Dudhwa National Park

Location: Located in Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, along the Indo-Nepal border.
Area: 490 sq km
Famous For: Swamp deers and Tigers.
Activities: Wildlife Photography, Elephant Safari

Introduction:
Tucked between India and Nepal border in the foothills of sub-Himalaya and the plains of 'Terai' region in Lakhimpur-Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. Considered as one of the most endangered ecosystems on the earth, Dudhwa National Park was established to protect the beautiful mosaic of dense Sal jungles, Grasslands and Swamps.

Thanks to the efforts of 'Billy',Arjan Singh, an ace conservationist of India, Dudhwa has attained the status of a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1958 and National Park status in 1977. The diverse terrain of this national park is favourable for large number of distinct flora and fauna. The vast open grasslands of the park houses large number of Swamp deer(Barasingha) and four other species of deer namely Sambhar deer, Spotted deer, Barking Deer and Hog Deer. Apart from them, park also has good number of Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Hispid Hare, Rhinoceros, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Barking Deer, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, Civet, Fishing Cat and many more.

Dudhwa park is also famous for 350 avi-faunal species like Swamp Francolin,Great Slaty Woodpecker, Bengal Florican, White necked storks, Saras-Cranes, Barbets, Kingfishers, Minivans, Bee-eaters, Bulbuls etc.

Attractions In and Around:
Not only Dudhwa National Park, its surrounding area are also dotted with some beautiful monuments of tourism value. En route Dudhwa National Park, there are two famous monuments namely

Frog Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this unique temple was built by the rulers of the earlier Oyal state, at a distance of 10 km from Hargaon in the district of Lakhimpur-Kheri. The base of this temple is constructed in the shape of a large frog.

Surat Bhawan Palace: Positioned at distance of 8km from Dudhwa National Park, Surat Bhawan Palace is a 19th century Indo-Sarasenic style monument. It was built by the rulers of the Singhai state of Terai area. Sprawl across an area of vast 9 acres, the entire palace area houses lush lawns, fountains, a swimming pool etc.

Best Time To Visit:
The most ideal time to visit Dudhwa National park is from mid November to mid June. Though the months of May and June are too hot and could create some discomfort. Avoid visiting the park in monsoon season .

Activities To Do:
The forested area of Dudhwa National Park offers various activities to tourists. Some of the popular activities in which tourists can indulge themselves are

Elephant Rides: One of the best attraction of this park is the elephant ride. Tourists love to witness the serene beauty and wildlife of this park, sitting on the top of an elephant. Its for sure that memories of this thrilling experience will linger into your heart for rest of the life.

Wildlife Photography: Another popular activity in which every visitor loves to engage themselves is wildlife photography. Be it an expert photographer or a novice, everybody loves click some beautiful snaps of wild beauty. So, that they can cherish the memories throughput their life.

Hotels and Wildlife Resorts:
No need to worry about accommodation. Dudhwa, Sathiana, Bankatti etc has some Forest Rest Houses and Log Huts for staying.

Wildlife Resorts: Tiger Haven Resort, Dudhwa

How To Reach There:
By Road: Palia, 10 KM(6.21 miles) is the nearest town to Dudhwa National Park. Several state run buses and private buses regularly operates to Palia from various other nearby towns like Lakhimpur-Kheri, Shahjahanpur, Lucknow, Bareilly and Delhi

By Rail: The nearest railheads to Dudhwa National Park are at Dudhwa town (4 kms, 2.48 miles), Palia (10 km, 6.21 miles) and Mailani (37 kms, 23 miles), though the most convenient way would be to travel to Lucknow and then reach Dudhwa by road or train.

By Air: The nearest airport to Dudhwa is at Lucknow, which is a distance of 260 km (161.55 miles). It is well connected to many Indian cities by flights of various airlines.