Nrupatunga all set to beckon picnickers

Nrupatunga all set to beckon picnickers

Vincent D'Souza, TNN 31 August 2009, 10:21pm IST

HUBLI: It's time to make some changes in your weekly schedule now. For, the picturesque Nrupatunga Hill - standing tall on the north-eastern fringes of the commercial city - is getting spruced up to provide a perfect destination for lovelorn souls, children, joggers and sightseers.

The 15-acre sprawling hilltop has been landscaped with inter-locking tiled pathway flanked by flower and ornamental plants, green turf and attractive streetlights.

A wooden-like cement fencing alongside the pathway, chirping of birds nesting on trees, dummies of animals and birds, colourful butterflies, artificial waterfall and fountains give a wild touch to the garden. The presence of century-old Syed Hazrat Shah Khadri dargah and Revu Mata Temple in one corner of the hill give religious touch. The children's park, rock gardens and canteen make it an ideal picnic spot.

The entrance is marked by a huge gate flanked by red wall with artificial tree lowering on top of the gate. A circular ticket counter is coming up near the entrance. Visitors can rest on the benches placed all over the garden. Attractive dustbins will help the garden to be litter-free.

The hillock provides a panoramic view of KSCA cricket stadium in Rajnagar, BVB College, Naveen Hotel, KIMS campus, Gangubai Hangal Music Academy, Hubli APMC, Hubli Airport and Unkal Lake which are miles away.

C V Manjunath of Dharwad Nirmiti Kendra, who is in charge of the development works there, said 95% of the works have been completed and the park will be open to visitors in a week's time.

He said an entry fee of Rs 10 or 15 will be collected from the visitors for the upkeep of the only picnic spot in the city. He said the monthly maintenance cost of the park, involving power, gardening, and security runs up to Rs 1.50 lakh.