Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh

Beautifully nestled on the border of Indo-Nepal, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the district of Behraich in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Before its establishment as a wildlife sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh in May 1975, Katarniaghat was a part of the West Behraich Forest Division. Sprawls over a massive area of 550 sq km, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is home to dense terai jungle that lounge over the ranges of Kakraha, Motipur, Dharampur, Nishangarah and Kareniaghat. A major chunk of the luxuriant woodlands at Kataniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary are consist of Sal (Shorea Robusta) and Teak (Tectona Grandis).

However, the other trees by which the sanctuary is also dotted with are Asna (Terminalia Alata), Haldu (Adina Cordifolia), Bahera (Terminalia Balerica), Kusuma (Schleichera Oleosa),  Asidh (Lagerstroemia Parviflora) and more. Not just this, the ecosystem of this renowned sanctuary also includes gorgeous grasslands, swamps and wetlands. This sanctuary that proffers tourists an indelible wildlife experience to relish also allows them to explore Dudhwa Tiger Reserve of India and Bardia National Park of Nepal as it provides connectivity between both the national parks.

Coming onto the fauna, the sanctuary is a dwelling land of a myriad of wildlife and avifaunal species. The surreal calmness of the forest proffers a perfect setting for numerous vulnerable as well as endangered species to dwell around. Tiger, spotted deer, langur, barking deer, hog deer, leopard, swamp deer, sambar, elephant, and rhino are some wild creatures that can be spotted while on a wildlife tour to Kataniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. However, porcupines, jackals, civets and bats are some popular creatures of the night that become active as the sun falls down. Along with that, tourist can also expect to catch a glimpse of the endangered Gangetic dolphin, long-billed vulture, Bengal florican and the white-backed vulture at Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.

A treat to every bird watcher, the sanctuary is also home to more than 350 species avifaunal species. Apart from this, Gairwa River is one of the most significant points of tourists interest at Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. This river boasts an impressive aquatic life which is blessed with freshwater fishes and some rare turtles. A boat ride on the river allows tourists to savour sublime views of the banks and also to catch the sight of the enthralling gharials and other wild species. Katarniaghat is one of the untouched wildlife sanctuaries in India that are far away from the cacophony of the city life and civilization, and hence, boasts a exotic setting for that imperturbable wildlife vacation in Uttar Pradesh.

Best Time to Visit

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary can be visited any time during the year. However, the best time to visit the sanctuary are the months of winter, i.e., from October to March. During this time, the weather of the region remains pleasant and favourable for tourism.

• Summer: Commences in the month of April, the summer season in Katarniaghat is all about blistering heat and humidity. During this time the temperature of the region goes up to 44°C. However, despite such unfavourable weather conditions, a lot of wildlife buffs visit the place during the summer season that makes it an ideal time to visit Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. The season ends in the month of June.
• Monsoon: With the first rainfall of the monsoon season, the natural beauty of the entire region of Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary blooms up. However, the season does not allow anyone to visit the place during this time as it is the breeding season of the animals, and hence, the sanctuary remains closed throughout the monsoon months. The monsoon season in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary starts in the month of July and continues until September.
• Winter: The month of October markst the onset of the winter season in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. Winter is the best time to visit Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. Throughout the season, the temperature of the region varies between 7°C to 24°C. The weather of condition during this time of the year remains all pleasant and in favourable of tourism which allows tourists to explore the sanctuary to its fullest. The season ends in the month of March.