In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Vidarbha, the Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR) is offering tourists the opportunity to spend the night inside forest areas on elevated machans, adding a new dimension to eco-tourism in the region.
The reserve has developed 12 steel-structured machans, each around 20 feet high, in the Kumbhiballa and Long Point areas of Chikhaldara and Popatkhed in Akot, located in the buffer zone. Each machan accommodates two persons and costs ₹5,000 per night, including food and pick-up/drop-off services between 6 pm and 6 am. The units are equipped with basic amenities, including attached toilets and bathrooms.
The experience allows visitors to observe nocturnal wildlife activity at nearby artificial waterholes, offering a rare glimpse into forest life after dusk. “Access to core forest areas has traditionally been restricted, with wildlife sightings mostly limited to daytime jeep safaris. This initiative allows visitors to immerse themselves in the forest beyond safari hours,” said M. Adarsh Reddy, field director.
Adventure tourism has also been promoted at Bhimkund Point, which has received an encouraging response from tourists. Officials expect the addition of machan stays to further strengthen Chikhaldara’s position as a unique eco-tourism destination.
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