Katarniaghat Forest and Girwa River Walks

Katarniaghat Forest and Girwa River Walks describes short nature outings in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, in Bahraich District of Uttar Pradesh near the Nepal border. The sanctuary lies on the terai plains along the Girwa River, a distributary of the Ghaghra, and is known as habitat for gharial, Gangetic dolphin, swamp deer, tigers and many birds. Access is by road from Bahraich or Lucknow to the Katarniaghat or Motipur entry points, and the sanctuary is managed by the forest department, whose rules govern where visitors may go on foot. Entry fees, permits and guides are arranged at the gate, and the details change, so inquiring locally is advisable. Typical outings last two to three hours on flat ground, with no meaningful elevation gain, so the walks are rated easy. In practice, walking is limited to permitted forest tracks and riverbank sections, usually accompanied by forest staff, because large wildlife is present. Surfaces are earthen tracks and sandy bank paths, shaded under sal and mixed forest in places and open along the river. Landmarks are the Girwa River banks, where gharial and dolphins may be seen from the shore or from a boat where boating is offered, and forest clearings used for birdwatching. Visitors should not leave the group, and the guide decides when to turn back. Drinking water is not reliably available on the tracks and should be carried, together with insect repellent. The forest department maintains rest houses at the sanctuary, which need advance booking. Neutral clothing and binoculars suit the setting. The sanctuary is quietest in the cool months, and the monsoon makes access difficult.