DUDHWA NATIONAL PARK
Area: 498.29 sq. km
Established: In 1977
Description Further east along the Terai, the Dudhwa National Park, which is also a Tiger Reserve, is localted in the district of Lakhimpur - Kheri, very close to the Nepal border. The 498.29 sq. km. Park has fine sal forests and extensive grasslands.
Tall coarse grass, sometimes-forming impenetrable thickets, swampy depressions and lakes characterise the wetlands of the Park. These are the habitat of large numbers of barasingha, the magnificent swamp deer, noted for their multi-tined antlers (bara-12 singha-horn). These in turn support the predators-the tiger and leopard. Though the PARK has a fair population of tigers, they are rarely seen owing to the nature of the forest cover.
The grasslands are also ideal terrain for the Indian one horned rhinoceros. In an exciting project undertaken in 1984, a number of rhinos were Trans located here from Assam and Nepal, in an attempt to extend their habitats and to exclude the possibility of wiping out entire populations through diseas and epidemics. Presently, 13 rhinos can be seen in Dhudwa.
Other inhabitants include the sloth bear, jackal, wild pig and the lesser cats- fishing cat, leopard cat, jungle cat and civet. Dudhwa has also an abundance of birds. There are spectacular painted storks, black and white necked storks, sarus cranes and varied night birds of prey, ranging from the great Indian horned owl to the jungle owlet, Colorful woodpeckers, barbets, kingfishers, minivets, bee eaters and bulbuls flit through the forest canopy.
From mosaic grasslands and dense sal forests to swampy marshes, the terrain of Dudhwa National Park is as diverse as the wildlife population it 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, Swamp Deer (Barasingha) and Rhinos thrive amidst the vegetation.
Wildlife Attractions in Dudhwa National Park Flora Apart from the swamp deer, there are at least 37 species of mammals and 16 species of reptiles. Dudhwa Wildlife Sanctuary is said to have 101 tigers and four leopards. Recently, the hispid hare has also been spotted in the 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 strain of transportation. These were replaced in 1985 by four more females from Nepal.
Dudhwa's birds, in particular, are a delight for any avid bird watcher. The marshlands are especially inviting for about 400 species of resident and migratory birds including the Swamp Partridge, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Bengal Florican, plenty of painted storks, sarus cranes, owls, barbets, woodpeckers, minivets and many more. Much of the park’s avian fauna is aquatic in nature, and is found around Dudhwa’s lakes- especially Banke Tal.
Fauna 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.
Safaris The forest provides no jeep safaris or guides. Jeeps and mini buses can be hired to move around inside the park. Elephant rides through the Park are also available and moreover the mahouts or Elephant drivers also double up as guides.
Other Attractions The park is conveniently located at an easily approachable distance from all the major tourist attractions of the state. Travel to the historic city of Lucknow or pay a visit to the shimmering water of the Ganga at Varanasi. You can also visit Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
How to Reach By Air: Lucknow is the most convenient airport. Outside India, Nepal at 35 kms is the nearest airport.
By Rail: The nearest railheads are Dudhwa (4 kms), Palia (10 kms) and Mailani (37 kms), however the most convenient way would be to travel to Lucknow (conveniently connected to most of the Indian cities) and hit the road or take a train to any of the nearer stations from there.
By 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.
Distances from Major Cities
Lucknow: 182 km NW / 4 Hrs
Ramnagar: 50 km
Delhi: 410 km
