Chhattisgarh’s Indravati Tiger Reserve is preparing to open parts of the reserve to tourists from November 1, following improved security conditions that have enabled the forest department to increase its presence and patrol areas previously affected by Left Wing Extremism.
Established under Project Tiger in 1983, Indravati spans 1,258.37 sq km, with another 1,540.70 sq km designated as buffer area. Prolonged security challenges had restricted access to around 70% of the reserve, affecting tourism as well as forest protection and field operations.
Arun Pandey, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chhattisgarh, said preparations are underway, including the purchase of safari vehicles and development of routes. The initial tourism plan is expected to cover two or three destinations within the reserve.
Improved access is also helping officials gain a better understanding of Indravati’s wildlife. An internal census conducted in February-March 2025 recorded 14-17 wild buffaloes, while state-level figures presented to the forest minister currently put the tiger population at six.
Officials, however, have cautioned that the tiger figure remains subject to the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation exercise. Earlier assessments were largely limited to accessible areas, while improved field access is expected to provide more comprehensive data on the reserve’s wildlife.
Recent wildlife sightings have further highlighted Indravati’s biodiversity, including a smooth-coated otter that officials said had not previously been recorded in the area. The reserve is also home to leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, chital, wild boars and nilgai, alongside a diverse range of other species.