What is the best route to reach Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary?

Katarniaghat is located near the banks of the Ghaghara River in Uttar Pradesh. It is accessible by road from Lucknow (around 200 km) and by rail via Bahraich Railway Station. The nearest airport is Lucknow Airport, approximately 220 km away.

What are the rules that visitors should observe in the sanctuary?

Visitors must follow sanctuary rules such as avoiding littering, keeping noise levels low, not feeding animals, and staying within designated areas. These rules help protect wildlife and ensure a safe and respectful environment for all.

Weather at Katarniaght - Current Temp: 31.5°C weather icon

| Wind Speed: 6.8 km/h | Humidity: 60% | AQI: PM2.5 - 80.475 & PM10 - 84.915

Weather at Katarniaght - Current Temp: 31.5°C weather icon

Wind Speed: 6.8 km/h | Humidity: 60%

AQI: PM2.5 - 80.475 & PM10 - 84.915

WELCOME TO KATARNIAGHAT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Tiger with cubs in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

A WILDERNESS SAFARI THROUGH TIGER TRAILS

Gypsy jungle safari in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

THRILL OF JUNGLE SAFARI IN TIGER TERRITORY

Swamp Deer in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

JOURNEY INTO NATURE'S HIDDEN PARADISE

SPOT ELEPHANTS, LIVE THE WILD SAFARI ADVENTURE

ENCOUNTER GANGETIC DOLPHINS ON A SERENE BOAT SAFARI

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary - Heart of the Terai's Wild Beauty

Q: What are the procedures for booking a jungle safari in Katarniaghat?

Jeep and boat safaris can be booked online through the official site or at the safari booking counter near the Forest Department office close to the sanctuary gates. Advance booking is advisable, especially on weekends and holidays.

Q: Which animals does Katarniaghat host?

Katarniaghat hosts Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Asian Elephants, Gharials, Gangetic Dolphins, Otters, Barasingha (Swamp Deer), and more than 350 species of birds including Hornbills and Sarus Cranes.

Q: Do you get boat safaris in Katarniaghat?

Yes, boat safaris in the Ghaghara River are very popular. These safaris offer opportunities to observe Gharials, dolphins, and riverine birds in their natural habitats. It is a relaxing and scenic experience suitable for all ages.

Q: Does it have accommodation within or attached to the sanctuary?

Yes, there are Forest Rest Houses (FRHs) maintained by the Forest Department within the sanctuary. Additionally, eco-resorts and hotels are available nearby, especially around Motipur and Bahraich. Prior booking is recommended.

Located in the serene Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of the most beautiful and undisturbed wild nature sites in India. A regal 400 square kilometer lush green puzzle, a part of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and a delight to nature-prone, wildlife savvy, and eco-tourists who need pure nature, adventure as well as calm; Katarniaghat is a dream come true to land. Large, dense Sal forests, grassy open wetlands, meandering rivers, and rare species make this gem of a jungle a unique experience never to be forgotten.

Established in the year 1975 and incorporated into the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in the year 1987, Katarniaghat is not a mere nature reserve, but a remembrance of how interested India was in conserving wildlife. This sanctuary is located in the Bahraich district which makes up a very important corridor linking the Indo-Nepal boundary to the greater Terai ecosystem. It has developed as a savior of threatened species such as the Gharial, Gangetic Dolphin, and Tigers over the decades. This territory is of great ecological as well as cultural value as its uninhabited nature enchants not only conservationists but also adventurers.

Flora and Fauna: A Living Jungle Symphony

The diversity of flora and fauna is unbelievable in Katarniaghat. The forest can be characterized by Sal trees, teak, Jamun, and grassland that form a thick green cover suitable for wildlife. The most notable thing about this sanctuary is it is home to a good diversity of species:

Mammals: Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Indian Leopards, Sloth Bears and Indian Otters.

Birds: There are more than 350 species of birds that inhabit the park accompanied by other species like Sarus Cranes, Great Hornbills, Eagles, Ospreys, and migratory birds (seasonal).

Life in the water: the powerful river, Ghaghara, that flows throughout the sanctuary supports rare aqua life such as Gangetic Dolphins, Gharials, and Mugger Crocodiles.

Such is the exclusive land and water habitat that Katarniaghat accounts for the biodiversity hotspot in the country like no other. Katarniaghat is not only a refuge, it is a working laboratory of conservation. It is important in conserving highly endangered species such as the Gharial, Tiger as well as the natural home to Gangetic Dolphin, the national aquatic animal of India.

Tiger in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

Major Attractions in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

Gangetic River Dolphin

Observe the Gangetic River Dolphin in its natural habitat, the freshwater river, and have a relaxing boat safari in the Ghaghara River, the national water animal of India.

Jungle Safari

Adventure through thick forests and grasslands to the jungle safari. The animals are tigers, deer, elephants, and others to be observed in the wild, and are taken by professional guides.

Boat Safari

Relax in a tranquil boat safari down the river Ganges. Observe dolphins, crocodiles, and birds along the river with calm water, and luscious backgrounds.

Elephant Sightings

See grand pristine wild elephants following the track of the forest and waterways. Katarniaghat provides thrilling opportunities for memorable elephant encounters in safaris.

Exotic Birds Watching

Enjoy trying to identify hornbills, eagles, storks, and migratory birds in both wetlands and the tree canopies. A heaven for bird lovers as well as nature photographers.

Herpetofauna & Reptiles

Get to know wonderful reptiles such as gharials, mugger crocodiles, turtles, and snakes. It is ideal for environmental studies and wildlife adventure.

Jungle Safari Adventure: A Wild Experience with Nature

Katarniaghat is full of adventures including its thrilling jungle safaris. Be it a ride by an open jeep in the middle of the dense forest, sailing on a boat safari on the Ghaghara River, or having a call of wild birds on a morning ride, time seems to stand still and the tension is building awaiting something concrete.

There is also a guided jeep tour of the sanctuary as it features specific eco-tourism areas where one has a high probability of seeing tigers, herds of elephants, and even rare leopards. Katarniaghat, unlike its popular national parks, is less busy and filled with more people and is thus a more personal and intimate experience with the wildlife.

Do take a boat safari and you will float through the glassy river and regularly see Gharials basking, dolphins, and then birds swooping overhead.

Heart of the matter Conservation

The sanctuary labors in perfect interaction with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, wildlife biologists, and the local community to ensure ecological balance and long-term sustainability. Intensive anti-poaching patrols, habitat upgrading initiatives, and ecotourism awareness programs have turned Katarniaghat into a role model as far as responsible conservation of wildlife is concerned.

What makes Katarniaghat worth visiting?

Quirky and non-overcrowded among other national parks.
Abundant diversity of fauna of water, and land animals.
Gangetic Dolphins and Gharials can be seen well in one of the most preferred spots.
Tranquil, quiet environment for those who like real nature.
Eco-tourism, education, and volunteer opportunities

Safari Zones:

Motipur Safari Zone: The most famous safari range at Katarniaghat is Motipur Safari Zone which has dense Sal forests, wide open grasslands, and prospects to see tigers, elephants, swamp deer, etc. These places have jeep safaris that provide exciting wildlife experiences and beautiful sites in the environs.

Kakraha Safari Zone: Kakraha Safari Zone is a peaceful jungle. This zone is ideal to watch birds and explore in a serene atmosphere and apart from that there are rich riverine forests with occasional occurrence of sightings of elephants. It is also an avenue to a boat safari in the Ghaghara River and this renders it an ideal location for nature lovers and photographers in search of pristine wildlife.

The Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary operates for jungle safari only with two primary safari times:

Morning Safari: 06:30 AM to 10:30 AM

Evening Safari: 02:30 PM to 06:30 PM

Book your Eco-holiday now

If you are a nature lover, an ecology study student, a photographer, or just a regular person who wants to detach himself or herself from the natural world, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary would definitely be a real and exciting wildlife adventure. Certainly, you will not only have pictures to take but also will see India with a new perspective and realize how worthy it is, to protect the wild heritage of the country that could look even better in the future.

What are you waiting for, pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and be ready to redeem one of the most amazing wild voyages in the green centre of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Katarniaghat- where the nature talks and all the trail talks.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I visit Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary?

The most appropriate season to visit Katarniaghat is during the months of November- June preferably in the winter and early summer seasons. The sanctuary is closed to visitors during the monsoon season (July to October) because of an extreme amount of rain and because animals are in the breeding season.

What are the procedures for booking a jungle safari in Katarniaghat?

Jeep and boat safaris are possible to book online through the official site or at the safari booking counter at the Forest Department office close to the sanctuary gates. Booking in advance is advisable, particularly at weekends and holiday seasons.

Which animals does Katarniaghat host?

Katarniaghat has Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Asian Elephants, Gharials, Gangetic Dolphins, Otters, Barasingha (Swamp Deer), and more than 350 species of Birds namely Hornbills and Sarus Cranes.

Do you get boat safaris in Katarniaghat?

Yes, boat safaris in the Ghaghara River are very popular. Such safaris present opportunities to observe Gharials, dolphins, and riverine birds within their natural habitats. It is a relaxing and beautiful outing for all ages.

Does it have accommodation within or attached to the sanctuary?

Talking of it, yes there are Forest Rest Houses (FRHs) in the sanctuary maintained by the Forest Department itself. There are other hotels and eco-resorts within the vicinity near Motipur and Bahraich. It is advisable to require a prior booking.

What is the best route to reach at Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary?

Katarniaghat is found on the banks of the River Ganga in the province of Uttar Pradesh? It can be reached by road through Lucknow (approximately 200 km) as well as through Bahraich Railway Station. Its closest airport is the Lucknow Airport at about 220 km.

What are the rules that the visitors should observe in the sanctuary?

Yes, guests have to adhere to the wildlife regulations which include littering the wildlife, no loud sounds, avoiding feeding animals, and ensuring that they are in restricted areas. These regulations are necessary in order to save wildlife and have a secure environment in which everyone can live.

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful trail of untouched nature with its scenery along the Ghaghara River in Uttar Pradesh. It is an appendage of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and is renowned for exciting jungle and boat safaris and rare Gangetic Dolphins as well as varied wildlife such as tigers, elephants, and gharials. Katarniaghat is the surprise pocket of eco-tourism and nature lovers due to scenic landscapes, rich bird life, and serene forests. The perfect place to enjoy your family vacation, take those beautiful photos, or go on an adventure trip, the sanctuary will guarantee you an unforgettable safari experience and the connection with the beauty of nature at its purest.

Visitors Recent Reviews

Katarniaghat is not like the oversold parks and provides one with a pure jungle experience. No fancy lodges and that is why it is beautiful. It is the excitement of going into the forest and not knowing what to expect next that makes the real safaris. I liked it all here!
4.5
Manisha Tiwari, New Delhi

It is an ideal out-of-the-way place to go on the occasion that you feel sick of being bombarded with humans at tourist attractions. The rest house in the forest was simple, yet comfortable and clean and staff members in the forest were also of assistance. It was a great jeep safari that I took early in the morning and that enabled me to enjoy the view of the elephants and deer in their natural habitat. I strongly advise this show lover of nature.
4.5
Ved Prakash, Agra

Katarniaghat is the very highlight of our North India nature circuit where we visited it? It is so serene with no commercial sound. The forest is wild and natural. Our best moment was the boat safari, quiet water, birds everywhere, and excitement at the sight of dolphins kept the day memorable.”
5.0
Dr. Aditi Mittal, Kanpur

Katarniaghat is a birdwatcher's dream. I recorded more than 60 species within two days such as the Great Hornbill and the Crested Serpent Eagle. The variety of habitats that includes wetlands and dense forests is the best to fit birdlife. The avid bird-watcher will have to visit it too.
4.8
Ankit Sharma, Lucknow

Katarniaghat surprised me entirely! It is serene, pristine, and wild with animals. I spotted gharials basking, and hornbills soaring through the forest, as well as had a glimpse of a tiger. The boat safari was dreamy--seeing dolphins in the wild was the dream come true.”
5.0
Vedika Mishra, Gurugram

The wildlife visit to Katarniaghat was very calm and one of the most exciting experiences I have ever had. Boat safari along the para ganga river Ghaghara was a dream- come- true as I even got to see a Gangetic Dolphin- first in my life. It was a wild, primordial jungle safari with sightings of elephants and stunning bird life. It is less crowded as compared to other parks and this worked to its advantage. In case you are a person who loves nature and you want something offbeat then you should be in Katarniaghat.
4.5
Arpit Kumar, Mumbai