India Safari Tourism Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2025-2033)

India Safari Tourism Market Size & Forecast

The India Safari Tourism Market was valued at USD ~2450 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to a strong CAGR of around 6.45% during the forecast period (2025-2033F), owing to the growing domestic tourism demand with more urban families seeking nature-centric holidays.

Safari Tourism Market Analysis

Safari tourism is a specialized sub-sector of tourism that entails organized campaigns to enter the wildlife reserves, national parks, and natural habitats to witness and experience the wildlife within their natural habitat. It entails guided safaris like jeep safaris, elephant safaris, boat rides, and foot trails where the tourists get an opportunity to see exotic flora and fauna, particularly flagship species of tigers, as well as elephants and rare birds. Safari tourism is a crucial sector in India in terms of animal conservation, economic activities of the locals, and it is also important for sustainable eco-tourism, which draws both local and foreign nature tourists willing to experience the untouched wild essence.

To attain growth in the safari tourism industry in India, safari operators and the government agencies are gradually incorporating eco-friendly operations, digital booking systems that are at an advanced level, and community-based tourism systems. Large corporations invest in luxurious eco-lodges with minimal environmental impact and encourage certification of the wildlife operators in good practice. Additionally, technology-based advancements like park entry through the phone, tracking vehicles, and the use of online permits make the tourist experience very convenient and increase park management. Besides, the establishment of partnerships in training guides and homestays, selling sustainable handicrafts to local inhabitants, also induces the spreading of economic gains at the grassroots level to encourage sustainable development and conservation achievement.

For instance, on June 11, 2025, the Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, took a significant step to promote biodiversity conservation and enhance eco-tourism by approving the substantial expansion of Kaziranga National Park, adding an impressive 47,306.33 hectares to its area. The decision, announced officially on June 4, 2025, marks the park’s 6th extension and aims to reinforce the park’s status as a global conservation success story.

India Safari Tourism Market Trends

This section discusses the key market trends that are influencing the various segments of the India Safari Tourism market, as found by our team of research experts.

Integration of Wildlife Photography Workshops

This growing trend of wildlife photography workshops is becoming a major factor that is boosting the safari tourism industry in India. In these workshops, photographers, amateurs, and professionals alike come to be on the ground in some of the most wildlife-abundant areas with a qualified naturalist and award-winning photographer as their mentors. This increases not only the time spent by visitors but also improves the mode of payment through the high-end packages in the safaris. Besides, these specialized experiences also promote sustainable tourism since, most of the time, the people involved become wildlife conservationists just by spreading the photos and their tales to the rest of the world. With the increased demand for immersive learning holidays, safari operators are also increasingly incorporating photography workshops to offer customized offers to attract high-value tourist categories.

Safari Tourism Industry Segmentation

This section provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the India Safari Tourism market report, along with forecasts at the regional and state levels for 2025-2033.

The jeep safari market held the dominant share of the Safari Tourism Market in 2024.

Based on the type, the market is segmented into jeep safari, elephant safari, boat safari, camel safari, and others. Among these, the jeep safari market held the dominant share of the market in 2024, due to Jeep safaris being the most common pattern of wildlife excursion in India, because of their convenience and reach to articulate woodland domains and a greater probability of sighting iconic species such as tigers and leopards. This is a popular segment that forces tour operators to invest in a good 4x4 fleet and naturalists, which increases customer satisfaction. With the increased demand, firms are using jeep safaris to provide high-value packages to increase the occupancy rates and the per-trip earnings. For instance, on May 17, 2025, Uttar Pradesh launched India's first jungle safari via Vistadome train, connecting Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. The train offers panoramic forest views through glass windows and roofs, aiming to boost tourism and the local economy.

The international segment is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period (2025-2033).

Based on tourist type, the market is segmented into domestic and international. Among these, the international segment is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period (2025-2033). The growth of international tourism is driven by the increased number of wildlife tourists inbound to the country to view the big cats in their natural environment and enjoy close encounters with the jungle. The ability of tour operators to meet the high expectations of service is through multi-lingual guides, luxurious accommodation, and pre-packaged tours. This flow of international tourists boosts the earnings of foreign exchange and attracts firms to promote India as a leading safari destination worldwide. According to the Ministry of Tourism, in December 2024, International Tourist Arrivals (ITAs) in India during 2023 were 18.89 Million. Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism during 2023 were INR 231927 Crore (USD 27,951.45 million). Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) in India during 2023 were 2509 Million.

North India leads the Safari Tourism Market in 2024.

North India has proved to be a leading destination in safari tourism as it has iconic national reserves such as Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, and Dudhwa that annually draw thousands of wildlife seekers. It is easily accessible by both domestic and foreign tourists due to its good road and rail service links with Delhi and other important cities in the country. The operators take advantage of this to provide short, customizable safari tours, luxury accommodation, and upgrade heritage tours to the forts and palaces around. The variety of landscapes in the region, such as the dense forest and the grassland, coupled with high biodiversity, promotes high tourist satisfaction and continuous visits in the region. North India is strategically positioned and places iconic reserves that continue to grow aggressively in the market and maintain the profitability of safari tour operators.

Safari Tourism Industry Competitive Landscape

The India Safari Tourism market is competitive, with several global and international market players. The key players are adopting different growth strategies to enhance their market presence, such as partnerships, agreements, collaborations, new product launches, geographical expansions, and mergers and acquisitions.

Top India Safari Tourism Companies

Some of the major players in the market are Nature Safari India, Taj Safaris (The Indian Hotels Company Limited), Madhya Pradesh Tourism, Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd. (Karnataka Forest Department), Pugdundee Safaris, Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), WildTrails, WILD WORLD INDIA, Travel Operators For Tigers India Wildlife Association (TOFTigers), and Indian Panorama.

Recent Developments in the India Safari Tourism Market

• On March 24, 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to commence the construction of the ambitious 'Kukrail Night Safari and Adventure Park' in Lucknow next month. The project, which aims to boost tourism and wildlife conservation, will be developed in two phases with a total investment of over Rs 1,500 crore (USD 180.72 million).

On May 9, 2024, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, announced a strategic partnership with CG Hospitality, extending its current association of TAL Hotels & Resorts Limited and Taj Safaris Limited to achieve a portfolio of 25 hotels by 2025. Ekyam, the platform will primarily pursue opportunities in destinations that offer adventure experiences across the Indian Ocean and Greater Himalayan regions and wildlife escapes.

India Safari Tourism Market Report Coverage

Reasons to Buy the India Safari Tourism Market Report:

• The study includes market sizing and forecasting analysis confirmed by authenticated key industry experts.
• The report briefly reviews overall industry performance at a glance.
• The report covers an in-depth analysis of prominent industry peers, primarily focusing on key business financials, type portfolios, expansion strategies, and recent developments.
• Detailed examination of drivers, restraints, key trends, and opportunities prevailing in the industry.
• The study comprehensively covers the market across different segments.
• Deep dive regional level analysis of the industry.

Customization Options:

The India Safari Tourism market can further be customized as per the requirements or any other market segment. Besides this, UnivDatos understands that you may have your own business needs; hence, feel free to contact us to get a report that completely suits your requirements.