Bandipur and Kabini safaris are once again offered by The Serai Resorts.
Following the Ministry’s circular authorising reopening under updated operating parameters, Serai Resorts has announced the return of wildlife safaris for visitors at The Serai Bandipur, situated within Bandipur National Park, and The Serai Kabini, close to Nagarhole National Park.
On February 22, 2026, safari activities were resumed at 50% capacity, with the same operating hours. Reservations are being made offline in consultation with Jungle Lodges and Resorts and safari operators, as online bookings are currently unavailable. The Karnataka Forest Department’s directives, the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s (NTCA) rules, and the Supreme Court of India’s November 2025 directive are all strictly followed during every safari. In order to reduce the ecological impact on the forest, drivers are advised to keep the proper spacing between their cars.
The reopening comes after careful planning with local people, conservation specialists, and forest officials to enable a planned restart. In order to protect sensitive habitats, a technical committee appointed by the State Board for Wildlife conducted a carrying capacity audit during the closure period, which led to the establishment of daily visitor limits. Stronger boundary monitoring camps, community-led “Forest Friends” programs, the removal of invasive Lantana camara to restore grasslands, the maintenance of artificial waterholes before summer, and the completion of fire line projects to reduce the risk of forest fires are further on-ground measures.
The Karnataka Forest Ministry’s February 2026 notification and the Supreme Court of India’s November 2025 decision have resulted in updated visiting guidelines. In order to prevent ecological disruption and provide a more engaging wildlife experience, mobile phone use is still prohibited during safaris.
Saibal Sen, Chief Operating Officer of The Serai Resorts, commented on the restart, saying, “We are thrilled that safaris have resumed and look forward to welcoming our guests to experience the remarkable wildlife of Bandipur and Nagarhole. We are still dedicated to responsible tourism, which strikes a balance between community involvement, conservation, and visitor experience. Every safari is a significant step in preserving the wilderness for future generations rather than just an opportunity to explore it.”
