Karnataka Increases Wildlife Safari Trips At Bandipur & Nagarahole Tiger Reserves By 40%

Just a few days back, the Karnataka government decided to fully reopen wildlife safaris at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. Now, officials have given the nod to a more than 40% increase in safari trips at four areas in the state. Here’s what this means for wildlife lovers. 

Karnataka Approves More Wildlife Safari Trips At Tiger Reserves

Wildlife safaris at the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves were banned in November 2025 due to the rising cases of human-tiger conflict. The Karnataka government set up a technical committee to look into the matter. Safaris resumed in February 2026, but with fewer trips at Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.

According to Deccan Herald, the State Board for Wildlife has now decided to increase safari trips in both reserves by over 40%. The decision was taken based on a report assessing the ecotourism carrying capacity of the two protected areas.

Also Read: If You Haven’t Experienced These 8 Tiger Safaris In Madhya Pradesh Yet, You’re Missing Out

Safari Trips Increased From 97 To 137 Per Day

Before the three-month closure, the Karnataka Forest Department operated 97 safari trips per day across Bandipur, Nagarahole, Veeranahosahalli Gate and Nanachi. After carefully reviewing the report, the Board has now increased the number of safari trips to 137 per day across these four areas. According to Deccan Herald, the recommendation was based on the conclusion that safari trips had no correlation with incidents of human-wildlife conflict.

Reportedly, these safari zones have a sufficient wild prey population. This is why they are not the reason behind human-tiger conflicts in the fringe areas. This means wildlife lovers can now book safaris in Karnataka without worrying about not getting a slot. With more safari trips available, more people will now get a chance to spot tigers in the wild.

For those of you who don’t know, Karnataka is renowned for its tiger safaris. The state has the second-highest tiger population in India and enjoys great popularity among wildlife lovers.

Also Read: Karnataka To Launch Namma Guide; App To Connect Tourists With Licensed Tour Guides

Have you ever been on a wildlife safari in Karnataka? How was your experience?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ ePhotocorp (Representative Image)