Dudhwa was designated a national park in 1977 and later became a Project Tiger reserve in 1988.
The park's rhinoceros population was reintroduced in 1984, translocated from Assam and Nepal, after the species had been locally extinct for over a century.
It contains the largest population of swamp deer (barasingha) in the world.
The park features a unique 'Sal' forest ecosystem, which is one of the most productive and diverse in the Indian subcontinent.
The Mahseer fish, an endangered freshwater species, inhabits the clear, fast-flowing waters of the park's rivers.
The landscape is significantly shaped by the seasonal flooding of the Sharda and Suheli rivers, which creates vital mudflats and wetlands.
Dudhwa National Park is a prominent protected area in the Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh, bordering Nepal to the north. It is the only place in India where one can find both the swamp deer (barasingha) and the one-horned rhinoceros in their natural habitat. The park’s ecosystem comprises a mix of sal forests, tall grasslands, and extensive wetlands fed by the Sharda and Suheli rivers. Its 490-square-kilometer core area is part of the larger Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, which also encompasses the Kishanpur and Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuaries. The park serves as a critical corridor for Bengal tigers and Asian elephants migrating between India and Nepal. Birdwatchers frequent the park for its population of Bengal floricans and various species of raptors. The reserve is strictly managed to minimize human interference, ensuring the preservation of the Terai-Duar savanna and grassland biome. Visitors primarily explore the park via organized jeep or elephant safaris sanctioned by forest authorities.
The watchtowers overlooking the grasslands and water holes provide the best vantage points for wildlife photography.
Book your safari permits online well in advance, as slots are limited and often filled by tour operators.
Carry high-quality binoculars, as the dense grasslands can make spotting tigers and rhinos challenging from a distance.
Hire an experienced local guide to navigate the park, as they are trained to track movement and identify bird calls.
Do not step out of your vehicle during a safari; avoid using perfumes or strong-smelling products that can attract insects or alert animals to your presence.
The park is closed to visitors during the monsoon season, typically from mid-June to October.
Avoid bright-colored clothing that stands out against the forest backdrop; maintain silence during safaris to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
