Telangana: Tiger sightings surge in Amrabad Tiger Reserve

Amrabad Tiger Reserve has recorded nearly 50 tiger sightings since October 2025. Visitors can explore safaris at Farahabad, Gundam, and Akkamahadevi Caves. New Kollam Safari will open soon. Operations halt Jan 20–25 for the All India Tiger Estimation 2026.

Hyderabad: Visitors and wildlife experts are having more tiger sightings than ever in Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) in Telangana. Since the opening in October 2025 till now, the ATR recorded nearly 50 tiger sightings, reflecting improved habitat health and protection.

Visitors can explore this wildlife wealth through three immersive circuits of jungle safari. The 16km Farahabad Safari (Rs 3,000/ vehicle, seven seats or Rs 430 Rupees per person), the deep jungle 35km Gundam Safari (Rs 5,000/ vehicle, seven seats or Rs 715 Rupees per person), and the scenic 14 km Akkamahadevi Caves Safari (Rs 3,000/ vehicle, five seats or 600 rupees per person).

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Dr Sunil S Hiremath, Conservator of Forests and Field Director ATR, on Monday said the fleet of 18 safari vehicles is operated entirely by the local Chenchu tribe, with community members trained as drivers and nature guides to provide an indigenous perspective.

In addition to the existing routes, a new 20 Km Kollam Safari route has also been finalised for imminent opening, he said.

According to Dr Hiremath, the ATR is prioritising sustainable infrastructure and essential amenities as per Central government guidelines, with comprehensive renovation of entrance gate facilities and the installation of bio-toilets at Farahabad View Point and Gundam. In addition, with the new toilet facility at Durvasula Check Post, Farahabad entry and Domalapenta are under active planning and execution stage, he said.

The revenue generated from safari fees goes directly into the Tiger Conservation Foundation, which is used for their salaries and development of the tiger reserve.

Safari operations shut from January 20 for tiger estimation

The Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) safari operations will remain closed from January 20 to 25, due to the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation 2026. This massive exercise currently involves 139 regular forest staff, 150 outsourcing staff and 170 dedicated volunteers working across 253 beats to ensure an accurate census of our wildlife population in ATR.