Why in News?
On May 26, 2025, India’s first Vistadome jungle safari train was launched, linking Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary to promote eco-tourism and conservation awareness.
Key Highlights
- Aim: To blend eco-tourism, wildlife education, and rail-based travel by offering a panoramic jungle safari experience.
- Initiative: Launched under the “One Destination, Three Forests” scheme by the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Board.
- Key Goal: To offer an eco-luxury travel experience that raises biodiversity awareness and supports local employment.
Vistadome Jungle Safari Train (Photo Credit: Times of India)
About Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
- Location: Situated on the Indo-Nepal border in Lakhimpur-Kheri, Uttar Pradesh.
- Comprises of: Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuaries, along with forest areas from North/South Kheri and Shahjahanpur divisions (buffer zone).
- Habitat: Represents the Tarai-Bhabar ecosystem of the upper Gangetic plains.
- Rivers
- Sharda River: Flows by Kishanpur Sanctuary
- Geruwa River: Passes through Katerniaghat
- Suheli & Mohana Streams: Flow in Dudhwa National Park
- All are tributaries of the Ghagra River
- Biodiversity Highlights
- Vegetation: Dominated by North Indian Moist Deciduous forests, with Sal (Shorea robusta) as the primary species.
- Flora: Includes Asna, Asidha, Haldu, Faldu, Gahmhar, Kanju, and others.
- Fauna
- Mammals: Tiger, Leopard (Guldar), Fishing Cat, Langur, Jackal, Civet, Mongoose, etc.
- Birds: Dabchick, Spot-billed Pelican, Cormorants, Herons, Storks, Ibis, etc. (both migratory & resident)
- Reptiles: Mugger, Gharial, Python, Sand Boa, Banded Krait, Russell’s Viper, Rat Snake, etc.
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About Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS)
- Location: Situated in the Upper Gangetic plain, Uttar Pradesh.
- Status: Part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve since 1987 under Project Tiger, along with Kishanpur and Dudhwa National Park.
- Area: Covers 400.09 sq. km, forming part of the reserve's core zone.
- Connectivity: Acts as a key wildlife corridor between Dudhwa, Kishanpur, and Bardia National Park in Nepal.
Ecosystem and Biodiversity
- Vegetation: A rich Terai landscape with Sal and Teak forests, grasslands, swamps, and wetlands.
- Flora: Dominated by Sal, along with species like Asna, Asidha, Haldu, Faldu, and Gahmhar.
- Fauna: Hosts endangered species such as the Tiger, Gharial, Rhino, Swamp Deer, Hispid Hare, Bengal Florican, and vultures (white-backed and long-billed).
- Aquatic Life
- Gairwa River is a protected habitat for Mugger and Gharial.
- Home to rare turtles, freshwater fish, and the Gangetic dolphin in its natural habitat.
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