Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap inaugurated the event, with the expansion of wildlife tourism, local people will get employment opportunities.

Raipur, November 2, 2026 – To promote wildlife tourism in Chhattisgarh, two new safari services have been launched on State Foundation Day. Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap today inaugurated the first jungle safari in Indravati Tiger Reserve in Bijapur district and the buffer safari at Kenvanchi Gate in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Mungeli district via video conferencing. On this occasion, the safari in Indravati Tiger Reserve and the Kevanchi Gate within the buffer safari in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve were inaugurated by virtually pressing a button. Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw, and MLA Shri Dharmjeet Singh joined the program virtually. Bookings for safaris have begun for tourists at both locations. These services will expand forest tourism and provide new employment and livelihood opportunities for local villagers.

First ever jungle safari in Indravati, local villagers will handle the operation

For the first time, a jungle safari has been launched in Bastar's Indravati Tiger Reserve, long affected by Naxalism and security challenges. The safari's entrance is located in Ullur village, approximately 60 kilometers from the Bijapur district headquarters. Tourists can reach Ullur from Bijapur via Bhopalpatnam. Four jeepney vehicles have been arranged for the safari. Tourists will also receive tea and snacks along with a trained guide.

The responsibility of operating the safari has been entrusted to local villagers. For this, the youth have been given special training in the Kanger Valley National Park. The safari will provide employment to local youth as guides and drivers. Homestays, traditional cuisine, and handicrafts will also create new income opportunities for rural families and local artisans. The Indravati Tiger Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, the state animal, the wild buffalo, and vultures. The launch of the jungle safari will provide tourists with an opportunity to experience the region's biodiversity and natural resources.

50 km long buffer safari starts from Kenchi Gate in Achanakmar

The first buffer safari has been launched from the Kenvachi Gate in the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Mungeli district. The opening of this gate, located on National Highway 45 on the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi-Amarkantak route, will provide tourists with a new safari option. The reserve already operates a safari from the Shivtarai Gate. The launch of the safari from the Kenvachi Gate will also boost the Amarkantak-Achanakmar-Ratanpur tourist circuit.

Spread over a total area of ​​914.017 square kilometers, the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve has a core area of ​​626.195 square kilometers and a buffer area of ​​287.822 square kilometers. The approximately 50-kilometer safari route from Kenchi Gate includes Bhairosangfater, Semer Watch Tower, Kachandi, Jalango Tiraha, Dariyaboot Patrolling Camp, and Amadob Barrier. One gypsy and three Maharani vehicles will be available for the safari. The fare for the gypsy is Rs. 3,500 and for the Maharani vehicle is Rs. 5,000 per round.

In Achanakmar, tourists will have the opportunity to observe tigers, leopards, bears, gaurs, chitals, sambar, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Sihawal Sagar, Majhi Dongri Watch Tower, and Jhula Grasslands are also major attractions. Accommodation options include the Tourism Department's Sonbhadra Resort and private resorts near Kenchi Gate.

The expansion of safari services in both tiger reserves will enhance tourism activities and generate local employment opportunities related to hotels, homestays, transportation, guide services, catering, and handicrafts. This will also promote forest conservation and the livelihoods of local communities.