Katarniaghat Tiger Reserve (Timings, Entry Fee, Safari Online Booking & How to Reach)
Located in the Terai area on Indo-Nepal border of Bahraich district of the Uttar Pradesh state, Katarniaghat Tiger Reserve presents rich flora and fauna to all the nature enthusiasts. Spread across an area of 400 sq. km, Katarniaghat was declared as a Sanctuary in the year of 1976.
River Ghaghra crosses the reserve. River Girwa and River Kodiala join together and form River Ghaghra. The area has been protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, and the U.P. Wildlife Protection Rules 1974 which prohibit anyone from hunting animals and birds found in the region.
Once at the reserve, tourists have the option of Elephant ride and Boat ride.
Flora @ Katarniaghat Tiger Reserve
The main type of vegetation found here are saal, asna, sheesham, bel kusum, banyan, semal, khair, kaus, munj and many more.
Fauna @ Katarniaghat Tiger Reserve
Along with tigers, other animals inhabiting here are leopard, swamp deer, blackbuck, chital, barking deer, sambar, nilgai, sloth bear, wild boar, flying squirrel, blue bull, rhinoceros, elephant, four horned antelope, Indian gazelle, peafowl, jackal, bear, etc. Along with these, the reserve also has various kinds of fish like Rohu, Bhakur, Parhin, Nain, Tongan, Belgagra, Karaunch etc. Crocodiles, Ghariyals, Tortoise along with Python, Beaver also reside in the area.
The place is good for bird watching as well with close to 350 kinds of avian creatures. Some of these are migratory birds like Red Crested Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, White-Rumped Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Roller, Rufous Treepie, River Lapwing, Black-Winged Stilt, Common Coot, Pied Kingfisher, White-Throated Kingfisher, Spoonbill, Asian Openbill, Lesser Whisling Teal, Northern Pintain, Mallard, Tufted Poachard, Great-Crested Grebe, Great Egret, Peasant-tailed Jacana, Bronze-Winged Jacana, Shikra, Red-headed Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Long Billed Vulture, Rocket-tailed Drongo, Black Hooded Oriole, Green Bee-eater, Stork Billed Kingfisher, etc.
Best time to visit Katarniaghat Tiger Reserve
The best time to visit Katarniaghat Tiger Reserve is during the month of Mid-November to Mid-June.
Reaching Katarniaghat Tiger Reserve
- By air: The nearest airport is at Lucknow. It is well connected to various other parts of the country.
- By rail: The nearest railway station is at Bichhiya which is well connected to various towns and cities.
- By road: There are various buses running to Katarniaghat. The nearest bus station to the reserve is at Bichhiya.
Accommodation @ Katarniaghat Tiger Reserve
For accommodation, tourists can opt for forest rest houses which are available at Katarniaghat, Nishangara, Dharamapur and Murtiha.