As the monsoon is arriving in many countries, all tourists driving into the hills of the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal require an e-pass to enter for the next few months travelling to Kodaikanal or Ooty soon for a rainy gateway.
Don't forget to carry this important document. Early in May, the Tamil Nadu government announced that tourists looking to drive into the state's hill stations between 7 May and 30 June would require an e-pass to enter.
The official portal to apply for these e-passes was launched at 6 am on 6 May, allowing interested tourists to prepare for their trips in advance. The Madras High Court has now extended the e-pass requirement in hill stations like Kodaikanal and Ooty until 30 September.
Here's what you need to know about the new e-pass:
This order was initially issued by a division bench of the Madras High Court to regulate the entry of vehicles to hill stations like Ooty in the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal, given the large entry of tourists these areas see during peak seasons. The rule is valid from 6 May to 30 September 2024.
To regulate the entry of vehicles to popular hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, an e-pass system has been implemented. This system aims to collect data on the number of vehicles and tourists entering these areas, as well as the duration of their stay.
The information gathered will be used for future infrastructural planning and to determine the carrying capacity of the ghat roads leading to these hill stations. E-passes are mandatory for tourists driving into the Nilgiris, including Ooty, and Kodaikanal during the designated period. Local residents and tourists arriving via government buses are exempt from this requirement.
The best time to visit Kodaikanal is from October to March, with December and January offering slightly cooler temperatures.
During the summer months from April to June, visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities. From July to September, the hill station is lush and green due to the rainy season, adding a romantic touch to the surroundings.
Travellers planning to visit Kodaikanal or Ooty between May 6 and September 30 can apply for an e-pass on the official website epass.tnega.org. The e-pass will require information such as the number of passengers, vehicle and fuel type, date of entry and exit, purpose of visit, and address. The e-pass will feature a QR code that will be checked at entry points in Kodaikanal and Ooty.
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