Karnataka suspends safaris at Bandipur & Nagarahole

What Happened

In a decisive move, Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered the immediate suspension of all safari operations in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, following a string of fatal tiger attacks in the forest fringes. This includes a 35-year-old farmer’s death near the Moleyur range of Mysuru district, which marked the third such fatality in less than a month.

Additionally, trekking has been suspended in all human-wildlife conflict zones across Karnataka, and safari staff are being redeployed to assist in tiger capture operations. 

Key Decisions & Directives

• Safari services at both Bandipur and Nagarahole are put on hold “until further notice”.

• Trekking in identified conflict-zones across the state is banned as a precaution.

• All personnel associated with tourism (guides, drivers, staff) are being redirected to the capture and tracking operations of the tiger believed responsible for the attacks.

• Senior wildlife officials including the Project Tiger Director are to camp onsite until the situation is resolved.

Why This Matters

• The Bandipur-Nagarahole belt is one of India’s most visited wildlife tourism zones, drawing thousands of visitors annually. This ban significantly impacts tourism.

• The suspension highlights increasing human-wildlife conflicts — especially carnivore attacks — in forest fringes, raising questions about safety and management.

• Deploying tourist staff for forest operations signals a shift in priority: human safety and wildlife protection over tourism revenue.

• The action also underscores the complexity of managing large predators near human habitations, and the need for preventive measures rather than reactive ones.

What It Means for Visitors & Tourism

• If you were planning a safari in Bandipur or Nagarahole, please check for official updates — bookings currently cancelled or refunded.

• Trekking or excursions into conflict-prone zones are restricted: plan alternate destinations or wait for announcements.

• Local communities may face disruptions: eco-lodges, safari guides, drivers will be affected.

• Wildlife tour operators need to review risk-management, buffers, and safety protocols. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Which reserves are affected?
Both Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Mysuru/Chamarajanagar districts) and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (Kodagu/Mysuru) have their safari operations suspended.

Q2. Why was the ban imposed now?
Due to three human fatalities from tiger attacks within one month, along the forest fringes of Bandipur and Nagarahole.

Q3. Are all treks banned in Karnataka?
Not all; trekking is suspended in zones identified as human-wildlife conflict hotspots across the state.

Q4. Will safaris resume soon?
No official timeline has been released. Safaris will resume only after the responsible animal is captured or the risk is mitigated.

Q5. What protections are being put in place?
In addition to banning tourism activities, forest staff are being redeployed, senior officials are camping onsite, and efforts are underway to capture the animal involved in the attacks.

Conclusion

The decision by Karnataka’s forest department reflects a tough but essential balancing act: safeguarding human lives and protecting wildlife habitats in one of India’s most iconic tiger corridors. For tourists and stakeholders, it’s a clear reminder: wilderness tourism must always go hand in hand with safety, preparedness and respect for the ecosystem.