Bandipur

Safaris are strictly regulated by the Karnataka Forest Department. Private vehicles are absolutely banned inside the core jungle. You have two primary options: Bus Safaris: Operated by the Forest Department, these take larger groups (around 20 people) and are incredibly budget-friendly. They operate from 6:15 AM to 9:00 AM and 2:15 PM to 5:00 PM. Jeep Safaris: Exclusively licensed to Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) and their guests, these offer a quieter, more deep-dive forest experience. Slots run from 6:15 AM to 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

No. Elephant safaris for tourists have been permanently discontinued in Bandipur to prioritize animal welfare and safety. Only vehicle-based safaris (buses and jeeps) are permitted.

The National Highway 766 (NH-766) and NH-181 pass straight through the heart of Bandipur connecting Karnataka to Kerala and Tamil Nadu. To protect nocturnal wildlife from speeding traffic and reduce animal roadkill, traffic is strictly banned from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Heavy gates at both entry check-posts are locked at night, and travelers must plan their journeys to clear the forest before 9:00 PM.

Two-wheelers are allowed to pass through the main highway cutting across the national park during daytime hours, but with strict restrictions. Bikers must enter the forest check-post before 6:00 PM and are strictly prohibited from stopping, taking photographs, or stepping off their vehicles inside the forest stretch.