dudhwa national park

Best time to visit Dudhwa National Park

Dudhwa National Park is located in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, rhinoceroses, and elephants. The park also has a rich birdlife, with over 350 species of birds recorded. The park is located in the Terai region of the Himalayas and is known for its grasslands, wetlands, and forests. It is also known for its project tiger and rhinoceros breeding program. The park is open to visitors between November and June and can be accessed by road from the nearby city of Lucknow.

Facts about Dudhwa National Park

  • Dudhwa National Park was established in 1977 and covers an area of about 880 square kilometers.
  • The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, swamp deer, and many species of birds and reptiles.
  • It is known for its project tiger and rhinoceros breeding program.
  • The park also has a rich birdlife, with over 350 species of birds recorded.
  • The park is located in the terai region of the Himalayas and is known for its grasslands, wetlands, and forests.
  • The park is also home to the hispid hare, the only one found in India.
  • The park is open to visitors between November and June and can be accessed by road from the nearby city of Lucknow.
  • Dudhwa national park also have Dudhwa lake which is a popular spot for birdwatching and boating.
  • Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is also part of the Dudhwa National Park.

Safari Details and Timing

Dudhwa National Park offers a variety of safari options for visitors to explore the park and its wildlife.

  • Jeep Safari: Jeep safaris are the most popular way to explore the park, and they allow visitors to get a close-up view of the wildlife. Jeeps can be hired from the park’s main gate or from nearby towns.
  • Elephant Safari: Elephant safaris are a unique way to explore the park, and they offer a different perspective of wildlife and landscape. Visitors can take a ride on an elephant’s back and go deep into the park.
  • Boat Safari: Dudhwa Lake, located inside the park, offers a boat safari for birdwatching, visitors can see a variety of migratory and resident birds.
  • Bicycle Safari: Visitors can also rent bicycles to explore the park on their own. This is a good option for those who want to go at their own pace and explore the park’s many trails.

The safari timings at Dudhwa National Park vary depending on the season and the safari zone.

In general, the park is open for visitors between November and June, with the exception of Wednesdays and the month of Ramzan.

The park is divided into several safari zones, each with different timings:

  • Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary: The safari timings are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
  • Dudhwa Tiger Reserve: The safari timings are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
  • Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary: The safari timings are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
  • Lakhimpur Kheri Forest: The safari timings are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

It’s worth noting that the park management regulates the safari in each zone and visitors have to book safari in advance and follow the park rules. The timings may also change depending on the season or other factors, so it’s best to check with the park management for the latest timings.

Best time to visit Dudhwa National Park

The best time to visit Dudhwa National Park is between November and June. The park is open for visitors during this period and the weather is also pleasant, making it easier to spot wildlife.

Winter months (December to February) is considered as the best time to visit as the animals come out in the open to sun themselves. The mornings and evenings are chilly, but the days are pleasant, making it the perfect time for wildlife viewing.

The monsoon season (July to October) is not the best time to visit as the park is closed to visitors and the heavy rainfall makes it difficult to spot wildlife. The park is also prone to flooding during this time, making it inaccessible.

It’s also worth noting that the park is closed on Wednesdays and during the month of Ramzan.

How to reach Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is located in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, India, and can be reached by various means of transportation.

By Air: The nearest airport is Lucknow, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From there, it is a 5-6 hour drive by road to the park.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Lakhimpur Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From there, it is a 2-3 hour drive by road to the park.

By Bus: Regular bus services are available from major cities to Dudhwa. Visitors can also hire a taxi or drive to the park.

By Car: Dudhwa is well connected by road and can be reached by car from major cities in the region. Visitors can also hire a taxi to reach the park.

It’s worth noting that Dudhwa Tiger Reserve has two entry gates – Jhadi and Dudhwa. If you are coming from Lucknow, the Jhadi gate is closed and if you’re coming from the Nepal border or Pilibhit, the Dudhwa gate would be a closer option.

Dudhwa Safari Zone

Dudhwa National Park is divided into several safari zones, each with its unique features and wildlife. The park’s main safari zones include:

  • Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary: This is the park’s main safari zone and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, rhinoceroses, and elephants. The sanctuary also has a rich birdlife, with over 350 species of birds recorded.
  • Dudhwa Tiger Reserve: This zone is known for its project tiger and rhinoceros breeding program. It’s also one of the best places in the park to spot tigers, with a high density of tigers.
  • Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary: This zone is located on the border of Nepal and India, and is known for its grasslands and wetlands. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and swamp deer.
  • Lakhimpur Kheri Forest: This zone is known for its dense forests and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and elephants.

Each safari zone offers a different experience, and visitors can choose the one that best suits their interests. It’s worth noting that the park management regulates the safari in each zone and visitors have to book safari in advance and follow the park rules.

History of Dudhwa National Park

Dudhwa National Park has a rich history dating back to the colonial era. The park was established in 1958 as a game sanctuary, with the primary goal of preserving the area’s rich biodiversity.

In 1977, the park was officially declared as a National Park, and in 1987, it was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation program in India. The park has also been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International.

In the early days, the park was primarily used as a hunting ground by the British and local nobility. However, with the establishment of the park, hunting was banned, and the area was protected for conservation purposes.

In the late 1970s, the park faced severe threats from poaching, habitat destruction, and illegal logging. But with the establishment of Project Tiger and other conservation efforts, the park’s wildlife populations have been recovering.

Nowadays, Dudhwa National Park is considered one of the most important protected areas in India and is a popular destination for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.

 

Share this article:
Previous Post: Sasan Gir National Park 

August 17, 2017 - In Blog

Next Post: Hawa Mahal Jaipur

August 19, 2017 - In Top Destination

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.