This paper considers the intersection of tourism and forest management in India. It is demonstrated that there are major conflicts between the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Ministry of Environment and Forests at both discursive and material levels. The network of power relations between and within tourism and forestry as distinct parts of the state apparatus in India is, thus, conceptualized. It is argued that one ultimately needs to understand the role of the state in more analytical depth if one is to understand tourism development properly. The paper is based upon qualitative research at a variety of locations in India in 1998, 2001 and 2003. It is concluded that one part of the Indian state apparatus, in particular - the Indian Forest Service - ultimately has control over and limits tourism development strategies in rural areas, especially in Indian national parks.