The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra, renowned for its tiger safaris, has attracted a record number of visitors in 2023. With over one lakh tourists flocking to the reserve, it marks the highest footfall in the past five years. Data provided by the Pench Tiger Reserve indicates that a total of 1,07,000 tourists explored the reserve last year, engaging in a staggering 23,472 safaris, which also stands as the highest in the past five years.
During the 2019-20 period, marked by the Covid-19 outbreak, Pench Tiger Reserve experienced a significant decline in tourist numbers, with only 53,000 visitors recorded, nearly half of the previous year’s total. In 2019, a mere 16,057 jungle safaris were conducted, reflecting a notable decrease of approximately 7,500 safaris compared to 2023. Over the past five years, PTR has seen a total footfall of 3,19,000 visitors, with 77,064 jungle safaris took place.
Following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, tourists have shown a preference for visiting Pench Tiger Reserve for jungle safaris. Since 2022, the management of PTR has observed a notable increase in visitor numbers, coinciding with the government’s decision to reopen all activities in the forest area. Originally established as Pench National Park in 1975, it attained Tiger Reserve status in 1999, becoming India’s 25th Tiger Reserve.
There are more than 40 tigers, 71 mammals, 367 bird species, 53 reptiles, 170 butterfly species dwelling in Pench Tiger Reserve. It has seven tourism routes starting from six campuses namely Sillari, Khursapar, Chorbahuli, Kolitmara, Surewani and Khubada.
