When the National Tiger Conservation Authority released reopening guidelines for tiger reserves, veterinary and wildlife experts welcomed the move — with a clear condition: tourism only if the rules are followed strictly.
For current open-jeep safari near Kulgi / Phansoli (price, slots, on-the-spot booking), read our full guide: Jungle Safari Dandeli.
What the guidelines covered
Every staff member and tourist was to go through thermal scanning and a symptom check. The main worry experts raised was infection spreading to big cats from asymptomatic visitors — and whether more protection for wildlife was still needed.
A widely cited report noted seven big cats testing positive for coronavirus at Bronx Zoo (New York) on 22 April 2020. Against that backdrop, NTCA made compliance with guidelines a hard condition for eco-tourism in tiger reserves.
Entry-point rules included thermal screening of tourists, drivers and guides; face masks or face shields for everyone; and sanitising every vehicle for each trip. Because asymptomatic carriers discarding used tissues or napkins inside a reserve could risk transmission to animals, carrying tissue paper, napkins, tetra packs and similar items was restricted. Pulse oxymeters were also proposed — similar to airport checks — to spot anxiety and oxygen levels that might flag pre-symptomatic carriers.
Covid-19 SOPs at tiger reserves
- Strict temperature checking of tourists
- Isolation / evacuation of tourists with high temperatures
- Face mask / face shield must
- Usage of sanitiser
- Vehicle tyres to undergo disinfectant bath
- Children below 10 years and seniors above 65 not allowed
- Carry age-proof documents
- Vehicular seating capacity reduced by 50%
- No disembarking inside tiger reserves
Rules at the gate can change. Always confirm the day’s Forest Department instructions before you travel. Dandeli.org
Dandeli jungle safari (current guide)
Dandeli’s popular wildlife ride is the Forest Department open-jeep safari near Kulgi / Phansoli — not a classic “tiger reserve ticket desk” product. For price (~₹600 per person), morning and evening slots, and on-the-spot booking details, go to Jungle Safari Dandeli.
Also useful: wildlife spotting in Dandeli and black panther sightings.
Swipe for cab options toward safari gates
Stay near the safari
Early morning slots are easier from a base close to Kulgi / Phansoli.
FAQ
What did NTCA say about eco-tourism in tiger reserves?
The National Tiger Conservation Authority said eco-tourism could resume only if published guidelines are followed strictly — screening, masks, sanitised vehicles and other SOPs.
What are the main visitor SOPs listed?
Temperature checks, isolation of high-temperature cases, face mask or shield, sanitiser, disinfectant baths for vehicle tyres, age limits (under 10 and over 65 not allowed), age-proof documents, 50% seating capacity and no disembarking inside the reserve.
Does this page replace Dandeli jungle safari booking info?
No. This note is about national tiger-reserve reopening guidelines. For current Dandeli Forest Department jeep safari price, timings and booking, use Jungle Safari Dandeli.
Why were tissue packs and tetra packs restricted?
Guidelines flagged asymptomatic carriers discarding used tissues or napkins inside reserves as a transmission risk to wildlife, so carrying tissue paper, napkins and tetra packs was discouraged or banned under those rules.