Dudhwa National Park & Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary - the Terai Haven
Dudhwa is located in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, spread over 490 sq km.
The park supports a diverse assemblage of wildlife. Its grasslands and forest edges are home to chital, sambar, hog deer, wild boar, and the iconic swamp deer (barasingha). Dudhwa is also one of the few places in India where the one-horned rhinoceros has been successfully reintroduced. Now fifty one one horned rhinoceros inhabit Dudhwa.
Tigers and leopards inhabit the dense cover, using the tall grass and riverine belts to remain largely unseen.
Tiger Sightings have improved significantly off late.
Dudhwa has rich birdlife, with over 400 recorded species, making it one of the finest bird habitats in northern India. Wetlands attract large numbers of waterbirds, while forest tracts echo with calls throughout the day and night.
The dense sal forests, sweeping grasslands, and water-filled lowlands together give Dudhwa its distinct identity—a Terai eden where life thrives quietly, shaped by water, patience, and deep ecological balance.
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary sits quietly within the Terai plains of Uttar Pradesh, close to the Nepal border. Modest in scale yet ecologically significant, the sanctuary functions as a vital piece of the larger Dudhwa landscape, offering continuity of habitat rather than spectacle.
The terrain here is gentle and open. Sal trees dominate the higher ground, giving way to wide grasslands, marshy depressions, and shallow watercourses that hold moisture long after the rains have passed. This constant presence of water lends Kishanpur a soft, settled character, where change arrives gradually with the seasons.
Grazing animals such as chital, sambar, hog deer, and nilgai are well distributed across the sanctuary, with wild boar frequently turning up the soil along forest edges.
One can see large herds of swamp deer in the Jhadi tal,and if lucky tigers on the jungle tracks.
Birdlife, however, is where the sanctuary truly asserts itself. Wet grasslands and wetlands support a varied mix of resident and winter visitors, while woodland species remain active throughout the day, making Kishanpur especially alive in sound and movement.
Kishanpur does not overwhelm. Its value lies in balance—in quiet grass, shallow water, and continuity of life—offering a Terai landscape that feels unhurried, functional, and deeply rooted.
About the Reserve
Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park, located in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, spans around 490 square kilometres. A Terai haven, Dudhwa offers a very different experience from the forests of central India, with its marshes, meadows, and thick sal forests.
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. You can see chital, sambar, hog deer, wild boar, and the famous swamp deer (barasingha), which are often found in grasslands and along forest edges. Dudhwa is also one of the few places in India where the one-horned rhinoceros has been successfully reintroduced, with a small but steadily growing population.
Tigers and leopards live in the thicker parts of the forest, often moving through tall grass and riverine belts. Sightings have improved in recent years, adding to the overall safari experience.
Safari Zones in Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park offers multiple entry points, each providing a unique gateway into its rich biodiversity and wilderness.
Gate No. 1 Sonaripur
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Sonaripur Gate is known for its open grasslands and wetlands, offering excellent sightings of Tigers, swamp deer (barasingha), rhinos, and a variety of birds. It is ideal for a scenic and relaxed safari experience.
Gate No. 2 Sathiyana
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Sathiyana Gate leads into dense Sal forests, making it perfect for a more adventurous safari. This zone is known for sightings of tigers, elephants, and other forest wildlife.
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Kishanpur, near the Nepal border, is part of the greater Dudhwa landscape and offers a quieter safari experience.
The terrain is largely flat, with sal forests on higher ground and grasslands and marshes in lower areas. Water remains available for most of the year, supporting a stable ecosystem.
Wildlife sightings include chital, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, and large herds of swamp deer, especially around Jhadi Tal. Tigers are also occasionally spotted along the forest paths.
Best Time to Visit Dudhwa National Park
Winter
October - February
Pleasant weather, ideal for birdwatching.Tiger sightings are also good.
Summer
March - June
Better chances of tiger sightings near the water sources
Monsoon
July - September
Park remains closed.
How to Reach Pilibhit
Tiger Reserve
There are many ways to get to Kanha by air, rail, and road.
By Air
The nearest airport is Lucknow, well connected to major cities.
By Train
The closest railway stations are Dudhwa, and Lakhimpur Kheri, with better connectivity via Lucknow.
By Road
Dudhwa is well connected by road to Lucknow and nearby towns. The drive from Lucknow takes about 5–6 hours.
Why Choose Curated Canopy Safaris
- All-Inclusive Packages – Stay, all meals, forest permits, gypsy safaris, and trained guides are included for a seamless experience.
- Experienced Local Guides – Knowledgeable guides who understand the jungle, read alarm calls, and track wildlife effectively
- Comfortable Safari Lodges – Carefully selected stays that offer both comfort and proximity to the park
- Thoughtfully Planned Expeditions – Every detail is considered to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and rewarding safari
- Fair Pricing – Well-curated experiences offered at reasonable and transparent costs.
Plan Your Safari
How to Book
You can book your complete package through Curated Canopy Safaris.
You will need to provide a valid ID (Aadhar card / PAN card / Driving Licence) for permit booking.
Safaris are limited and should be booked in advance.
Tips for Safarists
- Book in Advance – Safari permits are limited and sell out quickly, so plan ahead.
- Wear Neutral Colours – Earth tones help you blend into the surroundings and avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Carry Essentials – Mobile phones may be restricted in some parks, so bring a camera and binoculars.
- Follow Park Guidelines – Always follow the rules and instructions provided by forest authorities and guides.
testimonials
Trusted by many, proven by results
Namaskar, I am Dr Suneet Raut. Myself and my wife, Dr Sushila visited Kanha National park, last year, by April 2025. Our close friend, Dr Prakash Babu,called me whether we were interested doing this Safari trip. As we both are nature lovers, and having visited Tadoba and other sanctuaries,were delighted by this call. It was last week of April.We flew from Mumbai to Jabalpur,then to Kanha sanctuary. I must say,the total experience of those 4 days was WONDERFUL. The flights, transportation to and fro by road, the accommodation, food, overall comforts and personal attention and care of Curated Canopy Safaris was exceptional. One thing I would like to mention, that, Dr Prakash himself is a wildlife enthusiast, has a deep knowledge of birds and animals, has good knowledge of flora and fauna. His planning is meticulous and punctual. His venture CURATED CANOPY Safaris is dependable service. We both look forward to join his safaries in future also. -- Dr Suneet Raut, Palghar
We had gone with Dr. Prakash Babu for a Tiger safari to Kanha National Park safari last year. We enjoyed the trip thoroughly. The trip was very meticulasly arranged by Dr. Babu from Curated Canopy Safaris, taking into consideration all the minutest needs of ever member The stay was very comfortable. Tours well arranged and comfortable. We saw 4 tigers and made us all very happy and fulfilled.
Curated Canopy Safaris organised our trip to Kanha National Park in May ‘25. The Stay was in a serene hotel close to the park with amazing food and courteous staff. We did 1 night safari and 4 day safaris. We could see 4 tigers in 5 safaris. The tour guide and drivers were very alert and had a thorough know how of the parks. Besides tigers we could spot many deer, wild boars, peacocks and bisons. Overall we felt the time and money was well spent and looking forward to similar experiences with Canopy Safaris 👍
Attended Curated Canopy Safari trip to Kanha National Park in May 2025 with family and friends, it was a wild thrilling trip, early morning trips,Night rides with awesome rides through jungle. Well organised, over zealous guides,saw a lot of tigers,birds,deers bear etc.It was a wholesome awesome experience, good food, good stay.Looking forward to future safaris with curated canopy safaris.
Dr. Prakash Babu is a true and passionate naturalist, and the ideal person to begin his venture, Curated Canopy Safaris. It is rightly said that a true naturalist is best suited to design wildlife safaris, as such a person is deeply well-versed with nature, flora, and fauna. Dr. Babu brings with him rich and varied experiences from safaris and sanctuaries across India. Along with wildlife exploration, he consistently strives to inculcate a love and respect for nature among the common man. Living in harmony with nature is essential for the survival of our ecology, which today stands at the edge of a cliff, challenged by increasing human impact. We wish him the very best in pursuing his passion, not only through curated wildlife experiences but also in contributing towards the protection of sanctuaries and wildlife. Apart from this, his deep knowledge of birdlife, combined with immersive wildlife exploration, truly serves as a panacea for human stress.