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Introduction
Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the Lakhimpur Kheri district, Dudhwa National Park in the Terai region along the Nepal border is Uttar Pradesh’s flagship National Park, famous for Swamp Deer, Rhinos, and Tigers.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Districts | Lakhimpur Kheri |
| Year of Notification | 1977 (National Park & Tiger Reserve 1987) |
| Total Area | 490.3 sq km core (1,280 sq km Tiger Reserve) |
| Landscape | Tall Terai alluvial grasslands, dense Sal forest (Shorea robusta), and seasonal riverine marshes. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Suheli River, Mohana River, and Neora River |
| Nearest Airport | Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport Lucknow (LKO) – 220 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Dudhwa Railway Station (DDW) – 4 km / Palia Kalan – 10 km / Lakhimpur – 80 km |
| Best Time to Visit | November to April |
Location
The national park lies in the Lakhimpur Kheri region of Uttar Pradesh. Connected by road from Lucknow via Lakhimpur-Palia.
History
Declared a Sanctuary in 1958 through Billy Arjan Singh’s efforts; notified a National Park in January 1977 and Tiger Reserve in 1987.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an expansive area of 490.3 sq km core (1,280 sq km Tiger Reserve), the park’s terrain features Tall Terai alluvial grasslands, dense Sal forest (Shorea robusta), and seasonal riverine marshes.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Tall Terai alluvial grasslands, dense Sal forest (Shorea robusta), and seasonal riverine marshes.
Fauna
Primary Mammals & Key Species: Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (successfully reintroduced!), Swamp Deer (Barasingha – largest population in India!), Asian Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Hog Deer, and Fishing Cat.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Avifauna & Bird Species: Bengal Florican, Sarus Crane, Swamp Francolin, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Stork, and Pintail.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Dudhwa National Park is sustained by: Suheli River, Mohana River, and Neora River.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: Rhino Reintroduction Enclosure Sonaripur (12 km), Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary (30 km), Katarniaghat Sanctuary (70 km).
Weather & Climate
Sub-Himalayan climate (4°C to 40°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport Lucknow (LKO) – 220 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Dudhwa Railway Station (DDW) – 4 km / Palia Kalan – 10 km / Lakhimpur – 80 km
- Road Connectivity: Connected by road from Lucknow via Lakhimpur-Palia.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Dudhwa National Park is from November to April.
Accommodation
UP Tourism Dudhwa Jungle Resort at Palia Kalan, Forest Rest House Dudhwa.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Site of the historic 1984 One-Horned Rhino reintroduction program from Assam.
Visitor Tips
Take the Sonaripur rhino enclosure safari to view reintroduced Rhinos.
Did You Know?
- Protects over half of the world’s remaining population of the endangered Swamp Deer (Barasingha).
- Championed by legendary conservationist Billy Arjan Singh.
- Successfully reintroduced One-Horned Rhinoceroses from Assam in 1984.
Last Updated: August 2026