Bandhavgarh sees record 2L tourists

Jabalpur: Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has recorded its highest-ever tourist footfall and revenue, with more than 2.12 lakh visitors generating around Rs 19.5 crore during the 2025-26 tourism season, underscoring the growing popularity of one of India’s premier wildlife destinations.According to the reserve management, the park welcomed over 1.80 lakh domestic tourists and more than 31,000 foreign visitors during the season, taking the total footfall to over 2.12 lakh. This marked a significant increase from nearly 1.91 lakh tourists recorded in the previous tourism year.Revenue from tourism also registered a sharp rise, climbing from around Rs 16.33 crore in the previous season to more than Rs 19.50 crore in 2025-26, an increase of over Rs 3 crore.

Officials attributed the growth to improved visitor management, enhanced tourism facilities and the reserve’s increasing global appeal.Visitors reported frequent sightings of tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, elephants, sambar, spotted deer, wild dogs and several rare bird species across the Tala, Magadhi and Khitauli core zones, as well as the Panpatha and other buffer areas.The reserve management said tourism has emerged as a major source of livelihood for local communities, benefiting guides, safari vehicle operators, hotels, resorts and other service providers while boosting the regional economy.

Officials added that the forest department continues to focus on balancing wildlife conservation with tourism by promoting sustainable practices. Visitors were encouraged to maintain cleanliness, avoid plastic use and follow responsible behaviour around wildlife to help protect the reserve’s rich biodiversity.