In recent proceedings, the Pune Forest Department has revealed that grassland safari in Boramani village of Solapur district will now be a part of its ecotourism expansion efforts. The initiative drives at showcasing the unique avian life of the region’s grasslands while promoting conservation awareness at the same time supporting local communities in the process. The development marks a pivotal ecological move in the area and is poised to be promising for the local demographic.
The safari, which is located in the vast grasslands of Boramani hamlet, gives guests a chance to see a unique ecosystem that is frequently obscured by swamps and woods. In addition to supporting a wide range of plants and animals and serving as carbon sinks to control the temperature, grasslands are essential for preserving ecological balance.
A wide variety of species can be found in the Boramani grasslands. Wolves, Indian jackals, Bengal foxes, blackbucks, Indian antelopes, rabbits, wild boars, and wild cats are among the animals that visitors may come across. The region's rich biodiversity is further enhanced by the abundance of butterfly species that call it home.
The safari operates in two daily slots:
Morning: 6:30 am to 10:30 am
Afternoon: 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
In order to keep disturbance to the ecosystem at its most minimal, a sparse number of four to five vehicles are permitted per slot. Visitors are required to bring their own vehicles, as dedicated safari vehicles are not yet available. The charges for the safari and night stay range between INR 1,100 and INR 1,500.
To enhance the safari experience, the forest department has introduced several facilities:
Machan Accommodations: Elevated platforms for overnight stays, offering a unique perspective of the grasslands.
Basic Amenities: Provision of drinking water and toilet facilities to ensure visitor comfort.
However, visitors must arrange their own transportation, as the Pune Forest Department does not provide dedicated vehicles.
The grassland safari is a component of a larger grassland management initiative that aims to highlight the distinctive biodiversity of Solapur's grasslands and increase awareness of conservation. The project also promotes sustainable tourism practices by helping local populations through a variety of livelihood programs.
This project comes after similar grassland safaris were successfully introduced in October 2023 in Kadbanwadi (Indapur tehsil) and Shirsufal (Baramati tehsil). These safaris brought in INR 34.77 lacs from 3,044 reservations between October 2023 and December 2024, showing that grassland ecotourism is well received in the area.
On March 16, 2025, online reservations for the Boramani grassland safari opened. Due to the limited number of vehicles permitted each slot, prospective visitors are recommended to make reservations in advance.
(with inputs from various sources.)
