GST hits Nandi Hills: New revised fees starting February

Bengaluru: Nandi Hills, a popular tourist spot 60 kilometers from the city, will be charging double for its entrance. The parking fees also take a hike in price. The horticulture department, which maintains the destination, has cited goods and service tax (GST) as the reason for this revision. The entry fee will go up from Rs.10 to Rs.20 per person. The two-wheeler parking fee will go up to Rs.30 and the car parking fee will go up to Rs.125 from Rs.100. These changes will come into effect by mid-February.

The department is also increasing the parking fee near the sunrise point from Rs.100 to Rs.175.

“This is to discourage diesel or petrol guzzling vehicles atop the hill,” said an official in charge of Nandi hills. To promote eco-friendly transport, three new battery operated vehicles will take visitors from the parking to the sunrise point. On a need basis, more such vehicles will be deployed. 

The officer said the long-plan is to stop petrol or diesel vehicles at the bottom of the hill. “We have to set up parking infrastructure below and explore eco-friendly options to ferry visitors to the hilltop,” he added.