Katarniaghat Sanctuary lies on Indo-Nepal border in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. It is sprawled in an area of 154.7 sq m. The place is brimming with natural wonder. Tiger lovers and wildlife enthusiasts must visit this place. It houses a variety of birds and animals.

History

Katarniaghat Sanctuary was opened on May 31, 1976. It has six divisions. The four divisions, Katarnia, Murthia, Nishangara, and Dharmur lie in the core area of the Sanctuary. The remaining two divisions lie in the buffer area. The Tharu tribe lives here.

Katarnia Ghat is linked across the Indian border to Bardila National Park in Nepal. Rivers Kodiala and Ghaghra, which confluence with each other and are then called Ghaghra, pass through the Sanctuary.

According to the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and the State Wildlife Protection Rules 1974, catching and hunting of birds and animals is prohibited in this Sanctuary.

In 1987, Katarniaghat Sanctuary was included in “Project Tiger.” This Sanctuary, along with Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, forms the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

Wildlife

Katarniaghat Sanctuary harbors tigers, leopards, blackbuck, barking deer, swamp deer, chital, nilgai, sambar, wild boar, cheetals, monkeys, langoors, otters, sloth bear, crocodiles, alligators, rhinoceros, wild rabbits, jackals, elephants, deer, flying squirrels, gazelles, Gangetic dolphins, and more.

There are lots of birds, both local and migratory, that cover the skies of the Sanctuary. India has about 1300 bird species, according to a report, and about 350 species are in Katarniaghat Sanctuary. A few examples are Grey Heron, ASEAN Openbill, Spunbill, Painted Stork, Northern Pinten, and more.

The Girwa River and its tributaries harbor alligators and crocodiles. The place features wild vegetation like asna, bel kusum, khair, banyan, sheesham, saal, semal, munj, and kaus.

According to an estimate of tiger population released in 2011, the number of tigers in Katarniaghat Sanctuary and its surroundings (Indo-Nepal area) is increasing.

Attractions

What attracts tourists towards Katarniaghat Sanctuary is its lush greenery. The long rows of dense forest trees almost make you lose yourself in nature.

The crocodile sanctuary, elephant rides, boat safari, dolphins, and more than 350 varieties of birds attract tourists in swarms.

Accommodation

Tourists can find Tharu Huts and Forest Rest Houses at Katarniaghat, Dharamapur, Nishangara, and Murtiha.

Sanctuary Timings

Katarniaghat Sanctuary is open from sunrise to sunset.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Katarniaghat is from mid-November to mid-June.

How to Reach

Bichia is the nearest railway station to Katarniaghat. The Sanctuary is located 250 km from Lucknow. The nearest market is Bichhia Bazaar, which is 6 km from Katarniaghat Sanctuary.

The place is linked to different parts of Uttar Pradesh through roadways. The nearest bus station is Bichia. Lucknow is the nearest airport.