Rs 200 fee for tourists, Rs 480 road tax on Gypsys
Siliguri: After about a year and a half, the entry fee for tourists in the state’s protected forest areas will be reinstated starting Friday. Tourists will be required to pay a fee of Rs 200 per person. Additionally, a road tax of Rs 480 will be levied on Gypsys entering the forest. This system had been suspended after the entry fee was waived in January 2025.
Following a three-month monsoon closure, the forests of North Bengal, including Gorumara and Chapramari, were reopened to tourists on September 16. The reimposition of the fee ahead of the Puja season is likely to increase the overall cost of the safari.
On Wednesday, a meeting involving the Forest Department, Gypsy owners, drivers, guides, and resort owners was held at the Lataguri Nature Interpretation Centre. The manual system will remain in place until online booking commences.
Meanwhile, Gypsy owners demanded a fare hike, citing that fares have not been increased since 2018. They also sought clear guidelines regarding the remuneration payment process for Gypsy owners and guides once the online booking system is implemented.
