Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. Its divisional office is located at Bahraich. The sanctuary area starts from Motipur Forest range 60 km away from headquarter and is spread up to Gerua River in Katarniaghat forest range.
Covering around 400 sq kms, this sanctuary was created in 1976 under the UNDP Crocodile Project. The gentle sloping of the soft alluvial soil in this part of the Terai arc marks the last of the three big sanctuaries inside Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Sharing an international border with Nepal, this sanctuary was established to protect its Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) population. Once abundantly found in the waters of India, Pakistan and Nepal, these Gharials were threatened by near extinction in 1975. The main species of birds found here include Marsh Sandpiper, Dusky Redshank, Great White Pelican, Northern Pintail, Bar Headed Goose, Common Shell Duck, Marbled Duck, Pond Heron, Open Billed Stork, Greylag Goose, Sarus Crane, Lesser Whistling Teal, Egrets, Comb Duck, Coots, Cormorants, Storks, White Spoonbill, Black Necked Crane, Peafowl, Darters, White Breasted Kingfisher, Sandpipers, Common Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Spot Billed Duck, Common Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Pigeon, Painted Stork, Tufted Duck, etc.
To Reach:
By Air:
The nearest airport from Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow which is about 215 km from there. Buses/ Taxis can be hired from the airport for the destination.
By Train:
The nearest railway station from Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is Bahraich Railway Station (about 103 kms)
By Road:
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary falls in Bahraich District. It is well connected through UP SH 13,UP SH 26, UP SH 30. It has an excellent network of public/private bus and taxi services to and from there.
Accommodations:
Forest Rest Houses at Motipur, Kakraha, Mutiha, Rampuirva, Nishanghara and Katarniaghat.