Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (Timings, Entry Fee, Safari Online Booking & How to Reach)
Located in the Lakhimpur- Kheri district in Uttar Pradesh state, on the Indo-Nepal border, the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve was established in the year of 1987-88. Spread across an area of 884 sq. km, the reserve constitutes Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Sanctuary.
The Sonaripur Sanctuary was renamed as Dudhwa Sanctuary in the year of 1968. It was created in the year of 1958 with an area of 15.7 sq. km in order to protect the swamp deer. It was later enlarged to 212 sq. km. In the year of 1977, the area was further enlarged and declared as the Dudhwa National Park.
Flora @ Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
The main kinds of forests found here are tropical semi-evergreen forest, tropical moist deciduous forest, riparian and swamp forest and dry deciduous forest.
Some of the prominent trees found at the reserve are Shorea robusta, Terminalia tomentosa, Adina cordifolia, Terminalia belerica, Eugenia jambolana, Dalbergia sissoo, Bombax malabaricum, etc.
Fauna @ Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
Some of the common animals found here are Tiger, Leopard, Swamp deer, Rhinoceros, Cheetal, Hog deer, Barking deer, Sambar, Wild boar, Ratel, Hispid hare, Elephant, Jungle Cat, Civet, Fishing Cat, etc.
The area boasts of over 450 species of avian creatures presenting good opportunities for bird watching. Some of these are Hornbill, Red Jungle Fowl, Peafowl, Bengal Florican, Fishing eagle, Serpent eagle, Osprey, Sarus Cranes, Owls, Barbets, Woodpeckers, Shama, Indian Pitta, Paradise flycatcher, Orioles, Emerald dove, etc.
Best time to visit Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
The best time to visit Dudhwa Tiger reserve is during the months of November and May. The park is open for tourists from the month of November to June. Tourists can visit the reserve after getting permission from the Director of the Park, at the district headquarters of Lakhimpur Kheri.
Reaching Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
- By air: The nearest airport to the reserve is at Lucknow. It is well connected to various cities of the country like Delhi and Mumbai.
- By rail: The nearest railway station is Dudhwa which is just 4 km away and is connected to Lucknow and Nainital via Mailani. Other nearby railway stations are Palia at a distance of 10 km and Mailani which is close to 37 km away.
- By road: There are various UPSRTC and private bus service operating between Palia and Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Delhi, etc. Tourists have frequent buses between Palia and Dudhwa.
Accommodation @ Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
For accommodation tourists have various options in and around the reserve. There are staying facilities inside the park by the forest department. Swiss Cottage rents Tharu Huts and other options are available at Dudhwa, Sathiana, Bankatti, Sonaripur, and Kila.