Dudhwa National Park

Dudhwa National Park, located in the foothills of Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its one horned rhinoceros that is listed among the endangered species. Located in Dudhwa 238 km North of Lucknow, the park is covering an area of about 680 sq.kms, along the Indo-Nepal border in Lakhimpur-Kheri District.

The area was declared as a reserve forest in 1937 and a sanctuary, called Sonaripur covers over 15 sq km was formed here in 1958 to protect the swamp deer. And in 1968, a larger part of the area was included to form the Dudhwa Sanctuary. The area was notified as a national park in January 1977. In 1988 the park was declared as a tiger reserve and forms the Dudhwa Tiger reserve together with the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary. Very similar to the Corbett National Park, the park is bordering the Sarda River in the Terai. It is a perfect habitat for a wide range of animals.

To protect the Indian-one horned rhinoceros, seven rhinos from Kaziranga in Assam and and Chitwan National Park in Nepal were introduced in Dudhwa in 1984- 85. The last of the rhinos at Dudhwa was killed by the European game hunters in 1878. Now, there are 28 rhinos can be spotted in Dudhwa. The horns of rhinos are believed to possess therapeutic values and extensively used in oriental medicines. Besides Rhino, the park is best known for Barasingha or Swamp Deer.

Flora

The vegetation that covers park are tropical semi-evergreen forest, tropical moist deciduous forest, riparian and swamp forest and dry deciduous forest. The park has thick sal forests, grasslands and wet marshes. The dominant tree species are 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(phantas).
Fauna

Tigers, which are natural enemies of rhinos, are also found in this area. Other attractions of this National Park include the Sloth bears, Wild elephant, Jungle cats, Leopard cats, Jackals, Civets, Sambar, Otters, Nilgai, Chittal and Crocodiles. There are also a few leopards. Among reptiles, pythons and monitor lizards are common.

The park is the best to watch birds. Over 400 avian species have been recorded in this park. The tals and jheels are ideal spots for bird watching. The park, perhaps, houses the greatest number of owls and storks. The Jungle owlet storks, Great horned owl, Forest eagle owl, Dusky horned owl, Scops owl and the Brown wood owl are found in plenty. The storks which abound here are the Black-necked Storks, White-necked Storks, Black Storks, White Storks, Painted Storks, Open billed stork and the adjutant Stork. Magpie Robins, Sarus Crane, Great Hornbills, The Indian Pitta, Emerald Doves, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Orioles, Barbets, Kingfishers, Minivets, Sunbird, Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Pallas' Fishing Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagles, Changeable Hawk Eagles, Hornbills, Bulbuls, Drongos, Prinias, Chats and Warblers are the other bird attractions of this area.

Sightseeing in Dudhwa Ntional Park

En route Dudhwa National Park, there are two famous monuments namely Frog Temple and Surat Bhavan Palace. Built by the former rulers of the Oyal State, it is a unique temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple got the name 'frog temple' from its frog shaped base.

Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, by the rulers of the Singhai state of Terai Area, the palace is situated at a distance of 8km from Dudhwa National Park. It is a 9th century Indo-Sarasenic style monument. Sprawls across an area of 9 acres, the area has lush lawns, fountains, a swimming pool etc.

Tourist Information
The Forest Office is situated near the main gate. Here, one can get detail information about the safari timings, availability of rooms. Guest houses are available at Sathiana, Bankati, Sonaripur, Salukhapur, Belrayan and Kila ranges. The forest department does not provides any jeep safaris or guides. One can hire private vehicles from Palia. Elephants are also available for wildlife viewing.

Park entry fee: Rs 50 ; Vehicle entry fee : Rs 150
Park timings 7-10 am, 3-6 pm.