The Untamed Wilderness Camp, Bandhavgarh by TUTC has opened for the 2026-27 wildlife season in Madhya Pradesh, India, near Bandhavgarh National Park. The camp was also named the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association’s Glamping Experience of the Month for October 2026.
Located in the Bandhavgarh region, the camp is positioned near the national park and overlooks Bandhavgarh Fort, a site with a history spanning about 2,000 years. The surrounding landscape is known for Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer and more than 250 bird species, making wildlife viewing a central component of the guest experience.
The camp is scheduled to operate from October 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, subject to national park regulations and seasonal operating conditions. Its location places it within reach of several transportation options. Jabalpur is the nearest major airport, approximately three hours away by road, while rail connections are available through Katni and Umaria. TUTC also offers private road transfers, allowing operators to incorporate transportation into the overall guest journey.
Rather than focusing primarily on accommodation amenities, the camp’s offering centers on guided wildlife experiences, outdoor dining and cultural activities. Guests can participate in safaris accompanied by naturalists, spend evenings around the campfire and dine outdoors. The target market includes wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples, families and travelers visiting a safari destination for the first time.
Food and cultural programming are also part of the experience, according to an article by Travelling For Business. The camp serves dishes associated with Baiga and Gond culinary traditions, including Raai Bhaaji, Desi Chicken, Bhuna Mutton Tari and Udad ka Bara, alongside homemade condiments and regional ingredients.
TUTC has also incorporated several sustainability and community initiatives into the camp’s operations. These include tree planting, pond restoration, water recharge efforts, solar power, organic gardens and measures to reduce single-use plastics. More than 80% of the camp’s employees are reportedly hired locally, while training programs, regional sourcing and initiatives supporting nearby schoolchildren form part of its community engagement efforts.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the camp provides an example of how a glamping property can build its positioning around the characteristics of its destination rather than relying solely on accommodation design. Wildlife access, local food, cultural programming and community employment can become components of the guest proposition while also creating opportunities to differentiate a property within a nature-based tourism market.
The property’s seasonal operating model also highlights the importance of aligning a wilderness-focused accommodation business with local access rules and environmental conditions. In destinations where tourism depends on protected areas, operators may need to structure opening periods, guest activities and transportation around regulations governing the surrounding natural resources.
For the 2026-27 season, returning guests are being offered 15% off rack rates, 10% off spa services and one complimentary venue dining experience per stay. The camp’s reopening on October 1 marks the start of its latest operating season in Bandhavgarh, with the planned season running through May 31, 2027.
