Planning Valentine’s Day At Nandi Hills? Entry Closed On February 14

Last Updated:February 10, 2026, 12:58 IST

Regular visitors say the Valentine’s Day ban has become almost expected over the years. Many now choose to postpone their trip to alternative destinations around Bengaluru.

For many Bengaluru residents, Nandi Hills is a familiar choice for short getaways, sunrise drives, and quiet escapes from the city. But those planning a Valentine’s Day visit this year will need to change plans. The Chikkaballapur district administration has announced a complete ban on visitor entry to Nandi Hills on February 14, citing crowd management and public safety concerns.

Officials have clarified that the ban will be in effect from 6 am to 6 pm on Valentine’s Day. During this period, no visitors or private vehicles will be allowed to enter the hill station. Security personnel will be deployed at the main entry points to turn away anyone attempting to access the area.

A special officer at Nandi Hills said visitors should not expect any relaxations. “No visitors or private vehicles will be allowed to enter Nandi Hills between 6 am and 6 pm on February 14. Anyone attempting to enter will be sent back from the main gate," the official said.

Why Valentine’s Day draws restrictions

Authorities say the decision is not new and follows a familiar pattern seen on high-footfall days. Valentine’s Day typically sees a surge of couples, groups, and tourists heading to the hill station, leading to traffic congestion, parking issues, and strain on local policing.

Located about 60 kilometres from Bengaluru, Nandi Hills has narrow access roads and limited space to manage large crowds. Officials say previous experiences during New Year celebrations and other holidays have shown that unrestricted entry on peak days can quickly spiral into chaos.

“It is purely a public safety measure," an official explained, adding that controlling vehicular movement and footfall helps prevent overcrowding and potential law-and-order issues.

What visitors can do instead

Regular visitors say the Valentine’s Day ban has become almost expected over the years. Many now choose to postpone their trip to a quieter weekday or opt for alternative destinations around Bengaluru.

Authorities have advised couples and tourists to plan their outings elsewhere or reschedule their visit to Nandi Hills for another day. The hill station will reopen to visitors after the restricted hours.

“Nandi hills is the nearest romantic getaway from Bengaluru. We keep going there time and again, but the cool misty mornings on a valentines’ day would definitely feel special. I am sure, many couples would have planned Nandi Hills visit for that day as well. But with this new rule, I will have to plan something else now" says Anusha Naik, a software consultant who had Nandi Hills visit on her Valentines Day visit list.

For now, Nandi Hills will spend Valentine’s Day much like it prefers — calm, misty, and free from crowds — while romance is gently redirected to other corners of the city.