MP: Bandhavgarh Opens for New Tourism Season, tourists thrilled to see tigress on the first day
After a three-month monsoon break, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve reopened its core zone for tourists on October 1, giving visitors a fresh opportunity to explore its forests, wildlife and heritage. The new tourism season will continue in the core area until June 30, while the buffer zone remains open throughout the year.
The first day itself gave tourists a memorable experience. Visitors entering through the Tala Gate spotted a tigress near the Siddh Baba area. Tourists watched the tigress moving through its natural surroundings for several minutes and captured the sight on their cameras.
The Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli gates were decorated for the opening, and tourists were traditionally welcomed by the park management and forest officials. Before the gates opened, prayers were offered for wildlife protection and the smooth conduct of the tourism season.
For visitors, however, Bandhavgarh is being presented as more than a destination for tiger sightings. Anupam Sahay, Field Director, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, said this season will focus on helping tourists understand the forest, birds, plants, environment, history and geographical importance of the reserve.
Along with a jungle safari, tourists can explore Bandhavgarh’s historical attractions, including ancient caves, temple remains and Shesh Shaiya, adding a cultural and historical dimension to their forest visit.
To improve the visitor experience, around 195 guides are being trained under the Jungle Ki Pathshala programme on animal footprints, wildlife behaviour, bird identification, vegetation and Bandhavgarh’s history. Another 105 guides are receiving English-language and communication-skills training to help them interact better with domestic and international visitors.
Tourist interest remains strong. In 2025-26, Bandhavgarh recorded its highest number of visitors in five years, with 2,12,486 tourists, including 31,613 foreign visitors. The reserve has also received advance online bookings for nearly a month.
Despite the movement of wild elephants in some areas, safaris will continue with safety measures. Guides and drivers have been trained to maintain tourist safety while following wildlife protection rules.