Tadoba National Park to soon offer world’s first-ever ropeway safari for aerial wildlife viewing

In an exciting update for wildlife enthusiasts, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Maharashtra is preparing to offer visitors a brand-new adventure. For the first time, a ropeway safari is expected to be introduced, providing a unique way to explore the jungle. While jeep safaris have been the go-to option until now, this new ropeway experience promises to elevate your wildlife adventure to new heights.

According to reports, French ropeway company POMA SAS has proposed what could become the world’s first ropeway system over a tiger reserve. This ropeway would offer visitors the unique opportunity to observe tigers and other wildlife from above, providing an aerial view of the landscape. This initiative is expected to boost wildlife tourism while helping to protect Tadoba’s rich ecosystem.

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Benjamin Fauchier Delavigne, Public Affairs Director and Head of Sales for Asia at POMA SAS, officially presented the company’s intent to Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during a foundation stone ceremony for Pernod Ricard’s distillery in Butibori.

POMA SAS, which has successfully completed ropeway projects in popular Indian tourist destinations such as Patni Top, Kashmir, and Mussoorie, is now keen on building a modern ropeway in Tadoba. The project aims to offer visitors an immersive and eco-friendly way to experience the forest.

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As detailed in the project, the ropeway will transport visitors through lush forests, providing unique viewpoints for wildlife observation while ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals below. Delavigne stressed about the significance of the ropeway’s design in minimising environmental impact, noting that it will function without disrupting the peace and serenity of the forest.

Fadnavis stated that to ensure the proposal's feasibility, the government will conduct a comprehensive review and seek input from the tourism and forest departments. The primary objective will be to accelerate the project's execution while adhering to environmental regulations.

Pernod Ricard's National President Prasanna Mohile, who assisted in project facilitation, explained that this project will also include pollution-free advantages. He added that the ropeway will help to reduce ecological impact, while granting more access to visitors to safari areas. The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities for residents.

The choice to approach the Maharashtra Government was motivated by the state's recently announced tourism policy, which includes encouraging innovative initiatives like this one. Delavigne further emphasised Nagpur's importance as the "Tiger Capital," which strengthens the project's case for promoting ecotourism in the area.

Once approved, Tadoba’s ropeway would write a new chapter in wildlife tourism, while preserving the jungle's delicate balance and enhancing the visitor experience.