How to Book a Forest Entry Permit on the Aranya Vihara Website — Step-by-Step Guide

Forest reserves across Karnataka are ecologically sensitive zones. To protect biodiversity and regulate foot traffic, the Karnataka Forest Department enforces daily visitor caps through the Aranya Vihara portal. Each slot corresponds to a specific date and entry window, meaning permits can sell out days in advance during peak season. Trekking without a permit risks denial at the checkpost and possible legal penalties. Booking early is not just recommended — it is essential.

Before opening the Aranya Vihara portal, keep the following ready:

(1) A valid government-issued photo ID — Aadhaar card, passport, or driving licence.

(2) A working mobile number registered in your name for OTP verification.

(3) A valid email address.

(4) Payment method — UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card.

For group bookings, collect the same ID details for every member before starting, as the portal requires them upfront.

Step 1 — Visit the official portal.

Go to aranyavihara.karnataka.gov.in. Avoid third-party booking sites; the official portal is the only authorised platform.

Step 2 — Register or log in.

New users click "Register", enter your mobile number, verify via OTP, then complete your profile with your name and email. Returning users log in directly.

Step 3 — Select your forest reserve.

From the homepage, choose your destination (e.g., Nagarhole, Bhadra, or Kudremukh). Each reserve has its own permit quota and rules.

Step 4 — Pick your date and entry slot.

A calendar shows available dates highlighted in green. Greyed-out dates are fully booked. Select your preferred date and time window.

Step 5 — Enter visitor details.

Add each trekker's full name, age, gender, and ID number. Double-check spellings — mismatches with your physical ID at the checkpost can cause entry denial.

Step 6 — Pay the permit fee.

Review the booking summary, then proceed to payment. Fees vary by forest zone and number of visitors. Save the payment confirmation immediately.

Step 7 — Download your permit.

After payment, your permit is generated as a PDF. Download and print it, or save it offline on your phone — mobile signal in forest areas is often unreliable.

Arrive at the forest checkpost at least 15 minutes before your booked entry slot. Present your printed or digital permit alongside the original government-issued ID you registered with. Rangers verify each visitor's ID against the permit individually. Group tours booked through an operator (like us) will have a certified guide holding the group permit — individual members still need their own ID. Photography restrictions and trail rules are briefed at the checkpost before entry is granted.

• Booking the wrong date: The permit is date-locked. Reschedules are rarely allowed, so confirm your travel dates before paying.

• Typos in visitor names or ID numbers: Even a single-character mismatch can lead to denial at the checkpost.

• Waiting too long: Peak season slots (October–February) sell out within hours of opening. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance.

• Relying on mobile signal: Download your permit PDF while on Wi-Fi; do not assume you can load the portal at the trailhead.

• Using third-party agents: No authorised resellers exist. Permits purchased elsewhere are not valid.