Chamarajanagar: The entry fee for tourists visiting Bandipur National Park will be increased from November 1.
A circular indicating the increase was issued by the Chief Conservator of Forests Punyathi Srinath. The hike will be applicable for national park, tiger conservation reserve, wildlife sanctuary, safari and accommodation.
Entry fee will be Rs 250 instead of the existing Rs 200 and safari will cost Rs 300 instead of 100 (for children Rs 150) and for foreigners Rs 1500 instead of the existing Rs 1000, the order stated. However, safari timings have been extended by 30 minutes from the existing one hour.
The cost of accommodation at the guest house will be Rs 2500 from the existing Rs 1000 for Indians and Rs 5000 instead of the existing Rs 2000 for foreigners, the order stated.
There has been a consistent demand to increase the costs during the last few years and this hike is attributed to the increase in the operational costs. The recent rainfall has enhanced the beauty of the national park with lush greenery and animals visible all round.
Thousands of tourists visit the national park every year. Steep increase in footfalls can be noticed during weekends and holiday season. The increase in the fee for various services offered at the park is bound to generate extra revenue.
Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful and the better-managed national parks of India. Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the towering Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park covers an area of about 874.2 sq km.
