In 1958, area in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri District was notified as a sanctuary because it sheltered a large population of the endangered and rare deer species, Swamp Deer or Barasingha.
At first called Sonaripur Sanctuary, this area was later notified and named Dudhwa National Park in 1977 and then upgraded to a Tiger Reserve in 1988.
The National Park stretches on for about 490 sq kms with a buffer area of about 190 sq kms. The north-western boundary is contiguous with the international border between India and Nepal. The rivers Mohan and Suheli act as the northern and southern boundaries of Dudhwa National Park.
Dudhwa National Park is overrun by 3 to 6 m long Elephant grass during the monsoons and is home to some of the most endangered animal and bird species, like the Rhinoceros, Tiger, Leopard, Hispid Hare and the Bengal Florican. As the latter two species have been wiped out almost everywhere else in India, it is their survival that points towards the healthy ecosystem of Dudhwa.
To Reach
By Air
The nearest airport from Dudhwa National Park is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, which is about 236.8 km from there. Buses/ Taxis can be hired from the airport for the destination.
By Train
The nearest railway station from Dudhwa National Park is Sitapur Junction (134 kms) and Lakhimpur Junction (85 Kms)
By Road
Dudhwa National Park falls in Lakhimpur District. It is well connected with SH 25, and New Delhi. It has an excellent network of public/ private bus and taxi services to and from there.
Accommodations
Forest Rest Houses within the National Park.