Bandipur| Bandipur Tiger Reserve

The Spirit of Bandipur

Two nights and three days at the foothills of the Nilgiris, with four jeep safaris into Bandipur Tiger Reserve and expert guidance from wildlife photographer Phillip Ross.

4 Jeep Safari Tour · Max 6 Guests · 25th to 27th November 2026

Enquire about this tour

A young leopard (Panthera pardus) with gorgeous blue eyes seen in Bandipur on a Wildlife Photography Tour by wildlife photographer Phillip Ross
Bandipur Tiger ReserveA young leopard (Panthera pardus) with gorgeous blue eyes seen in Bandipur on a Wildlife Photography Tour.

One of India’s first tiger reserves

Nestled at the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains, the Bandipur Tiger Reserve is one of India’s first and finest tiger reserves, and Southern India’s most famous. Its dry deciduous forest of bamboo, teak, sandalwood and flame-of-the-forest is home to tigers, leopards, Asiatic elephants, Indian wild dogs and over 300 species of birds.

We base ourselves at the Bandipur Safari Lodge, run by Jungle Lodges and Resorts, for four jeep safaris into the reserve.

Wildlife photographer Phillip Ross, who has been visiting Bandipur since the early 1990s, will guide you through camera settings and animal behaviour across the tour.

What you come home with

With an array of activities including wildlife safaris, animal tracking, birdwatching and photography learning, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. The specifics include:

  • A fascinating experience in one of India’s richest tiger habitats
  • Comprehensive understanding of photography and wildlife
  • Tons of good wildlife sightings on 4 jeep safaris
  • Two nights and three days at the foothills of the Nilgiris
  • A luxurious stay in Maharajah Cottages, with delicious meals
  • A fun-filled great holiday
  • Expert guidance from wildlife photographer Phillip Ross

Three days, as they run

Day1

Arrive at the lodge, check in and have lunch. Phillip introduces the group to Bandipur’s wildlife and presents ideal camera settings for the first safari, before we head out on the afternoon safari.

Later that evening, we meet for a presentation on composition and discuss the safari and animal behaviour, before a delicious dinner.

Day2

We awake to the calls of the forest and, after coffee or tea, depart for the morning safari. We return for breakfast and a rest.

Just before lunch, we discuss exposure compensation and focusing before the afternoon safari. On our return at dusk, a photography learning session with one-on-one image review precedes a celebratory dinner.

Day3

The final morning safari ends the tour on a high note. After breakfast, we gather for a rendezvous before checking out at 11:00 a.m.

How much does it cost?

Individuals

INR 39,900/- per participant (Exclusive of 5% GST)

Pals

INR 77,800/- for two participants (Exclusive of 5% GST)

Outbacker

INR 37,900/- per Outbacker (Exclusive of 5% GST)

Outbacker: Participated in at least three previous tours or workshops, conducted by The Outback Experience.

Inclusions

  • Twin-sharing accommodation in Maharajah Cottages
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and hot beverages (coffee and tea)
  • Four jeep safaris into Bandipur Tiger Reserve
  • Guaranteed photography learning and a whole lotta fun!

Exclusions

  • 5% GST
  • Road transfers from Bangalore. We will however assist you with car pooling or booking a cab.
  • Camera fees, payable at the Karnataka Forest Department counter
  • Any extra meals and beverages ordered
  • Airfare, if applicable
  • Anything that is not expressly mentioned in the inclusions list

Camera fees, Karnataka Forest Department

Camera fee per safari by lens focal length
Focal lengthPer safari
Upto 200mmNIL
Above 200mm - ₹1500 + 18% GSTINR 1770/-

Camera fees are payable directly at the Karnataka Forest Department counter, per safari.

Payment Terms

100% payment in advance for confirmation of booking.

Payment can be made via bank transfer to our account. Please inform us of the reference number once the payment is made.

Cancellation Fees

  • 10% outside 30 days before the tour
  • 25% between 29 and 22 days before the tour
  • 50% between 21 and 15 days before the tour
  • 75% between 14 and 8 days before the tour
  • 100% within 7 days before the tour

Have questions about this tour?

We hope you’ll find your answers here.

Who is this tour for?

Anybody above the age of 18 with a passion to learn and master photography. There are no other eligibility criteria.

How do I make the payment?

We have multiple payment options available from which you may choose one as per your convenience. Details will be shared when we receive your enquiry.

How many participants can be expected to attend?

A maximum of 6 participants are expected. The Outback Experience’s USP is to provide as much individual attention and quality time to each participant as possible and thus the group strength has been kept low. We do not cater to very large groups per batch!

Where are we staying and what sort of accommodation and food can we expect?

We will be staying at the Bandipur Safari Lodge, run by Jungle Lodges and Resorts. All participants will be staying in special Maharajah Cottages. The food served is a delicious buffet spread of local, Indian and continental delicacies.

What are the requisites for the tour?

Bringing your own camera is strongly recommended. This camera should ideally be a Mirrorless or Digital SLR (DSLR) and lens with a focal length of at least 300mm to make the most out of the photography tour. In case you do not have the recommended equipment, please contact us and we will help you hire a camera or lens.

How do I register for the tour?

Fill up the form in the enquiry section below and we’ll get back to you with all the necessary details in a jiffy.

Book now!

Please submit your details, to enrol for this event. Tell us your preferred batch and how many participants are travelling.

Your own dates

Plan a customised trip

If these dates don’t suit you, we’d be happy to create a customised wildlife tour around your preferred travel dates.

Whether you choose to travel independently or with one of our photography guides, we’ll arrange the best naturalists, drivers, and accommodation to match your interests and budget. With over two decades of experience in wildlife travel, we’ll ensure you enjoy an exceptional and well-planned safari experience.

Write to Us

Book Now