Nagarahole National Park is one of the most famous wildlife destinations, and it attracts a lot of people each year. This park is famous for offering gypsy, and bus safari rides to people, through which they can explore its area. But to enjoy any of these safaris, tourists are required to obtain a permit from the Forest Department. To make your booking smooth, here are the permit tips that you need to keep in mind while making the booking:
1. Types of Safari Permits in Nagarahole
Gypsy Safari
- This one is the most popular safari among the tourists who visit the Nagarahole National Park.
- A small vehicle, which is gypsy is used for the safari that goes deep inside the forest areas.
- This safari is best for wildlife photography, tiger and leopard sightings, and covering a large part of the forest in less time.
- You can make a morning or evening booking for this safari
Canter Safari
- This is basically an open bus safari in which around 20 people can go for the safari. This one is best for large groups who want to explore the park together.
- Offers a similar forest experience as gypsy safari, but with more people on a single safari.
- You can make a morning or evening booking for this safari
- This safari is best for those who want to enjoy the safari inside the park in a budget and also for large families who want to enjoy the safari together.
Note: To enjoy any of these safaris inside the park, you have to make a booking for it from
2. Where to Get the Safari Permits?
You can make a booking for the safari permits of Nagarahole from nagaraholetigerreserve.in The permits are issued by the Karnataka Forest Department.. To make a booking for the permit, you have to fill in some basic details such as your name, age, gender, and government ID card details. Then make the payment, and your permit will be sent to your mobile number or Email.
3. When to Book Your Permit?
Nagarahole is one of the famous national parks, and a lot of people visit this park every year. This park offers thrilling and unique safari rides, and because of that, it attracts a lot of tourists on each day. But a lot of tourists can disturb the natural habitat of animals, and to keep the forest peaceful, the forest department allows only a limited number of safaris to enter the park each day. Because of this park rule, the booking of permits is made days or months before the date of the safari. People make online bookings and secure their seats in advance.
So, we advise the tourists to make a booking for Nagarahole safari at least 45 to 60 days in advance so that you can secure your seat. Also, advance booking lets you choose the zone, type of safari, and preferred timing slot according to your preference. Also, during the weekends, holidays, and peak tourist season (October–May), permits sell out quickly, so make sure to book in advance for Nagarahole National Park.
4. Documents You Need
Whenever you begin the safari booking process, keep these essential documents with you
- Valid Photo ID (like Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License)
- Full details of all travelers (name, age, gender, and ID number).
- Nationality details (especially for foreign tourists)
- For children, a valid school ID or government ID can be used as age proof.
Note: You have to use a government-issued identity card to make a booking for the safari ride. Also, that same ID will be checked at the gates of the zones. To go inside the park, you have to show your ID to the officials, and then your permit details will be matched with your identity cards. So, keep the identity cards with you when you go on safari in this wild spot. You can take the printout of your permits and identity cards. Without them, you will not be allowed to go inside this wild spot of Karnataka.
5. Group Size Rules
- Gypsy Safari: Each gypsy can take 6 tourists + 1 guide + 1 driver. Children above 5 years will be counted as adults, and you have to make a permit booking for them.
- Canter Safari: The canter vehicle usually carries 20 people inside the park. This is the best option for larger groups who want to enjoy the safari together.
If you are in a bigger group, you may need to make a booking for multiple gypsies, or you can book a canter safari, as they can fit more people inside them.
6. Other Important Permit Tips
- No Safari Without Permit: You cannot enter the park for any kind of safari without a valid permit issued by the forest department.
- Guide is Compulsory: A trained forest guide will always accompany you inside the park. This is for safety, and entries inside the park are not allowed without the guides.
- No Refunds for Late Entry or Cancellations: Once a permit is issued, it cannot be cancelled, transferred, or refunded (except in rare cases when the forest department cancels due to weather).
- Safari May Get Cancelled in Rain/Monsoon: During heavy rain or bad weather, safaris may get cancelled. The department may reschedule or refund, depending on the situation. In these cases, sometimes no refund or no reschedule can also be possible. The final decision will be of the forest department of Karnataka.
- Correct Details are Important: Make sure your name, ID number, and safari type are correctly mentioned on your permit. Any mistake may lead to cancellation of your ride, even at the last minute, when you go there for the safari.