Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in Uttar Pradesh

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, India, is a vital component of the Terai Arc Landscape, which extends across northern India and southern Nepal. Established in 1976, the sanctuary covers an area of approximately 400 square kilometers. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and forms a crucial part of the Indo-Gangetic plain's ecosystem.

The sanctuary's diverse habitat includes tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, grasslands, and swamps. This variety supports a wide range of flora and fauna. Notably, Katarniaghat is home to several endangered species, such as the Bengal tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, and the elusive Indian leopard. The sanctuary also provides habitat for the Ganges river dolphin, a critically endangered species.

Apart from these large mammals, Katarniaghat is a haven for bird watchers, hosting over 300 bird species, including rare and migratory ones. It is an important site for the conservation of the Asiatic elephant, which occasionally migrates from neighboring regions. The sanctuary’s riverine system and wetlands also support a variety of amphibians and reptiles.

Katarniaghat plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, contributing to habitat preservation and species protection. It faces challenges such as habitat encroachment and poaching, but ongoing conservation initiatives aim to protect and enhance its ecological value. The sanctuary remains a vital area for both wildlife conservation and scientific research, contributing significantly to India's natural heritage. Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary's conservation efforts are bolstered by its connectivity to other protected areas in the Terai Arc, creating a larger ecological corridor. This connectivity is crucial for the movement and genetic diversity of wildlife, particularly for species like the Bengal tiger and the one-horned rhinoceros, which require large, contiguous habitats.

The sanctuary also engages in community-based conservation programs to involve local populations in protecting the area's natural resources. These initiatives aim to balance wildlife protection with the needs of local communities, offering alternative livelihoods to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Tourism, though limited, is managed to minimize ecological impact while promoting awareness about conservation. The sanctuary’s rich biodiversity attracts researchers, conservationists, and eco-tourists, providing opportunities for education and environmental advocacy.

Overall, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a critical piece of India's conservation landscape, preserving a unique and diverse ecosystem while addressing the challenges of modern conservation. Its continued protection and sustainable management are vital for maintaining the balance of this important...

Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (often spelled Kartaniaghat) is a beautiful and ecologically rich protected area located in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, India, near the Indo-Nepal border. It forms part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, along with Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary.

Here’s a detailed overview:

🌿 Overview

Location: Bahraich District, Uttar Pradesh

Area: About 400 sq km

Established: 1975

Part of: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (under Project Tiger)

Nearest Town: Bahraich (~100 km away)

River: The Ghaghara (Karnali) River flows through the sanctuary

🐅 Wildlife

Katerniaghat is a biodiversity hotspot, home to several rare and endangered species:

Mammals: Tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, swamp deer, spotted deer, and Gangetic dolphins

Reptiles: Gharial, mugger crocodile, and several turtles

Birds: Over 350 species, including Bengal florican, red-headed trogon, lesser adjutant stork, and great hornbill

Aquatic Life: The Ghaghara river supports Gangetic dolphins and mahseer fish

🌊 Key Attractions

Girwa River: Known for gharials and dolphins

Dolphin Point: Boat rides allow spotting of the endangered Gangetic dolphins

Gharial Rehabilitation Center: Conserves and breeds gharials

Dense Sal Forests: Scenic drives and nature walks through pristine jungle

Tharu Villages: Experience the local culture and traditional lifestyle of the Tharu tribe

🚗 How to Reach

By Air: Nearest airport – Lucknow (about 200 km)

By Train: Nearest railway station – Bahraich

By Road: Well connected from Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Lucknow via SH-30 and NH-927

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

November to April – Pleasant weather and best for wildlife sightings

Avoid Monsoon (July–September) – Heavy rains and sanctuary closure

🏕️ Stay Options

Forest Rest Houses: Managed by UP Forest Department at Motipur and Kakraha ranges

Nearby Towns: Simple lodges available in...

The Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Upper Gangetic plain in Uttar Pradesh, India and covers an area of 400.6 km2 (154.7 sq mi) in the Terai of the Bahraich district. In 1987, it was brought under the purview of the ‘Project Tiger’, and together with the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Dudhwa National Park it forms the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. It was established in 1975. The Katerniaghat Forest provides strategic connectivity between tiger habitats of Dudhwa and Kishanpur in India and the Bardia National Park in Nepal. Its fragile Terai ecosystem comprises a mosaic of sal and teak forests, lush grasslands, numerous swamps and wetlands. It is home to a number of endangered species including gharial, tiger, rhino, Gangetic dolphin, swamp deer, hispid hare, Bengal florican, the white-backed and long-billed vultures.

One of the best places in the world for seeing the gharial[3] in its natural habitat is the Girwa River, where it is found sympatric with the mugger. The population of gharials in this stretch was one of the three that were still breeding, when the project to conserve this reptile from the verge of extinction was initiated in 1975. However, between the years of 2001 and 2005, almost all the gharial nests were raided by tribals who consider them a delicacy.[3] Mugger crocodiles are also seen in small number in the Girwa river,as their favorite haunts are stagnant wetlands like the many taals and baghars that dot the sanctuary. Side by side the serenely swimming gharial can be seen frolicking...