The Telangana Forest Department will be introducing a jungle safari service in the forests of the district headquarters soon. Now, nature lovers, who usually spend an exorbitant amount of money for jungle safaris in the Kawal Tiger Sanctuary and other tourist hotspots, can have a ride through the dense forests and enjoy the wilderness of the region at more affordable prices.

Three tracks measuring 20 kilometres each have been developed covering the dense forests, grasslands and the hill fort of Gandhari Khilla. Percolation tanks and a lake formed in an abandoned quarry of Mancherial Cement Company (MCC) in the forests of Old Mancherial section have also been added, said forest officer Shiv Aasheesh Singh. The track will start at the abandoned quarry and wind through forests, hillocks and seasonal streams before ending at the historical Gandhari fort, offering a thrilling experience to nature lovers.

Furthermore, machans have also been created at three spots to help tourists take a short break during the ride, while watch towers were erected to help them to enjoy the panoramic views and click photographs of the forests. Tourists can stay the night atop the machans, too, and rest easy thanks to a security detail.

Spotted deer, nilgai and Indian gaur can be sighted along the tracks in early mornings and evenings in the Mancherial forests. CCTV camera traps have been installed to record the movements of herbivores and carnivores, while percolation tanks were created in grasslands by laying a 1.5-kilometre pipeline and drawing water from a lake of the MCC using a solar-based pump.

The forest service has stated that the safari would be offered for an affordable price. They said that they were planning to collaborate with an organisation experienced in conducting tours to organise the safari service.

(With inputs from news agencies)