The government has increased the safari prices for bookings in Ranthambore National Park for the second time recently. This small increase has worried travel agents and other interested parties, who think that frequent price changes might discourage tourists from visiting one of India’s most renowned national parks.
The new prices were announced only two and a half months after the previous prices were changed.
There are two types of bookings available at Ranthambore National Park: advance bookings, which make up 75% of all bookings, and current bookings, which make up the remaining 25%.
The new prices for Canter (18-seater) bookings are higher. Foreign tourists now pay Rs 2,230 per person instead of Rs 2,179, and Indian tourists pay Rs 910 per person instead of Rs 891.
The prices for Gypsy bookings have also increased. Foreign tourists now pay Rs 2,811 per person instead of Rs 2,746,and Indian tourists pay Rs 1,491 per person instead of Rs 1,458.
According to a senior forest official, “The rates have been increased due to new portal charges. As per the contract, there is a 2.5% charge minus GST.”
However, as per the stakeholders, “The same Single Sign-On (SSO) ID is used to book tickets, and the govt should have provided prior intimation before implementing the changes.”
