Kanha. During the monsoon season, when national parks like Kanha Tiger Reserve remain closed, efforts should be made to promote tourism beyond just safaris. This view was expressed by the guests at a two-day workshop organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB). The workshop, held at MPT’s Baghira Resort in Mocha on Saturday, aims to enhance the tourist experience, increase footfall during park closures in the monsoon, and give a boost to the tourism business.
For Tourism Development in the State
The workshop was held under the guidance of Shiv Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department. Stakeholders discussed topics such as sustainable trekking practices in wildlife habitats, adventure activity insurance, wellness tourism, sky gazing, and cycle safaris.
The event was inaugurated with a lamp-lighting ceremony by Shreyansh Komat, CEO of the District Panchayat Mandla; Amita K., Deputy Director of the Kanha Forest Division Buffer Zone; Dr. S.K. Srivastava, Joint Director of MPTB’s Adventure Sports Department; Bichhiya SDM Sonali Dev; Ravishankar, Senior Officer of Unity Small Finance Bank; and Tarun Bhati, President of the Kanha Hotel-Lodge Association.
Tribal Culture a Strong Pillar of Tourism
Bichhiya SDM Sonali Dev highlighted adventure tourism and tribal culture as key pillars of Mandla’s tourism development. Amita K., Deputy Director of Kanha National Park’s Buffer Zone, shared thoughts on eco and responsible tourism through a presentation. She stated that tourism can increase the income of local communities.
Shreyansh Komat, CEO of District Panchayat Mandla, emphasized that Mandla is a confluence of spirituality and folk culture. Through a PPT, he showcased the significance of sites like Mahishmati Ghat’s Panch Chowki Maha Aarti and Chougan Madhiya.
Idea of Creating a Pancharanya
Dr. S.K. Srivastava from MPTB shared that Principal Secretary Shiv Shekhar Shukla has proposed the creation of a “Pancharanya” in Mandla. For this, two acres of land will be acquired from the administration. This initiative will promote local culture and products.
Dr Shrivastava further informed that a cruise service from Dhar-Kukshi to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat will soon be launched.
Adventure Sports in the State
Dr. Srivastava spoke about successfully operated adventure activities like skydiving in the state and the success of the Lake Festival held in Mandla district in April. He also informed that MPTB has granted a license to Ashish Agrawal, operator of Jabalpur’s Sports Studio, to run adventure sports at Bargi Dam—demonstrating that the tourism board is advancing through the PPP model.
Nitesh Kumar J. of India Hikes, who leads treks in Pench and Alirajpur with a focus on environmental conservation, shared that trekkers carry a bag to collect waste during treks. Filmmaker and documentary producer Nishant Kapoor from Bhopal spoke on the role of films in shaping wildlife awareness. Documentaries by filmmaker and wildlife photographer Farhan Khan were screened.
Also present were Pooja Singhal, head of adventure insurance company ASC 360; Rohit Trivedi, operator of the cycle safari; and Rahul Sharma of Sirens Sports, who shared their insights.
Advisors K.K. Singh, Project Officer Avneesh Yadav, Tourism Manager of Jabalpur Tarun Mishra, and Tourism Manager of Balaghat Ratnadeep were also present.
A discussion titled “Safari in the Buffer Zone” was held during the program, followed by a visit to the Baiga Art Gallery in Mocha, where guests enjoyed the traditional Baiga dance.
Helicopter Service from Jabalpur to Kanha-
Dr. Srivastava shared that MPTB Managing Director Mr. Shukla plans to soon launch a helicopter service from Jabalpur to Kanha for faster access. A helipad will be built near Mocha or the Khatia Gate in Kanha.
Rename Khatia Gate
Participants including hotel and resort operators suggested renaming the Khatia Gate to avoid misleading tourists into thinking that tigers are not visible from this entry point because it is not part of the core zone.
Upcoming Activities
It was also decided that the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, along with private adventure operators, will organize marathon activities including trekking, star gazing, and cycling (Tour of Kanha) from August 14 to 17.
