Misty and foggy conditions have added to the allure of the hills

Tourists are arriving as early as 2 am to witness the sunrise

Ban imposed at hills from evening of December 31 until early January 1

As the holiday season approaches the onset of the New Year, there is a noticeable increase in the number of people heading to Nandi Hills, located 60km from Bengaluru, for a getaway. On December 29, approximately 33,000 visitors flocked to this hill station.

Reportedly, Manjunath, the special officer at Nandi Hills, confirmed the substantial influx, noting that the numbers have been consistently high over the past week and are continuing to rise.

The misty and foggy conditions, coupled with the dropping temperatures, have added to the allure of the hills as a preferred destination. Eager tourists are arriving as early as 2 am to witness the sunrise from the hill’s vantage point, while others choose to arrive later in the evening to catch a glimpse of the sunset.

On December 29, the hill station saw the arrival of more than 4,600 two-wheelers, 3,600 four-wheelers, and 60 buses, including 30 KSRTC ones transporting schoolchildren, according to Manjunath.

In response to the surge in visitors and in anticipation of potential law and order issues during New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Chikkaballapur district administration has imposed a ban on visitor entry to the hills from the evening of December 31 until early January 1. This decision entails the cancellation of all bookings made for that day, and visitors will not be allowed to stay on the hill on the night of December 31.