Welcome to Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve A Haven for Tigers and Elephants Where Western & Eastern Ghats Meet Conservation in Action TX2 Award Winner for Tiger Conservation Excellence UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Eco-friendly • Community-led • Responsible

Discover Sathyamangalam — Safaris Reimagined

Experience curated wildlife rides with trained local guides. Small-group safaris, phoneless viewing etiquette, and conservation-first operations — designed for wildlife safety and unforgettable sightings.

Safari Overview

Safari is one of the key eco-tourism activities in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, aimed at promoting wildlife awareness and providing visitors with a glimpse of the landscape's rich biodiversity. These safaris are designed as responsible, low-impact experiences that generate employment for local communities while fostering conservation consciousness among tourists.

Purpose

Safari programs are designed with clear conservation and community objectives

Wildlife Awareness

Create awareness and appreciation for wildlife and forest ecosystems

Community Livelihood

Provide alternative livelihood opportunities for local and tribal communities

Regulated Tourism

Regulate and manage tourism in harmony with the reserve's carrying capacity

Revenue Generation

Generate revenue for conservation and eco-development initiatives

Safari Management

Professional and responsible safari operations ensuring wildlife protection

Operational Framework

All safari operations in the reserve are managed by the Tiger Conservation Foundation through Eco-Development Committees (EDCs). Only department-authorized vehicles are allowed inside the reserve, operated by trained guides and drivers. Private vehicles are not permitted for safari rides.

Vehicle Standards

Safari vehicles are maintained in good condition and undergo periodic pollution and safety checks to minimize noise and air pollution

Trained Personnel

All safari guides and drivers are professionally trained and authorized by the department

Wildlife Protection

Visitor activities are regulated strictly to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife

Community-Led

EDCs manage operations ensuring local community participation and benefit

Safari Timings

Safaris are conducted only during designated hours

Morning Safari

6:30 AM
to
10:30 AM

Evening Safari

3:30 PM
to
6:00 PM

Park Operating Hours

The park remains open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

No safaris are allowed outside the designated timing slots

Visitor Guidelines

Safety and conservation rules for a responsible safari experience

Safety Measures

  • Each safari team carries a first aid kit
  • Guides are trained in basic first aid
  • Visitors must remain inside vehicles throughout
  • EDC-run canteens provide local cuisine refreshments

Strictly Prohibited

  • Shouting, teasing, chasing, or feeding wildlife
  • Littering inside the reserve
  • Use of loudspeakers or loud music
  • Carrying firearms or fireworks

Age Restrictions

Children below 10 years and elderly people are restricted from long treks or safaris for safety reasons.

Closure Policy

Temporary suspensions for safety and conservation

Safaris may be temporarily suspended during specific situations to ensure visitor safety and wildlife protection:

Forest Fires

or other emergencies

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Safety situations

Maintenance Work

Annual road/conservation

Refund Policy: In case of temporary closure, pre-booked safari charges are refunded to visitors.

Carrying Capacity

Visitor limits calculated based on NTCA guidelines (2012) considering ecological sensitivity

Core Zone

Total Safari Routes
120 km
Average Trip Duration
2.4 hours
Daily Visitor Capacity
1,200
visitors/day permissible

Buffer Zone

Total Safari Routes
70 km
Average Trip Duration
2.0 hours
Daily Visitor Capacity
840
visitors/day permissible

NTCA Guidelines

These capacity limits are strictly enforced as per National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines from 2012, ensuring that tourism activities remain within the ecological carrying capacity of the reserve and do not disturb wildlife populations.

Community Involvement

Empowering local communities through sustainable tourism

Local Community Participation

Local people, especially from tribal communities, are actively engaged as safari guides, drivers, and service providers through Eco-Development Committees (EDCs). This initiative ensures that tourism benefits flow directly to the communities living around the reserve.

Safari Guides

Trained local tribal members serve as knowledgeable guides

Vehicle Drivers

Community members operate authorized safari vehicles

Service Providers

Locals manage canteens, shops, and hospitality services

Direct Economic Benefits

The community-based tourism model ensures that revenue generated from safari operations directly supports local livelihoods, reduces forest dependency, and creates sustainable income sources for tribal and rural families through EDC management.