Reopening of Fato and Hathidanger Safaris

Starting 1 October, the eco‑tourism circuits of Fato and Hathidanger in the Terai Western Forest Division are once again open to the public after a monsoon‑induced shutdown. The forest authorities used the pause to tighten conservation protocols and upgrade visitor amenities.

Daily Visitor Quotas

To limit disturbance to wildlife, the department has imposed firm caps on the number of safari units per shift. In the Fato zone, up to 50 gypsy‑style jeeps may operate in the morning and another 50 in the evening. Hathidanger will accommodate 25 vehicles per shift for both morning and evening trips.

Overnight Stay Options

Fato now pairs its daytime excursions with night‑stay facilities. The area offers 19 rooms spread across several formats:

  • Two tree‑house clusters (three rooms total)
  • Five eco‑huts
  • Four rooms housed in a heritage British‑era building
  • Two rooms in an older colonial structure
  • Five canvas‑tented cottages

All safari slots and accommodation bookings must be secured through the official online portal.

Why Phones and Cameras Are Prohibited

Divisional Forest Officer Puneet Tomar explained that banning personal recording devices—mobile phones, covert cameras, and body‑mounted rigs—helps curb unnecessary complaints and eases administrative burdens. Removing these gadgets allows forest staff to focus on wildlife protection and deliver a smoother visitor experience.

Lockers and Water Stations

At each entry point, travelers will find drinking‑water refill stations and secure lockers for phones and cameras. Portable lockers are also installed inside night‑stay safari vehicles, with drivers responsible for their safety. Carrying any recording device inside the forest is strictly forbidden.

Safari Vehicle Registration Drive

The department has launched an accelerated registration campaign for all safari vehicles. Documentation is being verified, and the process is expected to conclude within a week. Only vehicles that pass verification and display valid registration papers will be permitted entry.

What Visitors Can Anticipate

The formal reopening ceremony, attended by the local MLA on 1 October, marks the return of wildlife‑rich explorations in Fato and Hathidanger. The new framework—device restrictions, capped visitor numbers, and upgraded overnight lodging—strives to harmonize tourism growth with the core mission of wildlife conservation.