The popular hill station of Kodaikanal is taking a significant leap towards a digital future. Starting Monday, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has mandated that entry fees for all major tourist attractions in the region will be collected exclusively through UPI (Unified Payments Interface). This marks a decisive shift away from cash transactions at these sites.
Which Tourist Spots Are Affected?
The new cashless payment rule applies to some of Kodaikanal's most frequented natural wonders. Guna Caves, Pillar Rocks, Moir Point, Pine Forests, and the Berijam Lake area will now require visitors to pay their entry fees digitally. This initiative is designed to streamline the process for the thousands of tourists who visit these spots daily.
Addressing Connectivity: A Designated Payment Hub
Officials have proactively addressed a potential hurdle in this digital transition. Recognizing persistent network connectivity issues specifically at the entrance to the famous Pillar Rocks, the forest department has devised a practical solution.
They have designated the Green Valley View (often known as Suicide Point) area as the primary digital payment hub. Tourists planning to visit the Pillar Rocks circuit are advised to complete their UPI transactions at this point to ensure a smooth entry later.
Benefits of the Shift to Cashless Transactions
Forest department officials have outlined clear advantages behind this policy change. The primary goals are:
- Reducing wait times at entry checkpoints, leading to a better visitor experience.
- Providing a more secure and transparent method for handling the substantial daily revenue collected from these sites.
- Minimizing the risks and logistical challenges associated with managing large amounts of physical cash.
This move aligns with the broader national push for digital finance and is expected to bring greater efficiency to the management of Kodaikanal's ecotourism infrastructure.
