Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 4: Wildlife enthusiasts visiting Karnataka’s Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves will have to pay more for safaris, with the forest department increasing tariffs by around 40% from September 1.

The revised tariffs were approved in July 2026 and were initially scheduled to come into effect in August. However, the forest department deferred their implementation to September. The revision has been limited to safari operations at Bandipur and Nagarahole.

The cost of a regular bus safari has increased from Rs 600 to Rs 1,000 per person, while the fare for children has been raised from Rs 350 to Rs 500. Camera and vehicle parking charges have also been revised, with 18% GST applicable.

Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the increase was linked to changes in the duration and distance covered during safari trips.

A senior forest department official said the revised tariffs take into account increased salaries of outsourced employees and rising fuel costs, which account for a substantial portion of safari expenses.

Under the new system, each safari will last between 2.5 and three hours, compared to the earlier duration of around 1.5 hours. The distance covered has also been increased from 15-20 km to 30-35 km.

Earlier, safari vehicles operated two trips, but they will now make only one trip. The changes have been introduced in line with the state government’s directions to reduce vehicular traffic inside protected areas and minimise disturbance to wildlife.

The revised tariffs will apply to safari operations from Melukamanahalli in Bandipur and the Kakanakote, Veeranahosahalli and Nanachi gates in Nagarahole.