DUDHWA
The Heart of the Terai
Set amidst the lush Terai plains of northern India, Dudhwa National Park is one of the country’s most unspoilt wilderness areas. The forest here is a magnificent stretch of ancient sal trees and expansive meadows. It is a place where one can truly lose themselves among towering sal trunks and earthy scents that linger in the air, especially after rain. The light filtering through the sal canopy creates a setting that feels both sacred and surreal.
This lesser-known gem is home to some of the largest Bengal tigers in India, the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and the graceful swamp deer or barasingha. Conservation efforts have played a crucial role in the revival of the rhino population here and elephants are often seen grazing peacefully in the open meadows. Among the park’s most iconic sights is a tiger emerging from the sal forest, dappled sunlight glinting off its coat. The courtship dance of the sarus cranes and the vibrant presence of great hornbills add to the richness of this biodiverse haven.
Once a royal hunting ground, Dudhwa has been transformed into a stronghold for conservation. The legacy of naturalist and conservationist ‘Billy’ Arjan Singh is deeply felt here and his efforts were instrumental in shaping Dudhwa’s identity today. Whether tracking wildlife in near silence or drifting along the park’s river channels, a visit to Dudhwa offers a soulful journey into a wild landscape that remains beautifully untouched.