Madhya Pradesh tourism board hosts high-impact workshop at Kanha to promote year-round, sustainable, and adventure-based tourism

BHOPAL: In a move to position the state as a year-round global tourism destination, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) recently concluded a high-impact two-day workshop at Bagheera Resort, Mocha, near the Kanha Tiger Reserve.Held under the guidance of Shiv Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department, the workshop focused on diversifying tourism experiences beyond the traditional tiger safaris.The event emphasised sustainability, adventure, and cultural integration. Stakeholders from the tourism and conservation sectors gathered to explore strategies for increasing tourist footfall, even during the monsoon closure of core zones, by promoting buffer areas through alternative tourism models.Speaking at the workshop, Dr S K Srivastava, Joint Director of the Adventure Sports Department, said Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a hub for adventure tourism in India. Activities like skydiving, cycling safaris, and trekking are gaining popularity under the Tourism Board’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Successful events, such as the Lake Festival in Mandla and trekking initiatives in Pench and Alirajpur, highlight the state’s growing appeal.

The development of “Pancharanya”, a cultural and spiritual tourism project in Mandla and Pachmarhi, was also announced. “Two acres of land will be allocated in Mandla to build a structure celebrating local folklore, tribal culture, and spiritual heritage,” said Dr Srivastava, adding that the project would empower local artisans and promote indigenous products.The workshop highlighted the untapped potential of Kanha’s buffer zones as tourism assets.

Amita K, Deputy Director of the Kanha Forest Division Buffer Zone, gave a presentation on eco-tourism and responsible travel, emphasising the benefits to local communities when tourism is managed sustainably.Shreyansh Komat, CEO of Zila Panchayat Mandla, said the district’s rich spiritual and tribal traditions must be showcased. “Mandla is not just about forests and wildlife—it’s a cultural landscape. We must highlight places like Mahishmati Ghat, Chaugan Madhiya, and the Panch Chowki Mahaarati as heritage destinations,” he stated.Sessions featured discussions on wellness tourism, sky gazing, cycling tours, and eco-sensitive adventure sports. A panel of adventure operators, filmmakers, insurance professionals, and conservationists discussed how storytelling through films, documentaries, and social media could create emotional connections with wildlife and conservation.Wildlife photographer Farhan Khan screened documentaries showcasing central India’s biodiversity.

Filmmaker Nishant Kapoor stressed the power of visual media in shaping public opinion and environmental awareness.In a significant announcement, Dr Srivastava said the Tourism Board plans to launch a helicopter service from Jabalpur to Kanha to cut down travel time. “A helipad will be built near Mocha or the Khatiya Gate area to support this service,” he said.Hotel and resort operators suggested renaming Khatiya Gate, claiming that many tourists mistakenly believe it lacks access to core zones or tiger sightings, which leads to confusion and discourages visits.The MPTB, in partnership with private adventure operators, will host a series of events from 14 to 17 August, including a marathon, trekking expeditions, star gazing, and the “Tour of Kanha” cycling event—expected to boost off-season tourism and promote Kanha as a diverse destination.As part of the programme, attendees visited the Baiga Art Gallery in Mocha and enjoyed a live performance of traditional Baiga dance, showcasing the region’s tribal culture.

Sonali Dev, SDM of Bichhiya, said adventure tourism and tribal heritage are the twin pillars of Mandla’s tourism development.Efforts are also underway to secure Green Destination Certification for Kanha National Park, similar to Pachmarhi. This international recognition, based on Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards, is expected to boost Kanha’s appeal among eco-conscious international travellers.