Chamarajanagar, July 27 -- The Karnataka Forest Department's decision to sharply increase safari charges at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve from September 1 has triggered strong opposition not only from farmers and Kannada groups but also from wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists and nature photographers, who say the hike will make one of India's most celebrated tiger reserves inaccessible to ordinary visitors.

Under the revised tariff, bus safari charges for adults will rise from Rs 650 to Rs 1,000, while children's tickets will increase from Rs 350 to Rs 500. Jeep safari fares have been raised from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 for adults and from Rs 500 to Rs 750 for children. Additional charges have also been introduced for cameras with lenses a...