About
From
mosaic grasslands and dense sal forests to swampy marshes, the
terrain of Dudhwa National Park is as diverse as the wildlife
population is harbors. While the northern edge of the Park lies
along the Indo-Nepal border, the River Suheli marks the southern
boundary.
A Tiger Reserve since 1879, Dudhwa became a National Park in 1977
and adopted the Project Tiger in 1988. Although the Tigers at the
Park are numerous, sightings are rare due to the thick forest
cover of the area. Besides Tigers, Leopards, Hispid Hares and the
Swamp Deer (Barasingha) and Rhinos thrive amidst the vegetation.
The marshlands are especially inviting for about 400 species of
resident and migratory birds including the Swamp Partridge, Great
Slaty Woodpecker and Bengal Florican.
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Wildlife Attractions
Apart from the swamp deer, there are at least 37 species of
mammals, 16 species of reptiles and 400 species of avifauna.
Dudhwa Wildlife Sanctuary is said to have 101 tigers and four
leopards. Recently, the hispid hare has also been sighted from
this area.
It was here in 1984 that a major rhinoceros rehabilitation project
was started since these forests had been the habitat of the
rhinoceros 150 years ago. Five rhinos were relocated from Assam
but two of the females died due to the strains of transportation.
These were replaced in 1985 by four more females from Nepal.
Avian World
Dudhwa’s birds, in particular, are a delight for any avid bird
watcher- plenty of painted storks, sarus cranes, owls, barbets,
woodpeckers, minivets and many more, including some rare species
like the Bengal florican. Much of the park’s avian fauna is
aquatic in nature, and is found around Dudhwa’s lakes- especially
Banke Tal.
Flora Attraction
The major vegetation types in this region are tropical
semi-evergreen forest, tropical moist deciduous forest, riparian
and swamp forest and dry deciduous forest. The dominant tree
species are Shorea robusta, Terminalis tomentosa, Adina cordifolia,
Terminalia belerica, Eugenia jambolana, Dalbergia sissoo, and
Bombax malabaricum. The various types of forests throughout the
park are interrupted by wide stretches of mesophyllous grasslands
locally called the phantas.
Safari
Jeeps and mini buses can be hired from the Park. Elephant rides
through the Park are also available.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Dudhwa is between November and May. The
park remains open to the public from November to June, but by June
it’s usually a little too hot for comfort. Remember to take your
woollens along if you’re going between December and February- it
can get pretty chilly here, in the foothills of the Terai.
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How to Get there
Air : In India, Lucknow at 250 kms is the most convenient
airport, connected by flights from across the country. Outside
India, Nepal at 35 kms is the nearest airport.
Rail : The nearest railhead is Dudhwa (4 kms), Palia (10
kms) and Mailani (37 kms).
Road : The State Roadways buses and private bus services
link Palia to Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly and Delhi.
Buses are frequent between Palia and Dudhwa.