Wild encounters, rural gains: Tiger tourism spreads outside reserves in Karnataka
Bengaluru: Tiger tourism in Karnataka is spreading beyond the boundaries of reserves and sanctuaries, opening up new economic opportunities for villagers and local entrepreneurs. With tiger numbers on the rise and sightings increasingly reported outside forest areas, homestays and small resorts are mushrooming in peripheral villages, The New Indian Express reported on Sunday.
Antarsanthe, a village on the fringes of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, has emerged as a hub for such tourism. Tourists book forest department safaris, which may not guarantee a tiger sighting but offer a memorable wildlife experience.
“Five years back I took this small home stay from a villager on rent. I suffered losses for the first couple of years. Now I am making profit. Most of my guests are from Bengaluru and Mysuru. They stay here and book safari buses or jeeps,” TNIE quoted Raveesh K, who is operating a home stay in Antarsanthe, as saying.
Kamanna, another villager, echoed a similar story. “My brother and I built a small homestay, as large constructions are restricted. Unlike inside reserves, there are no curbs on night travel here. Guests enjoy night and early morning safaris along the forest periphery, and many have spotted tigers,” he said.
Villagers are also diversifying into floriculture-based tourism.
In Angala, homestay owners have added attractions to draw visitors. One villager, Rafi A, installed a glass bridge across his sunflower field, providing a backdrop for photographs and social media reels.
“Due to increasing wandering wildlife, including tigers, leopards and elephants, sightings are guaranteed. We also help tourists to book safari rides,” the report quoted Ashoka L, a manager of a resort in Angala, as saying.
Forest officials, however, remain cautious. The surge in footfall, they warn, could increase the risk of human-animal conflict.
A forest department official noted that efforts are under way to regulate tourism outside Bandipur and Nagarhole, while steps are also being taken to promote tiger tourism around MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, BRT Tiger Reserve and other areas to disperse crowds from the two prime reserves and support tribals and villagers. “Tiger tourism is also being used to encourage forest dwellers to move out of forests and to help the department attract CSR and CER funds,” TNIE quoted the official as saying.
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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
