Restrictions on entry: Visitors to Dudhsagar Falls dwindle

The government restrictions on the number of visitors to the Dudhsagar Falls per day is causing disappointment to the tourists who have to return without getting a chance to see the world famous Falls.

The jeep operators who take tourists to the Dudhsagar (Mountain of Milk) Falls through the forest route are also irked with the restrictions as it is affecting their livelihood.

In December and January the area is flooded with tourists who want to see the Dudhsagar Falls, made famous after the film Chennai Express. The new rule allows only 1400 visitors per day to the Falls and over 1000 tourists have to return without observing the Falls.

There are two ways to visit the Falls – one through the Railway and the other through the forest. Since the Railway authorities have stopped tourists from the railway, the only route open is the trek through the jungle. 

Although 431 jeeps are registered with the Forest Department only 225 operators are allowed per day to carry tourists to Dudhsagar Falls through the forest. The jeeps are allowed only seven passengers per trip and charge Rs 400 per each passenger. Being an eco-sensitive zone, only limited number is allowed through the forest as this area falls under in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wild Life Sanctuary.

According to Collem Sarpanch Gangaram Lambore more than 2,500 tourists come to Collem every day to visit the Dudhsagar Falls. But due to the restrictions, only 1,400 can visit the Falls on a day leaving over 1000-odd tourists disappointed and made to return the next day. Locals say since many tourists from outside the State take a vacation of few days, they are not likely to return again some other day.