How do I book a Bandipur National Park safari?

Through Karnataka Forest Department — booking opens ~90 days before your safari date. Carry the same ID you enter at booking to the gate.

How much does a Bandipur National Park safari cost?

The cheapest safari starts around ₹600 for Indian visitors (vehicle/guide may be separate); foreigner rates are higher. Full per-vehicle breakdown is in the table above.

When is the best time for a Bandipur National Park safari?

Wildlife sightings are best in October–May. The park is closed in June–September.

Safari booking · 2026

How to book a Bandipur National Park safari

Bandipur National Park / Tiger Reserve, Karnataka — booking opens ~90 days before your safari date. Sightings are best in October–May. Safaris start at ₹600 for Indian visitors. Below: zones, fees, IDs and the real booking pitfalls — every line source-cited and verified, not a guess off a blog.

Booking window

Verified 2026-06-03

Booking authority: Karnataka Forest Department
Opens in advance: 90 days
Park open: October–May
Closed: June–September

Advance booking online via official portal or same-day spot booking at reception. Foreigners book 90 days ahead; Indians flexible.

There's no reliable government online portal for this park — book at the counter (steps below). Beware private sites posing as the official booking portal.

Safari types & fees

Type	Seats	Fee
Government mini-bus morning (6:30-8:30 am) · afternoon (3:30-5:30 pm) Most common option; ~2.5 hour duration	25	₹600 (Indian) · ₹2,500 (foreigner)
Canter/Van morning (6:30-8:30 am) · afternoon (3:30-5:30 pm) Alternative to bus	20	₹850 (Indian)

Entry fee ~₹250 adults / ₹125 children (separate from safari). Camera fee ₹450. Prices subject to Forest Dept revision.

Zones & gates

Tamarind Tree area
Best for: Tiger and leopard sightings
Primary wildlife corridor

Bandipur core zone accessible only via government or Jungle Lodges vehicles; private vehicles restricted.

How to book, step by step

1Arrive at the park's forest reception counter early — 30–60 minutes before the safari shift.
2Buy your ticket at the counter; seats are first-come, first-served.
3Carry the original photo ID for every traveller (passport for foreign nationals).
4Book only at the counter or the state forest department — avoid private sites posing as the official portal.

ID required: Indians: government photo ID · Foreigners: passport

What trips people up

Park closed June-September
Monsoon closure is strict; no safaris during heavy rains
No private jeeps allowed in core zones
Only govt vehicles and Jungle Lodges-authorized jeeps at periphery
High demand on weekends/holidays
Book 1-2 weeks in advance for guaranteed seats

Booking opens 45–120 days ahead and sells out — save it so you don't miss the window.

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Common questions

How do I book a Bandipur National Park safari?: Through Karnataka Forest Department — booking opens ~90 days before your safari date. Carry the same ID you enter at booking to the gate.
How much does a Bandipur National Park safari cost?: The cheapest safari starts around ₹600 for Indian visitors (vehicle/guide may be separate); foreigner rates are higher. Full per-vehicle breakdown is in the table above.
When is the best time for a Bandipur National Park safari?: Wildlife sightings are best in October–May. The park is closed in June–September.