Beltangady: The Karnataka Forest Department has introduced a series of changes to its online trekking reservation system, revising advance booking limits, cancellation rules and identity verification requirements to prevent misuse of trekking slots. The updated guidelines, which apply to bookings made through the department’s official portal, are aimed at ensuring fair access for genuine trekkers while curbing the alleged practice of bulk bookings and resale of permits by intermediaries.

The department said the revised rules have been incorporated into its online booking platform and will be applicable to all trekkers making reservations through the official Aranya Vihara website. Officials believe the changes will improve transparency in the booking process and discourage speculative reservations that deprive genuine visitors of trekking opportunities.

Advance booking window extended

One of the key changes introduced by the Forest Department is the extension of the advance booking period. Trekkers can now reserve their preferred trekking slots up to 30 days in advance, compared to the earlier limit of 15 days.

Officials said the extended booking window is intended to provide trekkers with greater flexibility while planning their visits to Karnataka’s popular trekking destinations. The change is expected to benefit tourists travelling from different parts of the state and the country, allowing them to make travel arrangements well in advance.

The revised booking system has already been updated on the department’s online platform, enabling users to access available trekking dates within the new reservation period.

Cancellation and refund policy revised

The Forest Department has also significantly modified its cancellation and refund policy.

Under the earlier system, trekkers who cancelled their booking at least seven days before the scheduled trekking date were entitled to a 100 per cent refund of the booking amount. The department said this provision was being misused by certain agents who reserved large numbers of slots without intending to undertake the trek.

As per the revised guidelines, trekkers cancelling their booking at least seven days before the scheduled trek will now receive only a 50 per cent refund of the booking amount.

If a cancellation is made within seven days of the scheduled trekking date, no refund will be provided.

Officials stated that the revised refund policy has been introduced to discourage unnecessary cancellations and ensure that trekking slots are reserved only by those genuinely intending to participate.

Original identity proof now mandatory

Another important change requires trekkers to carry the original identity proof used during the online booking process when reporting at the trekking point.

Forest Department officials said identity verification will be carried out before allowing participants to join the trek. The measure has been introduced to prevent unauthorised transfers of bookings and ensure that the person reporting for the trek is the same individual who made the reservation online.

Trekkers have been advised to keep their original identity documents ready while arriving at the designated reporting location to avoid inconvenience.

Bookings only through Aranya Vihara portal

The department has reiterated that all trekking reservations and payments must be made exclusively through its Aranya Vihara website.

Officials cautioned visitors against relying on third-party agents or unauthorised websites claiming to offer confirmed trekking slots. They advised trekkers to use only the official booking portal to avoid fraud and ensure that reservations are valid.

The Forest Department said the online system has been designed to provide a secure and transparent booking experience for visitors while enabling better management of trekking activities in forest areas.

Steps aimed at preventing misuse

According to department officials, the revised rules were prompted by reports that some agents had exploited the earlier refund policy by booking multiple trekking slots in advance and later reselling them at higher prices as trekking dates approached.

The department said this practice affected genuine trekkers, who often found popular trekking slots fully booked despite many reservations eventually being cancelled.

To address the issue, the full refund provision has been withdrawn. Officials also clarified that trekking slots cancelled under the new system will not be reopened for fresh bookings, a move intended to eliminate opportunities for speculative reservations and resale.

The Karnataka Forest Department said the revised guidelines are expected to make the online booking process more transparent, discourage misuse of trekking permits and ensure equitable access to trekking opportunities across the state’s forest destinations.