INTRODUCTION
Nandi hills is otherwise popularly known as Nandidurg is situated at an altitude of about 1,478 mt above sea level.Penner,Ponnaiyar and Palar rivers have their source in the Nandhi hills.Nandhi hills in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka is surrounded by small hillocks which are very much rich in flora and fauna and trekking to these hills is quite interesting for those who visit this place.It was initially the summer retreat for Tipu Sultan and later followed by the Bristish.Nandhi hills is an ideal place for weekends especially for the people of Bangalore for it is just 65kms away from the state capital. The hill station derives its name from the mount of Lord Shiva namely Nandi or the bull.
ORIENTATION
Nandi hills are oriented more towards the southern region of Kerala and are bounded by small hillocks on all sides.
HISTORY
There is nothing much to add to the history of Nandi for it was during the period of Tipu Sultan he declared this place as his summer retreat and later went into the reign of the British. Only after the British it gained popularity and soon became a tourist centre.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Nandi hills witnesses a very pleasant weather throughout the year and attracts tourists not only from Karnataka but also from other parts of the country.
PLACES OF INTERESTS
TIPU'S DROP
On reaching Tipu's Drop you get a splendid view of the valleys around the Nandi hills. It is situated on top of a small hillock which is about nearly 600-meter high. It is said that during the rule of Tipu Sultan, the prisoners who were given the death sentence were pushed down from this cliff.
TIPU'S SUMMER RESIDENCE
Tipu’s summer residence is otherwise popularly known as Tashk-e-Jannat which means envy of heaven. Though this place is not well maintained now it gives an excellent example of technique of architecture prevalent in those days. The construction of the palace was started by Haidar Ali and was completed by Tipu Sultan. The palace was used by the Sultan as his summer resort and he named it as Tashk-e-Jannat which means envy of heaven.
YOGA NANDISHVARA TEMPLE
Temple is noted for its Dwarapalakas which is nothing but the metallic figures. The other features of the Yoga Nandishvara temple includes the inscription of Sambhaji, son of Shivaji.Yoga Nandishvara Temple belongs to the Chola dynasty. .
NEHRU NILAYA
Entry to Nehru Nilaya is quite strict and is now used by the horticulture department of India as its guest house. Nehru Nilaya was earlier the summer residence of the then Commisioner of Mysore,ir Markcubbon K.C.B.The main feature of this Nehru Nilaya is that it was built according the British style and arrangement. On the sides of this building there is a small area to play and relax for the visitors.
NANDI TEMPLE
The Nandi Temple is situated on the foot hills of Nandi hills. It was built during the period of the Banas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Kings of Vijayanagar. The residing divinities are Bhoganandiswara and Yoganandiswara. The sponsor for the temple were the Vijayanagar Kings.
The temple is adorned with pillars and metal work which are beautiful and attractive. The temple was built by Kempe Gowda who was a local ruler in the Vijayanagara kings period. There is a lamp tower in front of the temple and it is lighted every evening by a boy who wobbles up the tower.
MUDDENAHALLI
Muddenahalli takes the pride of being the native place of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the architect of modern Karnataka. This place is located at a distance of 21 kms from Nandi hills and his house is now converted into a small museum.
BRAHMASHRAM
Brahmashram is known for its cave for it is from here Sage Ramakrishna Paramhamsa meditated. This cave is supposed to be an ideal place for meditating in peace and a cool environment.
AMRITA SAROVAR
Amrita Sarovar otherwise popularly known as ambrosia or ‘The Lake of Nectar’is one of the lake which has water throughout the year.
It is a large tank which is fed by the perennial springs and it is one of the sources of water for the entire Nandi hills and the lake in turn is fed by the perennial springs. The tourists get excited by the glittering of the water in the moonlight.
SHOPPING
There is nothing much to shop in Nandi hills.
EAT OUTS
Nandi hills have a few decent and good eating jonts.They include
KSTDC Mayura Pine Top
Silver Oak Resort
Silver Oak Farm
Mount View Resort
ACCOMMODATION
Prior reservatiion is required for accommodation in Nandi hills. You might choose anyone place for accommodation like hotel, cottage, tourist bungalow, Forest lodge, Guest House etc.Otherwise if you are not comfortable here, then just take a drive to Bangalore and choose your hotel according to your budget.
HOW TO REACH
By Air
Bangalore airport is the nearest airport from Nandi Hills, lying at a distance of approximately 60 kms.
By Trains
Chikkaballapur is the closest railway station from Nandi Hills. This station is almost 9 kms from Nandi Hills.
By Road
This hill station is also well linked with other places of Karnataka via roadways. From Bangalore, Nandi Hills is only 60 kms away. `Bangalore-Hyderabad National Highway` traverses this place. Government buses run from Bangalore, Chikkaballapur and Nandigrama. It takes 2 hours from Bangalore and 1hour from Chikkaballapur by bus.