Dudhwa National Park also known as Dudhwa Tiger Reserve lies in the foothills of Himalaya and plains of 'terai' on the India-Nepal border. The park is famous for its Swamp Deer whose population is over 1600 and tiger whose population was 98 in 1995. the creation of Dudhwa as a sanctury of Swamp Deer was due to untiring efforts of one of India's leading conservationists Arjan Singh 'Billy'. At a later stage he re-introduced zoo-born Tigers and Leopards into the wilds of Dudhwa. Total area covered by this sanctuary is 49,029 hectares / 614 sq.km. It was established in 1958 as a wildlife sanctuary in 1977 it became National park and in 1988 as a tiger reserve.
The forests here recall the resemblance to the forests of Bardia on the Nepal side in the past, with huge Sal trees, tall termite mounds, patches of riverine forests and large open grasslands. One can get the oppurtunity of observing the excellent swamp deer and birds from 'machans' in the lake here. India Rhinoceros were introduced to Dhudwa from Assam and Nepal somewhere in mid of 1980's. This park includes in it a rich bird life, with over 350 species which include the Swamp Partridge, Slaty-backed Woodpecker and Bengal Florican.
While on your way to Dhudwa one can visit the unique Frog Temple at Oyal. It was built by the former Maharajas of the Oyal state, district Lakhimpur-Kheri and are only temples of this kind in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The name frog temple came from the base stone of the temple which is built in the shape of a large frog. The temple is located at at distance of 10 km from Hargaon on the way to Lakhimpur-Kheri and Dudhwa.
Built by the rulers of the Singhai state in the Indo-Saracenic style. One of the famous palaces of the Terai area is Surat Bhawan Palace which is not very far from Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and is on the way to Lakhimpur-Nighasan-Dudhwa route. The palace is set in a large green, nine-acre retreat with beautiful expanses of lush lawns, fountains, a swimming pool and interesting architectural details to visit the palace is really worthwhile.
To visit the Dudhwa National Park the best period is Mid November, Mid June and February-April. All the facilities like Petrol Pump, Hospital, market, bank, Post & Telegraph office are available at the nearest town named Palia which is just 10 kms (150-183 meters) from the place.
Climate here same as in the rest of North India with extreme hot summers where temperature goes to say about 40°C and in winters it the temperatures remains between 20°C to 30°C. Annual rainfall is 1600 mm.
In summers one should carry Cottons and in winters not without light woolens preferably 'khaki'. The color can be selected as olive green, gray or other inconspicuous clothing which does not alarm or scare away the animals.
The best way to reach the place id either you drive from Delhi (8-9 hours) or take the train to Shahjehanpur and drive to Dudhwa (3 hours). There is an alternate way also by flying to Lucknow and drive to Dudhwa (245 km, 6 hours). Nearest railway station is Dudhwa which is 4 km, Palia 10 Km, Mailani 37 km and nearest airport is Lucknow, Dhangarhi Nepal, 35 Kms.
