ECO-TOURISM

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.39
crores.

It is proposed to develop  (18) Botanical Sectors exhibiting about 5000 species of plants
collected through out sub-continent. Out of which, 7 sectors have been developed and
opened to public viz., Rock Pool, Aquatic, Bamboo/ Canes, Palmarium/ Cycads, Tree
grove, Ornamental and Medicinal Plants sectors. The balance sectors will be developed in
the next three years through Private sector participation by the developer M/s. Delara
Tourism Corporation Ltd.

Entry Fee details of SKVBR Botanical Garden: 

Entry for Adults Rs.15/-

Entry for
Rs.5/-
children  
                  

Mahavir Nischalvan Eco-Tourism Centre: 

Developed in Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Parks,

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

The following Eco-Tourism Projects are under process of implementation by the

APFDC through private developers:

Outlay (Rs. In
Sl.No. Name of the Project Name of the Developer
Crores)
M/s. Yasaswi Eco-Tourism, SPV
1. JLTC Shamirpet Deer Park, Shamirpet 1.20
Shalivahana Project Ltd., Hydera
Night Safari and Eco Park at
2. 70.00 M/s. TRAC India (P) Ltd.
Kothaguda R.F.
M/s. Hyderabad Bird Park & Gar
3. Bird Park at Kothaguda R.F. 32.70
Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad.
M/s. LJ Jungle Resorts & Eco-To
4. Mrugavani National Park, Chilkur 3.00
Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad.

The Eco- Tourism Projects in Andhra Pradesh being implemented by APFDC Ltd.,
Hyderabad are operated on the principle of ‘Design, Build, Finance, Operate and
Maintain’ (DBFO) Model 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 are allowed to recoup his
expenditure before the end of the concession period on profit sharing basis.