Umaria (उमरिया) is a district in eastern Madhya Pradesh, India, with its administrative headquarters in Umaria town. It is best known for Bandhavgarh National Park, a major wildlife destination associated with tiger conservation. Forests, hills and agricultural land shape much of the district’s landscape.
The district includes rural communities and tribal populations, including Gond and Baiga communities. Hindi and regional speech varieties are used locally, while festivals, folk traditions and weekly markets contribute to community life. Agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, coal mining and wildlife tourism support the economy. Bandhavgarh’s historic fort and Tala, a gateway to the national park, are notable landmarks and visitor destinations.
Common civic concerns include reliable drinking water, roads, healthcare, schooling and employment opportunities. Residents also face questions around forest access, wildlife-related crop and livestock losses, and conservation-linked livelihoods. Mining impacts, pollution control and ensuring that tourism benefits nearby villages are important local development issues.