New Year 2026: What Is Closed And What Is Open Across Karnataka, Including Bangalore?

As Karnataka prepares to welcome New Year 2026, the state government and police have announced a mix of restrictions and relaxations to manage large crowds, traffic and public safety. From road closures in Bengaluru to tourist bans at hill stations and extended public transport hours, here is a clear look at what will remain open and what will stay closed on December 31 and January 1 across Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka.

What Is Closed in Bengaluru on New Year's Eve

Several busy areas in central Bengaluru will face strict controls on December 31 night. MG Road, Brigade Road and Church Street will be closed to regular vehicle movement during the evening and night hours. Once people exit these zones, re-entry will not be allowed to prevent overcrowding.

All flyovers across the city will be closed to civilian traffic on New Year's Eve. City parks will shut from 6 pm onwards on December 31. To manage crowds around party hubs, MG Road and Trinity Metro stations will remain closed during late-night hours.

What Remains Open in Bengaluru

Public transport services will run longer to help people travel safely. BMTC buses will operate until 2 am, while Namma Metro services will continue until 3 am on January 1, except at closed stations. Pubs, bars and restaurants are allowed to function late into the night, and shops and commercial establishments can remain open until 1 am.

What Is Closed at Tourist Places in Karnataka

Several popular tourist destinations will be temporarily shut as part of safety measures. Nandi Hills will be closed to visitors from 2 pm on December 31 until 10 am on January 1. In Chikkamagaluru district, all tourist spots, including hill viewpoints, will remain closed overnight.

Trekking is banned at Skandagiri, Avalabetta and Kaiwara hills during New Year night. In Bengaluru South district, entry to Mekedatu, Sangama, Chunchi Falls and Shree Ramadevara Betta will be restricted from the evening of December 31 until early morning on January 1.

What Is Restricted in Coastal and Hill Districts

In Dakshina Kannada, including Mangaluru, New Year celebrations are allowed only until 12.30 am, and firecrackers are completely banned. In Kodagu, parties after 10 pm are permitted only indoors to control noise and crowd movement.

What Remains Open Across Karnataka

Resorts and homestays near beaches in districts such as Mangaluru and Udupi are allowed to operate through the night, subject to safety guidelines. Across the state, hotels, pubs and restaurants have permission for late-night operations on December 31.

What to Keep in Mind

Authorities have stressed that these measures are temporary and focused on safety. With hilltops and waterfalls closed, traffic curbs in Bengaluru, and extended public transport services in place, residents and tourists are advised to plan celebrations carefully, follow police instructions and avoid risky travel during New Year night.

Karnataka officials say cooperation from the public will be key to ensuring a safe and incident-free start to 2026.