Jamshedpur, May 23: The forest department is planning to introduce online booking system for state-run guest houses in picturesque Saranda of West Singhbhum to draw visitors, promoting the Asia's largest sal reserve as one of the prime tourist hot spots.

The department recently rebuilt two guest houses in Baraiburu and Thalkobad. These apart, two other guest houses in Jaraikela and Kumdi have been repaired and renovated.

Located some 180km away from Jamshedpur, all the four had been bombed by rebels in separate incidents in the past - Thalkobad guest house suffered the worst damage - and were in a shambles for almost a decade before Saranda shed its rebel-hit tag. The four are now ready to welcome guests.

Another lodge in Kiriburu is already drawing visitors from Bengal and Odisha.

With the forest department planning to streamline booking and improve other facilities to ensure comfortable stay for tourists, the sal reserve is expected to record better footfall in coming days.

Saranda divisional forest officer (DFO) Satish Chandra Rai said that they had already written to the state forest department for introduction of an online booking system.

"All the four guest houses, which were either razed or damaged by the Naxalites some 14-15 years ago, have been restored to their past glory. Once we get the nod from our higher-ups, which is likely to come shortly, we will introduce the online booking system," he told The Telegraph.

The DFO added that most of the visitors to Saranda came from neighbouring Bengal and Odisha, and northeastern states. "Once the online booking starts, tourists will be able to reserve their rooms in advance and will not have to face any accommodation-related problem. In winter, Saranda will turn out to be one of the best tourist destinations," he added.

Rai claimed that all the guesthouses boasted well-maintained lodging and fooding facilities. "Thalkobad guest house, located amidst the hilly terrain, provides the best view of the region. Before it was razed in 2002, it used to attract a large number of tourists who loved listening to growling or roaring of animals at night. The visitors could even spot animals around the lodge, besides the rich flora and fauna. We have rebuilt the lodge at the same spot," said the DFO.