Dudhwa National Park

History

Dudhwa, located near the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh, had a huge problem of encroachment at the time of India’s independence in 1947, and the decade thereafter, due to wide spectrum of biodiversity it had. But, with grit and hard-word, the legendary activist ‘Billy’ Arjan Singh enhanced the scope and appeal of the Park, and it gradually became a popular tourist destination. 

The renowned conservationist efforts made gave it the status of a sanctuary in 1965. It was a major achievement for ‘Billy’ Arjan Singh, and the initiative was praised across the globe. 

The park was given a status of a National Park in the year 1977, on the behest of Arjan Singh, involving administrative measures from the Government of India. 7 rhinos were relocated to Dudhwa, from the sanctuaries of Assam and Nepal, in 1984-85. Around 1987-88, the Park was lifted to the status of a coveted Tiger Reserve, falling under the plan of Project Tiger. Dudhwa National Park is regarded as one of the main habitats for tigers in India.

Useful Information

Total area – 811 sq km

Core area – 490 sq km 

Elevation range – 210 meters to 300 meters

Latitude – 28° 30' 59.99" N

Longitude – 80° 40' 59.99" E

Nearest river – Suheli River, Mohana River    

Nearby hills –  

Avg. annual rainfall – 1600 mm

Flora of Dudhwa National Park

A major portion of the Dudhwa National Park is covered with grassland. According to statistical data, 19% of the core area is grassland. It predominantly marks the ecosystem of the National Park. The tall grasses of the region are signature to its environmental characteristics. The Park area also has dense thickets, with lots of bushes, shrubs and small plants, including climbers. 

Sal trees are among the major trees of the Park. There are also other flora species prevalent in the region. For example, you could witness trees such as Jamun and Gular in the dense forests, when you avail Dudhwa holiday packages. The Park also has Sehore trees. Among other major trees in the Park, Bahera needs a special mention. 

The silver munj plan is abundant in the Park area. It has a mesmerizing floral scent. Dudhwa National Park has also scores of species of flowering plants across its various regions that you would witness in Dudhwa tour packages. A big portion of the land area is used for agricultural purposes.

Fauna of Dudhwa National Park

Various fauna species are of course the major sources of attractions in Dudhwa for which tourists from all over India (and also world) avail Dudhwa wildlife packages. The main animal is the king of the best – the Royal Bengal Tiger. Besides tiger, one could also get flashy glimpses of leopards. The Park is known as a haven for swamp deer and hog deer. There are lots of Sambar deer, too. It doesn’t end here. There are more species of deer in Dudhwa. You could find Chital and barking deer, too. 

A special attraction of the Dudhwa National Park is the rhinoceros. It started with 7 rhinos and at the moment the population has soared. There are also animals such as wild boars. You could find Ratel, too. 

As an amateur wildlife photographer, especially as a bird-watcher, you would rejoice availing Dudhwa adventure packages at Dudhwa National Park. The reason is – the Park boasts of a whopping 400 bird species. You could see here the Floricans. Also, the Park is a home to black-necked storks.

Climate of Dudhwa National Park

The nature of climate in Dudhwa National Park is sub-tropical, with a high level of humidity in summer and monsoon months, and dry winters at the end and beginning of the year. Summer days are really hot, where temperatures can soar to the level of 40 degree Celsius. 

The winter months have a low level of humidity, and usually begin from November and continue till the early-March. Temperatures at night time might fall below 10 degrees at times. In the day time, the thermometer reads from sub-twenties to mid-twenties range. 

Summer months are typically marked by hot wind, known as Loo. Loo is prevalent in April and May. There is a cool breeze blowing throughout the winter. The monsoons in the area begin from the middle-weeks of June, and they last till end of September. The level of humidity is the highest during this specific period.

Best Time to Visit Dudhwa National Park

The best time to visit Dudhwa is from November to March. You would have the most satisfying experience touring the Park in these months. The weather is conducive to travel, too. There is no restriction in choosing the summer months for traveling, but keep in mind that you would be caught in Loo, and availing Dudhwa affordable packages might not be very comfortable. 

You could also opt for monsoon months for your tour in Dudhwa National Park. Remember that irrespective of the season you choose, you have to rent a vehicle inside the Park to explore it.

How to Reach Dudhwa National Park

Reaching Dudhwa National Park would not be a problem if you plan ahead. Whether by car, private bus, air or railways, reaching the destination smoothly adds to the enjoyment of getting immersed in your Dudhwa weekend tour packages. The following points tell you about three different modes of reaching Dudhwa. 

By Rail: You can either reach Lucknow by rail from any major Indian city, or reach the Shahjahanpur railway station, which is the closest big station to Dudhwa in terms of distance, at 112 km. You can rent a car or board on a private deluxe bus after reaching Lucknow. There are also private transportations available at Shahjahanpur station. 

By Road: There are multiple options if you plan to reach the destination by road, shaping your Dudhwa National Park itinerary. You can ride a bus or hire a car from Shahjahanpur or Lucknow. You can do the same even if you plan to arrive from Delhi. The nearest town is Palia, which is only 5 km away from the Park. You can rent a private vehicle from there. 

By Air: The nearest airport to Dudhwa is Lucknow, which is around 238 km away from the Park. You can reach the Airport from any metro city of India, and thereafter, rent a car to reach the destination. 

Connectivity & Distances 

Distance from entry gate: negligible 

Railway station: Dudhwa (4km), Shahjahanpur (112 km)

Bus Stand: Palia Bus Stand 

Airport: Lucknow (238 km)

Nearest city/town: Palia

Best Places To Visit near Dudhwa National Park

Besides Dudhwa safari tours at the Dudhwa, you have plenty of choices to explore and add more value to your holidaying. There are many tourist spots within the neighborhood of the location, which are unique in their own ways. 

Kishanpur sanctuary – It is merely 30 km away from Dudhwa, and when you visit one, you can’t afford to miss the other! The sanctuary, with tall grasses, and its wide ranging fauna species such as Ghariyals, Tigers, Leopards, and many more, is an exciting place to visit in a weekend getaway tour. 

Shiva Temple of Gola Gokaranath – The Shiva Temple is a holy shrine where thousands of tourists visit, each month, to pray, and you can include this in customized Dudhwa sightseeing packages. Gola Gokaranath is not very far from Dudhwa. 

Frog Temple – This is another exotic place where you can consider visiting, in the small town of Oel, on a weekend trip. Within the temple premises, there is a huge structure of a frog, which is meant to have auspicious implications. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva.