ETUNAGARAM FOREST TOUR

At last, we started our journey towards “Warangal”. The name of the train is “Gautami Express”. It started from “Secundrabad” station on 24th January 2009, at 9.15 PM. It takes around 2 hours 15 minutes to reach Warangal.

We reached Warangal at 11.30 PM, on that day.“We have to go to Eturanagaram forest by bus only” said “Prady”. Yes, indeed it was. From Warangal station, take an auto rickshaw, and go to “Muluk Road”, from where you have to board the RTC bus for Eturanagaram forest.

This forest is around 806 sq. Km in size. From “Muluk Road”, it took around 3 hours to reach the forest.One auto rickshaw wala told us that, from the “Eturanagaram” bus stand, you will not get any jeep to enter the forest. So, we went to meet the forest officer at “Tadvai”, which is 15 km, from this bus stand. The forest officer of “Eturanagaram forest”,Mr. Kumar and Mr. Vijay Rao, treated us well, and gave us two expert forest guides, for venturing into the forest.

But, the problem in “Telengana” region is the communication problem. They all understand Hindi, but still they will say that they don’t understand Hindi. They will only understand your Hindi, only after you utter some abusive slang languages, about their mother and sister. Automatically, by hearing those slang languages; they will praise you as “Sir”, and will communicate in Hindi. Very funny, isn’t it, but it’s a true fact. Be tough and keep them under your control, otherwise, they will dominate on you.At 4.15 PM of 25th January 2009, we entered the forest, with two expert guides. We started tracking the “Tiger”. A leopard has been tracked, by seeing its latest footprints. But, the monkeys of the jungle are very clever. They signaled the leopard that, some people have entered the jungle. The forest officers also got the signal, and came with the jeep, to inform us, “that it is since 1 hour, you have been tracking that leopard’s footprint. But, let me tell you one thing Sir, they are more deadly. You never know, when he will come from the other way, and hunt you all. The Herd of Bison is nearby also Be careful.” So, we came out of that jungle, after some real adventures.The forest officer showed us, the newly constructed “Huts” at Tadvai, for the tourists.

But, the problem is elsewhere. The people of this region are very rough and can harass you at any time. This affects the tourism marketing of this area. Every now and then, they will ask for your identity, and if you tell them, that you are from Hyderabad, you are in a dilemma, because they hate “Hyderabadi people”. Anyway, the forest is really good to see the animals, but it is in nascent stage. Hardly people are aware of this forest. Also, it is a Naxalite area, so, many people asked questions about our name and address. Sometimes, special police officers come here to arrest those hooligans.

Next morning, on 26th January 2009, we went to see the “Warangal” fort. Hardly, anything is left in that fort. Aurangzeb had destroyed the entire fort, and now it has become a Lover’s spot. Then, we went to “Chadvai”, which is around 60 Km, far from the “Muluk Road” of Warangal. You get down at “Chadvai”, and then take an auto to “Bussapur”, which is around 5 Km from “Chadvai”. Now, keep on walking for another 3 Km, and you will find a lake, known as “Lakhnavaram Lake”. Everyone was busy with their respective picnic parties. The water of the lake is very shallow, and anyone can go for a bath there. Local people were just enjoying their holiday at that lake. You will also enjoy the Cantilever bridge, like “Lachman jhooola” of North India.

There are many places, where you can visit, but the forest range officers do not have the proper idea, about their own assigned territory. Unless, the attitude and behaviors of the Telangana people improves towards the tourists, no one will be interested in visiting there.I will not suggest going for a tour here, but whenever you go, please be in touch with the forest officer of Eturanagaram forest, otherwise, you will be under severe trouble. Wish you all Bon Voyage!!!