Mysuru: Safaris at Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves in Karnataka generated Rs 24 crore in revenue last year.The forest department also suffered a revenue loss of Rs 6.5 crore, following suspension of safari operations for more than 100 days, between Nov 7, 2025, and Feb 21, 2026, due to tiger attacks at these popular reserves. Safaris play an important role in not only shoring up revenue, but in promoting ecotourism as well. Spread over 1,036 square km, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) is divided into 13 ranges and three sub-divisions. At 191, it is home to the second-highest tiger population in the country. The reserve also has 1,116 elephants. About 1,66,300 visitors were at BTR in 2025 — including 1,63,710 Indians and 2,609 foreigners – generating a revenue of Rs 12.7 crore. Similar encouraging revenue figures were posted by NTR as well. Spread over 843 square km, the reserve registered a revenue collection of Rs 11.3 crore last year, sources said. Speaking to TOI, BTR director S Prabhakaran said the forest department has been conducting safaris between five to eight hours daily according to govt norms. Safaris at NTR are restricted to four hours daily. Foresters said the department will spend one-third of the revenue generated from safaris towards the welfare of local tribal children and for promotion of ecotourism.
