Boat Safari in Katarniaghat: A Unique Wildlife Experience on the Girwa River

Katarniaghat Wildlife sanctuary, situated in the heart of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, is an exciting and close experience to the wilderness in water. Most wildlife safaris in India are either conducted by jeeps or on foot; however, Katarniaghat is unique as the Boat Safari is conducted in the Girwa River as one of the rare riverside safaris in the country. The special safari not only maximizes your likelihood of seeing the water animals and semi-water animals but also offers a picturesque and peaceful expedition into one of the biodiverse parts of the Terai.

Why Choose a Boat Safari in Katarniaghat?

A river that flows right through the middle of the sanctuary (Girwa River) forms the lifeline of several species. The safari on the river will enable the tourists to see wildlife from an entirely new angle. On your silent ride through the waters, through Sal forests and marshland, you become the inhabitant of the world of reptiles, aquatic mammals, and river birds.

A boat safari comes with minimal intrusion by humans on animals and increases the likelihood of natural close-up interactions. The serene flow of the boat and the reflections of the rich forests in the waters are magical, and this can never be compared to any safari on the road.

Wildlife Species That You Can See in the Boat Safari

1). Gharials

The boat safari has a star performance with the Gharial, which is a critically endangered fish-eating crocodilian. Having a long, thin snout and pointed teeth, the gharial is perfectly adapted to life in rivers. Katarniaghat is among the few breeding and thriving gharial habitats.

Where to Find: The Girwa River banks and sand bars

When to Spot: The Fall Season (October through to April) (When weather conditions are calm along the river)

2). Mugger Crocodile

Gharials themselves are found in deeper water, whereas bigger and more ferocious Mugger crocodiles are also observed resting on river banks or secluding in more shallow waters.

Hint: Search still figures on the beach at early mornings- they tend to blend in with the rocks and logs.

3). Gangetic Dolphin

One more attraction of the boat safari is the elusive and endangered Gangetic Dolphin, which is better known as the National Aquatic Animal of India. These dolphins, which are freshwater dwellers, give one such unforgettable experience when one is fortunate to see them.

Where to Spot – The Deep and silent Stretches of the Girwa river

Spotting time – October to March, early morning hours

Did You Know? These dolphins are blind and have to figure out where to go through echolocation.

4). Turtles

The river houses also different species of turtles, such as the Indian Softshell Turtles, Flapshell Turtles, and the Rafetus species. They can be observed basking along logs or grainy sides.

Hint: Bring with you binoculars that will help you see turtles basking at a further distance on the banks.

5). Birdlife

There are many species of birds that are supported by the riparian ecosystem. Watch out: Indian Skimmer, Black-necked Stork, Osprey, River Tern, Pied Kingfisher.

Best Season to Visit – between November and March (Migratory Season)

The best places to view the birds are sandbars and river banks with trees.

What Makes the Experience Special?

Silent Exploration: Boat rides do not disturb any wildlife as compared to jeep safaris and provide a real touch of the wildlife.

Scenic Views: The river winds through the forests, and there is a panoramic view and calm reflection of the water.

Eco-Friendly: Boat safari has a low ecological footprint as opposed to land safaris.

Booking a Boat Safari in Katarniaghat

The boat safaris are controlled and carried out by the forest department. It can, however, be pre-booked, though considering the peak season will be hectic.

Nothing is worse than having a rough time on tour, and to avoid this, we suggest you book with Dudhwa Royal Safari, a well-known and trusted eco-tourism operator that does wildlife tours in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Their schooled guides, along with naturalists, improve your probability of sighting uncommon wildlife and your learning of the ecosystem.

Booking Tips

Take the best sightings in the early morning or late evening.

Dress in dark tones and avoid heavy perfumes.

Take a camera and a zoom lens, binoculars, a hat, and sunscreen.

Safety and Guidelines

They are supplied with life jackets, and their usage is required during the journey.

Keep quiet and do not feed animals.

Parents are supposed to accompany children armed with nappies at all times.

Flash photography is discouraged.

Last Impressions and Summing Up

The Boat Safari at Katarniaghat is an unusual combo of excitement and relaxation with a view of some of the rarest aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures of India. It could be as subtle as a gharial swimming in the water, or as evocative as a dolphin breaking the surface, or as musical as the voice of a riverine bird, but in this case, there is no end to the moments that accompany one at the water.

The larger Dudhwa Tiger Reserve also includes other treasures such as the Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur wildlife sanctuary, and Pilibhit tiger reserve that lies beyond the waters of the Girwa River. Both destinations are different, and a wildlife experience is unique to each destination and forms a complement to each other and the charm of Katarniaghat.

Therefore, in case you want to have something strange and memorable, get on a boat safari in Katarniaghat, and the rhythm of the river would show you the way around the wild adventure. Register your trip with Dudhwa Royal Safari and unveil the secret gems of the wild hearts of India!