Safari trips reduced in Bandipur, Nagarahole

Following frequent human-tiger conflicts around Bandipur-Nagarahole belt and complaints from stakeholders of unregulated tourism, the number of safari trips has been reduced by one in both the tiger reserves.

This has come into effect from October 28, 2025, following a directive by the Minister for Forests Ecology and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre.

The Minister said there was an increase in the tourist footfall in both Bandipur and Nagarahole with instances of safari vehicles continuing to ply in the tourism zone even after 6 p.m. He said farmers have expressed concern that this was causing disturbance to wildlife, resulting in conflict situations in villages outside the forests.

In a bid to strike a balance between conservation education and safeguarding local interests, the Minister said safari and tourism was not only a source of livelihood for many, but was vital for education related to forests, wildlife and conservation and directed that the number of safari trips be reduced by one.

Farmers had expressed concern that increased safari trips were causing disturbance to wildlife, resulting in conflict situations in villages outside the forests. File photo.
| Photo Credit:
MURALI KUMAR K

Tigress captured

In a separate development, the forest department personnel captured a tigress at Anjanapura in Nanjangud taluk late on Tuesday (October 28, 2025). The tigress was around 8-9 years and is different from the one for which combing operations are going on close to Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary where a farmer was killed in a tiger attack a few days ago.

Describing the captured tigress as ‘’problematic’’, the authorities said it has been shifted to Koorgalli wildlife rescue centre on the outskirts of Mysuru for treatment.