Re‑opening of the Fato and Hathidanger Sectors
Starting 1 October, the Fato and Hathidanger eco‑tourism zones in the Terai Western Forest Division are back on the itinerary after a monsoon‑induced shutdown. During the closure, forest officials refined protection protocols and upgraded visitor amenities.
Daily Visitor Quotas per Shift
To lower disturbance to wildlife, the department has imposed tight caps on safari units each day. In the Fato sector, a maximum of 50 gypsy‑style jeeps may operate in the morning, with another 50 allowed in the evening. Hathidanger will accommodate 25 vehicles per shift for both morning and evening tours.
Overnight Stays Now Available
Fato, one of the most visited areas, now offers night‑stay options alongside its daytime safaris. The accommodation mix includes 19 rooms spread across several formats: two tree‑house clusters (three rooms), five eco‑huts, four rooms in a heritage British‑era building, two rooms in a vintage structure, and five canvas‑tented cottages. All safari slots and lodging must be booked via the official online portal.
Why Phones and Cameras Are Prohibited
Divisional Forest Officer Puneet Tomar explained that banning personal recording devices—mobile phones, hidden cameras, and body‑mounted cams—helps reduce needless complaints and eases administrative workload. Removing these gadgets lets the forest team focus on wildlife protection and a smoother visitor experience.
Lockers and Water Stations
At every entry gate, guests will find drinking‑water points for refilling bottles. Secure lockers are provided for phones and cameras, and additional portable lockers are installed inside the night‑stay safari vehicles, with drivers supervising their safety. Carrying any recording device inside the forest is strictly forbidden.
Fast‑Track Safari Vehicle Registration
The department has launched an accelerated registration campaign for all safari vehicles. Documents are being verified, and the process is expected to conclude within a week. Only vehicles that clear verification and display valid registration papers will be permitted entry.
What Visitors Can Anticipate
Following a formal reopening ceremony attended by the local MLA on 1 October, tourists can once again explore the abundant fauna of Fato and Hathidanger. The fresh set of rules—device restrictions, visitor caps, and upgraded night‑stay facilities—aim to harmonise tourism growth with the core mission of wildlife conservation.
