Visitor Information – Your Complete Guide to Dudhwa National Park
From safari rules and entry permits to safety tips and eco-friendly travel guidelines, here’s everything you need to know before exploring the wilderness of Dudhwa — home to tigers, rhinos, elephants, and the unique Terai ecosystem.
Dudhwa National Park Visitor Information
Visiting Dudhwa National Park is more than just a safari — it’s your gateway to step into one of India’s last surviving Terai ecosystems, where the air hums with bird calls and grasslands stretch endlessly under the jungle sun.
To make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and safe, this guide covers everything — from official park entry rules to visitor safety guidelines, and essential eco-tourism tips verified by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and Project Tiger authorities.
Whether you’re planning a day safari, staying in a Forest Rest House, or visiting for research and photography, these instructions ensure that your Dudhwa journey remains not only memorable — but responsible.
Managed by: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (UP Forest Department, Project Tiger)
Core Areas Covered: Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary & Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
Park Type: Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest (Terai belt)
Best Season: November to May
Park Entry Rules (Verified by Forest Department)
To maintain safety, fairness, and wildlife protection, all visitors must follow the official entry rules as prescribed by the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve authorities.
Every visitor — Indian or foreign — must carry a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport for foreigners).
Note: The same ID used during booking must be shown at the park entry gate.All safaris inside Dudhwa operate under a permit-based system, and advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak season (November to February). Spot bookings are rarely available.
For foreign tourists, passport details are mandatory during booking to ensure permits are issued correctly under forest department guidelines.
Safari permits are compulsory for entering the core zones. You can book your official permits directly via our Safari Booking Page.
These guidelines are issued in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and Project Tiger Authority to maintain transparency, visitor safety, and the ecological integrity of Dudhwa’s wilderness.
Do’s & Don’ts Inside the Jungle
A safari in Dudhwa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — but always remember, the forest is not a zoo. You are entering the natural home of wild animals, where humans are only guests. Respecting this wilderness not only keeps you safe but also helps conserve the fragile Terai ecosystem that makes Dudhwa unique.
Even small actions — like wearing bright colors or making loud noises — can disturb wildlife and spoil sightings. Follow these simple jungle etiquettes for a safe, responsible, and memorable safari.
Do’s
Always carry your original ID proof and valid safari permit — both are mandatory at the entry gate.
Wear earthy or dull-colored clothes (olive, brown, or grey) that blend naturally with the forest surroundings.
Stay inside your designated safari vehicle at all times; stepping out can be dangerous and is strictly prohibited.
Keep cameras ready but maintain silence — sudden sounds can startle animals and ruin sightings.
Respect fellow travelers and guides; allow everyone a fair chance for photographs and sightings.
Dispose of waste responsibly — no plastic, wrappers, or litter inside the park.
Follow the instructions of your official park guide — they know the forest terrain and animal behavior best.
Don’ts
Do not play loud music, clap, shout, or make noises to attract wildlife.
Never feed animals or step out of the safari vehicle for a closer view.
Avoid wearing bright red, yellow, or flashy clothes that stand out in the forest.
Do not carry alcohol, cigarettes, or firecrackers — they are banned inside the park.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the Tiger Reserve.
Don’t insist on chasing or blocking animals for photos — it stresses wildlife.
Avoid littering — plastic bottles, food packets, or cigarette butts can harm animals and soil quality.
By following these simple principles, you not only protect yourself but also support the survival of Dudhwa’s rare and iconic species — including the Royal Bengal Tiger, One-Horned Rhinoceros, and Barasingha — the pride of the Terai wilderness.
Travel Tips for Visitors – Make the Most of Your Dudhwa Experience
A visit to Dudhwa National Park is more than just a safari — it’s an immersion into the raw rhythm of the Terai forest. The region’s misty mornings, warm afternoons, and local culture all add to its charm. These simple, practical tips will help you stay comfortable, safe, and eco-friendly during your trip.
Clothing & Essentials
Pack smart according to the season.
Winter (Nov–Feb): Mornings can be foggy and cold — carry woollens, jackets, gloves, and caps.
Summer (Apr–Jun): Hot and humid — prefer light cotton clothes, hats, and sunglasses.
Neutral earthy shades like green, brown, or grey blend well with the forest and are recommended for safaris
Tip: Comfortable closed shoes are better than sandals for jeep rides and short forest walks.
Health & Safety
Carry insect repellent, a small first-aid kit, and any essential medication. Though malaria is rare, preventive care is smart.
The Terai’s fine dust can be irritating — pack a scarf or mask for open-vehicle safaris.
Always stay hydrated; a refillable water bottle helps reduce plastic waste.
Connectivity
Mobile networks inside the park are patchy — BSNL and Jio offer the best (though inconsistent) coverage.
ATMs are available at Palia Kalan, about 10–12 km from the park gate.
Tip: Keep small cash handy for local snacks, parking, or tipping guides — card payments may not always work.
Local Culture – The Tharu Tribe
The Tharu villages around Dudhwa showcase the soul of the Terai — mud houses, folk dances, and slow-cooked local cuisine.
Visitors are welcome to experience this culture respectfully. Many eco-resorts host Tharu evenings with traditional food and music — a great way to connect with the land and its people.
Food & Facilities
Forest Rest Houses (FRHs) serve simple, home-style meals.
Nearby eco-resorts and lodges offer vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, but plastic is discouraged.
Bring a cloth bag or steel bottle instead of disposables.
💡 Did you know? Carrying even small packaged food wastes inside the park is prohibited.
Best Safari Experience
Book safaris at least 30–45 days in advance, especially for December to February.
Morning safaris are ideal for spotting tigers, rhinos, and elephants; evenings are better for birdwatching and peaceful forest drives.
Remember, every safari is unique — sometimes, the chirp of a hornbill or glimpse of a swamp deer is as special as sighting a tiger.
Safety Guidelines for Visitors (As per Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Rules)
Even the calmest jungle can turn unpredictable — that’s what makes it thrilling. Follow these safety practices for a secure and respectful visit.
Never step out of your safari vehicle.
Maintain silence and keep cameras ready but steady.
Always follow your guide’s commands; they are trained by the Forest Department.
Avoid safaris in heavy rain or fog; reschedule through the booking office.
No smoking, alcohol, or loud sounds inside the Tiger Reserve.
Note: Forest Rest Houses (FRHs) are located inside buffer zones; wild animals freely roam around. Stay alert, but calm.
Rules & Regulations – Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
To ensure safety of visitors and protection of wildlife, all tourists must strictly follow the rules framed under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and guidelines issued by the U.P. Forest Department.
General Restrictions
Firearms, weapons, or explosives of any kind are strictly prohibited.
Pets are not allowed inside the Tiger Reserve.
Walking, trekking, or venturing outside designated tourism zones is not permitted.
Fishing, hunting, or collecting forest produce is banned.
Playing loud music, blowing horns, or speeding vehicles inside the park is prohibited.
Entry & Safari Rules
Entry permits are mandatory for all visitors and valid only for a single entry.
Online advance booking is advised; spot bookings are not guaranteed, especially in peak season.
Visitors must carry the same photo ID proof used at the time of booking (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, etc.).
Entry after sunset and driving outside permitted safari hours is not allowed.
Visitors must report at the entry gate at least 30 minutes before safari timings.
Stay & Accommodation
Forest Rest Houses (FRHs) and eco-tourism zones are regulated. Guests must follow check-in/check-out times (generally 12:00 PM – 11:00 AM).
Cooking is allowed only in designated kitchen areas of FRHs. Carry your own bag for non-biodegradable waste (plastic, cans, glass).
Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited inside the Tiger Reserve.
Behavior Inside the Park
Stay inside your vehicle during safaris; getting down is not permitted.
Maintain silence near wildlife; teasing, chasing, or feeding animals is punishable.
Smoking and lighting fires are prohibited, except in designated areas of rest houses.
Photography should be responsible; avoid using flash directly on animals.
Respect fellow visitors — no shouting, littering, or unruly behavior.
Other Important Points
Permits are non-transferable and issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Accommodation is confirmed only on full advance payment. Non-arrival by 4 PM on the check-in date may result in cancellation.
Visitors must obtain a clearance certificate before leaving the reserve.
All vehicles must be parked in designated areas only.
Note: The Director, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, reserves the right to admission and all visitors are governed by the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and subsequent amendments.
Sources & References (Official & NGO Data)
Uttar Pradesh Forest Department – Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (Official guidelines on park entry, safari rules, and timings).
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Govt. of India – Project Tiger norms and eco-tourism policies.
Wildlife Protection Act (1972) – Schedule I species protection and visitor regulations.
WWF India – Dudhwa Landscape Programme – Conservation efforts and community guidelines.
IUCN Red List – Status of key species like Tiger, Rhino, Gharial, and Barasingha.
FAQs - Dudhwa National Park Visitor Information
Every visitor must carry a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or Passport for foreigners) and a safari entry permit issued by the Forest Department. Entry without an authorized permit is not allowed inside the park.
Safaris can be booked online through the official Uttar Pradesh Forest Department portal or registered eco-tourism websites. Advance booking is recommended, especially between November and February (peak season).
The park remains open from 15 November to 15 June.
November – February: Best for tiger and rhino sightings in cool weather.
March – June: Great for birdwatching and lush green landscapes after spring showers.
Wear earth-toned or dull-colored clothes such as olive, green, or grey that blend with the forest. Avoid bright colors, perfumes, and shiny accessories. Comfortable cottons in summer and woollens in winter are ideal.
Visitors can carry light snacks and water in reusable bottles, but plastic packaging, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited inside the reserve. Always dispose of waste responsibly.
No. Walking, standing, or stepping out of safari vehicles is strictly prohibited. Safaris are conducted only in registered jeeps or canters with authorized guides for safety reasons.
Safaris operate in two shifts daily:
Morning Safari: 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Evening Safari: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Timings may vary slightly by season; always confirm with your booking voucher.
Yes. Dudhwa is safe for families, including children, as long as visitors follow all park rules and remain inside authorized safari vehicles. The park guides are trained by the Forest Department for visitor safety.
Foreign nationals must carry a passport and valid visa copy during permit booking and entry verification. The same ID must be presented at the safari gate.
No, private vehicles are not permitted beyond the designated entry gate. Only registered forest vehicles are allowed inside to minimize disturbance to wildlife and maintain safety.
Yes, visitors can stay in Forest Rest Houses (FRHs) or approved eco-resorts near the park zones. Night movement outside accommodation is not allowed for safety reasons.
Stay calm, remain silent, and do not make sudden movements. Avoid using flash photography. Let the driver and guide decide when it’s safe to move forward — never approach or chase animals for photos.