Forest tour packages minus worry

 In first initiative of its kind, forest department will pick tourists from nearest airport or railway station and arrange their drop

The entrance to the Jaldapara National Park: File picture

Anirban Choudhury   |   TT  |  Alipurduar   |   13.04.23 : The state forest department has decided to launch a tour package in collaboration with the tourism department to make a trip to the jungles safe and hassle-free.

In a first initiative of its kind, the forest department will pick tourists from the nearest airport or railway station and arrange their drop. Various aspects of the trip like lodging, food and tickets for elephant and car safaris will be included in this package, said a source.

The initiative will first be rolled out at Jaldapara National Park in the Dooars famed for the one-horned rhino. “If the initiative becomes a success the department will expand the same to other places,” said a source.

The package details are likely to be announced later this month. Interested tourists will be able to book tickets either from the forest or tourism websites, said a source.

The forest department has also decided to come up with an insurance policy for tourists, mahout, guides and safari car drivers.

Jyotipriya Mullick, the state forest minister, said: “We have taken these initiatives to make jungle tourism more attractive and ensure the safety of the tourists, drivers, mahouts and tourist guides.”

The forest minister also referred to a recent incident in Jaldapara where tourists were chased by a rhino. Luckily, even though the car skidded and tilted, tourists did not suffer serious injuries.

“We do not want to take any risk,” said the minister, referring to the incident.

The minister further added that the state government was also looking at constructing 14 forest bungalows at Jaldapara and Buxa Tiger Reserve after taking due permission from the National Green Tribunal. 

Courtesy & source- The Telegraph