Bathu ki Ladi entry fee sparks outrage

Tourists visiting the historic Bathu ki Ladi temple complex, which seasonally re-emerges from the waters of Pong Wetland in the lower Kangra region, are expressing frustration after being charged entry fee without being provided even the most basic amenities.

The Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department began levying fee over a month ago, soon after the centuries-old temple complex resurfaced following eight months of submersion. Located near Guglara in the Jawali Assembly constituency, Bathu ki Ladi is a cluster of stone temples built in the 8th century by the Hindu Shahi dynasty. The site includes a main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, surrounded by more than 15 smaller shrines, and holds deep mythological significance tied to the Mahabharata. Its picturesque setting and sandy shoreline have earned it the nickname “Mini Goa.”

However, visitors are now being charged at a newly established ticket counter in Papahan, about a kilometre from the site. Tourists are required to pay not only for their vehicles but also for each individual entering the area. The charges, issued under the banner of the Pong Dam Lake Biodiversity Conservation Society, have left many baffled. Buses, private cars, and two-wheelers are all subject to entry fees, while individuals — including children — are also charged separately.

Tourists from Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states have criticised the move, calling it an unfair tax given the lack of facilities such as proper road connectivity, public toilets, drinking water, and seating areas. A group of recent visitors — Kapil Sharma, Ajay Kumar, Sidharth, Jeewan Mahajan, and Robin Sarkar — described the situation as “ridiculous” and accused the authorities of discouraging tourism rather than promoting it. They argued that any entry fee should come only after the area is properly developed to accommodate visitors.

Adding to the controversy is the fact that just a few months ago, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited Bathu ki Ladi and publicly acknowledged its vast tourism potential. His visit on January 21 reignited hope among locals and tourism stakeholders that the site would finally see much-needed development. At the time, the Chief Minister promised year-round promotion of Bathu ki Ladi as a premier destination. But before any steps could be taken to improve infrastructure, the Wildlife Wing moved forward with its fee collection plan, frustrating many who feel the focus should be on building, not billing.

Deputy Ranger Ravinder Kumar of the Wildlife Range in Nagrota Surian said construction of separate toilets for men and women near the Papahan check post is underway and that road development is also under consideration by higher authorities. Yet, for now, the site remains underdeveloped, and visitors continue to pay fee without receiving the basic facilities that should accompany any tourist experience.

Himachal Tribune