About The City

     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 tarai 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 includes Tiger, Leopard, Swamp deer, Hispid hare, Bengal Florican, etc.

     The Kishanpur Sanctuary located about 30 km from Dudhwa, 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 are 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 Dudhwa Sanctuary. In 1977, the area was further extended to include over 614 sq. km 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 Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. About 1800 Barasingha are to be found in the reserve and majestic herds are especially seen in the grassy wetlands of the Sathania and Kakraha blocks.

Rail

     Dudhwa, on North-Eastern Railway’s metre guage section is connected via Mailani to Lucknow & Nainital.


Road

     Dudhwa is connected by metalled road to other parts of the state. Important road distance are :

• Lucknow 238 km
• Bareilly 260 km
• Delhi 430 kms
• Palia 5 kms.

     Coaches and jeeps can be hired from national park office at Dudhwa for travelling upside the Park. Elephants are available for wildlife viewing at Dudhwa only.


Bus

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

Frog Temple, Oyal

     Enroute to Dudhwa, 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 (Distt. Lakhimpur-Kheri). Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the stone temple is built at 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 Dudhwa.


The Surat Bhawan Palace

     Built in the Indo-Saracenic style by the rulers of the Singhai state, this is one of the famous palaces of the Terai area. Not far from Dudhwa Tiger Reserve on the Lakhimpur-Nighasan-Dudhwa route, the palace is set in a large 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.

     The Forest Department has set up various rest houses within the park area to accommodate visitors :

• Forest Rest House, Dudhwa.
• Forest Rest House, Sathiana.
• Forest Rest House, Bankatti.
• Forest Rest House, Sonaripur.
• Forest Rest House, Kila.
• Tharu Huts, Dudhwa.
• Private Accommodations

     A number of middle range private hotels are available at nearest town Paliya.

• Hotel Sharda, Palia. Phone 444.
• Hotel Rain Basera, Nighasan Road, Palia.
• Bharat Lodge, Palia, Lakhimpur.
• Hotel Mor,A.N. Jha Marg, Palia.
• Hotel Mahendra, Dudhwa National Park Road, Palia, Phone 264.
• Hotel Basera, Station Road, Palia. Phone 433.

Important

      Bedding is available at Dudhwa 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 Dudhwa.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. Dudhwa 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.

For reservations and further information contact :

• Additional Principle Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Uttar Pradesh, 17, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow - 226001, Phone: 0522-283902.
  
  
• Dy. Director, Project Tiger, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Palia, Distt. Kheri, Phone: 05871-33485.
  
  
• Field Director, Project Tiger, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Lakhimpur-Kheri - 262001, Phone: 05872-5210