In India, wildlife is almost inseparable from the image of the Tiger—and Tiger safaris are nearly synonymous with Bandhavgarh. It was a bright April morning in 1995 when I found myself seated atop an elephant beside Kuttappan, the chief Mahout of Bandhavgarh. He guided us carefully along the slopes of Bandhavgarh Hill near Shesh Shaiyya—the iconic 32-foot-long reclining statue of Lord Vishnu—towards a remarkable encounter with the legendary Tigress ‘Sita’ and her playful cubs. As the great pachyderm navigated the steep terrain with astonishing skill, my concern was not for my own safety, but that our presence might disturb the tigress and her young. Kuttappan, with his calm expertise, was already a revered figure in the park.
Amazingly, it seemed Sita recognised his deep, reassuring voice. She remained composed and regal, resting on a rock and surveying her realm like the true princess of Bandhavgarh. Her cubs frolicked around her as I watched, spellbound and silent. Now and then, she turned her gaze toward me and, as if in silent approval, offered a calm nod. That moment sealed my deep bond with Bandhavgarh.
The following day, on a Jeep safari, I had the fortune of encountering the dominant male of Tala—famously known as ‘Charger’. His name stemmed from his dramatic mock charges at vehicles on rare occasions. It was then that my profound respect for the Tiger took root. That encounter marked the beginning of my journey into wildlife tourism. There was no internet, no online permit system, and no rush for bookings. Tala was just a peaceful village, and Bandhavgarh was still a little-known national park. Even Indian tour operators were unfamiliar with it. That day, the idea took hold: to introduce the world to this magnificent Tiger Reserve, to help uplift the local economy, and to create sustainable livelihoods for the surrounding communities.
In 2001, I organised the first-ever Tiger Photographic Safari for a group of 60 amateur photographers, culminating in a public exhibition in New Delhi showcasing their captivating images. Winners were rewarded, and a portion of the proceeds was dedicated to supporting the forest guards of Bandhavgarh. The idea behind this initiative was simple yet powerful—images speak louder than words. By visually sharing the remarkable tiger sightings occurring in Bandhavgarh, we could generate global awareness and drive greater interest in the destination, thereby improving financial flow into the region.
As visitors slowly began arriving, it became clear that proper infrastructure was essential. I encouraged a local friend from Rewa—a small town just a few hours away—to establish a quality resort in the area. Soon, major international tour operators took notice. Esteemed names like Joseph Van Os Safaris, Victor Emmanuel of VENT Tours, and luminaries such as Peter Matthiessen (renowned for The Snow Leopard) and Robert Bateman (celebrated Canadian naturalist and artist) visited Bandhavgarh. Their endorsements helped spread the word, and soon international travellers were speaking highly of Bandhavgarh’s tiger safaris, encouraging others to visit.
With growing attention, the need to manage tourism responsibly became evident. The forest department implemented route regulations and zoned areas to reduce environmental impact and ensure balanced visitor distribution. This marked a pivotal moment in Bandhavgarh’s tourism evolution. Following the era of Sita and Charger, tiger sightings transitioned to Banka and then to B2—Charger and Mohini’s offspring—who elevated Bandhavgarh’s status to unprecedented heights. His frequent appearances laid the foundation for the park’s tourism success in the early 21st century. B2 became the most sighted tiger in the history of Indian wildlife. A study revealed that the tourism revenue generated by B2 amounted to millions, significantly benefiting the local economy. When B2 eventually passed on, the mantle was taken up by Bamera, continuing Bandhavgarh’s extraordinary legacy in tiger tourism.
The transformation of Village Tala has been remarkable—a change I have witnessed firsthand. From a time when even making a phone call to my family in New Delhi was a challenge, to the present day where mobile and broadband connectivity are readily available, the world around Bandhavgarh has evolved dramatically. Yet, amidst all this change, one constant remains—the park’s consistently exceptional tiger sightings. Over the past two decades, numerous lodges, resorts, and hotels have emerged in and around Bandhavgarh. However, the Forest Department has responded wisely to the growing tourism demand by enforcing stringent regulations for obtaining safari permits. These measures have successfully managed tourist numbers and preserved the integrity of the park. Today, Bandhavgarh stands as a premier destination for genuine wildlife enthusiasts and true tiger lovers.
Our team in Bandhavgarh comprises of some enthusiastic, and skilled guides, and drivers. Most of them were born and brought up in Bandhavgarh national park even before it became a Tiger reserve. Hence their knowledge of the Tiger trails, local flora, fauna and traditions is unparalleled.
In the year 2005 & 2006, we were chosen as the preferred Wildlife Operator for Bandhavgarh by BBC. This recognition was not for us, but for the Tigers of Bandhavgarh, as without their consistent sightings this was not possible. It was a great moment of pride for us. Today, we cater to all Tiger and wildlife lovers.
To know about Bandhavgarh, some Tiger tours in Bandhavgarh, or Tiger safaris in Bandhavgarh, please write to us on [email protected].
Best Wishes
Sharad Kumar Vats
(Director)
