From May 1, the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) has reopened its Bor Tiger Reserve (BTR) eco-tourism complex to tourists.
Due of the pandemic, the complex has been restricted to nature lovers for the past two years. Despite being the country’s smallest tiger reserve, the complex was a popular tourist destination. According to A Praveen, Divisional Manager, Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM), Nagpur, the complex contains 12 suites, comprising 4ACcottages, 4ACrooms, 2 non-AC rooms, and dormitories.
In recent months, there have been successful tiger sightings around the sanctuary, which was declared as a tigerreserve in 2014 and forest officials assured that tourists can take maximum benefit if they visit the complex this season.
Located at Bori (Kokate) gram panchayatin Selu tehsil of Wardha, the best time to visit the ecotourism complex is during the months of May
and June as animals can be spotted frequenting water holes. The wild animals can also be spotted frequently nearthe complex, which is situated close to the Bor dam.
Less than an hour’s journey from Nagpur and half an hour from Wardha, the complex is ideal for a
short vacation into the wild. There are two scheduled jungle safaris daily, one each in the morning and the evening. At present, 12 jeeps are operational for safari rides.
With the routes passing through areas in the vicinity of water holes, where animals usually arrive for quenching thirst, the chances of tiger sightings during safaris are higher these days.
Along with a conference hall facility, the complex offers guests a stay in air-conditioned, regular rooms or dormitories.
The maximum capacity of the.ecotourism complex is between 40.and 45. Tourists are expected to maintain social distancing and appropriate use of face masks during their stay as part of COVID-19 protocols.
According to forest officials, the reserve has more than six tigers and tenleopards among other wild animals.
Conceived as a whole ecotourism spot, the State Government has roped in ten women from a local self-help group to manage the canteen. Besides, five locals have been hired as staff to manage the day-to-day operations of the complex
