Tourists will now have to shell out more for a comfortable stay at the newly-built bamboo hut inside Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Dalma authorities are working on the final tariff for the new bamboo huts which is expected to open for tourists later this month or next. The huts are situated adjacent to the plush air-conditioned cottages in Makulakocha.

Sources revealed that tariff would be Rs 1,100 per night, including Rs 100 for maintenance. The tariff for the already existing bamboo huts, which is being renovated and is located near the main entrance of the sprawling 192sqkm elephant abode, 30km from Jamshedpur, was fixed at Rs 600 per night including Rs 100 for maintenance. That facility too is yet to open for tourists.

C.M.P. Sinha, Dalma divisional forest officer, said the tariff for the old bamboo hut would be increased. “We are working on it and the tariff would be sent to forest department for approval,” he said.

“Tourists will have a cosy stay here given the kind of facilities available at the bamboo hut,” a forester said.

“But Rs 600 per night is too less. So a new tariff structure would be in place before gates of both the bamboo huts are thrown open for the tourists,” he added.

According to him, tariff per night for the plush air-conditioned cottages is Rs 1,000, including Rs 100 for maintenance. “Still the tourists flock in good numbers. The cottages remain booked for most of the year,” the forester added.

The bamboo hut has two rooms, a drawing- cum- dining hall, two attached toilets, bamboo furniture, a verandah in the front and landscaping near it. It has been built at a cost of Rs 7 lakh under eco-tourism project implemented by the state forest department.

Plans are on to install air-conditioners at the facility which will add to the comfort quotient. The facility is all set to be a huge attraction for the tourists coming from Jharkhand, Bengal, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Besides the bamboo huts, there are other accommodations available at the elephant abode, plush air-conditioned cottages, six non-AC rooms, mud cottage, three staff quarters near uphill Pinderbera forest guest house and other similar facilities in front the main entrance.

Tourists stay at the facilities and take a tour of the sanctuary, visit watering holes, and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some also trek uphill to the Shiva temple located 4km from the Pinderbera forest guest house.