Tiger Reserves To Shut For Monsoon From Mid-June, July
Forest officials say the closure is necessary during the monsoon, which also happens to be the key breeding season for many species
As the monsoon sets in, tiger reserves across parts of Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand are set to take their annual break from tourism to give wildlife space to rest, recover, and breed in peace.
From 15 June, all major tiger reserves and national parks in Uttar Pradesh—including Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Ranipur in Chitrakoot, and the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary—will close their gates to visitors. The seasonal closure will continue till 31 October, in line with wildlife conservation protocols.
Jharkhand’s Palamu Tiger Reserve will follow suit slightly later. The reserve, along with the national park under its boundaries, will remain closed from 1 July to 30 September. For these three months, no tourism activities will be allowed.
Forest officials say the closure is necessary during the monsoon, which also happens to be the key breeding season for many species. "It's not just about rainfall and road conditions—it’s a crucial period for the animals. This quiet window allows the forest to breathe,” said an official on the ground.
Interestingly, this past year, Uttar Pradesh had opened the ecotourism season a bit early—on 6 November instead of the usual 15 November. There are now discussions underway to open as early as 1 November in the upcoming season, depending on the weather.
The 2024 season also saw new tourist zones being added in Uttar Pradesh. Maheshpur (in Mohammadi range) and the Bhira circuit in the buffer zone of South Kheri were opened up, offering visitors more opportunities to explore without crowding core areas.
The break from tourism, say forest staff, is as much for the people working on the ground as it is for the animals. “This is the forest’s off-season, and it needs it,” one ranger shared.
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