Mumbai: Now take a safari inside Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve for as low as Rs 300 as MTDC has approved grants of Rs 59 lakhs to TATR for purchase of four canter buses. The long-awaited bus service meant for an economical safari inside the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is now available.

On the occasion of the World Wildlife Day, MTDC announced the grant, considering the increase in number of tourists every season. Initially a single Gypsy safari in Tadoba costed a minimum of Rs 4,100 on weekdays and Rs 4,600 on holidays and weekends. The park management was working on providing a low-cost alternative in the form of buses since 2013. Three more similar buses will be added to the fleet coming fortnight.

Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia (IAS) Managing Director, MTDC says, “TATR is the most visited wildlife park in Maharashtra. Tourists across the globe come specially to experience our conserved wildlife. We were considering the low cost alternative since 2013. Now tourist will enjoy the wildlife safari at a lower cost. We are putting continuous efforts to make our state the most effective tourism board and easily accessible destination in India”.

The 22-seater buses would start from Moharli gate. The RTO registration and other related formalities of the heap will be filled out shortly and it will be pushed into the tourist services in a few days. This first step is meant to facilitate low cost tourism in TATR. With the growing rates of safari in open Gipsy, open top canter buses will offer an economical option to the tourists.

These coaches would be used for safari only after half the seats (i.e. 11 seats) are reserved. Seats in these coaches would be offered through spot booking on a first come first service base. Details are available on MTDC’s website.

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has been established under the Companies Act, 1956, (fully owned by Govt. of Maharashtra) for systematic development of tourism on commercial lines, with an authorized share capital of Rs.25 crore. The paid up share capital of the Corporation as on 31st March 2008 is Rs.15.38 lakhs. The Corporation receives from the State Government financial assistance in the form of share capital and grants. The State Government has entrusted all commercial and promotional tourism activities to this Corporation.

source : Sachin Murdeshwar