Koyna: A Forgotten Paradise Reborn
Imagine a land where the echoes of a hidden tiger blend with the rustling leaves of ancient forests, where a vast reservoir’s glassy surface mirrors a sky teeming with rare birds. This is Koyna, a jewel cradled within the Western Ghats of Maharashtra—a biodiversity hotspot brimming with life and wonder.
The construction of the mighty Koyna Dam in 1963 reshaped the landscape, offering hydroelectric power and fresh water to millions. Tourism flourished alongside the reservoir’s beauty, with visitors arriving for boating, fishing, and breathtaking treks through the emerald wilderness. However, in 2012, a new state government directive banned boating and fishing, leading to an unexpected consequence—tourism dwindled, and with it, the livelihoods of countless locals.
But in 2018, Koyna’s story took a turn. A spark of hope ignited in the heart of Sangram Kambale, a passionate naturalist, who, along with a few dedicated locals, launched Discover Koyna, an eco-tourism initiative that not only revived the region’s tourism but also empowered its people.
The Journey of a Visionary
“Koyna has always been a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. With four historic forts—strongholds of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—dotting its landscape, it was once a vibrant trekking destination,” Sangram recalls. “But with tourism restrictions, homestays, restaurants, and hotels started shutting down, pushing the community into economic despair.”
A true son of the land, Sangram couldn’t stand by and watch his home fade into obscurity. He began small, leading treks and nature trails, sharing the hidden wonders of Koyna with those willing to explore. “It wasn’t just about making a living,” he reflects. “It was about preserving a part of ourselves.”
Sangram’s passion was contagious. Locals Sagar Jadhav, Mahesh Shelar, Swapnil Patil, and Kshitij Kambale joined him, forming a dedicated team that combined adventure with conservation. They not only led safaris and birdwatching trails but also collaborated with the forest department to plant native fruit trees, ensuring that wildlife and humans thrived together.
Discover Koyna: A Community Reawakens
By 2018, Discover Koyna was no longer just an idea; it had become a movement. More than a tourism enterprise, it was a lifeline for a struggling community. The team designed immersive experiences—treks to historic forts, birding trails spotting over 280 species, and monsoon herpetology walks revealing the hidden world of the Malabar pit viper and the vibrant coral snake. Visitors could witness the magic of butterfly migration, firefly trails, and nocturnal amphibian concerts.
But their work extended beyond guiding visitors. Recognizing the untapped potential of their people, Discover Koyna partnered with local authorities to train guides, empowering unemployed youth with skills that turned them into stewards of their own land. Women, often overlooked in the workforce, found new opportunities as small-scale entrepreneurs, running homestays, local eateries, and handicraft stalls.
A Community Transformed
By 2022, Discover Koyna’s impact had expanded with the formation of the Shama Prasad Mukherjee Jan Van Committee, a collaboration with the government that provided 25 lakh rupees in funding for the development of 40 villages in the Satara district.
- 40% of the funding revitalized tourism infrastructure—upgrading viewpoints, renovating homestays, and restoring traditional restaurants.
- 60% of the funding empowered local entrepreneurs, particularly women, fostering businesses in papad-making, pickle production, tea stalls, and roadside food shacks.
The impact was profound. Nikhil Mohite, a hotel owner, shared, “Earlier, tourists had nowhere decent to stay. Thanks to Discover Koyna, our homestays have been revived, and now visitors enjoy a warm and welcoming experience.”
For Yogesh Desai, a local who trained as a forest guide, it was life-changing. “I never imagined I’d be earning through my love for the forest. Discover Koyna gave me a career and a purpose.”
Women like Shanta Bai, a tea stall owner, found financial independence. “I now sell tea to tourists daily, giving my family a steady income,” she beams.
The ripple effect of Discover Koyna’s efforts continued. Vinayak Shillar, who lost his job during the lockdown, found a new path as the initiative’s official driver, ferrying guests through the breathtaking landscapes of Koyna.
The Road Ahead
With tourism breathing life back into Koyna, the work is far from over. Sangram envisions a community-run homestay, where locals take pride in showcasing their hospitality. Plans for boat safaris on the backwaters of the Koyna Dam and a watchtower for mammal sightings are already in motion.
“The work we’ve done,” Sangram reflects, “it’s not a destination, but a milestone. The journey has just begun, and we have miles to go before we sleep.”
Fueled by passion and a deep connection to the land, Discover Koyna is more than a tourism venture—it is the heartbeat of a reborn paradise, proving that when a community stands together, even forgotten wonders can shine again.