Two Maharashtra tiger reserves are offering wildlife enthusiasts something rather extraordinary: a night in the forest on a machan, counting animals as part of an official census. Slots are limited, the experience is real, and registrations for both are open now.

The Machan Census — a citizen participation initiative in which volunteers spend the night on elevated forest watch platforms — returns in 2026 across two of Maharashtra’s most important protected areas.

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is hosting its Nisarga Anubhava 2026 on the night of 1–2 May. Participants report to their designated gate by 4 PM on 1 May and remain until 6 AM the following morning. Only 57 machan slots are available, accommodating a maximum of two persons per machan, at a charge of ₹3,500 per machan. Eligibility is limited to those aged 18 to 50. Registration opens on 21 April at 11 AM and closes on 22 April at 5 PM — a tight 30-hour window — on a first-come, first-served basis at mytadoba.mahaforest.gov.in.

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is simultaneously running a Machaan Census on 1 May across four protected areas within its landscape: Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandoli National Park, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Registration for Sahyadri is open from 17 to 21 April via the Google Form at forms.gle/1yc1UE1kUQmKjKAXTA, or by calling 7758925301 / 9762470990.

Both exercises are part of methodological wildlife monitoring efforts, combining jungle safari experience and direct wildlife sightings with structured citizen science. For anyone who has long wanted to spend a night in a tiger reserve with a legitimate reason to stay up and watch — this is it.

Important note for Tadoba: once booked, cancellations are not permitted and name changes are not allowed after registration. Book only through the official website — mytadoba.mahaforest.gov.in.