Nature lovers can now watch and capture on camera the dynamics of the jungle from the closest possible quarters. The Forest Department in Adilabad has decided to permit enthusiasts to stay in base camps in the Kawal Tiger Reserve.
There are 13 base camps within KTR, each comprising double-storied perches at strategic points for watchers to keep an eye on all kinds of movements within the pristine forest.
“We will allow eco tourists to stay at our base camps to experience the thrill of a first-hand feel of life in the jungles, as part of tourism promotion in the district. They desirous can seek permission from the department, also to help us facilitate their stay,” pointed out Adilabad Chief Conservator of Forests T.P. Thimma Reddy. Staying at the base camp will give visitors the advantage of covering distances on foot, and being guided by watchers at the concerned perches. They can rely upon the expertise of the watchers, especially while tracking the movement of wild animals deep inside the forest.
As the KTR has an excellent population of wild animals, sighting them is almost an assured fact for eco tourists. “The nilgai, gaur, spotted deer, sloth bears, wild boars and wild dogs, etc. are certain to be sighted in the forest besides a range of snake species,” said Bandari Poshetti, one of the five watchers at the base camp near Thapalpur in Jannaram mandal.
The watchers have good knowledge about animal behaviour too, which will be of crucial help in times of need for those not familiar with the forest. “The watchers are equipped only with a stick and an axe, both meant to be used for deterrence only, so visitors will do well to stick to their guidance,” cautioned a forest official.
The KTR has also emerged as a promising destination for bird watchers, though bird sightings this year have gone rare owing to a drought-like condition. The numerous water bodies within the 890 sq.km. area of the reserve attracts storks, including the black stork from northern India, open bills, etc. while the forest itself supports numerous other avian species.
Visitors will not only spend a night or two inside the forest but will get to cook their own food in the lap of nature. All they need to do is carry some rations.
