Pune: Bhor, Rajgad, Mulshi to Become Eco-Tourism Hubs with Planned Development, Check Details Here

Panshet, 7th May 2025: The scenic talukas of Bhor, Rajgad, and Mulshi—rich in natural beauty, historic forts, and biodiversity—are set to undergo structured development aimed at boosting sustainable tourism. This announcement was made by MLA Shankarbhau Mandekar during a regional tourism conference held at Panshet on Friday.

The event brought together tourism stakeholders from across the three talukas, including resort and homestay operators, theme park owners, and representatives of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad travel agencies, led by Shashank Kulkarni of the Travel Agency Owners Association.

In his keynote address, Mandekar emphasized the untapped potential of the region’s diverse tourism offerings—ranging from fort heritage, agri-tourism, and religious sites to eco-tourism and astrotourism. “Our priority is to develop these regions with a vision of ‘Wind, Water, Woods’—focusing on hot air balloons, paramotors, forest and water tourism—all designed to preserve ecological balance while creating livelihood opportunities for locals,” he said.

Mapping the Talukas’ Tourism Potential
Representatives from the talukas offered detailed insights into their tourism assets:
Bhor Taluka: Rich in agricultural tourism and religious heritage, with potential for wellness and retreat tourism.
Rajgad Taluka: Known for the historic Rajgad Fort and dense forest trails, ideal for fort-centric treks and forest safaris.
Mulshi Taluka: A biodiversity hotspot, ideal for birdwatching, riverfront tourism, and health retreats.
Kiran Barate, Anand Gorad, and Hanumant Chondhe Patil provided presentations highlighting key attractions and tourism models from each region.

A Vision for World-Class Eco-Tourism
Tourism expert Amol Hendre, known internationally for his work in wildlife tourism, delivered a compelling presentation on eco-tourism infrastructure. “The three talukas already have all the components required for world-class wildlife and forest tourism—lush monsoon-fed forests, biodiversity, and a heritage of jungle safaris,” Hendre noted.

He also proposed guided forest trails on trained horses lasting up to six hours, describing it as a potential highlight for both domestic and international tourists.

Adding to the excitement, expert horse rider Guneshji Purandare thrilled attendees with a live demonstration, showcasing the possibilities of equestrian tourism in the region.

National Appeal and Upcoming Connectivity
Tourism professionals from Gujarat, including Nilay Vaidya and Naishad Mirchandani, expressed their admiration for the region’s historic charm. “If awareness of these locations is spread in history-rich states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, there’s great potential for tourist inflow,” they said.

To facilitate this, MLA Mandekar announced the launch of direct ST bus routes from Mumbai (Dadar) to Panshet. Furthermore, the long-pending Ghol-Kumbhe road project—which will create a direct link with Konkan and Raigad Fort—will soon see development, pending final approvals and funding.

Vocational Training and Local Employment
Mandekar underlined that the tourism development model will be inclusive, with priority given to local youth. “Vocational training programs will be introduced to skill the local population in hospitality, eco-guiding, and tourism services. This is not just tourism—this is rural economic upliftment,” he said.

Rajgad Tourism Festival on the Horizon
To bring national attention to the region, a 15-day ‘Rajgad Tourism Festival’ is being planned with support from the state government. The festival will highlight culture, history, adventure, and cuisine from Bhor, Rajgad, and Mulshi, promoting them as all-season tourism destinations.

A Collaborative Effort
The conference concluded with remarks from tourism professionals including Amit Pasalkar, Kiran Raut, Nilesh Damishte, Ajinkya Polekar, and Anand Kenjale. The event was moderated by Sunil Jagde and the vote of thanks was delivered by Rahul Kondekar.

As tourism professionals and government leaders align their visions, Bhor, Rajgad, and Mulshi are poised to emerge as eco-tourism leaders in Maharashtra—balancing heritage, nature, and sustainable development.