Amrabad Buzzing, Kawal Joins In, Eturnagaram Safaris from Dec

 Hyderabad: Wildlife tourism appears set to get more exciting with increasing options on the cards for those seeking to take a jungle break or a holiday in the wild in Telangana with Kawal tiger reserve, and the Eturnagaram wildlife sanctuary set to increase what is on offer.

With the Amrabad tiger reserve already in high demand for its jungle package stay and safaris and treks, officials are taking measures to make other wildlife-rich areas in the state more interesting and exciting for visitors.

“If anyone comes to the Kawal tiger reserve and stay at Jannaram from where jungle safaris can be taken, they would not only be experiencing the southern boundary of the central Indian forest landscape, but could be retracing the steps of India’s birdman, the late Salim Ali,” said Shiv Asheesh Singh, the Mancherial district forest officer.

In addition to the existing safari route in the reserve, we are planning to open one more in the Mancherial reserve forest area in the next few days. This new area for tourism is rich in wildlife, and will add to the options for visitors, he said. The landscape here is rich in ungulates (hoofed animals like deer), carnivores, and birds and butterflies. “The diversity is remarkable, and there is something for everyone to see. And if lucky enough, one might even spot a sloth bear or a large cat like the leopard or a tiger,” he said.

The Kawal reserve spread mostly in Adilabad, Mancherial, Nirmal, districts, was designed as a ‘sink’ for tigers migrating south from the more heavily populated forests in Maharashtra in the north, but is also home to herds of gaur, or the Indian bison, the largest among its species in the world. Though the tiger numbers are not high there by any means, there is every chance that one could be spotted if one happens to be at the right place at the right time.

The other home to gaur, the Eturnagaram wildlife sanctuary in Mulugu district, has its tourism base in Tadvai village in the middle of the forest. One of the older wildlife sanctuaries in the state, Eturunagaram also boasts of a host of other wild animals, in addition to ample opportunities for treks in the forest, “with some that can be challenging even to fitness enthusiasts,” according to Rahul Jadhav, the Mulugu district forest officer.

Among the treks is one to the Janagalancha fort that offers a 360 degree view of the forest and is a great place to watch sunrise and sunsets, in addition to a good hike through the forest,” he said.

While this sanctuary currently does not offer jungle safaris, “plans are progressing to procure safari vehicles and we plan to start offering rides in the forest from next month,” Jadhav said.

In addition to Eturunagaram, there is an option for night camping in Laknavaram by the lake side, and day visits to Pakhal wildlife sanctuary, he said.

Kawal tiger reserve

Time: Morning and evening safari rides. Five safari vehicles each can carry eight people.

What can be seen: Tiger, leopard, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, niglai, four-horned antelope, dholes (wild dogs), jackals, fox, sloth bear.

Jannaram hub: Can be reached by train, nearest station is Mancherial. Easily by road, approx 260 km from Hyderabad.

Where to stay: Haritha hotel at Jannaram https://tourism.telangana.gov.in/hotels/JannaramHotel

Typically busy or booked for weekends.

Safaris and other forest activities: Ph No.s : 9440337315; 9493437278

Eturnagaram wildlife sanctuary

Jungle safaris: To start in December.

Spots to visit: Devunigutta in Pakhal, Varalagutta near Ramappa, Laknavaram night camping, Jangalancha fort in Eturunagaram.

What can be seen: Leopard, gaur, sloth bear, spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, giant squirrel, jackal, hyena.

Tadvai hub: Approx 240 km from Hyderabad, 90 km from Warangal.

Where to stay: Jungle huts at Tadvai.

Booking information on stay, forest trek activities: Ph. No: 9440810881

More information: https://telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/wildlife/jayashankar-bhoopalpally/eturnagaram-wildlife-sanctuary.html

Amrabad tiger reserve

Morning, evening safari rides, treks.

What can be seen: Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, dholes, sambar, spotted deer, nilgai, civets, jungle cat.

Mannanur hub: Can be reached by road. On the way to Srisailam from Hyderabad. Approx 130 km.

Where to stay: Mannanur Jungle Resort, Haritha Hotel, private hotels.

ooking information for accommodation, forest activities: https://amrabadtigerreserve.com/booking-package/

Typically busy and booked for weekends.