Nandi Hills, Bangalore, 01-Nov-2018

Nandi Hills, also known as Nandidurg or Nandi Betta is an ancient hill fortress situated in a district called Chikkabalapur in Karnataka.  Situated near the town of Nandi, the ancient belief is that they are the origin of the Arkavathy River.

It is 1478 meters (4851 ft.) above sea level. Nandidrug is generally known as Nandi Hills. It is located just 10 km from Chickkaballapur town and approximately 60 km from the city of Bangalore. The hills are nestled between the neighboring towns of Nandi, Muddenahalli, and Kanivenarayanapura.

The hills are traditionally held as the origin of the Arkavathy river. Nandi Hills is the source of the three rivers Penner river, Ponnaiyar river and Palar river. Nandi Hills obtains its name from an ancient Nandi temple situated on Nandi hill. This temple has a thousand year old sculpture of Nandi. An ancient lord Shiva and Parvati temple also adorns this hill.

The Karnataka state horticulture department maintains a garden for the tourists. The pressure of tourists on the environment here is great with a considerable problem of litter, noise and physical disturbance. Nandi Hills is located close to the Bangalore International Airport. In addition, the hills are located about 20 km from the National Highway (NH-7) just after Devanahalli Town.

A glance into its name

The ancient Dravidian temple dedicated to the Nandi statue that is located here is responsible for the hills getting their so-called name.

However, different stories surround the origin of its name. During the Chola Period, the hills were called Ananda Giri, which means “The Hill of Happiness”. Some say that Yoga Nandeeshwara performed his penance here and the hills are named after him.  It is also said that the name of Nandi Hills originated from the resemblance of the hill to a sleeping bull (Nandi).

History

Nandi hills witnessed the first ever attack of the army led by Cornwallis against Tipu Sultan of Mysore in 1791. Tipu Sultan and later the British used this place as a retreat during the summer seasons and a residence was built by Francis Cunningham for Sir Mark Cubbon.

The place due to its favourable climatic conditions also instilled interest amongst horticulturists who experimented with different species of plants. Many trees including Eucalyptus, Coffea Arabica are found here. Birdwatchers and photographers consider it as one of the ideal places of interest with the presence of rare species of birds like the Nilgiri Woodpigeon, Peregrine Falcon and Shaheen Falcon. Uropeltid snakes, Whistling Thrush and Yellow throated Bulbul can also be traced. This place is also one of the favorite abodes for migrant species like flycatchers and warblers during the winters.

Slowly it is gaining prominence as a popular tourist destination. It was developed as a proper hill station during the British Raj. One has to climb about 1,175 steps to reach this mesmerizing spot. It has become quite popular weekend outing spot for the Bangaloreans.

Nandi Hills scenic places of interest

At a height of 4851m above sea level, Nandi Hills is a favorite destination for all nature lovers and a popular picnic spot.

If you like taking photographs and appreciating the beauty of nature and are moved by beautiful views that Mother Nature has created for us, then Nandi Hills is the ideal getaway for you. Some breathtaking scenery, rare flora, cool fresh air and peace, makes the hills the perfect place for a holiday.

The best time to enjoy the beauty of this scenic place is early mornings. Although you can visit the hills at any time of the year, it is recommended to go during the rainy season.

Sightseeing in and around Nandi Hills

Tipu Sultan’s Fort

Also known as, Tashk-e-Jannat, which means “Heaven’s Envy”, Tipu Sultan’s Fort is a destination that is of interest to all the visitors at Nandi Hills. The fort is on a sprawling area of 90 acres and is above 4851 feet above sea level. A soldier could hide in this well constructed fort and shoot in all four directions at the same time.

The fort was actually built by Haidar Ali but Tipu Sultan completed it.  Standing atop the hills, the fort features five arches with minarets, showing off the beautiful art and architecture of the ancient era.

The walls and ceilings of the fort are engraved with beautiful paintings. The beautifully designed towers and archways of the fort act as a major attraction for tourists. It was once the summer residence of Tipu Sultan.

Many trekking trails with great scenic surroundings go round the Fort, making it a haven of trekking opportunities for visitors.

Tipu’s Drop

A cliff at an altitude of 600m, Tipu’s Drop is the ideal spot for a panoramic view of the city. It has a gory historic past attached to it too. Legends say that this was the place where Tipu Sultan forced his prisoners down the cliff to meet their death.  On a windy night, the wind rustling through the leaves is said to be the screams of these prisoners. famous place from where Tippu Sultan threw his condemned prisoners to death

Bhoga Nandeeshwar Temple

A beautiful and ancient temple, Bhoga Nandeeshwar Temple is situated at the base of Nandi Hills, making it the perfect place for a weekend break and a popular picnic destination. It is twinned with the Yoga Nandeeshwar Temple, which is situated at the top of the hills.

Both temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The twin temple concept is popular only in Karnataka, where two temples, both dedicated to the same deity are built, one at the top and the other at the bottom of a hill.

The Yoga Nandeeshwar

The Temple is renowned for the huge and majestic statue of Nandi (bull) built at the entrance.  It houses not one but three temples in total, each one dedicated to Arunachaleshwar, Uma Maheshwar and Bhoga Nandeeshwar.  These three forms of Shiva represent his youth, marriage and renunciation

The temples are exquisitely built, with monolithic stone pillars that are adorned and sculpted with divine deities. The magnificent concept to design the intricate pillars makes it very hard for one to leave the temple.  It is an architectural masterpiece indeed.

Amrita Sarovar

Amrita Sarovar means “The Lake of Nectar”. It is also known as “Lake of Ambrosia”. The Sarovar is a beautiful water body that has been formed by perennial springs. It is also the prime water source for the area.  A visit at night is a must, to see the beauty of the sparkling clear water in the moonlight.  Very close to, it is the chabootara, (platform) where Tipu Sultan used to pray. A beautiful water lake that brims with lucid water all the year round.

Tipu's Summer Palace –

During the Ganga period, the Chikkaballapur chieftains built a fort. Tippu strengthened it further and also build a rest house. This used to be Tippus summer bungalow. It is not open to the general public.

Horse Way –

 A stone doorway in the fort on the North-eastern side, is believed to have been the horse way for helping soldiers to climb the wall on horse back.

Secret Escape Route –

A secret passage on the west, is believed to have helped the Kings to escape during unforeseen attacks.

Temples –

There are temples dedicated to Sri Bhoga Narasimha, Sri Ugra Narasimha and Sri Yoga Narasimha and you can see beautiful old temples.

Gavi Veerbhadra Swamy temple –

On top of the hill, on the way to the Sultanpet, from Tippus palace, natural formation of huge boulders has been transformed into a magnificent temple.

Children's Playground –

The Horticulture department maintains a lovely garden for children to play games like the slides, merry-go-round, swings etc.

Brahmashram - it is said that Sage Ramakrishna meditated here.

Nehru Nilaya –

Where Jawaharlal Nehru used to stay, now a guest house of the horticulture department of India. A beautiful 150 years old colonial house, its British architecture draws tourists by the throngs. During its time, it was the summer retreat of the Commissioner of Mysore, Sir Mark Cubbon.  It is surrounded by lush green gardens.  It has now been converted into a guesthouse by the Horticulture Department.

Gandhi house

Gandhi House is also a popular tourist spot in the area. It is where the late Mahatma Gandhi used to reside. The DPAR Government of Karnataka maintains the residence.

Muddenahalli

A village that is the home of Muddenahalli Museum built in memory of one of the most accomplished scientists of India, Sir. M Visvesvarayya. Other attractions around the area include Anjaneya temple, Nellikaya Basavanna,  Anthargange and Baanathi Bande.

Muddenahalli - Kanivenarayanapura - the home town of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the legendary architect of modern Karnataka. Along with Kanivenarayanapura, it is the site of the upcoming Sri Sathya Sai Baba University and College of Medicine, 600 crore Visvesvaraya Institute of Advanced Technology, and a 70 crore "Silk City".

Paapagni - The Panchanandikshtra. Visit it is Only 3 km from Chikballapur.

Activities in Nandi Hills

Paragliding

Go away with a beautiful and memorable experience of Nandi Hills by paragliding over the hills and valleys that the area is so famous for.

Cycling

The landscape, terrain and the alluring altitude, not to forget the lush green forage everywhere make it the perfect cyclist paradise.  You will be sure to get a cycling/biking experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Check out the vineyards, grapes and cracked mustard seeds if you are lucky you can see them on the roads where the farmers spread them so that your car can thrash them. Also look out for cracks in the fort wall, which allow you to go outside and get some spectacular views of the plains below, eagles soaring level to your eyes. However, be careful as the terrain falls steeply down and a fall will certainly crack most of our body.

Entry Fee

Entry fee is 10 Rs per person. You have to buy the ticket from the bus stop area. There's a ticket for Rs 100 for parking car. If you are paying Rs 100 for parking then no need to buy seperate entry ticket for all passengers. Two wheeler parking charge is Rs 20.

Timings

The entry and exit times are now limited to 6 am to 6 pm to avoid crimes.

When to Visit

All year around. In the rainy season it is extremely wet on the hill. A summer visit will make you spell bound. It's best if you are on top of the hill before sunrise. The wind, fog and clouds that blow towards you in the morning is just amazing.

How to reach Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills can easily be accessed by road as well as by the rail as it is conveniently networked with the major cities in Karnataka including Bengaluru.

By air

Nandi Hills does not have its own airstrip and the nearest airport is Hindustan Airport, which is about 42km away.  Mysore Airport is 165 km away. From either airport, you can take a train or travel by road to the Hills.

By road

You can drive or even bike to Nandi Hills from Bengaluru via the Bangalore- Hyderabad Highway. Other cities from which you can travel to Nandi Hills by road include Bellary, Mysore and Devanahalli. Nandi Hills does not have its own bus station and the nearest one is Nelamangala, which is 43km away.

2 Hours - There is a motorable road to the top of the hill. Beware there is only one road to the top. You can expect vehicles coming from the other side as well. Buses ply from Bangalore. There are two roads to the top one that goes through Chikkaballapur and the other that goes through Doddaballapur. The latter is the fastest way to reach the top around 2 hrs while the former takes more than 3 hrs.

If you are going by bus, you will get KSRTC bus from Majestic Platform no. 10. There is a bus to the top at 8.30 AM. You will get KSRTC buses from the Hills to Banglore. Bus timings are 2.30, 4.15 and 5.00 PM

There are no buses in afternoon(12PM - 4 PM) from Bangalore so make sure that you arrive before time. The charge is around 40 /- per head.

If you miss the direct bus to the top of Nandi Hills, take a bus to Chikballapur from KSRTC bus stand (Majestic) Platform no. 10. From Chikballapur there are frequent buses to the top.

By rail

The nearest train station is Oddarahalli which is 16km away. Dodballapur is 17km away from Nandi Hills and Chikkaballapur station is at a distance of 19km. Trains from Bengaluru come to all these stations.

Tourist offices:-     

Main Booking Office & Tour Starting Point:

Opp. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Office, N.R. Square,

Bangalore 560 002

Tel:080-4334 4334, 4334 4337, 089706 50070 (6.00 am to 8.30pm)

Fax: 080-4334 4353

Email: enquiry@karnatakaholidays.net

Karnataka Tourism

No 49, Khanjia Bhavan, 2nd Floor, Near-Vittal Mallya Road, St Marks Road, Bangalore, Karnataka 560001

080 2235 2828

Where to stay :

There are well-furnished bungalows for lodging and good catering establishments. For reservation of accommodation, the Director of Horticulture, Lalbagh , Bangalore- 2. Tel:91 - 080 - 26611925.

DIRECTORATE, Horticulture Department,

Lalbagh, Bangalore-560004. Phone:080-26579231. (Between March 15th to July 15th)

SPECIAL OFFICER, Nandi Hill Station, Chikkaballapur Taluk, Kolar district. Phone:08156-2678621. (Between July 16th to March 14th)

Hotel Mayura Pine Top, managed by KSTDC. Tel: 91 - 08156 - 250906 / 91 - 08156 - 278624. No phone booking, booking on first come first served basis. Only three rooms.