Andhra Pradesh Forest Department to Introduce Night Stays at Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department is set to enhance the tourist appeal of the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary in Visakhapatnam by introducing night-stay facilities. This initiative involves the construction of approximately six cottages, aimed at attracting more visitors and boosting local eco-tourism.
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan's Suggestion Sparks Planning
The idea was recently proposed by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan during his visit to the Zoo Park and Kambalakonda. In response, local forest authorities have begun detailed planning for the night-stay options. According to officials, each cottage is estimated to cost between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, with a focus on creating temporary or semi-permanent structures to minimize environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly and Multi-Purpose Cottages
Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) B M Diwan Mydeen emphasized that the cottages will be eco-friendly and designed to support not only tourism but also wildlife-based training, surveillance, and related activities. He noted that night stays are already permitted in national parks, tiger reserves, and sanctuaries across various states, and are popular among visitors seeking immersive forest experiences.
The department is currently preparing proposals for government approval, which will include necessary clearances from competent authorities. The structures are planned to be semi-permanent to avoid harming the reserve forest, aligning with sustainable practices.
Kambalakonda Sanctuary: A Rich Natural Haven
Spread over 17,000 acres within city limits, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary features a diverse landscape of dry evergreen forest mixed with scrub and meadows, along with hilly terrain and steep slopes. It came under the control of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department on March 10, 1970, after previously belonging to the Maharajah of Vizianagaram.
The sanctuary currently offers a range of attractions, including:
- Boating facilities
- Trekking routes measuring 3 km, 2 km, and 7 km
- Two viewpoints and three picnic spots
- Adventure activities
It is home to various endemic species, such as jackals, civets, rabbits, mongoose, spotted deer, sambars, and numerous snake species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
Economic Impact and Current Operations
Kambalakonda earns around Rs 4 lakh per month from entry fees, drawing over 300 visitors daily and more than 500 on weekends. Monthly expenses, including staff salaries and maintenance, amount to approximately Rs 3 lakh. The introduction of night-stay facilities is expected to significantly increase revenue, providing a financial boost to the sanctuary's operations.
This move aligns with broader trends in eco-tourism, where immersive experiences in natural settings are gaining popularity. By offering night stays, the Forest Department aims to enhance visitor engagement while promoting conservation efforts through sustainable tourism practices.
