BANGALORE: It is on par with the famous Hanging Gardens of Mumbai. From a small hillock with shrubs and wild growth of unwanted weeds all around, it has been carved out into a beautiful garden. Yes, it is the Nrupathunga Hills in Hubli.A few years ago, it was nothing but a small hillock situated on the outskirts of Hubli, the commercial capital of North Karnataka. It used to be a popular joint for all urchins after the sunset due to absence of watch and ward. The Hublites would visit this hills on weekends and on public holidays to have a panoramic view of the entire city and then leave the place after sunset for the lack of security.Recently, the district administration in coordination with the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has totally renovated the hillock by spending crores of rupees. First, they cleaned the whole area, cleared the wild growth of unwanted weeds and then planted fruits and flower saplings. They then installed artistically carved stones, benches and a small dais to hold small music bitaks and dance performance. The local Lok Sabha member released `1 crore from Local MP Area Development Fund for further development works. There are a few spotted deers that are housed in a small enclosure where the kids can feed. It took nearly one year for the district administration to totally change the very face of the hills.By standing on one side of the hill, one can see the movement of vehicles on National Highway 4 Pune-Bangalore, the picturesque 100-year-old Unkal Tank, cluster of houses and of course the vast green land. More importantly, the authorities have introduced tickets priced at `10 per adult and `5 per kid. Entry of vehicles to the top of the hills is strictly banned. Private security guards are posted at the ticket counters as well as all around the hills to provide a security cover to visitors. However, there is a nominal fee for regular morning and evening joggers. Fresh air welcomes the visitors on the top of the hills. The whole area has been declared as a ‘plastic-free’ zone. Even smoking and consuming liquor on the hills is banned.The district administration organises musical programmes during the early hours and dance programmes of local artists during weekend to attract the visitors. The hills have become so famous that the people from neighbouring districts come there to relax sometime amid nature. There is an eatery as well for the visitors to enjoy the local cuisine. For the small kids, there are play items too. People forget that they are in Hubli because of the ambience and fragrance of flowers.Next time, if you are planning to visit Hubli, don’t miss a visit the Nrupathunga Hills and spend few hours in the midst of nature.
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