Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a large protected area in the Terai region featuring dense forests, grasslands, and wetlands along the Ghaghara River. The area is home to over 350 bird species, Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and rare Gangetic dolphins as well as crocodiles in and around the water bodies.
The sanctuary was officially established as a protected area in 1976 and became part of a national tiger conservation project in 2003. It connects tiger habitats of Dudhwa and Kishanpur with areas across the border in Nepal, serving as a crucial corridor for wildlife movement and protection.
The sanctuary holds significance for the Tharu communities who have lived near these forests for generations. Visitors can observe their traditional way of life, crafts, and close relationship with the natural world around them.
Visitors should bring binoculars, cameras, hats, and sunscreen while following park rules such as maintaining safe distance from animals and avoiding loud noises. The best time to visit is November to June when weather is comfortable, as the monsoon season from July to October makes travel difficult and many areas may be closed.
The sanctuary is home to rare Gangetic dolphins found only in this part of the world and a symbol of India. Boat rides on the river offer visitors chances to observe these remarkable mammals and hear their distinctive clicking sounds.
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