APFDC Logo A.P. Forest Development Corporation Ltd.,


Eco-Tourism in Andhra Pradesh 

Andhra Pradesh is endowed with a rich and varied Bio-diversity distributed over a mosaic of different habitats spread over the Eastern Ghats, the Deccan Plateau Region, the Coastal Mangroves, the Fresh Water bodies like Kolleru and Brackish water bodies like the Pulicat and the grasslands of Rollapadu. These varied habitats have been supporting a variety of animal and plant species ranging from the Tiger, Gaur, Elephant, Black Buck and a variety of Deers and Antelopes, besides a variety of birds, including the Great Indian Bustard, the Spot bill Pelican, the Lesser Florican and the near extinct Jerdon’s Courser. In addition to the above faunal species, the forests of Andhra Pradesh support about 5000 plant species consisting of species like Teak, Rosewood, Sandal Wood, and the endemic Red Sanders and Cycas beddomeii, etc.

Objectives of Eco-Tourism: 

Eco-Tourism is “A responsible travel to natural areas, which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people”.

The primary objective of the Eco-Tourism is to show case the natural resource to different segments of the society, for viewing the nature and the natural processes for educational, recreational values and to propagate the message of environmental conservation.

To attract both domestic and foreign tourists by creating adequate infrastructure for accommodation, food and transport facilities in the Forest areas, Sanctuary areas and zoological gardens.

                      Activities:

The main activities involved in Eco-Tourism are non-consumptive like Bird watching, Trekking, Nature trails, River rafting and more importantly mere watching of the scenic beauty of the Hills, Valleys, Meadows, Water bodies and the natural processes and learn to live in Nature. Eco-tourism also preaches the understanding and respecting various cultures and customs of people living in the area.

Role of A.P. Forest Development Corporation Ltd., in implementation of Eco-Tourism Project 

*   The Government of AP has designated A.P. Forest Development Corporation Ltd., in G.O.Ms. No. 54 EFS&T (For.-II) Dept., Dt:26-6-2001, to implement the Eco-Tourism Projects in the Reserved Forests, Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks and Zoological Parks of the state. 

*   The prime objective of these projects is to conserve the rich Biodiversity and propagate the message of environmental conservation to the people of Andhra Pradesh, by creating infrastructure facilities and visitor amenities by private participation. 

*   In implementing the Eco-Tourism Projects the ownership of the land and all the assets created there on will remain with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, represented by APFDC, right from day one till the end of the Concession Agreement.

*   The private Developer will develop the Project as per the components approved by the Govt. with limited visitor amenities and maintain and operate the same till end of the concession period.

Some of the Eco-Tourism Projects being developed by APFDC are -

Sri Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy Botanical Garden: 

Located in Kothaguda R.F. Block on Kondapur – Gachibowli Road near the Hi-tec City, Madapur, Hyderabad. The Botanical Gardens is being developed over an area of 128.07 Acres to conserve the plant Bio-diversity and to develop a Gene Bank apart from promoting the environmental education, botanical research and also to act as a recreation centre with a project outlay of about Rs.188.94 crores.

It is proposed to develop  (18) Botanical Sectors exhibiting about 5000 species of plants collected through out sub-continent. Out of which, 3 sectors have been developed and opened to public viz., Aquatic, Cacti & Succulents and Ornamental Sectors in Phase-I development. The balance sectors are being developed through Private sector participation by the developer M/s. Delara Tourism Corporation Ltd. The Phase-I Botanical Garden opened to public is being maintained and operated by M/s. DTCL.

For entry and other details contact:
Administrative Officer, SKVBR Botanical Garden Eco Tourism Park, M/s.DTC Ltd.
Phone No: 040-20044278   Cell: 09848754792

                  

Mahavir Nischalvan Eco-Tourism Centre: 

Developed in Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad, a prominent Black Buck conservation area in the country spread over an area of 3605 Acres. The Park area comprises with wide variety of plant species and fauna like Black Buck,Cheetal, Wild Boar, Mongoose and different verities of birds. APFDC has developed an Eco-Tourism Centre at the Park with the following facilities for Cozy and Serene stay.

Mahavir Nischalvan Eco-Tourism Centre is situated 15 KMs     from the city on Hyderabad – Vijayawada National Highway near Autonagar, Vanasthalipuram.

 

Tariff Details

AC Cottages Rs.700/- per day + Tax
Non AC Tent Houses Rs.400/- per day
10 Bedded Dormitory Rs.100/- per day per bed
Amphitheatre Rs.1000/- per day
Group Bookings available

For details contact:
Estate Officer, Mahavir Nischalvan Eco Tourism Centre, Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad
Phone: 040-24020950 Cell: 8008301631

JLTC Shamirpet Deer Park Ecotourism Project: 

JLTC Shamirpet Deer Park under control of the AP Forest Department is spread over an ara of about 60 acres with luxurious vegetation and other fauna like Spotted Deers, different kinds of Birds, Reptiles etc., abetting Shamirpet Lake.

APFDC developed a base camp with AC Cottages, Non AC COttages, Amphitheatre, Restaurant in 5.17 acres of JLTC Shamirpet Deer Pak through M/s. Yasaswi Eco-Tourism, SPV of M/s. Shalivahana Project Ltd., Hyderabad. The Project is located near Shamirpet Village Rajeev Rahadari on NALSAR Road, 20 KMs from Hyderabad City.

For futher details contact:
M/s. Yasaswi Eco Tourism
Cell Nos:09959991972, 09951160903, Phone:040-66663069

The following Eco-Tourism Projects are under process of implementation by the APFDC through private developers:

Sl.No.

Name of the Project

Outlay (Rs. In Crores)

Name of the Developer 

1.

Night Safari and Eco Park at Kothaguda R.F.

70.00

M/s. TRAC India (P) Ltd.
2.

Bird Park at Kothaguda R.F.

32.70

M/s. Hyderabad Bird Park & Gardens Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad.
3. Mrugavani National Park, Chilkur

3.00

M/s. LJ Jungle Resorts & Eco-Tourism Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad.

The Eco- Tourism Projects in Andhra Pradesh are being implemented on the principle of ‘Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain’ (DBFO) Model by APFDC Ltd., with the participation of Private Developers. The Developer is given specific concession for the above purpose to operate in the Reserved Forest without any rights of ownership on the land or other assets created and is allowed to operate and maintain till the end of the concession period on revenue sharing basis as per Government Orders.