Katarinaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
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 consists of Sal (Shorea Robusta) and Teak (Tectona Grandis).
However, the other trees with which the sanctuary is also dotted are Asna (Terminalia Alata), Haldu (Adina Cordifolia), Bahera (Terminalia Balerica), Kusuma (Schleicher 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.
