Sunday, October 6, 2024 Eco-tourism is at the forefront of the Karnataka government’s new initiative, which has introduced a cap on trekkers at various sites across the state, limiting access to 300 trekkers per day on all routes. This regulation aims to mitigate overcrowding and protect the environment. The urgency for such measures arose after around 6,000 tourists flocked to Kumara Parvatha within just a few days in January, leading to chaos and safety concerns.
Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre unveiled an online ticket booking portal to facilitate trekking reservations in Karnataka. Visitors can use this platform to book tickets for their preferred trekking sites, with five trails currently available: Kumara Parvatha (via Subrahmanya), Bidahalli to Kumara Parvatha, Bidahalli-Kumara Parvatha-Subrahmanya, Chamarajanagar-Nagamale, and Talacauvery-Nishani Motte. By the end of October, an additional 40 trekking routes are expected to be added to the portal, which will also allow bookings for wildlife and boat safaris, as major national parks and tiger reserves prepare to reopen for the season.
Previously, private companies often purchased tickets in bulk, hindering access for genuine trekkers. The new portal eliminates this issue by requiring trekkers to upload government-issued ID cards during ticket reservations. Each phone number can reserve up to 10 tickets, making it easier for group bookings.
The portal features flexible cancellation policies: trekkers cancelling se.
