Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to launch a Vistadome jungle safari train, connecting Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (Bahraich) and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (Pilibhit). The initiative aims to promote eco-tourism and provide tourists with an immersive wildlife experience through panoramic train coaches.
About Vistadome Jungle Safari Train
Project Objective:
- Promote forest tourism under the brand ‘One Destination, Three Forests’ (Dudhwa, Katarniaghat, Kishanpur).
- Enhance eco-tourism and regional employment.
- Showcase UP’s natural beauty at national and international platforms.
Vistadome Jungle Safari Train:
- Operated by Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board.
- Route: Bichia to Mailani (Train No. 52259), covering 107 km within forested zones.
- Features:
- Vistadome coaches with large glass windows, transparent roofs, and panoramic views.
- Journey time: 4 hours 25 minutes.
- Ticket fare: Rs 275 per person.
- Operational days: Saturdays and Sundays (Plans to run daily in future).
- Stops at 9 stations: Bichia, Manjhara Purab, Khairatia Bandh Road, Tikunia, Belerayan, Dudhwa, Palia Kalan, Bhira Kheri, Mailani.
- Government is developing a Lucknow–Katarniaghat travel package and is considering subsidy options to make it affordable.
Wildlife Destinations Involved
1. Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Location: Bahraich district, Upper Ganga Plain, Uttar Pradesh.
- Area: 400.6 sq km.
- Established: 1975, part of Project Tiger since 1987, declared a Tiger Reserve in 2008.
- Biodiversity:
- Mammals: Tiger, elephant, leopard, wild boar, chital.
- Endangered species: Gharial, Gangetic dolphin, rhino, Bengal florican, hispid hare.
- Vegetation: Mixed deciduous forests (sal, teak), grasslands, swamps.
- River: Girwa River sustains the ecosystem.
2. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve:
- Location: Terai region, Lakhimpur-Kheri district, Uttar Pradesh (Indo-Nepal border).
- Components:
- Dudhwa National Park
- Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
- All three form part of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger.
- Dudhwa NP & Kishanpur joined Project Tiger in 1987, Katarniaghat in 2000.
- Significance: Last viable population of Royal Bengal Tigers in Uttar Pradesh.
- Other fauna: Indian rhino, swamp deer, leopards, diverse bird species.
Importance of Initiative:
- First-of-its-kind Vistadome jungle safari train in India.
- Supports sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation, and rural economy.
- Encourages year-round eco-tourism with minimal ecological disruption.