Mysuru: The Forest Department has withdrawn its proposed ticketing system for viewing the Dasara elephants after strong objections were raised against charging the public an entry fee to see the elephant contingent that has arrived at the Mysuru Palace premises.

The department had initially fixed an entry fee of Rs 100 for adults and Rs 50 for children to view the Dasara elephants. The decision triggered widespread public discontent, with people questioning the move to charge visitors to see an important part of the Mysuru Dasara tradition.

Following the objections, Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy directed officials not to collect any fee for viewing the elephants and to allow the public to watch them free of cost.

Ticketing system withdrawn

The Dasara elephants arrived at the palace premises from Aranya Bhavan on Friday, attracting large numbers of tourists and local residents.

As news spread that visitors might have to purchase tickets to view the elephant contingent, concerns were raised by members of the public.

The proposed fee structure was Rs 100 for adults and Rs 50 for children. The Forest Department had reportedly considered the system as a way of regulating the crowd gathered around the elephants.

However, the proposal faced strong opposition, particularly because the Dasara elephants have a deep emotional and cultural connection with the people of Mysuru.

After the matter came to the notice of Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy, he instructed officials to withdraw the proposed charges and ensure free access for members of the public.

Officials subsequently withdrew the ticketing system.

Minister directs free entry

The Forest Minister’s intervention came amid growing public discussion over the proposed entry fee.

The decision to allow free viewing means that people can now visit the designated areas and watch the Dasara elephant contingent at the palace premises without paying a separate viewing charge.

The move is expected to provide relief to tourists and local residents who traditionally gather to see the elephants during the period leading up to the Dasara festivities.

The elephants are among the major attractions of Mysuru Dasara, and their arrival in the city marks an important stage in preparations for the grand Jamboo Savari.

Fee proposal aimed at crowd management

The Forest Department had reportedly introduced the ticketing proposal with the intention of managing the crowds around the elephants.

It was also explained that the revenue collected through the proposed fee could have been used for the welfare of mahouts and kavadis who are responsible for caring for and training the elephants.

The proposal was reportedly made on the advice of District Collector G Lakshmikantareddy.

The intention was to regulate the number of people entering the viewing area and improve safety around the elephants.

However, the decision met with resistance because many people felt that the Dasara elephants should remain freely accessible to the public.

The elephants are closely associated with the cultural identity and heritage of Mysuru, particularly during the annual Dasara celebrations.

Public raises objections

The proposed fee quickly became a topic of discussion among tourists and local residents.

People who gathered to see the elephants questioned why they should have to pay to watch an important Dasara tradition.

The emotional connection between the public and the Dasara elephants was one of the key reasons cited against the proposed ticketing system.

For generations, residents and visitors have gathered around the palace premises to watch the elephants as they undergo their Dasara preparations.

The arrival of the elephant contingent is itself an event that attracts considerable public attention.

Against this backdrop, the proposal to introduce a viewing charge was seen by some members of the public as inconsistent with the traditional accessibility of the Dasara elephants.

Forest Department clarifies ticket confusion

Meanwhile, reports circulating on social media suggested that the Forest Department had already implemented an e-ticketing system for viewing the Dasara elephants.

Wildlife Department Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr I B Prabhugowda clarified that the department was not issuing tickets for viewing the elephants.

He said there had been a proposal to provide an e-ticketing facility to tourists visiting the palace who wished to view the elephants.

However, according to the clarification, the idea was only at the discussion stage and had not been implemented.

The Forest Department therefore clarified that no tickets were being issued for viewing the Dasara elephant contingent.

The clarification came amid confusion over reports of ticket reservations and the proposed entry fee.

Dasara elephants remain free to view

With the proposed ticket system withdrawn, members of the public can watch the Dasara elephants currently stationed at the Mysuru Palace premises without paying a separate entry fee.

The decision ensures that tourists and local residents can continue to witness the elephants as part of the Dasara preparations.

The episode also highlights the importance of balancing crowd management and safety with public access to cultural traditions.

While regulating crowds around elephants is necessary because of the potential risks associated with close interaction with the animals, authorities can explore measures such as barricades, controlled entry and designated viewing areas without necessarily imposing a viewing charge.

Safety remains important

The withdrawal of the ticketing system does not reduce the need for visitors to follow safety guidelines around the elephants.

The Dasara jumbos undergo extensive training and acclimatisation before participating in the Jamboo Savari. Visitors are expected to maintain a safe distance and avoid activities that could disturb or provoke the animals.

The Forest Department and elephant handlers will therefore continue to play an important role in managing crowds and ensuring that public viewing does not interfere with the elephants’ preparation.

The latest decision allows the public to retain free access while leaving room for authorities to enforce appropriate safety measures.

Change comes amid Dasara preparations

The reversal of the ticketing proposal within a short period has attracted attention as Mysuru prepares for the 2026 Dasara celebrations.

The issue began with the proposed Rs 100 adult and Rs 50 child fee but changed after objections from the public and instructions from the Forest Minister.

The Forest Department has now made it clear that no separate ticket is required to view the Dasara elephants at the palace premises.

The decision is likely to be welcomed by tourists and local residents who consider the elephants an integral part of the city’s Dasara celebrations.

As preparations for the grand festival continue, the focus will now return to the training, acclimatisation and care of the elephant contingent ahead of the Jamboo Savari.

The withdrawal of the proposed fee ensures that one of Mysuru Dasara’s most cherished traditions remains accessible to the public without an additional viewing charge.