As Central India’s national parks prepare to reopen after the monsoon, tourists heading for tiger safaris will find higher entry and vehicle charges this season. Both Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) and Madhya Pradesh’s major reserves- Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench, have revised tariffs effective October 1, 2025.
In Madhya Pradesh, Gypsy hire rates have increased from ₹3,000 to ₹3,500 per round, while single-seat Canter bookings have also gone up across categories. Officials confirmed that entry and guide fees in Pench and other parks are set to rise by around 10%, part of a state-wide revision. The move, authorities say, will help fund conservation and visitor facilities, but it has drawn criticism from frequent visitors and local guides who fear the hikes may deter budget travellers.
In Maharashtra, Tadoba’s fee revisions have generated sharper debate. Reports of steep weekend rates as high as ₹12,600 for core-zone Gypsies have faced pushback from residents and local MPs. TATR officials, however, maintain that only a ₹1,000 hike was introduced earlier this year, with camera fees now waived for simplicity.
With both states positioning tiger tourism as a key driver of revenue and employment, the challenge remains to balance affordability with conservation funding.
