Safari Trips Post-6 pm Curtailed in Nagarahole & Bandipur National Parks
By JAGAT SINGH [04/Nov/25] In a recent move to reduce disturbance to wildlife and nearby villagers, the Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered the cancellation of safari trips scheduled after 6 p.m. in both Bandipur and Nagarahole National Parks. The decision came after several complaints were raised about late safari vehicles affecting animal movements and creating distress among local farmers living close to forest areas. The new rule came into effect from October 28, following the official directive from the Minister for Forests, Ecology, and Environment. The government has decided to cut down one safari trip from the regular schedule in both parks.
According to the Minister, there has been a significant rise in the number of tourists visiting these reserves, and vehicles were found operating beyond the permitted hours. He mentioned that such activities were disturbing the animals, forcing them to move out of the forests and enter nearby farmlands, which sometimes led to human-wildlife conflicts. Farmer groups had complained that the headlights and noise from safari jeeps during the late hours were scaring the animals and pushing them toward human settlements. These concerns led the Minister to take immediate action to protect both the wildlife and the communities living around the forests.
While announcing the decision, the Minister stated that safaris are indeed an important part of forest education and conservation awareness. They also provide employment opportunities for many locals. However, he stressed that the safety of people and the well-being of wild animals must come first. Therefore, reducing one safari trip was necessary to maintain a balance between tourism and conservation. In his letter dated October 27, the Minister wrote that several farmer organisations had raised strong objections to the night vehicle movement in forest areas. The letter mentioned that vehicle lights and sounds during late safaris were driving wild animals away from their natural surroundings, creating fear and disturbance among them.
Officials said that tiger sightings and movements outside forest zones are often linked to human interference and late safari activities, which disturb the animals’ natural behaviour. Khandre further mentioned that eco-tourism plays a big role in spreading awareness about nature and forest life. Still, he emphasised that the government must act responsibly to prevent any situation that could endanger wildlife or affect local livelihoods. He directed officials to implement the new schedule strictly, ensuring no safari vehicle enters the tourism zone after 6 p.m.
Nagarahole national park, which spreads over 640 sq. km. across the Mysuru plateau and the Nilgiri range, is one of India’s most important tiger reserves. It is part of both Project Tiger and Project Elephant and is known for hosting the world’s largest herd of Asiatic elephants. Alongside it, Bandipur National Park is also a major conservation zone known for its dense forests and rich biodiversity. Both these parks attract thousands of visitors each year who come to experience wildlife safaris. The national parks are home to tigers, leopards, wild dogs, gaurs, and many species of birds and reptiles. However, increasing tourist pressure has raised concerns about sustainability and animal safety.
Currently, safaris in Bandipur are conducted by the Forest Department using their own buses and jeeps. Morning safaris take place from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., while evening trips are held from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. With the new directive, the last safari will now end by 6 p.m., ensuring no vehicle enters forest areas after sunset. This decision marks another step toward balancing tourism with wildlife protection. While some may find the reduced safaris inconvenient, it aims to make tourism in Bandipur and Nagarahole more responsible and sustainable for the future.
