Rs 15-cr facelift for Nandi Hills proposed

Situated at a distance of 65 km from the capital, the Nandi Hills attract 1,500 tourists daily and the number goes up to 4,000 during weekends. Majority prefer only a day trip due to poor accommodation facility.

The Department of Tourism has proposed to provide parking facility for 300 cars and 150 two-wheelers at the foot of the hill. Eco-friendly vehicles take the tourists atop the hill from the parking area.

Executive Engineer of the Department, Desai said that the accommodation facility at Nehru House and Gandhi Nilaya will be upgraded to encourage tourists lodge at night. A few abandoned British-era cottages will also be modernised.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Ramakanth M Desai, Assistant Executive Engineer that the Department was embarking on a such a massive plan for the Nandi Hills for the first time.
 “It was the Horticulture Department which maintained the Hills till now,” he said.

The project costs about Rs 15 crore and the Government would release Rs 4.5 crore soon after submission of detailed project report. The work is expected to commence in March 2011 and completed within 18 months.

The Department has come up with an innovative idea to maintain an idyllic and serene environment at the Hills.

A hawkers’ pavilion will be constructed to provide a specific area for vendors. In addition, a food court will be built with a terrace garden overlooking the hill.

The Department has lined up several plans for recreational activities as well. A splash pad, tree houses, telescopic viewing desk  and a luge cart are on cards.

The two-km long luge track will have two or four-seater carriages that will take the tourists around the hill. This facility is designed at the cost of Rs 1.66 lakh and is targeted mainly for children.

An open-air theatre with a seating capacity for 300 people will be constructed to conduct cultural activities.

Rainwater harvesting, streetlights, bus shelters have also been proposed to attract tourists.