Chikkamagaluru: Bulk booking of trek permits leaves locals angry
Residents of Chikkamagaluru district, particularly around Kalasa, are unable to obtain trekking permits for Netravathi and Kudremukh routes during the weekends, owing to the alleged
Residents of Chikkamagaluru district, particularly around Kalasa, are unable to obtain trekking permits for Netravathi and Kudremukh routes during the weekends, owing to the alleged bulk-booking by Bengaluru-based travel agencies. All 300 permits issued daily for each trek are exhausted within seconds of the booking window opening. The routes, which remained closed during the summer, reopened on June 1. The Forest Department issues permits online with a 15-day advance booking window. When bookings for Saturday, June 6, opened on May 22, all 300 permits sold out within seconds.
Similarly, all permits for June 13 were exhausted within 10 minutes. “We suspect some Bengaluru travel agencies bulk-book tickets immediately after the slot opens by assembling their staff and associates. They then resell the permits as packaged trekking trips,” said Chandra Mohan, who operates a homestay in Kalasa. The Netravathi and Kudremukh treks are popular because of their scenic appeal and proximity to the locality. Many trekkers wish to visit in groups. Mohan added that homestay operators in the district are left without permits to offer guests.
“I have visitors interested in trekking on June 21, but I cannot provide them with permits. Many of us in the hospitality sector face the same issue,” he said. He also urged officials to investigate the bulk-booking pattern. “Every weekend, we see travel companies arrive with customers by bus. They could only gather such large groups because they bulk-booked permits in advance. Officials can verify this easily,” he stated. Residents seeking weekend trekking opportunities face similar constraints. “Forget tourists — I am a Horanadu resident and should be able to get permits at the entry point,” said P.
Sagar, a college student. The affected residents have contacted the Forest Department requesting stricter measures. Current policy allows three permits per person; locals want this reduced to one. “The Forest Department releases 300 permits daily. We request that 150 be reserved for walk-in visitors at the entry point, with the remaining 100 available online. Otherwise, residents will be disadvantaged,” said S. Prashanth, a Chikkamagaluru resident.
The BriefWire