Maharashtra set to revolutionize wildlife tourism with aerial safaris over dense forests.
Nagpur, October 10, 2024: In a groundbreaking development for wildlife tourism, Maharashtra’s Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) will soon offer the world’s first-ever ropeway wildlife safari. This innovative project, spearheaded by French company POMA SAS, will allow visitors to view tigers and other wildlife from an aerial perspective, soaring above the dense forests of one of India’s most popular tiger reserves.
The initiative, announced during a ceremony in Butibori, Nagpur, marks a significant shift in how tourists can experience the wilderness. The Letter of Intent (LoI) for the ropeway project was handed over to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis by Benjamin Fauchier Delavigne, POMA’s Public Affairs Director and Head of Sales in Asia. The ropeway safari is designed to enhance the visitor experience without disrupting the animals’ natural habitat, ensuring a sustainable approach to wildlife tourism.
“This is a landmark moment not just for Tadoba but for global wildlife tourism,” said Fadnavis at the event. “This ropeway will give tourists an unparalleled view of our majestic tigers and rich biodiversity, while also preserving the ecosystem.”
The ropeway safari is expected to offer a quieter, more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional jeep safaris. Suspended above the forest canopy, visitors will have a bird’s-eye view of the reserve’s famed Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and more, all without intruding on their natural surroundings.
A Global First
The Tadoba ropeway safari is poised to be the first of its kind anywhere in the world. While ropeways are commonly used in mountainous or urban environments, this is the first time such technology is being applied to a tiger reserve. POMA SAS, renowned for its state-of-the-art ropeway systems, will ensure that the project aligns with conservation goals, making it a perfect blend of tourism and environmental responsibility.
“This project is a testament to our commitment to sustainable tourism,” said Delavigne. “We are excited to partner with Tadoba to create a one-of-a-kind experience that brings people closer to nature, without disturbing the animals.”
Boost to Eco-Tourism
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, already a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts, is expected to see a significant boost in tourist numbers following the launch of the ropeway safari. The reserve, located in Chandrapur district, is home to over 80 tigers and a diverse range of flora and fauna. The new safari aims to attract more visitors while promoting eco-tourism and ensuring the long-term protection of the reserve’s wildlife.
The project, which is in its final planning stages, will soon commence construction, with the ropeway expected to be operational by mid-2025. Once complete, it will likely set a precedent for other wildlife reserves around the world to follow, offering a new way for people to connect with nature responsibly.
A Game-Changer for Wildlife Tourism
Wildlife experts and conservationists have praised the initiative, noting that the ropeway will help reduce the environmental footprint of traditional safari tours, which often involve noisy vehicles that can disturb the animals. The quiet, elevated safari experience will provide a more immersive, serene encounter with nature.
The Tadoba ropeway safari is not only a world-first but also a symbol of how tourism can evolve to meet the needs of both people and the planet. As Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve takes a step into the future, it is poised to offer visitors a truly unique way to appreciate the beauty of the wild.
