Mancherial: Forest Department explores Gandhari Fort to promote eco-tourism

Mancherial: The forest department focuses on the historic but picturesque fort of Gandhari or Khilla, situated on the outskirts of Bokkalagutta village in Mandamari mandal. Despite immense potential to become an important tourist destination, the lesser known fort had for some reason not attracted the attention of the authorities until that moment. The Forest Department, in collaboration with the recently formed local Committee for the Development of Ecotourism (ETDC) and under the volunteerism and guidance of the Association de Albergues Juveniles de la India (YHAI), is carrying out a series of activities to harness the potential of the old forest. Planning to organize the series. , Unit manual, step by step. He supported the organization so that for the first time on Saturday, students of a private school visited the fort. Initially, they will explore walking paths and trails in the fort with the participation of ETDC and YHAI. Later, we will introduce camping and nature trails here,” district forest officer Shiv Ashish Singh told Telangana Today. Forest officials visited the ancient fort and identified paths and places for visitors to practice missions and expeditions for several weeks. Regarding presentation of adventure activities. Then the residents of Bokkalagutta village will bring in ETDC, which will allow them to earn profits through collection of taxes from motorists and tourists. 1.100 Years of Fuerte It is believed that the Gandhari Fort was built by Medaraju, a tribal king who ruled the region, during the construction of the ancient temple of Maisamma in Alberta in the year 900 D.C. It was built with the help of the ruling Kakatiyas. Similarly, it has idols of Kaal Bhairava Swami, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Hanuman, 10 headed serpent Sheshu and various deities carved in the rocks. The grand statues fascinate tourists due to their aesthetic value. The fort houses specimens of various medicinal plants and herbarium which are known to cure various diseases. Here, at the foothills of the fort, an ancient water tank can be found, locally known as Meda Cheruvu. It is a source of drinking water for the residents of Bokkalagutta village and for wild animals. The tank makes one realize the beauty of the fort. The tribals gathered in the fort. The members of the Naikpod community formally worship the deity Gandhari in the months of January or February, and unite again during the three days. Tribes from not only Telangana, but also neighboring Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and various parts of Madhya Pradesh head straight towards the holy place using various modes of transit. Tribal artistes present cultural programs and officials run grievance redressal programmes.