Behind U-turn on safari in Karnataka: Rebooting eco-tourism, ensuring villagers’ livelihood

Bengaluru: The state govt's decision to resume tiger safaris at Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves with immediate effect comes in response to pressure from the eco-tourism sector and those affected by suspension of safari operations announced on Nov 7, 2025.

The forest department had suspended safaris following three consecutive tiger attacks on humans in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts in Oct-Nov 2025. The move came amid concerns raised by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) over the capture of 25 tigers from the same landscape from Sept to Dec 2025.


Although no fresh attacks were reported during the suspension period, the prolonged closure triggered protests, particularly in HD Kote taluk of Mysuru district, as thousands dependent on tourism saw their livelihoods hit. The controversy also intensified as neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Kerala witnessed a tourism spillover.

"Thousands of local citizens, farmers and resort staffers in and around HD Kote taluk staged protests and demanded restart of safari. Hence, we are resuming the safari trips with immediate effect in a phased manner to ensure both lives and livelihood of the people are safeguarded," said forest minister Eshwar Khandre.

Preventive measures introduced after the suspension helped curb incidents. "After suspending the safari, several measures were introduced... no attack on humans was reported over the past two months. The chief wildlife warden also recommended reopening of safari," he said.

Clarifying on shortage of front-line staffers in these tiger reserves with the phased reopening of safaris Khandre said, "Only 50% of existing staff and vehicles will be used for safari operations, while the rest will will be deployed for patrolling and surveillance along forest boundaries to keep an eye on the possible human-animal conflict situations."