DUDWA NATIONAL PARK

A mosaic of grasslands, marshes, lakes and sal (Shorea robusta) forests constitute the Dudwa Tiger Reserve. It is as wild as can be.

Situated on the Indo-Nepal border in District Lakhimpur-Kheri of Uttar Pradesh, the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve with an area of 614 sq. km. is one of the finest of the few remaining examples of the exceedingly diverse and productive Terai eco-systems.

The northern edge of the Reserve lies along the Indo-Nepal border and the southern boundary is marked by the River Suheli. It is home to a large number of rare and endangered species which include tiger, leopard, swamp deer, hispid hare, Bengal flovican, etc.

The Kishanpur Sanctuary located about 30 km. from Dudwa, is the other constituent of the Reserve. Spread over-about 200-sq. km., it lies on the banks of the River Sharda and is surrounded by sal forests of the adjoining reserved forests.

The grasslands of the Reserve is the habitat of the largest kind of Indian deer - the swamp deer or the 'barasingha', so called because of their magnificent antlers (bara- twelve; singha-antler). Decline in their habitats led to a drastic decline in numbers and a small area named Sonaripur Sanctuary was set aside in 1958 for the conservation of this rare species of deer.

Later, it was upgraded to cover an area of 212 sq. km. and was renamed the Dudwa Sanctuary. In 1977, the area was further extended to include over 614 sq. kms. And was declared a National Park. Eleven years later, in 1988, when Dudhwa became a part of Project Tiger, the area of the Kishanpur Sanctuary was added to create the Dudwa Tiger Reserve. About 1800 barasingha are to be found in the Reserve and majestic herds are especially seen in the grassy wetlands of the Sathiana and Kakmha blocks.

Dudwa has also the ideal kind of terrain for the Indian Rhino. Once found here in large numbers, they had been hunted down and had completely disappeared from this area by 1878. More lately, it was feared that epidemics and disease would wipe out the existing populations of rhino in Assam, West Bengal and Nepal and a decision was taken to distribute some in other suitable areas.

In an exciting experiment, one male and five female rhinos were relocated here from Assam and Nepal, in 1985. Now well settled in Dudwa, their numbers have increased. At present, tourists are not allowed in the rhino area.

The Reserve has also a fair density of tigers. Standing as it does at the top of the food chain, the tiger can only be protected by the total conservation of its natural environment and the Project Tiger has reinforced this at Dudwa. Despite its numbers, sightings of the tiger are rare, due to the dense nature of the forest cover.

Dudwa did have a large herd of elephants during the 1960's and 70's - a herd of about 30 animals that migrated here after the destruction of their habitat in Nepal. They have returned since to a little sanctuary across the border in Nepal. The Reserve, however, does have arange of fascinating wildlife. Included in their number are sloth bear, ratel, civet, jackal, the lesser cats like the leopard cat, fishing cat and jungle cat; varieties of deer - the beautiful spotted deer or chital, hog deer and barking deer.

The hispid hare, a dark brown animal with bristly fur - last seen in the area in 1951 and believed to have become extinct, was rediscovered in 1984 to the great interest of conservationists. The short -nosed crocodile - the 'mugger' and otters can be seen along the riverbanks as weII as pythons and monitor lizards.

A bird watchers' haven, Dudhwa is noted for its avian variety - about 400 species. Its swamps and several lakes attract varieties of waterfowl. Being close to the Himalayan foothills, Dudhwa also gets its regular winter visitors - the migratory water birds. The Banke Tal is perhaps the most popular spot for bird watchers. There are egrets, cormorants, herons and several species of duck, geese and teal.

Noted for the variety of storks that make their home here, Dudhwa has the 'sarus', the crane - elegant in its grey and red livery, black necked storks, white necked storks, painted storks, open billed storks and adjutant storks. Raptors like the grey headed fishing eagle, PaIlas fishing eagle and marsh harriers can be seen circling over the lakes in search of prey - creating pandemonium among the waterfowl as they swoop low.

An extraordinary range of owls are also to be found at the Reserve. These include the great Indian horned owl, the brown Fish owl, the dusky horned owl, scops owl, jungle ow2et, the brown wood owl, and tawny fish owl. Colourful birds - varieties of woodpeckers, barbets, minivets, bulbuls, kingfishers, bee-eaters, orioles, drongos and hornbills are all part of its rich bird life.

A rather fragile paradise, Dudwa is a noteworthy attempt at preserving a natural biosphere for the coming generations.

WILDLIFE :
Tiger, swamp deer, hog deer, barking deer, sambar, wild boar, sloth bear, rhesus monkey, langur, crocodile, jackal, leopard etc. Resident birds include hornbills, jungle fowl, peafowl, partridges, woodpeckers, thrushes, orioles, bee-eaters, baya, minivets, roller, drongos, bulbuls, etc. Rivers, nalas and ponds which comprise roughly 2% of the Reserve area attract birds like clucks, geese, cormorants, ibis, herons, storks, kites, fishing eagles, etc.

EXCURSIONS

Frog Temple
Oyal Enroute to Dudwa, the unique Frog Temple at Oyal can also be visited. The only one of its kind in India, it was built by the former Maharajas of the Oyal state (Dist. Lakhimpur-Kheri), Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the stone temple is built on a base in the shape of a large frog. The temple lies at Oyal village, 10 km. from Hargaon on the route to Lakhimpur-Kheri and Dudwa.

The Surat Bhawan Palace
Built in the Indo-Saracenic style by the rulers of the Singahi State, this is one of the famous palaces of the Terai area. Not far from Dudwa Tiger Reserve on the Lakhimpur - Nighasan - Dudwa route, the palace is set in a green, nine-acre retreat. Expanses of lush lawns, fountains, a swimming pool and interesting architectural details make a visit worthwhile. The palace can be visited with due permission from the Manager.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Road:
From Delhi : Delhi-Moradabad-Bareilly- Pilibhit (or Shahjahanpur)- Khutar-Mailani-Bhira-Palia- Dudwa. (420 km. to 430 km. approx.).

From Lucknow : Lucknow-Sitapur-Lakhimpur- Bijua-Bhira-Palia-Dudwa (219 km.) or Lucknow-Sitapur- Lakhimpur-Shardanagar- Nighasan-Palia-Dudwa. (238 km. approx.)

By Train: From Delhi: Delhi-Bareilly-Shahjahanpur (301 km., N.R.) and then by road to Dudwa (107 km.).

From Lucknow : Lucknow-Sitapur-Lakhimpur- Mailani - Palia - Dudwa (260 km., N.E.R.) or Lucknow- Bareilly (N.R.)-Pilibhit- Mailani-Palia-Dudwa (400 km., N.E.R.)

By Bus: UPSRTC and private bus services link Palia to Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Delhi etc. Buses ply frequently between Palia and Dudwa.

PLACES TO STAY

At Dudwa, Forest Rest Houses, Log Huts, Dormitory and Tharu Huts. Forest Rest Houses at Sonaripur, Sathiana, Bankati, Belrayan, Kila, Chandan Chauki.

A number of middle range private hotels are available at the nearest town, Palia (10 km). They include: Hotel Sarda, Hotel Rain Basera, Bharat Lodge, Hotel Mor, Hotel Mahendra, Hotel Basera, etc. Palia also provides for good eating facilities.

Accomodation	No. of Suites	No. of Beds
Dudwa
Air Conditioned Suite	1	2
Forest Rest House (A)	4	10
Forest Rest House (B)	1	2
TharuHuts	12	24
Log Huts	2	4
Dormitory	3	25
Sethiana
Forest Rest House (A)	2	4
Forest Rest House (B)	2	4
Log Huts	6	12
Benkati
Forest Rest House	4	8

(A) Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Uttar Pradesh, 17, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226001

(B) Dy. Director, Project Tiger, Dudwa Tiger Reserve, Palia, Dist. Kheri,
(C) Field Director, Project Tiger, Dudwa Tiger Reserve, Lakhimpur-Kheri - 262701

Important:
Bedding is available at Dudwa and Sathiana in all types of accommodation. At other Forest Rest Houses, bedding is not available.

Meals and snacks are available at the canteen at Dudwa.

To avoid inconvenience it is advisable to inform the Park Officer or caterer immediately on arrival about meal requirements. At the other Forest Rest Houses only crockery and utensils for cooking are available.

Dudwa and Bankati Forest Rest Houses are electrified. Generators are available at Sathiana, Sonaripur, Belrayan on payment basis for limited hours. No such facility is available at the Kila Forest Rest House.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area : 614 sq. km.

Year of Establishment : 1977

Location : Along the Indo-Nepal border in the Lakhimpur-Kheri District of Uttranchal .

Headquarters : Lakhimpur (Kheri), UP, India

Altitude : 150-183 meters Nearest Town: Palia (10 km.) Nearest petrol pump! Hospital / market /bank / Post & Telegraph Office are at Palia

Nearest Railway Station : Dudwa (4 km.), Palia (10 km.), Mailani (37 km.)

Nearest Airport : Lucknow, Dhangarhi (Nepal, 35 km.)

Temperature : Max Min Summer : 40°C 20°C Winter : 30°C 4°C

Season :
November 15th to June 15th. The Reserve remains closed between June 15th and November 15th.

Clothing* :
Summer: Cottons
Winter: Light woollens *Preferably 'khaki', olive green, grey or other inconspicuous clothing which does not alarm or scare away the animals.