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If your travel bucket list needs to add another wildlife escape beyond just the usual national parks, here’s one for the top of it: one of India’s remote tiger reserves is set to welcome tourists again from this November onwards!
That's right – the long-shut Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh, which was closed off to tourists for four decades, will officially reopen to tourists from November 1, 2026, with eco-tourism experiences, safari routes, and untouched wilderness waiting to be explored.
Located in the lush green forest of Bijapur district, Indravati Tiger Reserve is one of Central India’s most biodiverse protected landscapes, and it was once counted among the country’s most important tiger habitats. This reopening marks a major milestone for eco-tourism for the state, with its government aiming to balance responsible tourism along with long-term conservation.
Why Indravati Tiger Reserve was shut for 40 years
As per Hindustan Times, Indravati Reserve is spread across 2,799.07 sq km, and it was declared a tiger reserve in 1983, but due to some cases of left-wing extremism, large parts of the tiger reserve were kept inaccessible to tourists and the forest department.
Now, nearly four decades later, the reserve will remain open after years of improved accessibility and conservation efforts and finally tourists will get a chance to experience its dense forests, winding rivers, and extraordinary wildlife. The initial safari jeep will be purchased and routes will be planned according to the NCTA’s Tiger Conservation plan. Additionally, the initial tourist access will be carefully regulated through the designated safari areas and visitors will also get to experience the local tribal culture and Bastar heritage.
What can tourists expect at Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh?
Indravati Tiger Reserve promises untouched wilderness, unlike the busier wildlife destinations across India. While tourism gradually disappeared, the forest never stopped sheltering a range of wildlife species, including tigers, wild buffaloes, sloth bears, dholes and leopards. The authorities also plan to include local residents as drivers, guides, and hospitality providers – homestays and promotions of local tribal culture and products can also be considered.
The tiger reserve’s landscape is shaped by the Indravati River, flowing through dense forests while supporting its rich biodiversity. You can expect misty mornings, towering trees, and the exciting possibility of spotting elusive wildlife in one of India’s least-explored tiger landscapes.
If you’re a nature lover and looking for a fresh alternative to more crowded parks, Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh signals a growing shift towards reviving underrated protected areas via sustainable tourism. While limited visitors can be expected during the initial phase, it is advised to plan once bookings go live.