Say cheese! No camera fee at Hampi to boost tourism

Hampi (Vijayanagara): In a move to boost tourism and encourage photography, the Union ministry of culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have scrapped camera fees at the Unesco World Heritage Site of Hampi with effect from April 25.The decision applies to all monuments and heritage sites in and around Hampi, allowing visitors to take photographs using cameras or mobile phones without any additional charge. Earlier, tourists had to pay Rs 50 per camera at select locations, including the iconic Vijaya Vittala Temple complex. The fee has now been withdrawn across all sites.However, use of tripods and drones will continue to require prior permission, while separate approvals remain mandatory for film shoots.A senior tourism official from Vijayanagara said the move follows Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat's recent visit, during which he directed officials to remove camera fees, noting that such charges hinder tourism at heritage destinations.K Ramakrishna Reddy, superintending archaeologist, ASI Hampi Circle, said, "The removal of camera fees is expected to enhance visitor experience and encourage wider promotion of the site, while safeguards will remain in place to protect the monuments."Hampi is already a popular hub for heritage photography, natural shoots, couple shoots and film production. Film crews are required to deposit Rs 1 lakh per day, while ASI personnel monitor activities on-site to ensure no damage to monuments.Drone operations require a deposit of Rs 50,000 and are strictly regulated, with several areas marked as no-drone zones due to the sensitivity and antiquity of the structures, officials said.