Karnataka Bans Late-Night Safaris to Protect Wildlife and Farmers

On October 27, 2025, the Karnataka Forest Minister, Eshwar Khandre, has directed officials to cancel the last safari trip after 6 pm in the Bandipur-Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. This decision comes after several farmer organizations raised concerns over the disturbance caused by vehicle noise and headlights during late-night safaris, which they claim are driving wild animals out of the forest limits.

The minister acknowledged the important educational and livelihood roles that safaris play, but emphasized that conservation and community safety must remain the top priorities. Khandre instructed officials to take urgent action to cut one trip from the existing safari schedule, effective from October 28, 2025.

The Nagarahole National Park, which forms a vital part of both Project Tiger and Project Elephant, is home to the largest herd of Asiatic elephants in the world and a diverse range of other wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and hundreds of bird species. The minister's directive aims to strike a balance between eco-tourism and conservation, ensuring that tourist activities remain sustainable without endangering the park's rich ecosystem or the livelihoods of nearby farmers.