Tourist Places in Bahraich

The famous Tourist Places in Bahraich , Uttar Pradesh include Dargah Sharif and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

About Bahraich, Uttarpradesh

Bahraich is a city located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. It is the administrative headquarters of the Bahraich district. Situated on the banks of the Saryu River, Bahraich is located in the northeastern part of Uttar Pradesh, near the border with Nepal.

Here are some key facts about Bahraich:

1. Geography: Bahraich is situated at an average elevation of 126 meters (413 feet) above sea level. The city has a predominantly flat terrain with fertile agricultural land.
2. History: Bahraich has a rich historical background and has been ruled by various dynasties over the centuries. It has witnessed the influence of empires like the Mauryas, Guptas, Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, and the British Raj.
3. Demographics: As per the 2011 census, Bahraich had a population of approximately 3.5 lakh (350,000) people. The city has a diverse population with a mix of various religions and cultures.
4. Economy: Agriculture is the primary occupation in Bahraich, with the majority of the population engaged in farming and related activities. The region is known for producing crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, pulses, and oilseeds. Small-scale industries like brick-making, handloom weaving, and metalwork also contribute to the local economy.
5. Tourism: Bahraich is known for its historical and religious significance. Some popular tourist attractions include the tomb of Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud, a revered Sufi saint, the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Saryu River. The city also serves as a base for pilgrims visiting the nearby Shravasti, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site associated with Lord Buddha.
6. Connectivity: Bahraich is well-connected by road and rail networks. The city has its railway station, Bahraich Junction, which is part of the North Eastern Railway zone. It is also connected to major cities like Lucknow and Delhi via the national highway network.
7. Culture: The culture of Bahraich is a blend of various traditions and influences. Festivals like Eid, Diwali, Holi, and Durga Puja are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The local cuisine includes a variety of dishes, with influences from Awadhi and Bhojpuri cuisines.

Tourist Places in Bahraich, Uttarpradesh

Dargah Sharif

Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, is home to the revered Dargah of Hazrat Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud, an eminent 11th-century Islamic saint and soldier. This Dargah holds immense significance for both Muslims and Hindus. Constructed by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, it is believed that bathing in the water of the Dargah can cure various skin ailments. Every year, the Dargah hosts a grand festival called Urs, which attracts thousands of devotees from across the country, including distant locations.

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

The Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, India, is a protected area spanning 400.6 km2 (154.7 sq mi) in the Terai region of the Upper Gangetic plain. It was established in 1975 and later included in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve along with the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Dudhwa National Park. In 1987, it came under the “Project Tiger” initiative.

The sanctuary serves as a vital corridor connecting the tiger habitats of Dudhwa and Kishanpur in India to the Bardia National Park in Nepal. Its delicate Terai ecosystem comprises diverse habitats, including sal and teak forests, lush grasslands, swamps, and wetlands. Within its boundaries, several endangered species find refuge, including the gharial, tiger, rhino, Gangetic dolphin, swamp deer, hispid hare, Bengal florican, and white-backed and long-billed vultures.

The Girwa River, found within the sanctuary, is renowned worldwide for offering excellent opportunities to observe gharials in their natural habitat. The gharial population in this area played a significant role in the conservation efforts initiated in 1975 when they were on the brink of extinction. Unfortunately, between 2001 and 2005, most of the gharial nests were raided by tribal communities who consider them a delicacy.

The Mugger crocodile, another reptile species, can be spotted in small numbers in the Girwa River, as they prefer stagnant wetlands such as taals and baghars found throughout the sanctuary. Alongside these crocodiles, visitors may also catch glimpses of the graceful Ganges dolphins swimming in the river.

The sanctuary has also been the site of notable discoveries in herpetofauna. Various species, including the banded krait, Burmese rock python, yellow speckled wolf-snake, and paradise flying snake, have been documented in recent years. Additionally, in 2012, a rare red coral kukri snake (Oligodon kheriensis) was sighted here. This species was first described from the North Kheri Division in 1936.

In 2005, the conservation status of the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary was a cause for concern. However, under the leadership of Ramesh K. Pandey, who assumed responsibility for the sanctuary, significant efforts were made to restore the habitat and tiger population, earning him admiration for his work.

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