From today, the Madras High Court's restrictions on tourist vehicles' entry in Ooty will come into effect. On weekdays, only 6,000 vehicles will be allowed in the hill station and on weekends, 8,000. As for Kodaikanal in Dindigul district, 4,000 vehicles can enter during weekdays and 6,000 during weekends. The rule will be in vogue till June, when the peak tourist season ends.  There won't be any restrictions on the movement of local vehicles. A boom barrier will be set up at the main entry point, Kallar checkpost, near Mettupayalam, for e-pass and green tax checks. Once this is ready, the manual checks required are expected to reduce, thereby reducing the queues at check posts. 

Meanwhile, the Nilgiris District Traders Association will be holding a complete shutdown in the district, against the restrictions and e-pass, tomorrow (April 2, Wednesday). Hotels, lodges, resorts and other commercial establishments will be closed on the day. Tourist vehicles including autos also won't be in service. A few days ago, the Supreme Court had refused to entertain the hoteliers' plea against the limits, saying that the lack of restrictions can upset the environment. 

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Film shoots are also banned in the eight major gardens of Ooty till May, including the SIMS Park, Government Rose Garden and the Government Botanical Garden, so that tourists aren't restricted in these areas in the peak season. From May 3, vegetable, flower, spice shows will also begin in Ooty and Kotagiri. Here's how to apply for epass.

Here are a few other helpful tips for tourists: 
1) If you don't want to be bothered by e-pass, opt for local buses of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) or trains. Some of the travellers are also finding ways to park their vehciles outside the restricted zone and taking shuttle services from there to Ooty.
2) Many areas in Ooty are also accessible by walking. Include such places in your itinerary if you love walking tours.
3) If you are planning to check out the Ooty flower show, book the tickets in advance, alongside the epass. You can get the tickets online here.

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