Adventure, Serenity, and Wildlife - All in One Sanctuary

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is the most appealing and peaceful eco-tourism site in the state of Uttar Pradesh located within the Bahraich district close to the Indo-Nepal border. The sanctuary is renowned for possessing picture-postcard panoramas, wetland surroundings, and exotic species of wildlife and a section of the renowned Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, the sanctuary has gradually developed to be one of the favorite haunts of nature enthusiasts, wildlife photography birds, watchers, and responsible adventurers.

History of Tourism

The ashram was set up in 1975 though it was a little-known wildlife destination in India till a few years back. In contrast to the commercialized and popular parks, Katarniaghat remained untouched in its natural delight for many decades, open principally to researchers, forest management bodies, and the locals of the surrounding villages. But once it was incorporated into the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in 1987 as part of the Project Tiger the tourism potential of the area began to be noticed gradually.

The ashram was set up in 1975 though it was a little-known wildlife destination in India till a few years back. In contrast to the commercialized and popular parks, Katarniaghat remained untouched in its natural delight for many decades, open principally to researchers, forest management bodies, and the locals of the surrounding villages. But once it was incorporated into the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in 1987 as part of the Project Tiger the tourism potential of the area began to be noticed gradually.

Eco-Tourism at Katarniaghat

Katarniaghat has become an example of eco-tourism in India. The refuge is centeredaround the low intervention of humans, no-waste tourism, and educational-type adventures. Tourists coming here do not only see themselves as tourists but as a part of a bigger picture of wider protection and preservation of wildlife and their homes.

By improving the experience of the visitor, forest officials and eco-guides who are trained by the Forest Department can give a detailed explanation of the flora, fauna, and the ecological balance of the sanctuary. The local communities are also not left out in the eco-tourism activities as it gives them the opportunity to reward themselves directly through the jobs they work in as guides, lodgings, and other support services.

Visitor policies are strictly adhered to in order to ensure less harm to the environment, such as limited menagerie in safari, zones devoid of plastic, and restricted locations of tours thus Katarniaghat is one of the most well-administered wildlife destinations in the area as far as environmental protection is concerned.

Jungle Safari Adventure

The Jeep Safari experience is one of the greatest attractions at Katarniaghat. Such safaris occur in morning and afternoon shifts and they lead people far in the interior of the forest following special designated channels.

The safari vehicles are escorted by drivers who are well trained together with forest guides who facilitate sighting and interpretation of animal signs and bird movements. The main attractions usually seen by the tourists are the Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Swamp deer, sloth bears, and varied wild birds such as the Hornbill, Owls, and King-fishers.

This jungle-like forest silence filled only by nature or the call of wildlife makes the jungle seem real in a way that is hard to recreate. Morning and late afternoons are the best times when jungle safaris should be taken as animals are most active at these times.

Safari Zones - Kakraha & Motipur

Katarniaghat has two major safari areas, Kakraha and Motipur, both with different terrain and attracting different wildlife:

• Kakraha Zone: Kakraha is the central safari zone as well as, the most visited. It has a combination of dense sal forests, open grasslands, and riverine patches. The zone is also an ideal tiger watching and a photographic area of shot birds. A forest rest house is also available here enabling tourists to sleep in the wilderness enhancing the feel of the forest.
• Motipur Zone: The Motipur range is calm and less tourist-populated, so it is a pleasant area to have a safari. It is best suited to bird watching, particularly, during winters, and sightings of crocodiles and gharials along the river banks.

Both of the zones have the same biodiversity and the Forest Department is in charge of them so that the visitors are safe and the wildlife is well taken care of.

Boating and River Experience

Ghaghara River which passes through Katarniaghat will have an enriching experience in boat safari. These are carried out by forest personnel in safe motor boats or paddle boats and it is one of the most tranquil and beautiful methods of traversing the sanctuary.

Boating provides an opportunity to see Gangetic Dolphins, Gharials, Mugger Crocodiles, and a great number of water birds such as Cormorants, Herons, Egrets, etc. The low-powered boats provide a special view of the wildlife and the forest.

The boat ride with sunrise or sunset is very strongly suggested and one counts them as some of the stars of the Katarniaghat show.

Stay and Accommodation at Katarniaghat

There are no current accommodation facilities at Katarniaghat yet, although the ones available are basic and environment friendly. The Forest Department has also come up with Forest Rest Houses (FRH) in areas such as Kakraha and Motipur where there are municipal-type amenities, clean rooms as well as a stay close to nature.

These rest houses are situated deep down into the forest and they provide an opportunity to listen to animals calling in the night as well as birds chirping in the morning in the serene environment with little disturbances.

There are also budget hotels, guesthouses, and eco-resorts in nearby towns like Bahraich that one could reside in since they do not want to explore the main forest area. Specified accommodations offer local food and it is recommended to make a reservation in advance, particularly, on weekends or holiday periods.

Tour packages - Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

To enable the visitors to tour the sanctuary in a strategic and educating manner, there are various tour operators and eco-travel agencies that promote the Katarniaghat Wildlife Tour Package. These may be day tours, and 2-3 nights tours, such as safaris, boating, accommodation, local transfers, and so on. Average packages include:

• 1 Night / 2 Days: Jeep Safari and Boat Safari and Stay and Meals.
• Nights 2 / 3 Days Many safaris, bird-watching walks, local sightseeing ( dames, riverbanks ), and guided experiences inside the forest.
• There are also customized itineraries in the case of photographers, researchers, or groups interested in eco-education.

Those packages have sustainability in mind and usually involve some nature interpretation work done by qualified guides.

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is not a place to go but it is an experience. It is the last wilderness of authentic jungle experiences in India with rich wildlife and virgin wilderness, rich river systems, and terrific eco-tourism potential.

Be it the adrenalin-filled tiger safari, a chilled-out bird-watching tour, a slow-paced ride in the boat on the river, or a weekend adventure into the wild, Katarniaghat has laid a guarantee on the journey of a lifetime into the wilds.