Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary - Explore Wilderness, Safaris & Biodiversity

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most intact and diverse secured regions of India, set in the Terai area of the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. This green haven, which borders Indo-Nepal, occupies an area of more than 400 square kilometers and is within the greater Dudhwa Tiger Reserve which also comprises Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary. Katarniaghat is an amazing landscape where forests, rivers, and wetlands converge to form an unmatched ecological paradise.

Katarniaghat is remote and yet close to the town of Bichia, small tribal villages and farmland make this place deeply rooted in local culture. The Girwa River, a branch of the Ghaghara River, supplies water to the sanctuary and flows smoothly through the thick forests nurturing a variety of aquatic and land-based life. Just near the sanctuary, there is Ghaghara River Dam, which is a major water body, which assists in irrigation as well as affects the ecosystem of the sanctuary, thus the region is very fertile and has a rich biodiversity.

Wildlife Wonders of Katarniaghat

There are not many sanctuaries in India where you may be able to see a variety of species, some of which are critically endangered, Katarniaghat is one of those. The sanctuary is associated with the Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, swamp deer (barasingha), hog deer, wild boars, and elephants. Sal forests, bamboo grassland, and grasslands offer a perfect home to the large mammals.

The Gharial, a rare species of crocodilian, is one among the rare species that are inhabitants of the sanctuary residing in the Girwa River. Katarniaghat forms one of the few remaining strongholds of these fish-eating reptiles. The mugger crocodile, Indian softshell turtles, and Gangetic dolphins can also be viewed by tourists, especially on boat safaris in the river.

Birds are also abundant in the sanctuary. Birds recorded over 450 species, among them white-rumped vultures, lesser adjutants, Asian openbills, eagles, hornbills, and other species of owls and kingfishers. The existence of wetlands, rivers, and grasslands provides excellent nesting and feeding habitats to both resident and migratory birds.

Jungle Safari and Exploration

Katarniaghat Jungle Safaris provides a unique exploring experience of untamed nature. The safari starts within the Forest Rest House premise in Motipur or Bichia and goes inside the forest through the unpaved tracks. There are no crowds of tourists as in other popular parks, Katarniaghat is a quiet park where you can enjoy the sound of each animal call during your peaceful drive.

The best safari trail lies across the Girwa River area where fortunate tourists can see gharials sunning themselves or swimming barely under the water level. They also have forest watchtowers and resting places where the tourists get a panoramic view of the sanctuary.

Besides the vehicle safaris, riding boats in the Girwa River is an activity that must be done. These are ecology tours where one gets to have close interaction with crocodiles, dolphins, and wetland birds, thus it is an exciting yet peaceful safari.

Scenery and Geographic Characteristics

The beauty of Katarniaghat is in its variety of landscapes. A living mosaic of natural beauty, the sanctuary is home to thick sal and teak forests, wide grasslands, marshy wetlands, and riverine ecosystems. The Rivers Ghaghara and Girwa with their wide canals and streams are very crucial in sustaining this rich ecological balance.

Just near the forest edge, there is the Ghaghara River Dam that controls seasonal flooding that in turn renews the wetland areas and feeds the grasslands-important to herbivores such as swamp deer and elephants.

Board and Facilities

The forest rest houses at Katarniaghat offer basic but comfortable accommodations to travelers. They have options at Motipur and Nishangara near safari zones. These are the accommodations that provide clean rooms, local food, and a quiet environment that remains under the control of the forest department. Advance booking is recommended during the peak wildlife seasons (November to April).

Camping within the sanctuary is not allowed, since Katarniaghat is situated in high conservation zones, however, eco-lodges and guesthouses are available in Bichia or Bahraich town, which can be used as an alternative to stay over.

Value of Conservation

Katarniaghat is an important part of the Terai Arc Landscape, a vital wildlife corridor connecting protected areas in northern India and Nepal. It falls under Project Tiger and Project Elephant as it is significant in conserving the gene pool of large mammals. Consecutive approaches revolve around anti-poaching, habitat rehabilitation, and community engagement, which make sure that wildlife prospers together with the human communities.

Go to Katarniaghat -Where Nature lovers Abound

A wildlife lover, birdwatcher, or nature enthusiast Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary will offer you an unrefined and unforgettable experience of the jungle. It is a place of mystic rivers, dense forests, and wilderness and is thus one of the final frontiers of the Terai.

Book your travel now, and discover the silent beauty and wild enchantment of Katarniaghat.