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Eco-Tourism:

The IUCN Eco-Tourism programme defines “Eco-tourism” as “Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas in order to enjoy and appreciate nature, that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact and provides for beneficially active socio economic development of local population”. The Eco-tourism if controlled and regulated and keeps in tune with provisions of Act and policies on wildlife, conservation, it could move to be an effective tool for management for eliciting public support, and also, provide ample opportunities to people for nature and wildlife viewing as well as enjoyment in sustainable manner as envisaged in the objectives set for Tiger Project areas. Keeping in view the above principle Eco-tourism activity is being taken up in Melghat Tiger Reserve as per the provisions of Sanctioned Management Plan for Melghat Tiger Reserve. The plan envisages special objectives of management with respect to Eco-tourism. The area of MTR is a difficult terrain hence the sighting of wild animals is moderate. The area is enriched with several landscapes and scenic view points in the reserve. The tiger in Melghat Tiger Reserve are definitely unique in them selves and their sighting give immense pleasure to the tourists. It has got high interpretative value in respect of environment, ecological factors and their relation with wildlife. The tribal inhabitants also co-exist in this environment with the wildlife. Melghat Tiger Reserve has tremendous potential for Eco-tourism.

Important Aspects from Tourism Point of View:

  • Nature Interpretation Cetres:There are four Nature Interpretation Centers in MTR. These nature interpretation Centres are developed from the education and conservation point of view.

    •
      Nature Interpretation centre Amravati :- The Nature Interpretation Centre at Amravati plays an important role of interpreting the nature to urbanite people and accordingly orient them and also make them aware about nature conservation by adoping suitable themes.
      Nature and wildlife Interpretation Centre Semadoh: The Nature Interpretation complex at Semadoh acts as a hub of tiger reserve and caters to both rural as well as urbanite people coming down from Chikhaldara as well as from Dharni and Paratwada areas. This complex beholds elaborate and exhaustive nature interpretive themes encompassing various aspects.
      NIC Harisal:- This NIC Projects about the Tribal culture in Melghat. This caters the need of visitors from M.P side as it is situated on the entry point of the reserve on Dharni-Amravati Highway.
      NIC Gullarghat:- This NIC has been developed giving special emphasis on medicinal plants. It has the potential to develop as major Centre for catering to the needs of visitor coming from Akola and Mumbai Direction.
  • Tourism Zone:- There are at present two tourism zones in MTR. They are
      • Semadoh Tourism Complex and Wildlife Viewing Area:-Semadoh is on Paratwada Dharni road and is 50 km from Paratwada 50 km form Dharni. It is situated on the bank of Sipna Rivers.
        Tourism Zone:- Area of Tourism Zone at Semadoh is 58-67 Sq. Km. Where tourists can enjoy jungle safari, elephant Ride, Nature trails, trekking to watch wildlife and beauty of the forest and landscape. Trained guides are available at rate up Rs.40/- per trip for Jungle Safari.
        Museum and Nature Interpretation Centre.
        Wild life film shows are displayed at Nature Interpretation Centre Semadoh for the recreation of tourists.
        Canteen Facility
    Tiger, Panther and wilddog, Bisan, Sambar are frequently sighted, during Jungle safari.

    • Harisal :- Harisal is on Paratwada-Dharni road and is 75 km. from Paratwada and 25 km from Dharni.
    • Tourism Zone:- Tourism area is spread over 48.57 Sq. Km. where tourist can enjoy Jungle safari, Nature trails and trekking.
    • Nature Interpretation Centre:- At Nature Interpretation Centre local tribal (Korku) culture is displayed.
    • Gullarghat:- Gullarghat is on Akot – Dharghad Road and 75 km from Akot.
    • Tourism Zone:- Tourism area is spread over 21.42 Sq.Km. Interpretation Centre at Gullarghat high lights significance of medicinal plants.

      • Apart from above some others points of tourist interest in and around Melghat Tiger Reserve are as under:-
    • Vairat Point:- It is at a distance about 10 km. form chikhaldara. It is also called sunset point. It is highest plateau in MTR and is about little over 1140 mts. above MSL. The place is associated with ancient Indian mythology.
    • Chikhaldara:- It is at distance 35 km for Paratwada. Tourists points like Panchbol, Bhimkund, Haricane, Devi point and Gavilgarh Forts are in the vicinity of chikhaldara.
    • Kolkaz:- It is on Paratwada – Dharni Road and is 18 km. from Semadoh. Situated on the bank of Sipna River. It is famous for natural beauty un forest area. Ranidoh, Diadoh are some tourist points near kolkaz.
    • Narnala Fort:- Narnala fort is at distance of 20 Km from Akot and is part of Narnala wildlife sanctuary of MTR. In fact, it acts as a gateway of Melghat on souther side. It is situated at about 1000 m. aboveMSL. It was constructed way back in 1426 A.D by Ahmed Shah. The Fort covers 392 Acres with wall perimeter of 36 Km. It is said to have 22 gates and 360 Buuruj Towers. The Fort area has an excellent water management system. Rain water harvesting and drainage system built on fort plateau is of worth admiration. The system consists of 22 large tanks connected with smaller tanks in such a way that the over flow of water from tank situated at higher elevation goes to tanks at lower elevation ensures no drop of rain water is allowed to go waste. At present, 6 tanks retain considerable quantity of water through out the year. Famous “Dog temple” and Sakkar Talav are the place of faith for the people of all society.
    • Sankhala Point: It is near Makhala which is about 10 Km. from Semadoh. Watching wildlife and scenic view of forest and landscape is of great thrill.