Corbett Tiger Reserve Reopens Elephant Safari After 7-Year Hiatus, Promising Responsible Tourism

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After a seven-year wait, tourists are once again able to experience the thrill of an elephant safari in the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), a popular destination in India's northern state of Uttarakhand. The decision to resume the safari comes after a lengthy process, which began with a ban imposed by the Uttarakhand high court in 2018 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Wildlife (Protection) Act. However, the Supreme Court lifted the ban in 2019, paving the way for a regulated and welfare-oriented revival of the safari. The CTR administration has announced that the elephant safari will operate in two shifts – morning and evening – on a first-come, first-served basis. Initially, three elephants have been deployed in the Dhikala and Bijrani zones. The safari duration has been fixed at two hours, allowing tourists to cover a distance of at least five kilometers. The maximum capacity for each safari trip is five persons, with children below the age of five exempt from charges. The fare for Indian tourists has been set at ₹1,000 per person, while foreign nationals will be charged ₹3,000 per person. The CTR currently has 14 elephants, primarily used for forest patrolling, anti-poaching operations, and monitoring activities. According to CTR director Saket Badola, more elephants may be deployed for tourism purposes if the safari is conducted smoothly and responsibly. The Corbett Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and the elephant safari offers tourists a unique opportunity to experience the reserve's rich wildlife. With the safari now open, tourists can once again enjoy this exciting experience, while also contributing to the conservation efforts of the CTR.