Nandi Hills. Photo Credit: Tusk Travel
Nandi Hills shut for tourists from June 16–20 in view of cabinet meeting
Nandi Hills, a beloved weekend getaway for Bengaluru residents, will remain off-limits to tourists and visitors from Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20, as the Karnataka State cabinet convenes at the picturesque hilltop on June 19.
Officials have been swiftly deployed to upgrade and prepare the facilities, much like what is seen before cabinet sessions held in Kalaburagi and Male Mahadeshwara Hills.
The practice of holding cabinet meetings outside Bengaluru’s Vidhana Soudha has historical precedent. During J.H. Patel’s time as Chief Minister, the cabinet convened at the state guesthouse in Tippagondanahalli, located off Magadi Road. Similarly, S.M. Krishna’s government opted for an offsite session near the forested stretches of HD Kote in Mysuru, along the route to Mananthavady in Kerala. Even earlier, R. Gundu Rao’s administration had explored the idea of hosting cabinet meetings away from the state capital.
Local authorities issued an official notice informing potential visitors that all access points to the hill station would be closed during the cabinet meeting. Tourism-related activities—including trekking, sunrise visits, and vehicle access—will be suspended entirely during this window. Similarly, resort stays and other services in the area are expected to pause reservations to comply with the mandate.
Nandi Hills is no stranger to closures. Over the past few years, authorities have periodically halted access for religious events, public holidays, pandemic-related restrictions, and high-level visits to manage crowds and ensure security . However, this marks the first closure specifically attributed to the hosting of a government cabinet meeting.
Tourism officials have suggested rescheduling visits to avoid disappointment during the closure window. The hills will reopen from Saturday, June 21, when regular tourism activities are expected to resume without disruption.