Lakhimpur Kheri: Dudhwa, Wildlife and Temples
Accommodation in Lakhimpur Kheri
Vast floodplains, sal forests and diverse wildlife define Lakhimpur Kheri. The district is home to Dudhwa National Park, the only national park in Uttar Pradesh. Together with Kishunpur Pashu Vihar, it was incorporated into the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in 1987. The reserve lies right on the border between India and Nepal—nature and landscape take centre stage here, complemented by temples, festive traditions and traditional handicrafts.
Wetlands and Wildlife
The national park covers an extensive floodplain along the tributaries of the Mohana and Suheli rivers. Streams, lakes and ponds form part of the landscape, alongside extensive sal forests. The wider Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is home to tigers, Indian rhinoceroses, elephants, blackbucks and swamp deer, among other animals. The national park provides a protected habitat for more than 38 mammal species and 16 reptile species.
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary also features varied landscapes: it lies on the Sharada River and has dense riverside forests with moisture-loving deciduous trees such as sal, teak and jamun. Open meadows are crisscrossed by tal wetlands and perennial streams; they attract animals and birds. The sanctuary was established in 1972 and is 13 kilometres from Bhira. This location provides a specific point of reference for planning a trip without specifying distances between the individual natural areas.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Encounters at Jhadi Tal
The many bodies of water in the Dudhwa Reserve attract large numbers of migratory birds in winter. More than 450 bird species can be spotted there in total. In Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Jhadi Tal is another birdwatching spot: many resident and migratory bird species found in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve occur here. Visitors have also often spotted chital deer, barasingha and otters at the lake. At times, numbers of up to 800 barasingha are reported there. The Sharada Beat area at Jhadi Tal is considered a place with good chances of seeing a tiger; however, sightings depend on luck.
Temples, Festive Traditions and Handicrafts
A distinctive cultural landmark is the Frog Temple in Oel. The former king of the state of Oel had it built between 1860 and 1870; the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered the only temple of its kind in India and is based on the Manduk Tantra. Its architecture is rooted in Tantra Vidya: the temple is built behind a large frog figure and within an octagonal lotus flower.
The Shiv Temple in Gola Gokaran Nath is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. Gola Gokaran Nath is also known as Chhoti Kashi. During the festive season, the Dussehra Mela is a major attraction in the district. Traditional handicrafts made by women from the Tharu community in the district offer another glimpse of regional culture. If you are interested in more than wildlife and landscapes, you can take these cultural themes into account when choosing the focus of your trip.
Travel Connections and Choosing Your Trip’s Focus
Lucknow is the nearest airport for travelling to Dudhwa National Park. The nearest railway stations are listed as Dudhwa, Palia and Mailani. The official road route from Lucknow to the national park is given as 248 kilometres and passes through Sitapur, Lakhimpur, Gola, Khutar, Mailani and Palia.
When looking for a holiday rental, it is worth deciding on the focus of your trip first: Dudhwa’s floodplain and birdlife, the scenery and wildlife watching at Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, or temples and festive traditions. For additional orientation, you can also explore Palia Kalan.
For an overview of the wider region, see Uttar Pradesh.
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