Kambalakonda to Get Overnight Tourist Cottages

The Forest Department plans to build four to five cottages in Kambalakonda Reserve Forest to provide tourists with overnight stays. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recommended the initiative. With the rise of forest tourism nationwide, authorities aim to offer amenities similar to those in Karnataka, where jungle resorts and lodges draw many visitors and boost local economies.

Kambalakonda Eco-Tourism Park spans 15,000 acres near the city. It used to support a variety of wildlife, including leopards. Urbanization has pushed some species towards extinction, but deer and smaller mammals still flourish. Currently, the park is open only from morning to evening, which restricts opportunities for immersive nature experiences.

In recent years, the Forest Department invested around ₹1.5 crore to develop a guest house, an amphitheatre, yoga and meditation halls, a viewpoint, and boating facilities in the park’s lake. The new cottages will provide overnight accommodation, cultural programme spaces, security arrangements, and restaurant facilities. Officials estimate each cottage will cost approximately ₹15 lakh, and final figures will be finalized after the government approves the full proposal.

Ravindra Dhama, District Forest Officer, said the cottages will enhance visitor experiences and increase revenue. “Monthly entry fees currently generate about ₹4 lakh, while maintenance and staff salaries cost around ₹3 lakh. With the cottages, the park can host overnight visitors and offer a complete eco-tourism experience,” he said.

Fencing now covers 2.5 km of the park to protect wildlife, and authorities plan more measures to safeguard animals and birds. They expect the improvements to make Kambalakonda a popular destination for nature enthusiasts while supporting sustainable forest management and local employment.