Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary – River Safari & Aquatic Wonders in Dudhwa
Located near the Indo–Nepal border, Katarniaghat offers a rare river safari on the Girwa River, giving visitors a chance to spot Gharials, Gangetic dolphins, wetland birds, and forest species — a contrast to the terrestrial safaris of Dudhwa.
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary – Where Rivers, Forests & Dolphins Meet
Tucked away approximately 100 km from Dudhwa, on the India–Nepal border, lies the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, a unique aquatic-terrestrial forest landscape in the Terai belt. While Dudhwa’s core and Kishanpur zones are renowned for their forests, Katarniaghat’s claim to fame is its river ecosystem, which intersects dense sal and alluvial forests.
Here, the Girwa River winds through islands and riverine corridors, creating habitats for gharial crocodiles, mugger crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins, and a rich array of waterbirds. The juxtaposition of aquatic and terrestrial wilderness gives Katarniaghat a dual identity — as both forest and river sanctuary.
Part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve ecosystem, Katarniaghat helps maintain corridor connectivity between habitats, supporting tiger movement, breeding zones, and biodiversity resilience across the Terai.
Wildlife & Aquatic life in Katarniaghat
Katarniaghat’s uniqueness stems from its aquatic species, but terrestrial wildlife is no less fascinating. Highlights include:
Gharial Crocodile (Gavialis gangeticus): One of the few places in India where these elongated fish-eating crocodiles can be seen during river safaris.
Gangetic Dolphin: A rare freshwater dolphin species found in Girwa river stretches.
Mugger Crocodile & Marsh Crocodile: Other aquatic reptiles adapting to seasonal water fluctuations.
Waterbirds & Migratory Species: Kingfishers, storks, herons, cormorants, painted storks, egrets — especially in winter months.
Tigers & Leopards: The forest interiors and riparian edges host big cats, whose sightings during the dry season are possible from banks and forest trails.
Herbivores & Small Mammals: Sambar, hog deer, wild boars, jungle cats, and macaques — often near riverbanks, creek lines, and forest floodplains.
During the lean season (late spring), animals congregate near the river edges, which increases the chances of spotting combined forest + river wildlife in a single safari.
Conservation Significance
Katarniaghat is a critical habitat for riverine biodiversity, forming the Terai–Duar savanna ecoregion with Dudhwa and Kishanpur.
It shelters India’s most stable Gangetic Dolphin population and contributes to Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and National Aquatic Animal Conservation Programme.
Community-based initiatives train locals as boatmen, guides, and eco-guards — turning conservation into livelihood.
Visitors can help by choosing eco-certified tours and avoiding plastic or loud music near the riverbanks.
River Safari in Katarniaghat – A Unique Experience
Katarniaghat offers river-based safaris (boat cruises) combined with jeep/forest trail drives, offering a mixed aquatic-forest wildlife experience.
River Safari (Girwa River): Operated during morning, usually between 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, with licensed motorized boats and naturalist guides.
Jeep Safari / Forest Corridor Drives: Runs in forest trails parallel to river segments, especially during low water periods.
Forest permits, guide & boat fees, entry permits, and GST are bundled in the package.
Advance booking (20–30 days) is recommended — river slots are extremely limited, especially in peak season.
Maximum capacity per boat or jeep is regulated by forest rules (usually small groups for minimal disturbance).
Katarniaghat safaris strike a balance between aquatic exploration and forest edge adventure — unique in the Dudhwa system. Dont just wait Book your Safari in advance as limited seats available.
Best Time to Visit Katarniaghat
Katarniaghat shares the opening window of the broader Dudhwa complex: 15 November to 15 June, with closures in monsoon. However, the river component influences ideal timings:
November to February: Best for migratory birds, crisp river visibility, and cooler mornings.
March to April: Increasing heat draws wildlife closer to water; river clarity is still decent.
May to mid-June: Water levels drop — ideal for seeing gharials and dolphins; but ensure safety, as low water may restrict boat routes.
Prefer morning river safaris (sunrise to late morning) for calmer waters and undisturbed aquatic wildlife
How to Reach Katarniaghat
By Road: From Dudhwa or Palia, the sanctuary is about 100 km away. The region is accessible via forest roads from Lakhimpur Kheri – Palia axis.
By Rail: Mailani Junction is the nearest railhead; local transport via roads leads into the sanctuary.
By Air: Lucknow Airport remains the nearest major airport, followed by a ~4–5 hour drive.
River Access Points: The Girwa river jetties (entry points for river safaris) are used during the dry season; forest department boats depart from designated terminals.
Travel tip:
- Use local forest maps and GPS — many river channels change every year. Boat safaris are only allowed under departmental supervision with safe water levels.
- Private cabs from Bahraich or Dudhwa offer flexible transfer to the Motipur range gate.
Visitor Tips & Responsible Travel
Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and safety briefing.
Carry the same government ID used during booking — identity confirmation is strict.
Use neutral clothing (khaki, olive, brown) — avoid white or bright colors that reflect light on water.
Stay quiet during boat safaris to avoid scaring aquatic life.
Do not throw anything into the water (plastic, wrappers, food).
Follow the guide’s safety instructions — avoid leaning over boat edges.
Bring binoculars, waterproof camera protection, and sun protection.
Be cautious of low water stretches – boat speed and route may change depending on seasonal depth.
In dry months, some boat routes may be closed — always check with forest officials before visiting.
Birding & Photography Tips
Carry binoculars (8×42) and telephoto lens for bird shots near Girwa banks.
Best light for photography: 6:30 – 8:00 AM and 4:00 – 5:30 PM.
Capture gharials at sandbanks opposite Kakraha range.
Use silent shutter mode to photograph dolphins surfacing.
Why Visit Katarniaghat in Your Dudhwa Tour
Most visitors know Dudhwa for terrestrial safaris — but Katarniaghat offers something entirely different: a living river ecosystem within the same reserve system.
You might spot gharial + tiger in one combined safari, a rare dual experience.
The waterbird diversity and river habitats make it a birdwatcher’s delight.
It complements Kishanpur and Dudhwa core — giving your trip aquatic, forest, and grassland variety.
For wildlife enthusiasts wanting a truly multi-ecosystem adventure, Katarniaghat is a mandatory stop — a refreshing shift from typical jungle drives.
FAQs about Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, along the Indo–Nepal border. It forms the western part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, covering lush sal forests and the scenic Girwa River ecosystem.
While Dudhwa is famous for its tigers and Kishanpur for open grasslands, Katarniaghat stands out for its river safari experience. It’s one of the few wildlife sanctuaries in India where visitors can see Gangetic dolphins, gharials, and aquatic birds alongside land mammals.
The sanctuary is about 100 km from Dudhwa National Park and 220 km from Lucknow.
By road: Well-connected via Palia and Bhira.
By train: The nearest station is Mailani Junction, around 10 km away.
By air: The closest airport is Lucknow (Amausi Airport), with taxis available to reach the sanctuary in about 5 hours.
The park remains open from 15 November to 15 June.
Nov–Feb: Ideal for migratory birds and cooler weather.
Mar–Apr: Great for tiger and dolphin sightings.
May–Jun: Excellent for gharials and barasingha but warmer temperatures.
The park remains closed during monsoon (June–Nov) to protect wildlife and river habitats
Katarniaghat offers two types of safaris:
River Safari on the Girwa River — for dolphins, gharials, and birds.
Jeep Safari through sal forests — for tigers, leopards, and deer.
These safaris are conducted under the supervision of the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department with certified naturalist guides.
Visitors can book online through dudhwanationalpark.net or at the local forest booking office near Mailani Gate. Due to limited boats and jeeps, advance booking 20–30 days ahead is highly recommended, especially during peak wildlife season.
Expect sightings of Gharials, Gangetic dolphins, Tigers, Leopards, Sambar deer, Hog deer, Wild boars, and over 400 bird species including storks, kingfishers, and egrets. With luck, you might also spot the rare Smooth-coated otter and long-snouted vine snake.
Yes. All river safaris are conducted using licensed forest department boats equipped with safety gear. Each trip is guided by trained boatmen and naturalists who follow strict safety and wildlife-friendly protocols.
Absolutely. The three sanctuaries form the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve landscape, and most tourists plan a multi-zone itinerary — Dudhwa for tigers, Kishanpur for grassland wildlife, and Katarniaghat for aquatic species. Together, they offer a complete Terai experience
Morning Safari: 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Evening Safari: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Morning slots are best for dolphin and tiger activity, while evenings offer golden-hour photography on the river.
No. As per Uttar Pradesh Forest Department rules, safari permits are non-transferable and non-refundable once issued. Visitors should double-check dates and ID details before confirming bookings.
Because it’s the only place in North India where you can witness tigers, crocodiles, and dolphins in a single reserve. Katarniaghat combines the serenity of the Girwa River with the thrill of wildlife safaris — making it a must-visit destination for photographers, nature lovers, and eco-travelers.