Rhino Spotting Zone
Track the Last Survivors of the Terai
Explore India’s Hidden Rhino Reserve in the Terai Belt
The Rhino Spotting Zone of Dudhwa National Park offers a rare chance to witness one of India’s most iconic and endangered animals — the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) — in its natural habitat. These majestic herbivores, once on the brink of extinction in Uttar Pradesh, now thrive in the protected enclosures of Sonaripur range, thanks to over four decades of conservation by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and the Indian Government.
History & Conservation Efforts
The reintroduction of rhinos to Dudhwa began in 1984 under the Rhino Rehabilitation Project, jointly launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh. Five rhinos from Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Nepal’s Chitwan National Park were brought in to revive the species in the Terai region.
Today, over 40 rhinos roam the 27 sq. km fenced grassland enclosure near Salukapur, making Dudhwa one of only two places in India (the other being Kaziranga) where rhinos are thriving in such large, secured tracts.
What Makes Rhino Spotting Special at Dudhwa?
Best Time to Visit: November to March (cooler months make visibility easier)
Location: Sonaripur Range, near Salukapur Rhino Enclosure
Habitat: Tall elephant grasslands, water bodies, and wetlands
Guided Entry: Visitors are accompanied by trained forest guides
Government-Monitored Area: Protected with watch towers and regular patrolling
What You’ll Experience
Watch the rare one-horned rhino in its natural grazing behavior
Spot other grassland species like Hog Deer, Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Wild Boar, and Asian Elephants
Learn about anti-poaching efforts, DNA tagging, and habitat protection from local guides
Great opportunity for photographers, wildlife researchers, and nature lovers
Entry Details & Charges
Access to the Rhino Spotting Zone is via the Jeep Safari, with permission from the Forest Office at Dudhwa/Sonaripur.
Timings: Same as general safari hours (5:30 AM – 9:30 AM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Permit: Required; bookable via Dudhwa Eco-Tourism Website
Entry Fee: Included in Jeep Safari pricing
Guide Charges: (mandatory)
Conservation Fact
According to a 2023 report by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, the rhino population in Dudhwa has stabilized with minimal poaching cases reported in the last 15 years, thanks to 24/7 surveillance and eco-sensitive tourism.
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Why Choose Us
Why Families, Wildlife Lovers, and Nature Seekers Choose Us
Explore the forest with licensed guides who help you spot tigers, rhinos, elephants, and more.
Safe, fun, and meaningful experiences for all age groups — from kids to grandparents.
Enjoy peaceful jungle trails, fresh air, and a slow, soulful escape from city life.
Connect with the real forest — spot wild animals, walk through grasslands, and feel the earth.
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