How Indiahikes Ensures Safety on Central Indian Forest Treks

1. We Trek with the Forest Department — Always

At Indiahikes, every single one of our forest treks is conducted in collaboration with the Forest Department. This is not just a permit on paper — it’s an active, on-ground partnership.

Forest guards and rangers accompany our groups throughout the trek. These are not just staff in uniform — they are highly skilled individuals who are trained in the region, and many of them have been walking these forests for a long time. 

They know the terrain and the behaviour of the wildlife like the back of their hand. These guides are not just walking alongside — they’re the eyes and ears of the group. Their understanding of the jungle is extraordinary. We’ve seen guards pause mid-trail, crouch quietly to study a pugmark, and tell us — with complete accuracy—not just which animal it belonged to, but how old it was, its gender, and when it passed by.

They’re able to do this not just for big cats like tigers and leopards, but even for smaller animals like porcupines, cheetahs, or sambars. Their knowledge of animal behaviour and movements is what allows us to trek safely through these protected lands.

And here’s something important — based on fresh sightings or recent movements, the number of forest guards is increased or reduced accordingly. It’s an active process, and the decision lies with the experts.