However, the forest department also incurred a significant revenue loss of Rs 6.5 crore due to the suspension of safari operations for over 100 days between November 7, 2025, and February 21, 2026. The shutdown followed a series of tiger attacks reported in and around these reserves.

Spread over 1,036 square km, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) remains one of India's most prominent wildlife habitats. The reserve is divided into 13 ranges and three sub-divisions, and is home to 191 tigers — the second-highest tiger population in the country — along with 1,116 elephants.

In 2025, Bandipur recorded a total footfall of 1,66,300 visitors. This included 1,63,710 domestic tourists and 2,609 foreign visitors. The high turnout translated into a revenue collection of Rs 12.7 crore from safari operations alone.

Officials attribute this strong performance to the reserve's rich biodiversity and well-managed safari experiences.

The Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (NTR), spread across 843 square km, also reported encouraging figures. The reserve generated Rs 11.3 crore in revenue during the same period.

Nagarahole continues to be a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts, offering sightings of tigers, elephants, and a variety of other species in their natural habitat.

Despite the impressive annual revenue, the temporary suspension of safari operations had a notable financial impact. The halt, enforced for safety reasons following tiger attacks, lasted for more than three months.

Officials estimate that the department lost around Rs 6.5 crore in potential revenue during this period. The suspension also affected tourist inflow and associated economic activities in nearby regions.

Forest officials emphasised that safaris are not just a revenue-generating activity but also play a crucial role in promoting ecotourism and environmental awareness.

According to BTR Director S. Prabhakaran, safari operations are conducted for five to eight hours daily in Bandipur, in line with government norms. In Nagarahole, safari timings are restricted to four hours per day.

The controlled and regulated nature of safaris ensures minimal disturbance to wildlife while allowing visitors to experience the natural ecosystem.

A significant portion of the revenue generated from safaris is earmarked for social and conservation initiatives. Officials stated that nearly one-third of the earnings will be utilised for the welfare of local tribal communities, particularly for the education and development of tribal children.

Additionally, funds will be invested in strengthening ecotourism infrastructure and conservation efforts within the reserves.

The recent suspension has highlighted the delicate balance between promoting tourism and ensuring public safety. Authorities are likely to adopt stricter monitoring and safety protocols to prevent future incidents while maintaining tourist interest.

Efforts are also being made to improve coordination between forest staff and local communities to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

While the Rs 24 crore revenue from Bandipur and Nagarahole safaris reflects the growing appeal of wildlife tourism in Karnataka, the Rs 6.5 crore loss due to suspension serves as a reminder of the challenges involved. Moving forward, sustainable practices, enhanced safety measures, and community-focused initiatives will be key to maintaining this balance between conservation and tourism.