Chhattisgarh Opens Indravati Tiger Reserve to Tourism After Decades

For the first time in four decades, the Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district is welcoming tourists. The reserve, which spans 2,800 square kilometers, was established in 1983 and is home to diverse wildlife including tigers, leopards, and the state animal, the wild buffalo.

Officials noted that the opening was made possible by a significant improvement in the security situation regarding Left Wing Extremism. The initiative is being launched on a limited scale, with four safari vehicles operating along a designated route in the buffer area.

The forest department has set an initial safari fee of ₹2,000 per vehicle. Future expansions of routes and vehicle numbers will depend on visitor response and footfall.

A central goal of the project is to provide livelihood opportunities for local residents. Several youths have been trained as guides and drivers, and the government is promoting local handicrafts, cuisine, and homestays to boost the regional economy.

While current figures estimate six tigers in the reserve, officials stated that a more accurate count will be available following the completion of the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation. The project is part of a broader effort to develop an eco-tourism circuit that includes local waterfalls and riverbank sites.