Himachal Pradesh has doubled entry fees for its wildlife sanctuaries under new rules that took effect this week.
The Wildlife Protection Himachal Pradesh (Amendment) Rules, 2026, revised fees for Indian citizens to Rs 300 from Rs 150 and for foreign nationals to Rs 600 from Rs 300. The changes apply to the state's 28 sanctuaries covering about 5,965 square kilometres.
Officiating Chief Secretary KK Pant issued the notification. Indian visitors pay Rs 300 per day for the first three days with an extra Rs 500 daily after that, while foreigners pay Rs 600 initially and Rs 1,000 thereafter.
Additional charges cover vehicles, professional photography and research. Children under five are exempt and school students receive half rates. Drones require prior approval from the Chief Wildlife Warden.
Sandeep Sharma, Director of Greater Himalayan National Park, noted that the new entry fee standardises rates across sanctuaries managed by the wildlife department.