Himachal Pradesh has doubled entry fees across its wildlife sanctuaries under the Wildlife Protection Himachal Pradesh (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which came into effect this week. Indian citizens will now pay Rs 300 per day for entry and photography, up from Rs 150, while foreign nationals will pay Rs 600, double the previous rate. Charges increase further for stays beyond three days.
The revised structure also introduces new charges for vehicles, professional photography equipment, and cinematography, with foreign nationals paying roughly double the rates set for Indian citizens. Drone usage now requires prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, with private agencies and media houses facing charges of Rs 50,000 for the first three days.
The changes apply across the state’s 28 wildlife sanctuaries, spanning approximately 5,965 sq km, including several in Kullu, Shimla, and Solan districts. Children under five remain exempt, and school students will be charged at half the standard rate.
Officials note that fees previously varied across sanctuaries and have now been standardised. The state government retains the authority to revise these rates periodically going forward.
