In a significant move to enhance tourism in the state, the Madhya Pradesh government has revised rules related to jungle safaris in National Parks, Tiger Reserves, and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The amendment now allows hotel and resort operators to conduct jungle safaris for their guests in the upcoming season, addressing a long-standing demand from the tourism and hospitality sector.
The state has amended Rule 34 of the Wildlife (Protection) Rules, 1974, to facilitate this change and attract both foreign tourists and platform-based companies. Previously, only tourists staying at fixed hotels or resorts could be taken on divisional jungle safaris using the operator’s private vehicle, an arrangement referred to as the ‘non-resorter option’. Under the old system, operators were required to pay 70% of the rest house fee to private gypsy owners registered with the forest department.
Under the new provisions, hotel and resort operators can now register vehicles for their non-resident tourists within reserves or sanctuaries. The reservation fee has been fixed at ₹10 per person, while the registration fee for private safari gypsies has been capped at ₹2,000. A 10% quota of safari tickets has been allocated for petrol vehicles in each reserve, while 90% of tickets will be available for online booking for general tourists.
Separate Quota for Single Seat Safari
From the 90% of tickets available for general tourists:
- 70% will be for full-vehicle bookings.
- 10% will be reserved for single-seat bookings for individual tourists.
- 10% will fall under the Tatkal quota, bookable online one day before the safari after 2 PM.
Reduced Safari Fees to Attract Visitors
In a bid to encourage tourism in lesser-visited areas, the safari ticket rates in Ratnapani, Madhav, and Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserves have been aligned with the higher rates of Bandhavgarh and Satpura Reserves. For these three reserves, the core area safari fee has been fixed at 50% of the standard rate, making it more affordable and likely to attract more visitors.
