The home to the largest number of tigers in Telangana is inviting tourists to come and see how the big cats live by offering safari and trekking opportunities deep into the forest to see animals in their natural habitats. The Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR), which is part of the Nallamala forest track, is rich in biobiversity with several endemic species of flora and fauna. It is one of the largest tiger reserves in India and its area of 2611.4 sq km extends over Nagarkurnool and Nalgonda districts of the state.
Divisional Forest Officer Rohith Gopidi said that the safaris and treks inside the Reserve will create awareness about the need for conservation and also create livelihood opportunities for the local tribe.
WILDLIFE SAFARI AND TREK
Amrabad Tiger Reserve is now officially in the list of tiger reserves in the country that provide forest and wildlife safaris.
For the first time, three-hour safari rides have been introduced that will take the visitors through some of the thickest forest areas, which include a stop at Farhabad viewpoint that provides breathtaking views of the landscape. The entire ride covers about 50 km, including 20 km inside the forest.
Within the three-hour rides, tourists will also get the opportunity to witness the local tribe Chenchus’ huts and their lifestyle. After returning to Mannanur, where visitors are provided accommodation, there will be cultural shows, including dramas by local artists, besides campfire at night. The next day morning, visitors will experience the beauty of Nallamalla forests on foot as part of a trek from Mannanur to Umamaheswaram temple.
During the trek which covers around 3.5 km to 4 km, the tourists will get to see various species of birds and will also learn about various plants.
Apart from wildlife safaris, ATR has also included a small trek on day two and an overnight stay at the cottages owned by the department amidst trees in a pleasant environment at Mannanur village, which is just 140 km from Hyderabad.
The tiger reserve package will give tourists a chance to explore a wide variety of flora and fauna. Tigers, wild dogs, sambar, spotted deer, leopards, and rare birds are just a few on the list.
AIMING FOR CONSERVATION
The aim of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve is to create public support for conservation, to increase concern for nature, to create opportunities for the local people to compensate for their sacrifices for conservation, and to maximise recreational experience of the people through various activities.
Divisional Forest Officer Rohith Gopidi said, “Wildlife tourism initiative in ATR is aimed at not just providing people a chance to visit one of the best tiger habitats in the country, but to also give equal importance to members of the local Chenchu tribe by providing them with additional employment opportunities.”
NO TO PLASTIC & SPEED
ATR has set up a plastic baling machine at Mannanur and has tied up with a local organisation which deals with recycling of plastic wastes. The wildlife tourism package will not just offer tourists a chance to spot tigers or other species, but the visitors will also get to learn about the adverse impacts on the wild animals of plastic and other wastes that are thrown by people inside the forest. But this is not all. Lessons on the danger from high-speed driving will also be imparted.
“The visitors will also get some knowledge about the adverse impact of high-speed driving and road killings in the ATR limits. The speed limit in ATR is 30 kmph but seldom motorists follow these guidelines and, as a result, many wild animals get killed due to accidents,” Mr. Gopidi added.
