Dudhwa National Park, located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India, offers an enchanting safari experience, celebrated for its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is a beacon for conservation efforts in the country, primarily due to the efforts of the champion conservationist, Kunwar “Billy” Arjan Singh. Spanning the dense forests, swamps, and grasslands along the India-Nepal border, Dudhwa’s unique ecosystem creates a haven for a variety of species. Early morning and late afternoon jeep safaris through the park’s verdant terrain provide optimal opportunities for wildlife viewing.

At A Glance
Nearest Airports
Lucknow, Bareilly
Best Time to Visit
November to June
Forests
Moist Deciduous Forests, particularly Sal forests. Grasslands, Wetlands, Tropical Seasonal Swamp Forest and Dry Deciduous Forest
Activities
Wildlife, Art, Culture, Boat Safaris
Minimum Recommended Stay
04 or 05 Days

One of the park’s main attractions is the critically endangered Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, which has been successfully reintroduced in Dudhwa. Spotting these majestic creatures grazing in the grasslands is a highlight of any safari. Dudhwa is also home to a significant population of Bengal Tigers, often seen prowling through the dense forests or resting near water bodies. The park’s thriving population of Leopards, often seen spotted lounging on tree branches or stealthily moving through the underbrush, add to the excitement. Dudhwa’s rich mammal diversity extends to smaller creatures such as the elusive Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, and the Indian Porcupine. The park is also a stronghold for the endangered Hispid Hare and the Bengal Florican, a rare grassland bird.

Dudhwa National Park, with its lush terrain, diverse wildlife, and successful conservation efforts, offers an unforgettable safari experience. The park’s commitment to protecting its unique ecosystem ensures that Dudhwa remains a vibrant sanctuary for future generations to enjoy.

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Dudhwa is one of India’s most underrated parks, a mosaic of habitats that feels like many parks in one. From peaceful boat safaris in Katarniaghat to grassland birding walks and the solitude of Satiana Ghat, each corner offers something unique.

Don’t miss the now unmissable Kishanpur and Dudhwa zones. To do justice to it all, plan at least 4–5 nights in winter. It’s wild, diverse, and wonderfully uncrowded.  

Trip Extensions: Bardia, Corbett, Pilibhit, Katarniaghat & Kishanpur

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Suggested Itineraries

Wildlife, Safari, Exploration Privately Guided

Terai’s Jungle Tale: Dudhwa Revealed

4 nights, 5 days

Though elusive, Dudhwa’s varied habitats give real chances to see Bengal tigers and Indian one-horned rhinos

A star conservation success; huge herds of swamp deer roam central grasslands, especially visible during the dry season.

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Terai’s Hidden Jewel: Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

4 nights, 5 days

One of India’s reserves showing strong tiger population growth; also home to leopards, sloth bears, swamp deer, elephants, and rich prey species

Over 400 species including migratory birds, water birds at wetlands like Jhand Tal, Barahasingha Tal, and diverse forest avifauna.

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Wildlife, Safari, History, Exploration Privately Guided

Jim Corbett’s Legacy: Wild India’s First Reserve

5 nights, 6 days

Established in 1936, Corbett remains a cornerstone of Project Tiger and India’s conservation story.

Explore dense sal forests, river valleys, grasslands, and the foothills of the Himalaya—all in one park.

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Special Interest, Wildlife, Exploration Privately Guided

A Journey into India’s Small Wild Cats

11 nights, 12 days

Traverse wetlands, dry deciduous forests, rocky scrub, and alpine deserts in search of species adapted to each unique habitat

Track Fishing Cats in Dudhwa or the Sundarbans; Rusty-spotted Cats in Bera or Satpura; Eurasian Lynx in Ladakh’s alpine valleys.

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Safari, Culture, History, Art Privately Guided

Tigers & Golden Triangle

12 nights, 13 days

Witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise

Go on safaris in Ranthambore

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Safari, Culture, History, Art Privately Guided

Taj, Tigers & Temples

11 nights, 12 days

Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal

Go on thrilling safaris in Ranthambore

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Culture, History, Exploration Privately Guided

A South Indian Odyssey

11 nights, 12 days

Explore Brihadeeswarar and Meenakshi temples

Visit Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO-listed Shore Temple

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Wildlife, History, Exploration Privately Guided

Explore Ladakh

12 nights, 13 days

Drive up to Khardung La Pass

Visit ancient monasteries in Leh

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