Visiting the most popular national parks in Karnataka would become an opportunity exclusively for people falling under riches from today.
The Karnataka State forest department has increased accommodation, parking and the entry fees for National parks, Wildlife and Bird Sanctuaries.
The new charges have come into effect at Bandipur, Nagarahole, K Gudi, Biligiriranga Swamy Temple and Bhadra wildlife sanctuaries, Dandeli Tiger Reserve and other national parks coming under the purview of the Forest Department.
National Parks
Now, Indian citizens will have to pay Rs 550 for the wildlife safari, up from the earlier Rs 300; foreigners will be charged Rs 1,800, as against Rs 1,100. The charges for the wildlife safari in the Antaresante and Veeranahosahalli forest range under the Nagarahole National Park are a little high, though the duration of the safari has been raised to two and a half hours. Indians should pay Rs 750 and foreigners Rs 2,000, up from the earlier Rs 300 and Rs 1,100, respectively.
Bird sanctuaries
At bird sanctuaries, the new entry fees and boating charges will be Rs 140 for Indians and Rs 800 for foreigners. The fee for special arrangements for boating and photography will be Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,000, respectively.
Photography
There is a special arrangement in place for photography and boating. Fees for the locals will be Rs 1,500 and for foreigners it will be Rs 3,000.
Car parking
Parking charges for the vehicles at the reception will be Rs 50 for jeep and car per day, Rs 100 for light commercial vehicles and Rs 150 for buses and trucks. Overnight parking charges will range from Rs 100 to 300.
Here is the complete fee structure
| Services | Indians | Foreigners |
| Safari and Entry fees | 550 | 1800 |
| Veerana Hosalli and Antarasante | 750 | 2000 |
| Guest house | 3000 | 5250 |
| Staying dormitory (per bed) | 450 | 2000 |
| Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary (Including boating) | 140 | 800 |
In 2015, charges were increased by 300 per cent. This year they're being raised 150 per cent. Discounts will continue for students and differently-abled people as usual. After two years, the entry fees has been hiked following the demands of the Forest Department officials.
OneIndia News
