Hidden Gems of Wildlife-Ecotourism in Uttar Pradesh- bharat

The increasing focus on eco-friendly tourist activities has stirred up a fascinating range of wildlife excursions in the superb forest enclaves of Uttar Pradesh state. Quick on the draw the state tourism department has curated a delight-giving range of “wildlife ecotourism circuits’ that are bound to keep travellers captivated by the vivid experiences that will load up their memory banks. The government aims to provide fresh impetus to tourism development and environmental conservation through this initiative

Blessed with 16,582 sq km of forest cover its varied terrains, marked by turbulent rivers, buoyant waterfalls, sparkling streams, and placid lakes, have long served as the ideal habitats for its diverse wildlife, avifauna, and great botanical wealth. Uttar Pradesh is also home to one of India’s most important biosphere reserves, the Tarai, which nestles alongside the borders of neighbouring Nepal. This lush region is legendary for its fantastic wilderness splendour. When you go wildlife spotting in Uttar Pradesh it’s good to know that it has a wide range of protected environs in the form of game parks which include a national park and 26 wildlife sanctuaries.

The Dudhwa–Pilibhit–Katarniaghat  Ecotourism Circuit provides wonderful insights into this enchanting region remarkable for its natural splendour and wilderness experiences.

Dudhwa National Park and Tiger Reserve
With its lazy sprawl along the Lakhimpur-Kheri stretch in the Terai region bordering neighbour Nepal Dudhwa National Park and Tiger Reserve has been the focus of some of the most important international conservation programs for wildlife species such as the endangered tiger, rhino, and barasingha, amongst others which could share their plight in the near future. Loss of habitat and poaching have been the most common culprits in creating this situation and the UP government is playing a pivotal role in helping stem the rot in the system. Tourists too can play an important role by keeping alert to any misdemeanors that would prove harmful to this conservation drive. As responsible travellers each one of us leaves only our footprints behind.

The area once served as a popular hunting preserve for the British, which resulted in almost the entire populace of barasingha being wiped out, being a much-prized trophy animal. In 1958, the area was declared a wildlife sanctuary by the Uttar Pradesh government to save the remaining members of the species from going extinct.

The tiger too appeared to be facing a similar fate. Declared a National Park in 1977 Dudhwa was brought under Project Tiger in 1988. The diverse ecosystem of the Terai, marked by dense sal forests, marshy grasslands, warm, sub-tropical forests, savannahs, and plentiful natural prey, has served as an idyllic natural breeding ground for the tiger. This National Park is also home to elephants, leopards, several varieties of deer and antelopes, and a wide range of avifaunal species.

It’s interesting to note that the endangered one-horned Indian rhino was re-introduced here as an experiment. Thanks to the conservation program the species is doing well here now. The same applies to the endangered barasingha and the Bengal florican

The forested enclaves of Dudhwa were linked up with the neighbouring Kishanpur and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuaries to create a borderless natural corridor for the movement of wildlife through the Terai region to the Indo-Nepal borderlands.

Dudhwa, which has been heralded for its eco-tourism initiatives, which have served to drive its aim to promote sustainable tourism and support the local economy makes for a perfect weekend break for adventure buffs Jeep safaris offer the most thrilling ways to explore this glorious terrain.

Years earlier Dudhwa, if you recall, shot into the limelight with the amazing story of Billy Arjan Singh, erstwhile royal of Kapurthala and a hunter turned conservationist, who successfully raised and rehabilitated an orphaned male leopard cub, Prince, in these forests in 1973. He went on to do the same for tigers and other leopards as well.

You can book ahead for a stay at the Dudhwa Forest Lodge (https://dudhwa-national-park.com/forest-rest-house/)

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

This beautiful tiger reserve falls in, the Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich belt. One of the country’s lesser-visited tiger lands it offers a superb experience of the pristine Terai habitat which supports over 127 animals, 556 bird species, and 2,000 flowering plants. According to a study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the Dudhwa-Pilibhit population has high conservation value as it represents the only tiger population with the ecological and behavioral adaptations of the tiger unique to the Terai region. The Tiger Reserve also serves as a stamping ground for critically endangered species such as the hispid hare, otter, pangolin, and Bengal florican. Pilibhit is an ideal birdwatching paradise.
Pilibhit offers a wide array of hotels ranging from budget to luxury options (www.Pilibhit Tiger Reserves Hotels & Resorts Booking)

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
Covering an area of 409 sq km alongside Nepal’s Bardila National Park, in the Terai region Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is also part of the seamless wildlife corridor linking Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary.  Lucknow is 200km away. While on safari keep your eyes peeled for viewings of the tiger, rhino, and barasingha and the sanctuary’s lesser trumpeted inhabitants Do take a boat ride because you might get lucky catching sight of the resident freshwater Gangetic Dolphins of the Girwa River. You can also visit the Girwa River Gharial Farm. It makes an ideal day trip as this lesser-visited sanctuary has no tourist lodges to offer, but it’s lovely if you want an uncrowded wildlife experience. It falls under DFO Bahraich and Range officer sites at Katarniya.
Enthusiastic visitors can stay at the Forest rest house, eco-tourism hut, or Katarnia Sarai, Jamunia, Near Petrol Pump, Katarniaghat, Kari Kot. (https://www.thekatarniasarai.com/ )

Some Bird Sanctuaries to Explore

The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birding buffs. It is located on the Lucknow-Kanpur highway. The massive lake here is a huge magnet for migratory species in winter. You can check out all the action from the watchtowers or by boat. Off-season you can look out for resident species as well.

Located close to the Ganga River Hastinapur Bird Sanctuary is a pretty spot to chill on weekends. The wetland is an alluring habitat for resident avifaunal species.