa.
By Train: Trains from Agra to Bareilly or Lucknow, then connect to Mailani or Lakhimpur by local train or taxi.
Traveler’s Note: Many tourists prefer combining Agra’s heritage tour with a Dudhwa jungle safari, making it a perfect 3–4 day itinerary.
Agra to Dudhwa vs Agra to Ranthambore
| Feature | Agra → Dudhwa National Park | Agra → Ranthambore National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Distance by Road | ~350 km (≈ 7 hrs) | ~260 km (≈ 5 hrs) |
| By Train | Agra → Shahjahanpur / Lakhimpur → Palia Kalan (10 km) | Agra → Sawai Madhopur (direct) |
| By Air | Nearest: Lucknow (230 km) | Nearest: Jaipur (180 km) |
| Unique Wildlife | Rhino, Swamp Deer, Hispid Hare | Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears |
| Experience | Less crowded, dense Terai forests | Popular tiger reserve, more commercial |
From Lucknow (Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Residency)
Lucknow is the nearest major city to Dudhwa and one of the most popular entry points for domestic and foreign tourists.
By Road: Lucknow → Sitapur → Lakhimpur Kheri → Palia Kalan → Dudhwa (≈230 km / 5–6 hrs).
By Train: Daily trains to Mailani and Lakhimpur take around 4–5 hours.
By Air: Lucknow Airport is the nearest airport, offering excellent road connectivity.
Quick Fact: This route passes through lush countryside and the sugarcane fields of Terai — giving a glimpse of local life before you even reach the forest.
Lucknow to Dudhwa vs Lucknow to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
| Feature | Lucknow → Dudhwa National Park | Lucknow → Pilibhit Tiger Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Distance by Road | ~230 km (≈ 5 hrs) | ~240 km (≈ 5 hrs) |
| Unique Wildlife | Rhino, Swamp Deer, Tigers | Tigers, Leopards |
| Ecosystem | Grasslands, wetlands, sal forests | Dense Terai forest |
| Experience | Rhino sightings, wetland safaris, diverse birding | Dense forest trails, high tiger density, less crowded |
From Ayodhya (Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Saryu Ghat)
Ayodhya, home of the Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, and Saryu River ghats, attracts millions of devotees every year. For those seeking a blend of spirituality and nature, Dudhwa is a rewarding add-on.
Distance: 280 km (≈ 6 hrs by road)
By Road: Ayodhya → Gonda → Bahraich → Lakhimpur → Palia Kalan → Dudhwa.
By Train: Limited trains connect directly; most travelers go via Lucknow or Gonda.By Train: Direct trains connect Ayodhya to Lakhimpur and Shahjahanpur. Nearest: Palia Kalan (10 km).
By Air: Nearest airport is Lucknow (230 km).
Many pilgrims are now combining Ayodhya with a 2-day wildlife retreat at Dudhwa, making their trip spiritual as well as adventurous.
Ayodhya to Dudhwa vs Ayodhya to Valmiki Tiger Reserve (Bihar)
| Feature | Ayodhya → Dudhwa National Park | Ayodhya → Valmiki Tiger Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Distance by Road | ~280 km (≈ 6 hrs) | ~220 km (≈ 5 hrs) |
| Wildlife | Tigers, Rhinos, Swamp Deer | Tigers, Sloth Bears |
| Ecosystem | Grasslands, wetlands | Himalayan foothill forests |
| Experience | Rhino + swamp deer sightings | More rugged, fewer tourists |
From Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Ganga Aarti, Sarnath)
Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities, is known for the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sarnath, and vibrant ghats. After this cultural immersion, extend your trip into the wild at Dudhwa.
Distance: 420 km (≈ 9 hrs by road)
By Road: Varanasi → Gorakhpur → Bahraich → Lakhimpur → Dudhwa.
By Train: Trains connect Varanasi to Shahjahanpur and Lakhimpur.
By Air: Nearest: Lucknow Airport (230 km).
This makes your trip unique — combining spiritual enlightenment in Varanasi with a thrilling tiger safari in Dudhwa.
Varanasi to Dudhwa vs Varanasi to Bandhavgarh National Park (MP)
| Feature | Varanasi → Dudhwa National Park | Varanasi → Bandhavgarh National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Distance by Road | ~420 km (≈ 9 hrs) | ~400 km (≈ 8 hrs) |
| Wildlife | Tigers, Rhinos, Swamp Deer | Tigers, Leopards |
| Experience | Less crowded, wetland ecosystem | More popular tiger park |
From Rishikesh & Haridwar (Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, Yoga retreats)
Rishikesh and Haridwar are famous for the Ganga Aarti, yoga retreats, Ram Jhula, and adventure sports. From here, tourists often head to Corbett National Park. But for a more pristine wilderness, Dudhwa is worth the detour.
Distance: ~370 km (≈ 8 hrs by road)
Route: Rishikesh → Najibabad → Bareilly → Shahjahanpur → Lakhimpur → Palia → Dudhwa
By Train: Direct trains from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Shahjahanpur/Lakhimpur.
By Air: Nearest: Lucknow (230 km).
After river rafting in Rishikesh or the evening Ganga Aarti at Haridwar, a jeep safari in Dudhwa gives you the perfect adventure + meditation with nature blend.
Rishikesh/Haridwar to Dudhwa vs Corbett National Park
| Feature | Rishikesh → Dudhwa National Park | Rishikesh → Jim Corbett National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Distance by Road | ~370 km (≈ 8 hrs) | ~100 km (≈ 3 hrs) |
| Wildlife | Rhino, Swamp Deer, Hispid Hare | Tigers, Elephants, Leopards |
| Experience | Secluded, larger wilderness | More commercial, touristy |
From Nepal (Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini)
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is famous for Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, and Durbar Square. Many tourists combine Nepal with India — and Dudhwa, lying on the Indo-Nepal border, is an easy wildlife escape.
Distance: ~280 km (≈ 6 hrs by road)
Route: Kathmandu → Butwal → Nepalgunj → Dhangadhi → Dudhwa (via Indo-Nepal border crossing)
By Train: Not applicable (nearest Indian rail: Palia Kalan).
By Air: Kathmandu → Lucknow flight (then 230 km by road).
Many travelers visiting Nepal for culture and Himalayan treks are now adding Dudhwa for an Indo-Nepal twin jungle experience
Kathmandu to Dudhwa vs Chitwan National Park (Nepal)
| Feature | Kathmandu → Dudhwa National Park | Kathmandu → Chitwan National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Distance by Road | ~280 km (≈ 6 hrs) | ~150 km (≈ 4 hrs) |
| Wildlife | Tigers, Rhinos, Swamp Deer | Rhinos, Elephants, Tigers |
| Experience | Indian Terai ecosystem, fewer tourists | Nepal’s most popular park, more commercial |
Best Route to Dudhwa National Park
Quick Facts for Travelers
Nearest Airport: Lucknow (230 km / 5–6 hrs by road).
Nearest Railway Station: Palia Kalan (10 km).
Park Location: Lakhimpur Kheri District, Uttar Pradesh, near Indo–Nepal border.
Best Season: November to June (park remains closed during monsoon).
Border Entry: Gauriphanta checkpost for travelers from Nepal.
FAQs - How to Reach Dudhwa National Park
The nearest airport is Lucknow (≈230 km / 5–6 hrs drive). It has regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
The Palia Kalan Railway Station (≈10 km) is the nearest, while Mailani Junction (≈37 km) connects to major cities like Lucknow and Delhi.
Dudhwa is about 450 km from Delhi, and the journey by road takes around 9–10 hours. You can also take a flight to Lucknow and then drive to Dudhwa.
Drive via Sitapur → Lakhimpur Kheri → Palia Kalan (230 km / 5–6 hrs). Regular buses and trains also connect Lucknow to Mailani and Lakhimpur.
Yes. Agra to Dudhwa is ≈370 km (8 hrs drive) via Bareilly and Shahjahanpur. This route is popular among tourists who combine Agra’s heritage with a Dudhwa safari.
Yes, Dudhwa is about 250 km (6 hrs) from Ayodhya via Gonda and Bahraich. It’s a scenic countryside route with minimal traffic.
You can drive 400 km (8–9 hrs) via Gorakhpur and Bahraich or take a train to Lucknow, then continue to Dudhwa by road.
Travelers from Dhangadhi, Nepal, can enter India through the Gauriphanta border, which is only 35 km from Dudhwa.
The fastest and most convenient route is Lucknow → Sitapur → Lakhimpur → Palia Kalan → Dudhwa, with excellent road conditions.
Yes, the roads are safe and well maintained. Avoid night driving through forest stretches, and always carry ID and booking documents.
There is no direct express train to Dudhwa. Trains from Delhi and Lucknow go up to Mailani or Lakhimpur, from where taxis and jeeps are available.
The park remains open from November to June, and the best time for safaris is between December and April for wildlife sightings and pleasant weather.