Dudhwa National Park

Located in the Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh, Dudhwa is known for its successful reintroduction of the one-horned rhinoceros and its healthy population of...

Dudhwa National Park at a Glance

Location
North Indian Plains & Deserts, India, South Asia
Coordinates
28.507570, 80.710250
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Dudhwa National Park

Nearest airport: Palia Kalan Airfield, 14 km away.

Nearest international airport: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO), 195 km away.

Big Five in Dudhwa National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Indian Rhinoceros.

Weather & Climate in Dudhwa National Park

The warmest temperatures in Dudhwa National Park occur in June, averaging 30.5°C (up to 35.1°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 13.2°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in December with average rainfall of 2.7mm. Average humidity: 75.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 13.2°C (rainfall: 30.4mm)
  • February: 16.8°C (rainfall: 24.1mm)
  • March: 22.6°C (rainfall: 26.7mm)
  • April: 28.0°C (rainfall: 11.3mm)
  • May: 29.1°C (rainfall: 95.2mm)
  • June: 30.5°C (rainfall: 242.6mm)
  • July: 28.3°C (rainfall: 482.6mm)
  • August: 27.8°C (rainfall: 362.6mm)
  • September: 27.4°C (rainfall: 311.2mm)
  • October: 24.8°C (rainfall: 109.1mm)
  • November: 19.9°C (rainfall: 3.5mm)
  • December: 15.2°C (rainfall: 2.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Dudhwa National Park

The best months to visit Dudhwa National Park are April, March, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 13.19°C, rainfall 30.4mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 84.1%
  • February: Good, temperature 16.84°C, rainfall 24.1mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 71.5%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.64°C, rainfall 26.7mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 58.5%
  • April: Great, temperature 28.04°C, rainfall 11.3mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 38%
  • May: Great, temperature 29.07°C, rainfall 95.2mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 56.2%
  • June: Good, temperature 30.49°C, rainfall 242.6mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 66%
  • July: Good, temperature 28.26°C, rainfall 482.6mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 86.6%
  • August: Good, temperature 27.8°C, rainfall 362.6mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 87.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 27.43°C, rainfall 311.2mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 86.1%
  • October: Great, temperature 24.77°C, rainfall 109.1mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 77.4%
  • November: Great, temperature 19.86°C, rainfall 3.5mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 75%
  • December: Good, temperature 15.24°C, rainfall 2.7mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 75.8%

Wildlife in Dudhwa National Park

Home to 88 recorded species including 34 waterbirds, 23 birds of prey, 16 iconic birds, 7 tropical birds, 4 big herbivores, 2 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Dudhwa National Park

Based on average temperature of 23.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 72%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Dudhwa National Park

9 safari lodges available.

budget

mid-range

luxury

Similar Parks in North Indian Plains & Deserts

Visitor Tips - Dudhwa National Park

Dudhwa offers a refreshingly uncrowded safari experience, a rare gem in India's wildlife circuit, where the sounds of the jungle truly envelop you. We love its unique blend of tall grasslands and dense forests, providing a distinct habitat for the magnificent swamp deer and elusive tigers. It's a place where you can truly connect with nature, far from the usual tourist throngs.

Gate Times

Dudhwa's gates typically open around sunrise and close around sunset, with specific timings varying slightly with the season. For the October to March period, expect morning safaris to start around 6:30 AM and afternoon safaris around 2:30 PM. We strongly recommend booking your safari permits and vehicle entry well in advance, especially for weekend visits, as availability can be limited and permits are mandatory for entry.

Tipping

We find that a good guideline for tipping your safari guide or driver is around INR 500-1000 per safari, per vehicle, depending on the quality of the experience and sightings. For lodge staff, a communal tip box is often available, or we suggest INR 200-300 per day for general staff, given upon departure. It is always appreciated and a customary way to acknowledge good service.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Dudhwa National Park FAQs

What makes Dudhwa National Park unique for wildlife viewing, particularly regarding its rhinos and swamp deer?

Dudhwa is renowned for its successful reintroduction of the one-horned rhinoceros in the Ghola area, offering a rare chance to spot them in the Terai grasslands. It also boasts the largest surviving population of the endangered swamp deer (barasingha) in India, often seen grazing in large herds across the park's open meadows.

When is the optimal time to visit Dudhwa National Park for the best safari experience and wildlife sightings?

The best time to visit Dudhwa National Park is from November to March when the weather is pleasant and dry, making wildlife spotting easier as animals congregate near water sources. The park typically closes during the monsoon season from June to October due to heavy rainfall.

How does the safari experience in Dudhwa differ from other Indian tiger reserves, given its unique landscape?

Dudhwa's safaris traverse a distinct landscape of tall, dense grasslands and thick sal forests, offering a more immersive and less crowded experience compared to many other Indian parks. This unique terrain, combined with fewer vehicles, provides an authentic wilderness feel and excellent opportunities for tracking tigers and observing the abundant swamp deer.

What are the typical travel options and accommodation arrangements for visitors planning a safari to Dudhwa National Park?

Dudhwa is best accessed by road from major cities like Lucknow or Bareilly, with the nearest railway station being Dudhwa or Palia Kalan. Accommodation primarily consists of forest rest houses and a few private lodges located near the park gates, offering a rustic yet comfortable stay.

What health and safety precautions should visitors consider when planning a trip to Dudhwa National Park?

Visitors should consult their doctor about anti-malarial medication and take precautions like wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk. It's also advisable to stay hydrated, carry basic first-aid, and follow all park guidelines for a safe and enjoyable safari.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.