Indravati Tiger Reserve to reopen to tourists after four decades from Nov 1

The Indravati reserve was established under Project Tiger in 1983, but prolonged left wing extremism (LWE) kept large parts of the reserve inaccessible

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The Indravati Tiger Reserve in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh will reopen to tourists on November 1, allowing organised wildlife tourism in one of the state’s most remote and least-explored forests for the first time in four decades.

Spread across 2,799.07 sq km, Indravati, located in Bijapur district, is one of the largest tiger reserves in central India. Its core or critical tiger habitat covers 1,258.37 sq km, while another 1,540.70 sq km forms the buffer area, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

The Indravati reserve was established under Project Tiger in 1983, but prolonged left wing extremism (LWE) kept large parts of the reserve inaccessible not only to tourists but also to the forest department. The proposed opening comes after a significant improvement in the security situation, which has allowed officials to increase patrolling and field presence in areas that had remained beyond their regular reach for years.

The plan and the preparation

Arun Pandey, principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), Chhattisgarh, said the department was working towards opening the reserve on November 1 and preparations were under way. “We are purchasing vehicles for safari. And we are preparing routes. Primarily it will be two-three destinations for tourists and all preparations for that is going on,” Pandey said.

“Left Wing Extremism was a major factor restricting access of forest department staff to around 70% of area of the ITR which severely affected field operations and protection activities,” said Sumedh Survade, deputy director of Indravati Tiger Reserve.

A presentation made by the forest department to the state forest minister, Kedar Kashyap, and reviewed by HT provides some of the clearest available figures on wildlife in Indravati. It recorded 14-17 wild buffaloes in the reserve, based on an internal census conducted in February-March 2025. In the same comparison, Barnawapara had 10 wild buffaloes and Udanti had one.

The department presentation also puts the number of tigers in Indravati at six in the current state-level figures presented to the minister. The chart records 18 tigers in Achanakmar, seven in Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla, three in Bhoramdev and one in Udanti-Sitanadi.

The figure of six, however, comes with a caveat. The latest All India Tiger Estimation is currently under way and officials said the final tiger population for Indravati can be confirmed only after the exercise and scientific compilation of data are completed. Earlier assessments were conducted only across accessible areas while improved field access is expected to provide a more comprehensive assessment.

The forest department’s growing access to the reserve is also revealing undocumented wildlife. A recent sighting of a smooth-coated otter, which officials said was not earlier known to have been recorded from the area, has provided another indication of Indravati’s biodiversity.

“Smooth-coated Otter, which was not earlier known to be recorded from this area, has recently been sighted. This is indication of the rich biodiversity of the ITR,” Survade said.

Indravati is also home to leopard, sloth bear, gaur, chital, wild boar and nilgai, besides a range of lesser-known species. The department has highlighted its arachnid diversity, including crab spiders, signature spiders, spiny orb-weaver spiders and the Indian ornamental tarantula.

For tourists, Indravati is likely to offer a markedly different safari experience from established tiger reserves. The department says the safari will offer an opportunity to experience the wider forest ecosystem, wildlife and the tribal culture and heritage of Bastar.

The tourism zone and safari routes are being finalised in accordance with the NTCA’s Tiger Conservation Plan. A carrying-capacity assessment is also under way to determine the number of vehicles and tourists that can be allowed inside each day. The final routes and visitor limits will be notified after these assessments are completed.

Security and livelihood

Security will remain central to the opening. Although officials say there is presently no reported threat from armed LWE groups, a security assessment will be sought from the police after the safari routes are finalised. Some areas may therefore continue to remain inaccessible to tourists.

The forest department also sees tourism as a potential source of livelihood for communities around the reserve. Local residents could be involved as guides, drivers and hospitality providers, while homestays and the promotion of local tribal products and culture are also being considered.

The challenge, however, will be to open a forest that has remained largely free from tourist pressure without creating a new conservation problem.

“Conservation will remain the primary consideration while introducing regulated tourism in Indravati Tiger Reserve,” Survade said, adding that the tourism zone, safari routes and visitor carrying capacity would be determined according to ecological sensitivity and wildlife requirements.

The department is simultaneously assessing vulnerable and human-wildlife conflict-prone stretches for measures such as fencing and cattle-proof trenches. Officials said fencing would be taken up wherever required, while ensuring that wildlife movement is not disrupted.

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  Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

• Biodiversity
• Chhattisgarh

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