Jungle Safari in Katarniaghat - Explore the Wild Heart of Terai

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary located on the Indo-Nepal border in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh; a well-kept secret of the Indian wilderness. This sanctuary covers an area of 400 square kilometers in the Bahraich district and is included in the greater Dudhwa Tiger Reserve with all its dense sal forests, wetlands, magnificent variety of flavor- and fauna. A jungle safari in Katarniaghat is unforgettable to people who want to get an unspoiled natural environment, infrequent wildlife encounters, and a quiet trip into the jungle.

Why Katarniaghat Jungle Safari?

Katarniaghat is a rustic version of a safari as opposed to the more commercialized wildlife parks in India. In this case, there is silence in the jungles, animals wander freely, and nature sounds are the major ones. Katarniaghat safari zones remain less popular, and it implies fewer visitors and more opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural activities.

The park harbors two of the most famous and endangered Indian species; the Bengal tiger and the leopard, the still-wild elephant, the swamp deer (barasingha), the Gangetic dolphin and the gharial, and has more than 400 bird species. It is also the only location in India (among the number of resources) where both terrestrial and marine megafauna can be observed in a single safari journey.

Safari Zones in Katarniaghat

Katarniaghat has two main safari areas on which the jungle safaris are stretched:

Motipur Range - The most popular zone of the Katarniaghat is the Motipur nicknamed because of the thick sal forests and also home to the tigers. This is the place where most of the wild animals including elephants, deer, wild boars, and big cats are sighted. The rails in this area pass through dense bushes, bamboo plantations, and savannas thus providing the ideal safari experience.

Kakraha Range - Kakraha is less noisy and communal and very good for a bird watcher and nature lover. The area also includes the Ghaghara river bank which is an excellent place to see gharials, otters, and water birds. The landscape is breath and your probability of getting a sunrise and sunset safari with a distinct sighting is very high.

Timings & Seasons in Safari

Safaris should be done during the best months of November to June. Between March and May, there is a greater opportunity to spot some tigers since the vegetation is dry. Birdwatching and boat safari is good during winter months (November- February).

The off-season is monsoon (July to October) because of heavy rainfall, but it is a beautiful time for forest rejuvenation.

• Morning Safari: 6:30 AM -10:30 AM
• Evening Safari: 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Timings can change with seasons and the rules of the Forest department. Guests should be reported at the gate half an hour before departure.

Katarniaghat Jungle Safari Types

To serve the interests of many people, Katarniaghat provides an array of land-based, as well as river safari.

Jeep safari:

• Carried out in Motipur as well as Kakraha ranges.
• Time-based entries in the morning and evening slots.
• Along with official guides in the forest.
• Gives the best opportunity of sighting tigers, elephants, deer, and birds.
• Jeep safari mostly takes 3 to 4 hours and goes through marked forest trails. They are family-friendly, photographer-friendly, and wildlife-friendly.

Boat Safari (River Safari):

• It was carried out on the Ghaghara River and related wetlands.
• Special opportunity to observe dolphins of Gangetic, gharials, crocodiles, and turtles.
• Ideal for bird watching and scenic discovery in the waters.
• The boat safaris are not offered throughout the year and are normally functional during the post-monsoon and during the winter season when water conditions are safe.

Wildlife Sightings and Attractions

The Katarniaghat jungle safaris are a ride of surprises and thrills. The sanctuary is one of the biodiversity hotspots, which sustains:

Mammals: Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Asiatic Elephant, Swamp Deer, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Indian Muntjac.

Reptiles: Gharials, Marsh Crocodiles, Turtles and Monitor Lizards.

Birds: Indian Grey Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Bar-headed Goose, Black-necked Stork, Kingfishers and Sarus Crane.

Fauna in the Water: Gangetic Dolphins, Otters, Snakes in Water.

The rare and endangered species, too, are found in Katarniaghat, in the form of the Hispid Hare and Bengal Florican hence every safari becomes a treasure hunt in the wild.

Booking & Permits

Safaris have to be confirmed by the Forest Department or counters registered. All travelers should have a valid government ID. The number of vehicles permitted in a day is limited so it is highly advisable to make a reservation, especially during the weekends and holidays.

Fees differ on the basis of: Jeep/Boat type safari, Vehicle Type, Number of people, Camera/filming equipment (additional charge can be applied).

Eco - Tourism & Be Responsible During Safari

Katarniaghat encourages eco-tourism and all the safaris are done with the tight control of the forest. The following are what visitors should consider:

• Do not litter and use plastic.
• Do not talk loud or make noise that would scare animals.
• Never go against the guide and the driver.
• Dress in more earth-colored clothes as a part of camouflage.
• Stay away from heavy perfume or deodor deodorants.

Each tourist contributes to the preservation of the delicate biosystem in the sanctuary. Observing the rules will make both the tourists and wildlife to be safe.

Other Attractions to be blended with Safari

During the preparation of a jungle safari in Katarniaghat, the tourist will have the possibility to visit Girjapuri Barrage, Birdwatching Trails around Ghaghara River, Riverside Forest Rest Houses.

To undertake long trips, the tourists may visit Dudhwa National Park and Pilibhit Tiger Reserve or they move across the borders to Bardiya National Park in Nepal.

Katarniaghat jungle safari is not a mere trip in the forest but it is an experience in the form of nature that can be experienced in its purest way. It can be the roar of a tiger being hunted the splash of a dolphin in the river or the haunting call of the hornbill, every minute will bring you a step further to wilderness and wonder in the sanctuary.

To all the tourists with a desire to break the city chains and find contact with nature, Katarniaghat is bound to provide the ideal environment to explore- wild, unexplored, and loved.