Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Nov 23: The action of the state government of increasing the entry fee to Koodlu falls, which is one of the most sought after tourist spots in the district that is situated under the Hebri Someshwar wildlife zone, was opposed by the public. The government has taken the order back and set the entry fee back to Rs 50.

Before the announcement of lockdown, the entry fee was Rs 50 for adults and Rs 25 for children. Later, due to Covid pandemic, entry to the falls was totally banned. In the first week of November, entry to the public was allowed. However, the state government increased the entry fee to Rs 200. For Indians the entry fee was Rs 200, for children Rs 175 and for foreigners, it was Rs 250. This hike in price was fiercely opposed by locals and tourists.

Clarifying the issue, MLA Sunil Kumar said, "Senior officers of wildlife section of forest department are given instructions to reduce the entry fee of Koodlu falls to Rs 50 as earlier. Every year the entry fee is increased in all the tourist spots across the state. Accordingly it was done here also. I have discussed with the officials and asked them to take the older fee only. Proposal is given to the tourism department to build dressing rooms and washrooms at Koodlu falls. It will be done soon."