Pune launches grassland safari to boost Solapur eco-tourism

The Pune forest department has launched a new grassland safari in Solapur district to boost eco-tourism. The safari, based in Boramani village, opened on February 14, and online bookings started on March 16. It features a grassland ecosystem that hosts various wildlife, including wolves, jackals, and blackbucks. Ajit Shinde, an assistant conservator of forests, explained that the safari aims to raise awareness about conservation and support local communities. The forest department has added facilities like machan accommodations for overnight stays, drinking water, and toilets to improve the visitor experience. Visitors must bring their own vehicles, as there are no safari vehicles available yet. The safari runs in two time slots each day: from 6:30 am to 10:30 am and from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The cost for the safari and night stay ranges from ₹ 1,100 to ₹ 1,500, with a limit of four to five vehicles allowed at a time. Previous grassland safaris launched in October 2023 received positive feedback and generated significant revenue. The department also held a logo design competition for the new safari project, attracting 103 entries.