Video: Tourist Survives After Elephant Charges, Knocks Down and Pins Him in Karnataka’s Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Video: Tourist Survives After Elephant Charges, Knocks Down and Pins Him in Karnataka’s Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Viral video captures terrifying encounter as tusker knocks down and steps on man before retreating
A tourist from Kerala had a miraculous escape after a wild elephant charged, knocked him down, and pinned him under its foot in Karnataka’s Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The man, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, survived with injuries and was rushed to hospital following the harrowing encounter.
The incident, captured on video and now circulating widely on social media, shows the elephant standing on a road crowded with vehicles and people inside the reserve. Without warning, the tusker lunged toward the tourist, who was walking along the roadside. Startled, the man ran for safety but stumbled and fell, giving the elephant a chance to pin him down with its foot. Moments later, the animal retreated, allowing him to escape with his life.
Risking your life for a selfie isn’t worth it.
— Gautam (@gautyou) August 11, 2025
A Kerala tourist in Bandipur learned the hard way after stepping out of his vehicle for a photo, only to be charged and trampled by a wild elephant.
Lucky to survive. 🐘🚫📸 #WildlifeSafety #Bandipur pic.twitter.com/1LJ3gYtGgz
Bandipur, a key wildlife corridor and popular tourist destination, has seen multiple such human-elephant confrontations. In February, two tourists were chased by an elephant in Chamarajanagar district after attempting to take a selfie; they escaped unharmed. In December 2023, the reserve made headlines after a series of tiger attacks claimed three lives in one month, including a partially devoured body found in the Kundakere range.
Forest officials have urged visitors to strictly follow park guidelines and remain inside vehicles at all times, warning that such incidents can easily turn fatal.
