Latest news with #JungleSafari


New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Jungle safari to come up at Mulapadu Butterfly Park in Andhra
VIJAYAWADA: In a significant move to promote forest tourism and increase revenue for forest development, the NTR district forest department is gearing up to launch a Jungle Safari at the Mulapadu Butterfly Park on a trial basis. Located within the Kondapalli Reserve Forest at Mulapadu village, the Butterfly Park was inaugurated in 2018 and has since become a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. It is the first of its kind in NTR district and the second in Andhra Pradesh after Visakhapatnam. The park is home to nearly 50 species of butterflies, including 15 rare ones. To enhance the visitor experience, the forest department, in collaboration with NGOs, developed a two-kilometre butterfly trail where visitors can observe various butterfly species in their natural habitat. The park underwent further development recently, funded with `1.5 crore from APGENCO's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and `2 crore from Nagaravanam funds. It reopened to the public in January this year with upgraded amenities. Taking a major leap forward, the department plans to introduce a Jungle Safari covering a 14-kilometre route through the forest, culminating at the famous Lord Anjaneya Swamy temple. Two vehicles have been procured and are being modified for the safari. 'We fixed a charge of `300 per person. The Jungle Safari will be launched soon and operated based on public response,' said NTR District Forest Officer Satish. Over the past six months, the Butterfly Park has attracted more than 18,000 visitors, generating `5 lakh in revenue. Officials expect the Jungle Safari to further boost tourist footfall, particularly during weekends, when additional rides will be arranged. Simultaneously, the department is working to strengthen wildlife-friendly infrastructure, including check dams and water tanks, and plans to restrict private vehicle access near the park to protect the habitat. An open information centre has been set up to educate visitors about butterflies, along with a butterfly-themed children's play area. Additionally, proposals are under discussion for establishing a zoo spanning 200 to 300 acres within the Kondapalli Reserve Forest, aiming to position the area as a leading eco-tourism hub in AP.


Time of India
27-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
At safari camp, students get acquainted with nature
Raipur: The first batch of the seven-day Jungle Safari Summer Camp 2025, organized at Nandanvan Jungle Safari in Nava Raipur, concluded on April 26 leaving a lasting impression of environmental conservation on the young participants. A total of 40 students aged between 12 and 18 enthusiastically participated in the camp, gaining valuable insights into the natural world. Designed to foster a deeper understanding of nature and wildlife, the camp offered a wide range of activities such as bird watching, nature walks, seed collection, snake conservation awareness, insect and butterfly identification, wildlife conservation, and ecosystem studies. Creative exercises like nature craft and painting, along with yoga, physical fitness routines, and ecosystem-based games, were also undertaken. The experience enabled the participants to develop a scientific perspective and a heightened sense of responsibility toward environmental conservation. Students described the camp as a unique and unforgettable experience, expressing eagerness to participate in similar events in the future. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Study Anywhere With Lightweight Intel Laptops Lenovo Student Offers Learn More Undo The inaugural session saw inspiring addresses by Hakimuddin Saifi and Mohit Sahu. The closing ceremony featured Dr Manjit Kaur Bal from the Foundation for Ecological Security and Dr. Jagpal Singh Bal from the department of technical education, who emphasized the crucial role of youth in protecting the environment. Nandanvan Jungle Safari director, Dhammashil Ganveer, interacted with the students during the closing ceremony, encouraging them to act as guardians of nature and carry forward the message of conservation to their communities. Encouraged by the response, the management of Jungle Safari announced the launch of the second summer camp, beginning May 1, 2025.