Bandipur Safari Reopens After 100 Days
Jeep, bus and camper safaris in Bandipur National Park are back on track from February 12, bringing relief to tourists and wildlife enthusiasts after a closure of more than 3 months. The suspension had been in effect since November 7, 2025, following a fatal tiger attack on a farmer in Mysuru district. The incident had raised serious concerns about increasing human-wildlife conflict in the region. After reviewing the ground situation with officials from Mysuru, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar districts, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre directed that safari services be restarted with strict operational limits.
Important Factors to Know While Booking a Bandipur Safari
• Under the revised system, safari activities will function at only half of their earlier capacity. • Most operations will rely on buses, while the use of jeeps and campers will be kept to a minimum. • Clear operational guidelines will be issued, and forest officials will be held responsible for ensuring that the conditions are followed without exception. • In the central phase of the reopening process, special attention is being given to safety measures within Bandipur National Park and nearby forest zones. • Conflict-sensitive areas in Bandipur and Nagarahole have been identified for focused monitoring. • A 100-km stretch along the Bandipur boundary has been marked as highly sensitive. • To strengthen surveillance, 25 temporary camps will be set up at intervals of 5 km. • Local residents will be engaged as forest helpers at each camp to observe animal movement and inform officials in time. • Proposals for additional equipment, such as thermal drones and patrol vehicles, will also be submitted for approval.
Significant Measures Taken by the Government
The government has also linked safari revenue to the welfare of communities living near forest borders. A portion of the earnings will be used for youth skill training, cattle fodder supply, and support for children’s education. Officials have been instructed to work closely with villagers and involve them in conservation activities, as long-term protection of wildlife depends on local cooperation.
Technology will play a key role in monitoring forest activity. Permanent staff will use an internal digital patrolling system, while outsourced workers in tiger reserves will follow the e-stripe tracking method. Wildlife movement will be watched through an integrated command centre, which will guide field teams based on live updates. Public complaints received through helpline 1926 will be handled without delay. Preventive steps against forest fires will also be strengthened in Bandipur, Nagarahole, and Biligiri Ranganatha Hills during the summer season. Measures will focus on ensuring adequate food and water within forest areas so that animals do not move toward human settlements.
With these safeguards in place, safari services have resumed under a balanced approach that supports tourism while reinforcing protection against human-wildlife conflict. To sum up, since the long waiting period for exploring the wildlife in Bandipur National Park has finally ceased, tourists must book their safaris in advance since there is going to be tough competition among wildlife enthusiasts to visit and enjoy the wild charm of both Bandipur and Nagarahole National Parks.
