2026 Village Tourism Becomes the New Attraction: Following the closure of night safaris, Bandhavgarh and other tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh are now exploring new alternatives. Rapid efforts have begun to promote village tourism, connecting tourists with the lifestyle, culture, and natural beauty of the villages.(2026 Village Tourism Becomes the New Attraction)
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2026 Village Tourism Becomes the New Attraction
The jeeps that once roamed the quiet nights of Bandhavgarh have now stopped. While the closure of night safaris was initially seen as a blow to the tourism business, a new hope has emerged in the small villages nestled amidst the forest. The scent of the soil, the food cooked over wood fires, and the simplicity of tribal life are now set to become the new attractions of ‘village tourism’.
Tiger Reserve officials believe that today’s tourists don’t just come to see wildlife, but also want to experience the local culture. For this reason, the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has accelerated the process of developing villages as new centers of tourism. Where night safaris have stopped, the ‘world of the village’ is now emerging as a new adventure for travelers.
Why the Increased Focus on ‘Village Tourism’ After the Closure of Night Safaris?
Night safaris were popular in Bandhavgarh and other tiger reserves for many years. Waiting to spot a tiger or other wildlife in the darkness of a silent forest with the beam of a flashlight was an adventure in itself. But its closure created a void in the tourism sector. Field Director Dr. Anupam Sahay explains that village tourism has always been a promising area, but now is the time to strengthen it further.
According to him, most tourists from outside want to experience the authentic culture, local life, and traditions of the villages. Homestays and local food in the villages offer them a unique experience. We were already working in this direction, but now we will accelerate it further. In fact, the demand for ‘sustainable tourism’ is rapidly increasing worldwide. Reducing pressure on forests, providing employment to villagers, and preserving the culture by giving tourism a new shape has become a necessity today. Bandhavgarh is moving forward in this direction.
Two villages in Bandhavgarh that are changing the face of tourism:
Rancha Village(2026 Village Tourism Becomes the New Attraction)
Rancha is a village nestled amidst dense forests, where the peace and natural beauty captivate tourists at first sight. Guests staying in the homestays being built in the village get a real experience of tribal life, traditional huts, wooden houses, and the authentic mornings and evenings of the village.
Doba Village(2026 Village Tourism Becomes the New Attraction)
In Doba, the local craftsmanship, traditional dances, folk songs, and nuances of rural life are worth seeing. The experience of staying with tribal families in the homestays here gives tourists a unique connection. The objective behind developing both villages as tourist destinations is to provide employment to the villagers, promote the culture, and give tourists an authentic village life experience. In the coming time, more villages around Bandhavgarh will be selected and prepared for tourism.
Village tourism is not limited to just accommodation. The Bandhavgarh management wants every tourist visiting here to connect with the real taste of the village’s soil and food(2026 Village Tourism Becomes the New Attraction). Therefore, there are plans to serve traditional dishes of the Vindhya region in the homestays. The dishes that tourists will get to taste include Mangodi, Rasaj, Inderhar, Dalpuri, Mejhari ki Kheer, Amawat ka Ras, Mahua ke Lata, Mauhari Bakery, and local laddus.
The special thing about these dishes will be that they will be prepared by the village women. This will provide them with employment, and tourists will also be able to enjoy the real taste of local cuisine. Meenakshi Mishra, a tourist from Mumbai, said in her experience, “The earthy fragrance and food cooked over a wood fire – this taste cannot be found in the city. By staying in the village, we felt like we had entered a different world.”
Johila Fall, Jwalamukhi Gate and Bandhavgarh Buffer Zone
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has already worked on several options. First, Johila Fall was developed, where tourists can reach in their private vehicles. There is also an option for walking and cycling treks, which young tourists are very fond of. In addition, the volcanic gate built in the buffer zone is also significant from the perspective of village tourism. The natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the village offer a unique experience. Rancha village in Bandhavgarh, which has already gained popularity, is now gradually becoming a favorite stop for tourists.
Significant Impact on the Local Economy
Village tourism is not just an expansion of tourism, but also a major economic opportunity for rural areas. It will open up many new avenues for local families, providing income from homestays, employment for women through cooking local food, and jobs for young people as guides, drivers, and in cultural performances, handicrafts, and the sale of local products. While there was a fear of a decline in tourism due to the closure of night safaris, village tourism has the potential to compensate for this loss(2026 Village Tourism Becomes the New Attraction).
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