Nandi Hills to be developed as international tourist destination: Karnataka health minister K Sudhakar

Nandi Hills, near Bengaluru, will be developed into an international tourist destination, and the ropeway project would be completed in the next three to four months, Health and Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar said on Thursday.

Popular hill station Nandi hills on the outskirts of Bengaluru will be developed as an international tourist destination, said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar who is also district in-charge Minister. He was speaking to the media here after inspecting the ongoing works at Nandi Hills.

The Minister said that Nandi Hills, being just 30 km from the state capital, could be reached in an hour, and efforts were on to develop the area.

“Nandi hills and surrounding places are very attractive. Along with beautiful flora and fauna, Nandi Hills also has a historical and spiritual significance. This has all the qualities to be developed as an international tourist destination. Government has already sanctioned Rs 10 crore for the purpose,” said the minister.

“There was a popular demand from the public for a rope way for 15 years. Though an international agency earlier agreed for the project, later it was dropped. Now the dream is becoming reality. More than 10-acre land will be allotted in the foothills to convert as parking area. The work will be completed in 3-4 months”, he said. “It has been decided to completely ban the use of plastic in Nandi Hills,” he added.   

Among other plans, Dr Sudhakar said that trekking trails to five hills surrounding Nandi Hills had been planned along with eco-tourism, conservation of archaeological monuments, infrastructure development. “Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa will give priority to the tourism sector in the coming budget.”