Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Named Best Wildlife Destination at Tourism Awards 2026

The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) in Madhya Pradesh has been honoured with the 'Best Wildlife Destination' award at the India Today Tourism Survey and Awards 2026, earning national recognition for its conservation achievements and growing appeal among wildlife travellers.

The reserve received the Editor's Choice Award – Best Wildlife Destination for its outstanding wildlife conservation efforts, biodiversity protection, tourism management and visitor experience. The award was presented during the India Today Tourism Summit and Awards held in Goa on June 15.

The honour was received by Anupam Sahay, Field Director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, and L. Krishnamurthy, Additional Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), in the presence of Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

The recognition comes at a time when Bandhavgarh is enjoying increasing international attention. Earlier this year, the tiger reserve was included in The New York Times' prestigious "52 Places to Go in 2026" list , where it was ranked among the world's most recommended travel destinations because of its conservation success and exceptional tiger-viewing opportunities.

Spread across the Vindhya hills of eastern Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is renowned for its rich biodiversity, dense forests, grasslands and one of the highest tiger densities in India. The reserve is home to Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer species and hundreds of bird species, making it a favourite destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Officials said the latest award is a matter of pride for both Bandhavgarh and Madhya Pradesh, reinforcing the state's reputation as India's leading wildlife tourism destination. The recognition is expected to further boost eco-tourism while highlighting the reserve's commitment to sustainable conservation and habitat management.