A lot to explore in jungle landscape

Bhupalpally: Even as the jungle landscape that once spread across a staggering 40,000-odd sq km has come down drastically to around 26,904 sq km in Telangana, Bhupalpally district, that currently holds one-sixth of it, is still a treasure trove of unexplored historic marvels.And on a mission to bring them to fore was Forest Department.

Thanks to the DFO T Ravi Kiran, who is determined to promote tourism in the region, thereby boosting the local economy. Since the creation of Bhupalpally district, there has been a constant effort to tap the tourism potential which the region has abundantly.

As of now, the ecotourism calendar that includes adventure sports and other activity unveiled by the administration to promote exotic locations of the region is paying off well.

While continuing its efforts to promote the tourism, the forest wing is on constant search to explore other alien locations that could add more spice to the current set of visiting places.

Based on a tip-off from the locals, the Ecotourism Coordinator of the district Kalyanapu Suman crisscrossed a chain of hillocks, locally known as Pedda Gutta, 14 kms from Narsapur, a tiny village under Tadvai mandal, which falls under the limits of Etur Nagaram Wildlife Sanctuary.

A rivulet that flows close to these hillocks is locally known as Kausettivai Thogu or Neela Vagu, a tributary of the River Godavari, tucked in the nature’s lap is a visual fiesta.

Amid these scenic settings, a rock shelter called Bommala Loddi on Pedda Gutta has some rock paintings, believed to be of prehistoric times. These paintings were drawn in red and white ocher colours.

However, there was no study conducted on these paintings, the local folklore suggest that these paintings exist since times immemorial. Adjacent to the hillocks, there is a tiny pond, locally known as Devarala Loddi (Valley of Gods), filled with crystal clear water. The locals say that it never goes dry.

A few paces away, on another hillock, Rakshasula Gutta, there were megalithic burials (Dolmen type of chamber tombs with stone sarcophagi). Sixty-year-old B Sammaiah, resident of Narsapur, said that they rarely trek these hillocks as it was located in the dense forest. He said that until a couple of decades ago these hillocks served as safe hideouts for the naxals.

Speaking to The Hans India, DFO T Ravi Kiran said: “We are trying to explore laidback destinations in the region to add more spice to the ongoing ecotourism programmes such as rock climbing, trekking, bird watching, cycling etc. in Eturnagaram, Tadwai and Laknavaram.”