Hidden Gems Around Kishanpur: Nearby Places You Must Explore

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is right in the midst of the Terai Arc Landscape, which is not only a dream of wildlife lovers but also a portal to some unique, offbeat destinations so far unexplored that are full of biodiversity, cultural wealth, and eco-tourism opportunities. Although the sanctuary is widely recognized as being characterized by thick sal forests, a vibrant wildlife, and quiet nature trails, the places near Kishanpur have not yet been exploited by popular tourism.

You are planning a jungle safari, a birdwatching holiday, or just a getaway into the wild; it does not matter, this guide is going to show you some gems around Kishanpur that you should not dare to overlook. Well, starting in the historical timber town of Mailani to the peace of the backwaters of Jhadi Tal, each of these stops gives you a different flavor to your Terai experience.

1). Jhadi Tal – Serene Wetlands of Birdwatchers

Jhadi Tal is a beautiful natural Wetland, and is a 2 kilometers past the check post of the Kishanpur sanctuary. It is a bird magnet and as such attracts resident and migratory birds. In winters, flocks of Sarus cranes, painted storks, and ducks (such as the northern pintail and ruddy shelduck) fill this territory.

Why Visit?

Perfect in the morning when birdwatching is undertaken
Relaxing, non-crowded to shoot wildlife
A wetland is home to species of birds and reptiles.

Wild elephants and deer come and drink in Jhadi Tal too in the summer months. The most preferred time to visit is during the period between November and March because at this time, the water is stable and visibility is perfect.

2). Mailani – Timber Town with Railway Heritage

Stepping a little bit away, only 12 km away, is the small town of Mailani, which is rich in logging and lifelong railway activity. The town is an old timber station and was a hub during British rule. It preserves the colonial architecture in the form of the railway sheds and other relics.

What To Explore?

Heritage Railway Line

Travel to Dudhwa and enjoy the journey in an old vintage train travelling through deep jungles.

Vistadome Train Jungle Safari

It is the origin of the Vistadome Tourist Special Jungle Safari Train, which passes through Mailani, Bhira, Kishanpur, and Dudhwa forest buffer areas all the way to Bichiya on the Katarniaghat. But that is not all, Mailani is just a boarding point and a destination on its own, as nature attractions and historical sites that offer a peek into India and the forestry and railways heritage.

Mailani Forest Rest House: A place of calm for the nature lover.

Local Markets: Purchase forest honey, herbal products, and local snacks.

3). Bhira – Rustic Vibes & Elephant Corridors

Bhira is an upcoming eco-tourism village in the southeastern range of Kishanpur. It is the buffer between human settlements and wildlife, and it is becoming popular among birders and off-beat travelers.

Elephant Corridors: Watch herds of elephants, especially during dry months.

Local Homestays: Stay with Tharu or local agriculture families.

Nature Trails: Get good educational information by walking around and learning about forests and villages on guided walks.

The village sensation in Bhira creates a perception of conservation of the population inside the community, and even co-existence exists between the people and the animals. The hospitality is very straightforward but warm.

4). Dudhwa National Park – A Core of Wilderness

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is one of the most natural adventures in India, as the Dudhwa National Park is situated just about an hour’s drive from Kishanpur and is an absolute trekking adventure. The park has Bengal tigers, Indian rhinos, swamp deer, elephants, and more than 450 species of birds.

Highlights

Jeep Safaris & Elephant Safaris.
Rehabilitation Centre of Rhino.
Birdwatching Watchtowers.

A mosaic of grasslands, wetlands, and thick forest in the park makes your stay in the jungle more diverse. It is an incredible addition to the people who wish to gaze further than Kishanpur and embrace the wild beauty of Terai in a deeper sense.

5). Pilibhit Tiger Reserve – Untamed Forests and Grasslands

Forming part of the greater terai ecosystem, and set about 42 km next to Kishanpur, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is characterized as the land of pristine sal forests, with a maintained tiger population. The landscape is different as it is comprised of long grasslands, open-rocky scenery, bamboo groves, and riverine plains.

Don’t Miss:

Chuka Eco-Tourism Site: Cottages in the middle of the shady cotton forests along the quiet canal of Sharda Sagar Dam.

Jeep Safaris & River Treks: Summer months are especially productive for tigers and leopards.

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is comparatively undisturbed and unlike the more commercial reserves, the jungle is raw and pure, No one can afford to miss it on a serious wildlife tourism.

6). Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary – Riverine Magic & Rare Species

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, 82 km from Kishanpur, is a tourist destination in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve network and has an entirely different habitat: wet grasslands, riverine forests, and the beautiful Girwa River.

Unique Experiences:

Boat Safaris in Girwa River: A chance to see Gangetic dolphins, gharials, and otters in the river.

Reptile Watch: colorful Monitor lizards, turtles, and exotic, rare snakes, such as Red Coral Kukri.

Forest Trails: Areas through sal, teak, and Bamboo.

When one is thirsting to experience water animals and the reptile diversity in their jungle adventure, then Katarniaghat is the right place to visit and the best time to visit is between from December to May.

Bonus Tips for Exploring Around Kishanpur

Always travel with a group or local guide to have a safer time and study more about the local ecology.

Get up early in the morning, especially for birdwatching or to see wildlife.

Obey the rules in the forest, even in the buffer areas; wild animals do not observe limits.

Take along water bottles, sun caps, and mosquito killers that can be used.

Final Thoughts

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary will most probably be the main venue you will want to visit, yet the scenery around it will provide a wealth of experience that will amaze and delight whoever explores it. Be it the echo of elephants in Bhira, the heritage trails of Mailani, the chirping flocks in Jhadi Tal, or the royal jetset tigers in Pilibhit and Dudhwa – each destination enhances your journey of nature.

In addition to expanding knowledge on biodiversity of the Terai corridor, visiting these unpopular sites in the areas around Kishanpur enables you as a tourist to contribute towards the economic welfare of the area surrounding these sites through ecotourism. Of course, plan more than one safari and you will find yourself in one that is most probably of the vivid green in India.