Click it and Unblock the Notifications
In the heart of Maharashtra, the serene landscapes of Kolitmara in west Pench have come alive with new adventures. Visitors can now soar through the skies with the thrill of paramotoring or ascend gently in a hot air balloon, both offering an unparalleled perspective of the scenic beauty that surrounds this wildlife haven. This bold initiative, approved by the local advisory committee positions Kolitmara as a unique adventure destination in Maharashtra, India.
Paramotoring and Hot Air Balloon Rides: A New Dimension to Kolitmara Tourism:
Kolitmara, often overshadowed by the bustling Sillari in east Pench, has taken a bold step into adventure tourism within the buffer zone of the Pench Tiger Reserve. Paramotoring flights, carried out successfully over the last three days, promise an individualized experience with a pilot, while hot air balloon rides offer a group adventure, accommodating up to four individuals ascending to 300 feet. At the affordable prices of ₹2,500 for paramotoring and ₹1,500 for hot air balloon rides, Kolitmara stands as the pioneer among tiger reserves, providing visitors with an adrenaline rush against the backdrop of dense forests and tribal villages.
Collaborative Initiative and Economic Impact:
The introduction of these adventure sports is not just about the thrill. The project, supported by the District Ecotourism Fund, is a collaborative effort between Maharshi Adventures Sports, Gondia, and the Kolitmara Eco-development Committee. Deputy Director of Pench, Prabhu Nath Shukla, emphasized that this venture aims to provide direct employment to more than 15 local youths, contributing significantly to the local economy. Beyond the economic impact, the initiative seeks to attract not only thrill-seekers but also wildlife enthusiasts, thereby boosting wildlife tourism and creating livelihood opportunities for locals.
Cycling Safaris and Beyond:
Pench Tiger Reserve has been at the forefront of diversifying its tourism offerings. In addition to the recent introduction of paramotoring and hot air balloon rides, the region had previously embraced agrotourism, featuring activities such as machan sittings, bullock cart and boat rides, bird watching, village life exploration tours, boating, and a 45 km cycle trail.
The cycle safari, launched last year, provides a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the Tiger Reserve, offering breathtaking views of the Pench River, lush forests, and valleys. It also engages visitors in interacting with local communities and understanding their culture.
Future Plans and Enriching Tourism Experience:
Looking ahead, Kolitmara has ambitious plans, including a 25 km nature safari route in Banera and the introduction of two motorboats for a 25 km-long Pench river safari from Kolitmara to Navegaon Khairi. This river safari, priced at ₹1,500 per person, aims to add another exciting dimension to the tourism experience in Kolitmara. These initiatives collectively position Kolitmara not only as a haven for wildlife enthusiasts but also as an adventure and ecotourism destination, enriching the experience for visitors and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
As Kolitmara unfolds its wings to embrace adventure, it continues to draw nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and curious minds, inviting them to be part of its journey toward sustainable and enriching tourism.
