Couples who had pencilled in plans to greet the sun atop Nandi Hills on Valentine’s Day will now need to find a new overlook or a new date. For the first time in its history, the beloved hill station near Bengaluru will be completely off limits to visitors and vehicles on February 14 as officials scramble to avert overcrowding and risky behaviour that authorities say could spiral out of control on what has become an unofficial pilgrimage for young romantics.
Nandi Hills Closed On Valentine’s Day: What Visitors Need To Know
According to India Today, in a move that might surprise even seasoned locals, the Chikkaballapur District Administration has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to impose a total ban on entry to Nandi Hills from 6 am to 6 pm on Valentine’s Day. The directive, signed by Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate G. Prabhu following a plea from the district police, essentially seals off one of Karnataka’s most visited hill retreats for the entire daylight hours on February 14.
Why such an extreme step? Officials argue this is more than just a crackdown on romance; it’s a crowd-management decision on the busiest and most romantically-charged day of the year. Nandi Hills, famed for its cool breezes, sunrise vistas, and panoramic views, already draws massive numbers on weekends and holidays. On an ordinary Saturday, footfall routinely crosses 10,000 people, and administrators warn that this Valentine’s Day, the crowd could swell to 15,000-20,000 visitors with nearly 5,000 vehicles trying to climb the hill’s narrow, winding ghat road.
The topography itself is part of the challenge and the difficult restrictions that have followed. The steep slopes and constricted access road are not built to handle bumper-to-bumper traffic, and officials fear that unruly behaviour, traffic snarls, and even accidents could overwhelm emergency response, putting lives at risk. Police have been instructed to enforce the ban strictly, with checkpoints established along the route and legal action promised against anyone attempting to flout the order.
Also Read: Valentine’s Day 2026: 7 Hill Stations Near Delhi You Can Visit With Your Loved One
All You Need To Know
There’s also a social angle to the decision as well. Authorities expressed concern over past reports of drunkenness, public nuisance, and couples loitering in restricted and unsafe zones of the hilltop. This behaviour, they say, not only threatens visitor safety but also damages the fragile environment that makes Nandi Hills a draw in the first place.
For lovers hoping to exchange vows or stolen glances at sunrise, this marks an abrupt end to tradition. An official has called this step difficult but necessary, noting that similar restrictions had been imposed previously only during New Year festivities, not Valentine’s Day, as stated by India Today.
Tour operators and local guides are already advising would-be visitors to reschedule their Nandi Hills trips or explore alternative destinations around Karnataka. With limited options on February 14 itself, nearby hill stations, lakeside parks and other vantage points could see a surge of interest among those unwilling to let Cupid’s date go unmet.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the silence at Nandi Hills is poised to be as dramatic as any sunset; it defines a rare stop in an otherwise bustling hilltop calendar, all in the name of safety, order and crowd control.
Cover Image Courtesy: mohanmurugesan/canvapro
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