Inside Bandhavgarh’s forests: The evolving nature of tiger tourism

In Bandhavgarh, the forests of Madhya Pradesh, tigers remain the primary attraction for visitors. The park, declared a tiger reserve in 1993, is home to 164 tigers, with 35 accessible to tourists in core and buffer zones. Bandhavgarh is renowned for its tiger sightings, boasting a significant population of these majestic big cats.

Tourists flock to the park, drawn by the promise of catching a glimpse of these elusive creatures in their natural habitat. However, the pressure to spot tigers has led to an increase in tourists visiting buffer zones, where sub-adult tigers prey on cattle, instead of the core zones, where adult tigers hunt deer and other prey. This shift in tourist behavior is attributed to the desire for a more authentic and challenging wildlife experience.

The introduction of technology and artificial intelligence has also influenced the way tourists approach tiger tourism. In the past, 'tiger shows' were popular, with elephants being used to spot tigers and tourists paying a supplement for the experience. However, such practices were banned due to government regulations. Nowadays, tourists are encouraged to avoid the use of phones and focus on observing the tigers' natural behavior, as per a Supreme Court ruling in early 2026 aimed at promoting responsible wildlife tourism.