Wildlife
Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari
A bus-based safari park on the outskirts of Shivamogga where visitors view lions, tigers and leopards, many rescued or captive-bred, from within enclosed vehicles. Set up in 1988 as part of a wider conservation initiative in the region, Tyavarekoppa keeps its big cats in large fenced enclosures that visitors tour aboard a covered safari bus, a format distinct from the open jeep safaris used in the state’s tiger reserves. Several of the resident animals arrived as rescues or through captive breeding rather than being wild-caught, and the park also maintains a small deer enclosure and crocodile pond along the same circuit.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Set up in 1988 as part of a wider conservation initiative in the region, Tyavarekoppa keeps its big cats in large fenced enclosures that visitors tour aboard a covered safari bus, a format distinct from the open jeep safaris used in the state’s tiger reserves. Several of the resident animals arrived as rescues or through captive breeding rather than being wild-caught, and the park also maintains a small deer enclosure and crocodile pond along the same circuit. Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari sits at an elevation of 583 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are September, December, January, and November, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Deer Park, Bear Enclosure, and Lion Safari. Other notable highlights include lion enclosure drive with up-close big cats, tiger safari section showing striped predators, and leopard viewing from secure bus windows. It falls within Shivamogga, Shivamogga district, and Karnataka, India.
Highlights
- Lion enclosure drive with up-close big cats
- Tiger safari section showing striped predators
- Leopard viewing from secure bus windows
- Rescued animal stories shared by guide
- Deer and other wildlife before predator zones
- Short forest trail near safari entrance
Getting There
Things To Do
Interpretation Centre and Souvenir Kiosk
Visit the small on-site interpretation centre with posters and taxidermy models explaining the safari's conservation work and the difference between captive-bred and wild animals. End at the kiosk to buy simple souvenirs like postcards or wooden carvings, and use the clean restrooms here before departure.
15 minutes
Mini Zoo and Aviary Visit
Near the entrance, explore the small zoo section housing rescued sloth bears, jackals, and various bird species in enclosures. The aviary has peacocks and parrots, and the entire area is wheelchair-friendly with shaded benches for resting.
40 minutes
Deer and Herbivore Enclosure Walk
Take a short, flat walking path through the park's open area where spotted deer, sambar, and blackbuck roam freely in a large fenced zone. This is a calm, leisurely stroll, ideal for seniors, and you can feed the deer with approved greens available at the park shop (ask the staff first).
30 minutes
Lion Safari Drive-Through
Board the park's official safari bus for a 30-40 minute slow drive through the fenced lion enclosure, where you can spot Asiatic lions lounging under trees or strolling near the vehicle. The bus has open windows for viewing but keeps you safely inside, and a guide narrates facts about the pride.
45 minutes
Tiger Safari Drive-Through
After the lion section, the same bus enters the tiger enclosure, where you may see Bengal tigers resting near the waterhole or pacing along the fence. Keep your camera ready, as tigers often come surprisingly close to the vehicle, but remember flash photography is strictly prohibited.
30 minutes
Leopard Enclosure Viewing
Walk along the designated footpath to the separate leopard enclosure, where you can observe these shy big cats from a safe elevated platform. Unlike the drive-through, this is a static viewing spot, so be patient and quiet to catch a glimpse of the spotted feline.
20 minutes
Travel Tips
Keep a valid photo ID for every member, and carry your senior citizen card if you have one
ID proof is mandatory for ticket verification, and many state-run facilities offer a small discount for senior citizens on production of a government-issued age proof. Keep all IDs in a single, easily accessible pouch to avoid fumbling at the counter.
Book the safari slot in advance, especially for morning hours
The safari operates in fixed time slots and often sells out, so reserve your tickets online or through a local agent a day prior. For seniors, the cooler morning slot (around 9 AM) is easier on the body than the afternoon heat.
Plan a rest stop at the on-site canteen before and after the safari
The safari itself lasts about 45 minutes, but the total time including waiting and boarding can stretch to 2 hours. Use the canteen’s seating area to rest, hydrate, and use the clean washrooms before boarding, as there are no facilities inside the forest.
Use the battery-operated shuttle for the short distance from parking to entry
The walk from the parking area to the ticket counter and safari boarding point is about 300 metres on uneven ground. Seniors with mobility issues should use the free shuttle or ask the staff for a wheelchair, which is available on request.
Carry a light jacket or shawl even in summer for the open safari vehicle
The safari truck is open-air, and the breeze inside the forest can feel chilly, especially in the morning or during the monsoon. A light wrap also protects against dust and insects, which is a common comfort issue for older travellers.
Good to Know Nearby
Practical essentials close to Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari — handy for senior and group travellers.
Hospitals
- Sahyadri Hospital0.5 km
- Basaveshwara Hospital0.5 km
- Sindhu Urology Hospital0.7 km
- Onkar Hospital, Shivamogga0.8 km
- Nirmala Hospital1.5 km
Pharmacies
- Sri Devaki Medicals1.6 km
ATMs
- State Bank of India0.3 km
- HDFC Bank0.4 km
- Syndicate Bank0.5 km
- Canara Bank ATM3.1 km
- Canara Bank ATM3.2 km
Restaurants
- Food Street0.1 km
- Nandhini Resturant0.2 km
- Mathura Veg0.3 km
- Jewel Rock Veg0.7 km
- Minakshi Bhavan0.8 km
Frequently Asked Questions
For senior citizens and groups, it is highly recommended to book online via the Karnataka Forest Department website or at the counter on arrival, especially on weekends and holidays. The fee is around ₹100 per adult for Indians (₹200 for foreigners), with a separate camera charge (₹50 for still, ₹200 for video). Entry is free for children under 5, and there is no senior citizen discount currently.
The safari operates in two shifts—morning (around 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM) and afternoon (around 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM). Arrive at least 30 minutes early to buy tickets and board the bus. The actual safari ride lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, but with waiting and the nearby zoo walk, plan for 2 to 2.5 hours total.
You can carry water bottles and light snacks, but eating inside the bus is discouraged to avoid attracting animals—finish your food before boarding or in the picnic area outside. Do not stand, lean out, or make loud noises during the drive, as it can stress the animals. Also, avoid wearing bright colours or strong perfume, as these may agitate the big cats.
Yes, the safari is conducted in a large, enclosed bus, so you remain seated throughout the drive through the lion and tiger enclosures. The bus has a step-up entry, so if you have severe knee or hip issues, request the driver's help or bring a small stool. The walking part of the zoo is optional and flat, but you can skip it if tired.
The safari covers a large fenced forest area where you will likely see Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, and sometimes leopards, along with deer, wild boars, and peacocks in the open sections. Sightings are not guaranteed as the animals roam freely, but the park feeds them near the road at scheduled times, so morning visits often have better luck. The adjacent zoo also has caged animals like bears and monkeys as a backup.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari
Arrival, Safari Drive & Riverside Relaxation
Arrive in Shivamogga in the morning, check into your accommodation, and then head straight to the Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari for the main highlight of the day. After the safari, enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the nearby Shivappanaika Lake and the old fort area, soaking in the local atmosphere. End the day with a quiet evening walk along the Tunga River ghats.
- Morning arrival and check-in, followed by a short drive to Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari (book the 11:00 AM or 12:30 PM slot). Take the guided bus through the enclosures to see lions, tigers, and leopards in a semi-natural habitat.
- Visit the small rescue and breeding centre within the safari complex, where you can learn about conservation efforts and see other native animals like deer and wild boar.
- Post-safari, drive to Shivappanaika Lake (about 20 minutes) for a calm stroll around the water, then explore the ruins of the old Shivamogga Fort and its temple, ideal for slow walking and photography.
Nature, Temple & Heritage Walk
Dedicate the second day to the surrounding natural and cultural highlights of Shivamogga, keeping the pace gentle for senior travellers. Start with a morning visit to the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp, where you can watch the elephants being bathed and fed. Then, drive to the ancient Gajanur Dam for scenic views and a relaxed picnic, before returning to town for a final heritage stroll through the bustling market area.
- Morning visit to Sakrebailu Elephant Camp (about 15 km from Tyavarekoppa) to see the resident elephants during their feeding and bathing routine; an easy, seated activity with plenty of photo opportunities.
- Drive to Gajanur Dam on the Tunga River (about 10 km further), walk along the dam wall for panoramic views, and enjoy a quiet break under the shade of the riverside trees.
- Return to Shivamogga town for a late-afternoon walk through the Gandhi Bazaar and the old vegetable market, where you can buy local spices, betel leaves, and traditional Karnataka snacks to take back.
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