Traffic jam hits Bandipur forest

NT Correspondent

Mysuru: The Bandipur forest in Gundlupet taluk of Chamarajnagar district witnessed traffic jams stretching for more than 6 km on Friday following a surge in footfalls to the reserve forest, Himavad Gopoplaswamy, Ooty and other tourist places.

A large number of tourist flocked to the tourist places in and around Bandipur tiger reserve on the Kerala- Tamil Nadu interstate highway following Ramzan and Ugadi weekend holidays.

The road connecting Bandipur from Melukamanahali gate saw lines of vehicles bringing traffic to a halt.

The tourists heading to Nilgiri Hills and Ooty were also stranded.following the night traffic ban on the highway between 6 pm and 6 am. Vehicles also stranded for more than six kilometers.

Homestays, lodges and resorts in and around Bandipur have been booked following a surge in tourist footfalls during this weekend said Mysuru District Hotel Owners Association President Narayangowda.