Renuka Suryavanshi 

The Pune forest department has launched a grassland safari in Boramani village, Solapur, as part of its eco-tourism expansion. Officially inaugurated on February 14, the safari aims to showcase the region’s rich biodiversity while promoting conservation awareness.

Located in a vast grassland ecosystem, the safari offers visitors a chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including wolves, Indian jackals, Bengal foxes, blackbucks, wild boars, and numerous butterfly species. The initiative also seeks to support local communities through livelihood programs.

https://grasslandsafari.org/boramani-zone

To enhance the visitor experience, the forest department has introduced key amenities, including machan accommodations for overnight stays, drinking water, and toilet facilities. However, visitors must arrange their own transport, as there is no dedicated safari vehicle service available.

The safari operates in two slots: morning (6:30 AM to 10:30 AM) and afternoon (3:30 PM to 6:30 PM), with a limited number of vehicles allowed at a time. Charges range from ₹1,100 to ₹1,500.

Following the success of similar safaris launched in Kadbanwadi and Shirsufal in October 2023, which generated ₹34.77 lakh in revenue, authorities expect a positive response to the Solapur grassland safari. Additionally, the department recently conducted a logo design competition for the project, attracting over 100 entries.

With a focus on conservation, eco-tourism, and community engagement, the safari aims to provide a unique and sustainable wildlife experience for nature enthusiasts.