Grassland safaris starts in Pune; two zones open to public

In a first in Maharashtra, the Pune Forest Department has started grassland safari from today onwards (October 18). The districts of Pune and Solapur are where visitors can enjoy the grassland safari. Starting today, the forest department has opened the online booking application facility.

If reports are to go by, the grassland safari is first of its kind in Maharashtra where the total grassland area is approximately 12.3 million hectares. Previously, the total area of grassland in the state was 18 million hectares. As per reports, ill management of the grassland areas has led to this big reduction.


The Pune and Solapur grassland safari is just a small part of this grassland ecosystem. By introducing this grassland safari, the state aims at generating employment opportunities and, most importantly, educating and encouraging people to join hands in grassland conservation. Wildlife tourism, when done the right way, has always played a tremendous role in conservation of biodiversity. In today’s world, the grasslands face the great threat of human encroachment, which directly affects the region’s flora and fauna.


The grassland safari is in two locations, one in Kadbanwadi in Indapur tehsil and the other one in Shirsufal in Baramati tehsil. If reports are to go by, the grasslands in Indapur and Baramati have a unique ecosystem that attracts a number of birds and animals.



The grasslands of Indapur and Baramati are home to a number of species like the hyenas, wolves, jackals, foxes, and a number of migratory and resident birds. For those interested, the online portal for the grassland safari is now open.

Also read: Maharashtra destinations for budget-conscious travellers

The forest department is also planning to expand grassland safari to other areas outside of Pune and Solapur districts.

Also read: Is Bajirao's Shaniwar Wada in Pune really haunted?

The forest department is delving into the world of sustainable tourism by involving the local villagers by providing them training management skills and as tour guides.