This Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary guide is for travellers who want the quieter, water-and-forest side of the Terai: a place where you can watch gharial basking on a river sandbar in the morning and listen for tigers in sal forest by evening. Katarniaghat sits in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, hard against the Nepal border, and forms the northern arm of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve landscape. It rewards patience rather than tick-lists, and it stays far less crowded than India’s bigger tiger parks.
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a Terai forest-and-wetland reserve in Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. It is known for gharial and Gangetic dolphins on the Girwa river, plus tigers, swamp deer and rich birdlife. The usual season runs mid-November to mid-June.
About Katarniaghat and the Terai Arc
Katarniaghat is a protected area in the upper Gangetic plain, in the Terai belt of Bahraich district. According to the UP Eco-Tourism Development Board, the sanctuary covers about 400 sq km of core with a buffer of roughly 150 sq km, and the wider Katarniaghat forest division totals around 551 sq km. It was declared a sanctuary in the mid-1970s (sources list 1975–1976) around the then-new crocodile conservation effort.
Together with Dudhwa National Park and the Kishanpur sanctuary, Katarniaghat forms the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. The UP Eco-Tourism Board describes it as part of the Terai Arc Landscape, with a forest corridor linking the Dudhwa and Kishanpur tiger habitats in India to Bardia National Park across the border in Nepal. The international boundary lies only a few kilometres away. The terrain is a mosaic of sal and teak forest, tall grasslands, swamps and the rivers that drain off the Himalaya.
If you are planning a wider trip through the region, see our Uttar Pradesh travel guide and the companion Dudhwa travel guide for the national park at the heart of this reserve.
Gharial, dolphins and the wildlife
The star of any Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary guide is the Girwa river (also written Gerua or Giriwa), which flows down from Nepal through the sanctuary. The UP Eco-Tourism Board calls the Girwa one of the best places in the world to see the gharial (a slender, fish-eating crocodilian) in its natural habitat, living alongside the heavier-snouted mugger crocodile.
The same river holds the Gangetic dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal. Survey figures vary and should be treated as indicative: a WWF-India and Forest Department count reported roughly five to six dozen dolphins in the Katarniaghat stretch, while a separate study estimated a best figure of about 35 on the Girwa. Numbers shift year to year, so treat sightings as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
On land, the Bahraich district administration and UP sources list tigers, rhino, swamp deer (barasingha), hispid hare and Asian elephants, along with spotted deer, hog deer, sambar and wild boar. Birdlife is a major draw: the UP Eco-Tourism Board notes Bengal florican, pelicans, sarus cranes, painted storks, whistling ducks and threatened vultures among dozens of species, with winter bringing migratory waterbirds to the wetlands.
Best time to visit
The sanctuary’s stated tourist season runs 15 November to 15 June, and the forest closes during the monsoon (roughly mid-June to end September) when tracks flood. Winter is the most comfortable window and best for birds; late spring is hot but good for mammal sightings at water.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Mid-Nov to mid-Mar | Cool (about 14–22°C), clear river mornings, peak for migratory birds and photography. |
| Spring/summer | Mar to mid-Jun | Hot, up to ~45°C with dry “loo” winds; thinner cover improves tiger and deer sightings at waterholes. |
| Monsoon | Mid-Jun to Sep | Sanctuary closed to tourists; heavy rain, flooded forest roads. |
How to reach Katarniaghat
Katarniaghat is remote, and road distances quoted by different official pages vary, so build in buffer time and reconfirm locally. The Bahraich district site gives about 60 km from Bahraich town and 205 km from Lucknow; other UP pages cite a longer road distance to the gate. The Nepal border is only about 7 km away.
| From | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bahraich town | ~60–90 km | Nearest large town; sources differ, so confirm the route to your gate. |
| Lucknow | ~205 km | Road via Sitapur–Lakhimpur–Shardanagar; 5–6 hours typical. |
| Lucknow airport (CCS International) | ~215 km | Nearest airport with regular flights. |
| Nepal (Bardia landscape) | Border ~7 km | Forest corridor link; not a tourist crossing from the sanctuary. |
By air: the nearest airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow, about 215 km away; hire a taxi or drive from there.
By rail: small railheads near the sanctuary include Bichia, Murtiha, Nishangara and Kakraha on the Mailani–Bahraich–Gonda line; Bahraich is the main station with broader connections to Gonda and Lucknow. The scenic Mailani–Nanpara metre-gauge route through the Dudhwa landscape was declared a heritage line in 2025. Check current trains, names and timings on IRCTC/NTES before you plan, as services on these small stations change.
By road: the usual approach from Lucknow is via Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri and Shardanagar/Palia; a self-drive or hired taxi is the most reliable way in.
Safaris and things to do
Activity centres on jeep safaris in open gypsies and boating on the Girwa. The UP Eco-Tourism Board runs safaris from the Katarniaghat gate and the Motipur–Kakraha side, with the safari gate a short drive from the tourist huts. Boating on the Girwa is the classic way to look for gharial, mugger and dolphins; confirm boat availability and river conditions when you book, as it depends on water levels.
| Experience | Indicative cost | Good for / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep safari — Katarniaghat gate | ₹4,000 per vehicle (up to 7), or ₹800 per person offline | Guide and vehicle entry included; sal forest and grassland. |
| Jeep safari — Motipur/Kakraha | ₹5,000 per vehicle (up to 7), or ₹1,000 per person offline | Guide and vehicle entry included; different range of the forest. |
| Boat ride on the Girwa | Charged locally; reconfirm | Best chance for gharial, mugger and Gangetic dolphin; water-level dependent. |
| Birdwatching and nature trails | With permit/guide | Wetlands and grasslands; carry binoculars. |
A newer UP initiative, a vistadome jungle safari train linking Katarniaghat with the Dudhwa landscape, was reported in 2025; check with UP Eco-Tourism for current running status before relying on it.
A suggested two-day plan
- Day 1: Reach Katarniaghat by afternoon, settle into a Tharu hut at Motipur or Kakraha, then take the evening jeep safari. Spend the last light near the river.
- Day 2: Early morning boat ride on the Girwa for gharial and dolphins, breakfast at the camp, a second short forest drive or birding walk, then depart by midday for Dudhwa, Shravasti or back to Lucknow.
Add a third day if you want to pair Katarniaghat with the Dudhwa and Kishanpur ranges, which share the same tiger reserve.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay in UP Eco-Tourism accommodation inside or beside the forest. The board lists Tharu-style huts and cottages at the Motipur and Kakraha tourist campuses, plus forest rest houses at Motipur, Kakraha, Murtiha, Rampurva, Nishangara and Katarniaghat. Book well ahead through the official portal, as rooms are limited and fill in winter.
| Type | Indicative price (Indian guests) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / forest rest house | Government rates, book early | Basic rooms at Murtiha, Nishangara and other ranges; limited facilities. |
| Mid-range Tharu hut/cottage | ~₹3,750–4,000 for 1 room | UP Eco-Tourism huts at Motipur/Kakraha; some air-conditioned. |
| Larger units | ~₹7,500–8,000 for 2 rooms | For families or small groups at the tourist campuses. |
Private eco-lodges and homestays operate in the wider Bahraich–Dudhwa belt; compare them with the government options and read recent reviews before committing.
Food to try
Dining is simple and usually arranged through your camp or lodge, so confirm meals when you book. Expect home-style North Indian plates: dal, seasonal sabzi (vegetable curry), roti and rice, with occasional regional touches. In the surrounding Awadhi region you may find kebabs and rich gravies in towns like Bahraich and Lucknow. Carry snacks and plenty of water for long drives and safaris, as roadside options thin out near the forest.
Budget breakdown
The figures below are a planning estimate for two people on a two-day, one-night trip, excluding long-distance transport to Lucknow. Reconfirm all rates before you travel.
| Item | Estimated cost | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (1 night) | ₹4,000 | One UP Eco-Tourism hut/cottage. |
| Entry fees | ₹500 | ₹250 per Indian adult × 2. |
| Jeep safaris (2 drives) | ₹8,000 | ₹4,000 per vehicle × 2 at Katarniaghat gate. |
| Boat ride + guide tips | ₹1,000–1,500 | River ride and gratuities; reconfirm locally. |
| Meals | ₹1,500 | Camp meals and snacks for two. |
| Local taxi (from Lucknow return) | ₹6,000–8,000 | Hired car; varies by operator and fuel. |
| Approx. total | ₹21,000–23,500 | Excludes train/flight to Lucknow. |
Permits, fees and rules
No inner-line or special-area permit applies for Indian visitors to the sanctuary itself; you need the standard park entry and safari booking from the UP Forest Department / UP Eco-Tourism. All fees below are indicative and change often, so reconfirm before you travel.
- Entry fee (indicative, as of September 2026): about ₹250 per Indian adult and ₹2,000 per foreign visitor per trip; children around ₹100 (Indian) and ₹1,400 (foreign).
- Safari booking: ₹4,000 per jeep (up to 7) at Katarniaghat gate, ₹5,000 at Motipur–Kakraha, with guide and vehicle entry included.
- Photography: charges apply as per UP Forest Department rules; confirm camera and any drone policy at the gate, as drones are generally not allowed over protected forests without permission.
- Timings: winter morning 7 am–10 am, evening 3 pm to sunset; summer morning 6 am–9 am, evening 4:30 pm to sunset; last evening entry around 4 pm.
- Stay on designated tracks, keep quiet near the river, do not feed or disturb animals, and carry out all plastic.
Practical tips
This is a remote border forest, so plan for thin connectivity. Mobile network is patchy inside; download maps offline and tell your camp your arrival time. Carry enough cash, as ATMs and reliable UPI are limited near the gates; the nearest banks and the district hospital are in Bahraich town, roughly 60–90 km away.
Pack layers for cold winter mornings on open jeeps and boats, and sun protection plus light cottons for spring heat. Neutral clothing, closed shoes and binoculars help. Solo and women travellers generally find the government camps safe, but book official stays, travel in daylight on the forest roads, and keep your itinerary shared with someone. A responsible wildlife visit means no off-track driving, no crowding animals for photos, no amplified music, and respecting the Tharu and other local communities who live around the forest.
Nearby places
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Dudhwa National Park | Same tiger reserve landscape | Core of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve; tigers, swamp deer, grasslands. See our Dudhwa travel guide. |
| Kishanpur sanctuary | Within the reserve | Good for swamp deer and tigers; pairs with Dudhwa. |
| Bahraich town | ~60–90 km | Nearest services, banks and hospital; gateway town. |
| Shravasti | ~60 km from Bahraich | Ancient Buddhist site linked to the Buddha’s long residence; cultural add-on. |
| Bardia (Nepal) | Across the border | Connected ecologically via the Terai Arc corridor; a separate trip with its own crossing. |
For other reserves across the country, browse our roundup of wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary?
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, in the Terai belt close to the Nepal border. It is the northern part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve landscape, about 205 km from Lucknow and roughly 60–90 km from Bahraich town by road, so reconfirm your route locally.
What is the best time to visit Katarniaghat?
The tourist season runs about 15 November to 15 June, and the sanctuary closes during the monsoon. Winter, from mid-November to mid-March, is the most comfortable and best for migratory birds. Late spring is hot but improves mammal sightings at water. Always reconfirm current closure dates before you travel.
Can you see gharial and dolphins at Katarniaghat?
Yes. The Girwa river at Katarniaghat is one of the best places in India to see gharial in the wild, alongside mugger crocodiles, and it also holds Gangetic dolphins. A boat ride on the river gives the best chance. Sightings vary with season and water level, so treat them as a bonus, not a certainty.
How much does a Katarniaghat safari cost?
As of September 2026, a jeep safari is indicatively about ₹4,000 per vehicle (up to seven people) from the Katarniaghat gate, or ₹5,000 from Motipur–Kakraha, with guide and vehicle entry included. Entry is about ₹250 per Indian adult. Fees change often, so reconfirm with UP Eco-Tourism before booking.
How do you reach Katarniaghat?
The nearest airport is Lucknow, about 215 km away. Small railheads such as Bichia, Murtiha and Nishangara lie on the Mailani–Bahraich–Gonda line, with Bahraich the main station. Most visitors drive or hire a taxi from Lucknow via Sitapur and Lakhimpur. Check current trains on IRCTC/NTES.
Do you need a permit for Katarniaghat?
Indian visitors do not need a special inner-line permit for the sanctuary itself, only the standard entry and safari booking from the UP Forest Department or UP Eco-Tourism. Photography charges and gate rules apply, and drones are generally not allowed over the forest without permission. Reconfirm all requirements before you go.
Last updated and sources
Katarniaghat suits travellers who prefer rivers, birds and quiet forest over crowded safari circuits. Go in winter for comfort and birdlife, or late spring for mammals at water, and book your stay and safari well ahead.
Last updated: 1 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: UP Eco-Tourism Development Board — Katarniya Ghat; UP Eco-Tourism — Katarniaghat tariff and safari charges; UP Eco-Tourism Board — Katarniaghat sanctuary article; UP Eco-Tourism Board — Explore Katarniyaghat; Bahraich District Administration — Katarniaghat; Drishti IAS — Mailani–Nanpara heritage rail route; Bahraich railway station (for railhead lines, to verify on IRCTC/NTES). Accessed September 2026.
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