In an attempt to make Uttar Pradesh an ecotourism hub, the state’s Forest and Wildlife Department is launching the “Buffer Mein Safar” scheme.
According to officials, the initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable tourism while preserving the state's rich natural beauty and biodiversity. The focus will be on developing safari routes within the buffer zones of major tiger reserves like Dudhwa, Pilibhit and Uttar Kheri, with specific attention to areas such as Bhira and Mohammadi, which hold significant potential for ecotourism. Semrai Lake, famous for being a bird migration site, will also be included in the circuit.
Jungle safaris have already started in the buffer zone of Kartaniya ghat, located near the Nepal border. The natural beauty, biodiversity and richness of wildlife in these areas will become major attractions for tourists.
“The department also plans to engage and empower local communities by training them as guides and restaurant operators, generating employment and enhancing the tourism experience. These efforts have already started yielding results, with a sharp increase in the number of ecotourists visiting Uttar Pradesh in recent years,” officials said in a statement.
They added that the biggest benefit of the scheme is that it reduces conflict between humans and wildlife while giving tourists an adventurous jungle experience. By training local people as nature guides canteen staff and cooks, the initiative will improve their skills and ensure high-quality services for tourists.
“Buffer Mein Safar” is scheduled to launch during the monsoon season.
Notably, the state recently started India's first Vistadome wildlife train as well. Operated by Indian Railways and supported by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, the Vistadome train features panoramic glass windows, a transparent roof, and rotating cushioned seats—all designed to offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness. The 107 km journey between Mailani and Nanakmatta (passing through Katarniaghat) takes approximately four hours and 25 minutes. Read the full report here.
(with inputs from multiple news reports)