Imagine a place where the roar of a hidden tiger echoes through dense, emerald forests, where a vast reservoir’s still, glassy surface reflects a sky teeming with rare birds. This is Koyna, a jewel nestled within the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, a biodiversity hotspot teeming with life.
The mighty Koyna Dam, erected in 1963, reshaped the landscape and boosted tourism but new rules laid down by the State Government in 2012 banning fishing and boating inadvertently veiled the region’s breathtaking natural wonders, causing tourism to dwindle.
However, in 2018, a new chapter unfolded, driven by the passion of Sangram Kambale, whose “Discover Koyna” initiative breathed new life into this forgotten paradise, inviting tourists to rediscover the wild heart of India and providing employment to locals.
The beginning
“Koyna has always been a hotspot for nature lovers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. With four forts, which were strongholds of Shivaji situated around Koyna, many people would come to Koyna for treks, while other tourists would visit the place for boating and fishing at the reservoir.
However, after the construction of the Koyna Dam, the government put restrictions on boating and other tourism activities, slowly but steadily, Koyna lost one of its major sources of income. Due to this, many people running homestays, restaurants, and hotels had shut down their businesses, leading to major unemployment,” says Sangram, co-founder of Discover Koyna.
A naturalist’s soul stirred within him, a deep-seated need to heal his home. In 2010, armed with little more than his knowledge of the land and a burning desire, he began leading small groups on treks, sharing the hidden wonders of Koyna.
It was a humble start, a whisper of hope in a quiet town. “It wasn’t just about the money,” Sangram recalls, his voice carrying the weight of those years. “It was like watching a part of ourselves disappear.” But Sangram’s passion caught fire like a spark in dry tinder.
Locals Sagar Jadhav, Mahesh Shelar, Swapnil Patil, and Kshitij Kambale joined him, determined to make a difference. More than just guides, they took on the role of caretakers, combining adventure with conservation.They led safaris and birding trails and rolled up their sleeves alongside the forest department, planting native fruit trees like the Powder Puff, a gift to both the wildlife and the future of Koyna. It was a story of a community reclaiming its spirit, one trek, one sapling, one shared sunrise at a time.
Discover Koyna: An eco-tourism company to rebuild tourism in Koyna
In 2018, “Discover Koyna” took birth as an initiative to promote tourism and provide employment in the poverty-stricken region of Koyna. It wasn’t just a business plan but a lifeline thrown to a community struggling to stay afloat. They began by sharing the area’s natural wonders through treks, safaris, and birding trails. But their ambition extended beyond tourism; they aimed to rebuild lives. Recognising the potential within their community, they partnered with the local government and forest department, investing in training programs that transformed locals into knowledgeable guides.
They empowered women, fostering small-scale ventures for homemakers and widows, and rekindled the warmth of Koyna’s hospitality by reopening homestays, restaurants, and those essential tea stalls that dotted the tourist paths.
Over eight years, “Discover Koyna” became more than just an enterprise; it became a catalyst for change. They rebuilt the region, one visitor at a time. Today, they offer a host of experiences, each designed to unveil the true Koyna.
For hikers, there are curated treks to the historic forts of Bhairvagarh, Ramban, Prachitigarh, and Jaigarh. Birdwatchers, guided by the keen eyes of Sangram, can witness over 280 species, including rare gems like the Vernal Hanging Parrot and the Indian Scimitar Babbler and several species endemic to the Western Ghats.
During the monsoon season, the team organises herpetology walks, revealing the hidden world of over 30 snake species, including the elusive Malabar pit viper and the vibrant coral snake. For those fascinated by the delicate dance of nature, they offer unique experiences like butterfly migration viewing, firefly trails, and specialised tours to observe the diverse frogs and toads that call Koyna home. “Discover Koyna” proved that tourism could be a force for good, a way to protect the environment and empower a community, one mindful step at a time.
Community first: Discover Koyna’s local initiatives
Sangram’s vision stretched far beyond the boundaries of “Discover Koyna,” encompassing the very heart of the community. He understood the rhythm of Koyna, where paddy cultivation traditionally sustained families. But he also recognised the need for diversification. “It wasn’t enough to bring tourists,” he’d explain, “we had to empower the people who called Koyna home.”
In 2022, a partnership with local and state authorities led to the creation of the “Shama Prasad Mukherjee Jan Van Committee,” a transformative initiative spanning 40 villages in the Satara district. Each committee received a substantial grant of 25 lakh rupees for the region’s development.
“Forty percent of the funding was directed towards tourism infrastructure,” Sangram detailed, “improving viewpoints, reviving homestays and hotels, and giving restaurants a much-needed facelift.”
The impact was immediate. Nikhil Mohite, a hotel owner, attested, “Earlier, when tourists came to Koyna, there was no decent place to stay and have a meal. Through the initiatives by Sangram and Discover Koyna, now a lot of small hotels and homestays have been revamped and all tourists stay at one of these places. This has not only given us a steady income but has improved the state of the hotels and restaurants in Koyna.” Yogesh Desai, a newly trained forest guide, echoed this sentiment, crediting “Discover Koyna” for facilitating his training and securing a stable livelihood.
But Sangram’s commitment extended beyond the tourism sector. “Sixty percent of the funds were allocated to empower local entrepreneurs, particularly women,” he emphasised. Small-scale businesses flourished: papad making, pickle production, tea stalls, and shacks at popular tourist spots.
Shanta Bai, a tea stall owner, shared, “Discover Koyna gave us money to start a tea stall at the tourist spots, which has helped me earn some money for the family.” Lata Bai Chauhan, a papad maker, added, “I make papad at home and through Discover Koyna my sales have increased manifold as all their guests buy from me.”
Vinayak Shillar, who faced unemployment during the lockdown, found renewed purpose as “Discover Koyna’s” official driver. “I lost my job during the lockdown and had to return to Koyna and through Discover Koyna he was employed as their official driver and now he ferries guests all around Koyna and makes a decent living through it.” Sangram and his team understood that true sustainability meant investing in people, fostering their skills, and empowering them to build a brighter future for Koyna.
The road ahead
With the efforts of Discover Koyna, tourism in the region has indeed flourished, and the community has found a sense of purpose. “The work we’ve done,” Sangram muses, “it’s not a destination, but a milestone. The journey has just begun, and we have miles to go before we sleep.”
“We want to provide a good place for our guests to stay during their trip, and through this homestay, we hope to employ a lot of locals and provide them livelihood too,” Sangram explained, outlining their plans for a community-run homestay. Besides this, they are planning to start a boat safari in the backwaters of the Koyna Dam and a watchtower for mammal sightings.
Fueled by passion anda vision, Discover Koyna is moving forward, not just stronger and taller, but with the unwavering heart of a community reborn. “Our plans aren’t just about expansion; they are about deepening the connection between people and nature, fostering a sense of stewardship,” concludes Sangram, his voice resonating with conviction.
Edited by Leila Badyari; All images courtesy Shweta Dravid
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