Open-top safari vehicles: Are they worth the risk in forest tourism?

India Today

19-05-2025

Being an automotive journalist comes with its fair share of perks. One of the most exciting is the opportunity to travel, often to the farthest corners of India and beyond. Over the past two decades, my journeys have taken me into nearly every major forest in India. From the dense landscapes of Ranthambore National Park and the serene wilderness of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, to the quiet expanse of Sariska and my personal favourite, Corbett National Park.advertisementThese trips haven't always been just for work. I often return on my own time, drawn back by the beauty of the wild. Across countless safaris that I have been a part of in the past, I've ridden in everything from modified Maruti Suzuki Gypsys to the larger Canters. Despite the differences in size or style, they all shared one trait: they were open-top vehicles.Which brings me to an important question: are open-top vehicles really the best choice for forest safaris? Especially when ferrying groups of tourists through habitats where wild animals roam freely, and often without any guards or immediate backup in case of an emergency?Why I say what I say
I write this as I am concerned over the recent developments at Ranthambore National Park, where a tigress named Kankati has been involved in multiple human fatalities - the most recent being forest ranger Devendra Chaudhary, who was killed on May 12.advertisementThe story traces back to Kankati's mother, Arrowhead, a celebrated tigress in the park. She was found limping and, upon examination, was diagnosed with an incurable disease. Since she was nursing cubs at the time, forest officials decided to provide her with live bait to ensure her survival. Kankati, in turn, was raised on that bait. This arrangement continued until Kankati began attacking humans. So much so that she recently killed Ranger Chaudhary just meters away from the popular tourist spot - the historic Jogi Mahal Hunting Lodge and Ranthambore Fort - while tourist Gypsys waited nearby.According to experts, Kankati may now associate Gypsy vehicles with food. The emerging fear is chilling: a Gypsy arrives, something steps out, and she perceives it as prey. If that's the case, isn't there a possibility of an attack on tourist vehicles as well?Are open-top vehicles safe?In forests across the country, the primary choice of vehicle is a Maruti Suzuki Gypsy. This is because the use of diesel vehicles is prohibited in most forests and the Gypsy, being a petrol-powered car, works just fine. It also comes with 4x4 ability, and this means that the rough tracks within the forest can be dealt with easily. Most importantly, the Gypsy is a soft-top vehicle and hence, the view of the forest is clear to the passengers. Operators also customise these vehicles with forward-facing bench seats that allow them to carry more passengers than mentioned in the registration certificate. While all that is fine, there is one factor that remains unquestioned. What if an animal attacks or charges?advertisementThe other vehicle in use is the Canter. These are large trucks that are retrofitted with seats and have high shoulder lines. This, at least, provides more security for the passengers within, although they still remain vulnerable.Your true safety net at the momentYour true safety net while in these open-top vehicles is the guide and the driver. They are experienced enough and know what to do in case of an attack. Some drivers also told me that in the forest, the threat is more from elephants rather than the tiger or a leopard. In a recent incident in Kaziranga National Park, a safari vehicle was chased by a rhino and the only reason they got away in one piece was the driver, who patiently negotiated the obstacles to get the tourists to safety.On January 6, a woman and her daughter were out on a jungle safari in Kaziranga National Park. To their horror, a rhino charged at the open-top Gypsy and the driver, as is the protocol, drove hard to keep the occupants safe. However, in one instance, he had to take a hard turn. As a result of which, the duo fell out of the vehicle and were left at the mercy of the wild animals. Needless to say, it was not the driver's fault, but rather the fact that the vehicle was not prepared well.advertisementWhy animals attackIt is not uncommon for animals to charge at vehicles, but it's important to realise that the real issue lies with humans. We are the ones encroaching on spaces meant for wildlife. The animals are not at fault. An elephant with a calf is surely going to charge if it feels threatened, and so is the case with other animals. This is a common occurrence in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, where the national highway cuts through the forest. Most drivers have no clue what to do if they spot an elephant on the road. Honking is not the solution, but keeping a wide berth is.advertisementSo, what is the best way?There is little doubt that forest safaris are something everyone enjoys and so do I. But I was once told by a renowned conservationist that most animals perceive the Gypsy as a harmless object that frequently passes by, usually carrying a bunch of things (read: humans), and that strange noises (read: camera shutter clicks) often accompany its presence. But mock charges are common as animals charge as a protective move, mostly. So, is it right to let tourists go in as bait? Is there a solution? I think there is.During one of my travels, I visited Bannerghatta National Park near Bengaluru. In this park, wild animals roam freely within large enclosures, while the ones kept in cages are, ironically, humans. Tourists are taken in large, fully-caged canters. These vehicles offer good visibility while ensuring safety. Wildlife often come close to vehicles, and at times, even climb onto them. This offers the kind of thrill one desires and safety is ensured as well. However, this method isn't entirely foolproof. A full-grown elephant, for instance, has the strength to topple such a vehicle. Still, it offers a far greater level of safety compared to venturing in as live bait.advertisementMeanwhile, Kankati has already been shifted to an enclosure, and her fate is yet to be decided by humans. To conclude, I just hope and pray that Kankati and her cubs do not come to associate the Gypsy with food - or worse, see whatever steps out of it as prey.God bless our precious wildlife.(Rahul Ghosh is Associate Editor at Auto Today with over two decades of experience in vehicle evaluation, intercontinental drives and everything else automotive. On the Jury for Indian Car of the Year and Indian Motorcycle of the Year)(Views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author)