Nandi Hills to stay closed on weekends after 8,000 flock to tourist spot over two days

Chikkaballapur: Entry to Nandi Hills during weekends have been banned after witnessing huge crowds at the hill station.

According to the district administration, at least 8,000 people flocked to the hills on the first weekend after lockdown restrictions were completely lifted. The authorities had a tough time enforcing Covid-19 norms. There were many violations and several people were fined.

After holding discussions with the district in-charge minister and health minister K Sudhakar and also taking into consideration the prevailing Covid situation, the authorities decided to ban entry of visitors to the hills during weekends till further orders.

Additional deputy commissioner Amaresh H issued an order to this effect.

The hills were closed from April due to the second wave of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown. They were opened for visitors on June 21 but had been closed on Saturdays and Sundays due to weekend curfew.

Nandi Hills, or Nandidurg, is a hill fortress in Karnataka. Tipu Sultan Fort, a summer retreat of the namesake 18th-century ruler, features stone carvings and wall paintings. Prisoners are said to have been thrown to their death from Tipu’s Drop, now known for its panoramic views. Local Hindu temples include the hilltop Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, guarded by a huge statue of a bull (nandi).