The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger, Indian one-horned rhinoceros, swamp deer, Asian elephant, and leopard. It's one of the few places in India where you can find both tigers and rhinoceros in their natural habitat. The park hosts over 400 species of birds, including the Bengal florican, great Indian hornbill, and several species of storks and raptors. Notable among other species are the fishing cat, jungle cat, sloth bear, and various species of deer including hog deer and barking deer. The wetlands support numerous crocodiles, turtles, and fish species.
Dudhwa's vegetation is characterized by extensive sal forests, which cover approximately 60% of the park area. The forest understory is rich in species like jamun, silk cotton, and rohini trees. The park also features extensive grasslands locally known as 'phantas', which are crucial for many herbivorous species. Wetland areas support various aquatic plants, including water lilies and lotus. The park contains over 450 species of plants, including rare medicinal herbs and climbers. The varying vegetation types create distinct ecological niches, supporting the park's diverse wildlife population.
The park is situated in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, characterized by alluvial floodplains created by the rivers Suheli and Mohana. The landscape consists of a mosaic of sal forests, grasslands, and wetlands formed by ancient alluvial deposits from the Himalayan foothills. The terrain is generally flat with slight undulations, featuring numerous swamps and oxbow lakes formed by changing river courses. The soil is primarily alluvial, supporting rich vegetation and creating diverse microhabitats essential for the park's biodiversity.
Dudhwa National Park was established in 1977 and became a Tiger Reserve in 1988 as part of Project Tiger. The area was originally the hunting grounds of the royal families of Oudh and later served as a haven for wildlife conservation. The park's modern history is closely tied to Billy Arjan Singh, a renowned conservationist who played a crucial role in its establishment and protection. In 1987, the park was expanded to include the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and later in 2000, the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary was added to form the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve complex, significantly expanding its protected area and ecological significance.
Dudhwa's most distinctive feature is its successful rhinoceros reintroduction program, making it one of the few places outside Northeast India where rhinos can be seen. The park's location along the Indo-Nepal border creates a unique transboundary ecosystem. The Tharu tribal community living in the buffer zone adds cultural significance to the park, with their traditional ecological knowledge contributing to conservation efforts. The park's wetlands are recognized as important bird areas (IBAs) by BirdLife International. The watchtowers and hiking trails offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, while the interpretation center provides valuable information about the park's ecology and conservation efforts.
Dudhwa National Park experiences three distinct seasons: summer (March to June) with temperatures reaching 40°C, monsoon (July to October) with heavy rainfall and high humidity, and winter (November to February) with temperatures ranging from 8-20°C. The best time to visit is between November and March when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are optimal. During winters, morning fog is common, creating a mystical atmosphere but sometimes limiting visibility. Summers can be extremely hot and humid, making wildlife viewing challenging, while the monsoon season often results in parts of the park becoming inaccessible due to flooding.
India
28.5170°, 80.6170°
1977
490.3
Dudhwa National Park is part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve located in the Terai region. The park features grasslands and wetlands supporting diverse wildlife. It is home to tigers, rhinoceros, and several species of deer.