Puligundala eco-tourism project in Khammam set to open for nature lovers

The Puligundala project in Khammam district’s Kanakagiri Reserve Forest is set to open as an eco-tourism destination. With cottages, trekking trails, forest safari, boating and night camping, the site aims to attract nature lovers at affordable prices.

Khammam: The Puligundala project in Kanakagiri reserve forest block in the district is all set to welcome nature lovers as an eco-tourism destination.

Spread over 14,422 hectares, the forest block in Tallada range of Sathupally division supports a huge biodiversity of flora and fauna, including migratory birds as well as rare plant species. The Puligundala tank, surrounded by thick deciduous-bamboo forest, is spread over around 40 acres.

As part of the eco-tourism initiative launched in 2025, the district forest department, along with the district administration, has developed trekking trails, viewpoints and selfie-points besides a forest safari in the forest area and a canteen.

Speaking to ‘Telangana Today’, District Forest Officer (DFO) Siddharth Vikram Singh said the construction of four luxury eco-tourist cottages with air-conditioning, hot water, attached bathrooms, each suitable to accommodate one family, was completed. Two non-luxury tent houses were also developed.

The facility at Brahmalakunta at the entry point of the forest block is likely to be inaugurated in a couple of weeks. Steps were also being taken to make arrangements for night camping, and as many as 40 tents could be pitched at a time, based on prior booking, the DFO said.

Discussions were on to fix prices for a comprehensive tourist package, which includes food and accommodation, trekking, forest safari and others. Efforts were made to ensure the prices are as low as possible so that the package could be affordable for all sections.

The Puligundala project is best suited for sky gazing, as the surroundings offer a pristine view of the sky as well as bird watching. Two pedal boats are available for boating in the water body without causing any pollution. The local SHGs were being roped in to operate the facilities and security measures were also in place to ensure the safety of tourists, Vikram Singh said.

The other attractions here are the Pallavilas at Veerabhadra Swamy Temple atop a hillock, the Kakatiya era Hasthala Veeranna idol and a mini waterfall at Puligundam, which would be active in the rainy season.

The site is located 11.50 km from Ramakrishnapuram village on the State Highway-42 connecting Khammam-Aswaraopet. The nearest airport is at Hyderabad, 220 km from Khammam, and the nearest railway station is located at Khammam at a distance of 60 km.