Grassland Safari in Pune: Wildlife safari located at a few hours from Pune is now operational
Only a few hours away from the bustling city of Pune, a new, thrilling adventure beckons— a grassland safari that promises a rendezvous with Maharashtra’s exotic wildlife and birds. As urban sprawl keeps its pace, it’s heartening to see that mere kilometres from Pune, vast grasslands remain untouched, giving the state’s wildlife a place to flourish. This natural treasure has now been transformed into a safari for those eager to explore, thanks to the Pune Forest Department.
Which Zones are Open for the Safaris Near Pune?
- Kadbanwadi in Indapur district: Located roughly three hours from Pune, this zone promises a diverse wildlife experience.
- Shirsuphal in Baramati district: About an hour away from Kadbanwadi, this is another zone waiting to be explored.
What to Spot at the Safaris Near Pune?
Safari Near Pune is not just a phrase but a promise of unparalleled natural beauty:
- The safari in Indapur’s Kadbanwadi zone begins at the Kadbanwadi gate and spans a 30km track, covering the villages of Kadbanwadi, Kalas, and Vitthalwadi.
- Meanwhile, the safari in Baramati’s Shirsuphal zone starts at Gadikhel gate and concludes at the Parwadi gate. This 40km stretch encompasses the villages of Gadikhel, Shirsuphal, Sablewadi, and Parwadi.
Nature enthusiasts will be delighted to discover an array of species:
- Animals including striped hyenas, jackals, chinkaras, Bengal fox, and the elusive Indian grey wolf.
- Over 330 bird species such as rain quail, ashy-crowned sparrow lark, grey-necked bunting, and painted francolin make these grasslands a bird-watcher’s paradise.
Safari Slots: When to Explore
The grassland safaris near Pune are open throughout the year. The slots include:
- Morning Safari: 6 am – 9 am
- Afternoon Safari: 3 pm – 6 pm With limited accommodations nearby, the safari serves as a perfect day trip from Pune.
How to Book and What Does it Cost?
Booking a Safari Near Pune is a straightforward process:
- Visit the safari website
- Book your desired slot
- Get paired with a locally trained guide.
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It’s worth noting that tourists need to have a private four-wheeler (with a capacity of up to seven, including driver and guide) as the forest department does not offer vehicles. The safari costs Rs2,100, divided as:
- Vehicle entry: Rs1,500
- Guide: Rs500
- Camera: Rs100
Know Your Geography Before Your Trip
The Pune Forest Division, with its 12 forest ranges, covers an expansive 12 lakh hectares, of which a significant portion is reserved forest areas. Specifically, the grasslands extend over the eastern side in areas like Daund, Saswad, Baramati, and Indapur.
In summary, the Grassland Safari in Pune is not just a tour but an immersive experience into Maharashtra’s rich biodiversity. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a birder, or someone seeking a day’s escape from city life, this safari promises memories that will last a lifetime.
