The sanctuary is one of the few places in India where the gharial breeds successfully in its natural riverine habitat.
It is part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and functions as a vital corridor for the migration of tigers between Nepal and India.
The sanctuary was declared a protected area in 1976 and is a core part of the Project Tiger initiative.
The Girwa River within the sanctuary is a major nesting site for the endangered mugger crocodile and the gharial.
Despite being a core tiger habitat, it is also notable for large populations of swamp deer (barasingha) and diverse avian species.
The sanctuary area acts as a buffer zone for the trans-boundary movement of wild elephants from the Bardia National Park in Nepal.
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a 551-square-kilometer protected area in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, bordering Nepal. The landscape is dominated by dense Sal forests, grasslands, and the Girwa and Kaudiyala rivers, which serve as essential corridors for wildlife movement. It is a critical habitat for the critically endangered gharial, a fish-eating crocodile with a long, thin snout. The sanctuary serves as an active biological bridge connecting the Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary. Populations of Bengal tigers, leopards, and rhinoceros are monitored within these forests. The sanctuary's riverine ecosystem supports one of the few wild breeding populations of gharials in India. Visitors traverse the park primarily via forest department safaris to minimize habitat disturbance. The confluence of diverse habitats creates high biodiversity despite the park being relatively remote from major urban centers.
The river banks of the Girwa where crocodiles are frequently observed sunning themselves.
Book your safari vehicle and guide through the official forest department office well in advance.
Use high-powered binoculars, as wildlife sightings in dense tall grass require patience and keen eyes.
Carry adequate drinking water and supplies, as facilities inside the sanctuary are extremely limited.
Do not attempt to trek or walk outside the designated safari vehicle zones, as the area contains large apex predators.
The sanctuary is closed during the monsoon season (typically mid-June through October) due to flooding and road conditions.
Maintain silence during safaris, avoid wearing bright colors, and do not dispose of any waste within the sanctuary boundaries.
