Katarniaghat Wildlife Safari

The Katarniaghat Wildlife Safari is a jeep trip through Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Bahraich District, Uttar Pradesh, near the Nepal border. The sanctuary forms part of the Terai Arc Landscape and the wider Dudhwa tiger landscape. It protects tiger, leopard, swamp deer, gharial, marsh crocodile and Gangetic river dolphins, which live in the Girwa River, a branch of the Ghaghara that runs along the sanctuary's edge. Safaris run in shifts of about three hours from Katarniya Ghat and combine forest tracks with riverside stops, led by a forest-department guide.

The activity is easy. No special fitness or experience is needed, since visitors stay in the vehicle for the whole drive, though the tracks can be dusty and uneven. Binoculars, neutral-coloured clothing and a camera are the main items to carry, and a hat and water are sensible in the warm months. Published tariffs list INR 4,000 per vehicle or INR 800 per person (about USD 41 and USD 8) from Katarniya Ghat, with an entry fee of INR 250 for Indian nationals and INR 2,000 for foreigners (about USD 21). These figures should be checked with the forest office before travel, since they are revised from time to time.

Safety rules are set by the sanctuary. Passengers must stay inside the jeep, keep quiet, and not leave the vehicle at wildlife sightings or feed animals. The guide gives a short briefing at the gate and keeps radio or phone contact with the range office; in an emergency the nearest hospitals are in Nanpara and Bahraich, reached by road. The sanctuary is reached by road from Bahraich or Lucknow, and the road journey from Lucknow takes several hours, so many visitors stay overnight nearby. The best season is November to June, when the sanctuary is open and the forest tracks are dry. The monsoon period is best avoided because the tracks flood and access is closed or limited. Winter mornings can be cold and foggy, so warm layers are advisable for early shifts.