The safari point at Bandipur Tiger Reserve will shift to Melakamanahalli with effect from June 2 in a move to reduce vehicle density in the core region.
The safari counter is currently located near the Forest Department office, guest house and cottages in the core area on the road leading to Ooty.
Being a popular tourist destination famed for tiger and elephant sightings, the area around the safari counter used to be heavily crowded.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve Director T. Balachandra said the decision will help reduce motor vehicle density by almost 80% as only those who want to proceed towards Mudumalai and Ooty will henceforth use the road.
He said the destination of a majority of the tourists used to be Bandipur but it was discovered that some of them would only use the parking area.
The move to shift the safari counter to Melakamanahalli will help reduce the anthropogenic impact on the habitat and wildlife, said Mr. Balachandra.
Melakahamahalli is on the same route as one approaches from Gundlupet but is a few kilometres from where the current safari counter is.
The new counter will be at the Special Tiger Protection Force quarters. “To start with, there will only be a ticketing counter with internet, toilet and facility to park about 20 to 25 vehicles,” said the official. The existing dormitories and cottages will remain where they are at present.
