Introduction

Nandi Hills is where Tipu Sultan retreated to in order to escape from the rigors of battle and government. Even Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Sir Mark Cubbon and Queen Elizabeth II are believed to have spent time here. A 60-kilometer (37.5 miles) drive away from Bangalore, Nandi Betta, as the locals call it, is at an altitude of 4,851-foot above the sea level, and offers stunning views. Situated in Chikkaballapur (Kolar district) the hill resort is a popular picnic spot for Bangaloreans and tourists alike. It also offers tourists the opportunity to stay overnight in government-owned accommodation.

Nandi Hills is a happy place to be in and it’s not hard to believe that they were called Ananda Giri during the Chola period, meaning The Hill of Happiness. But there are other stories behind the name. According to one source, this was where Yoga Nandeeshwara performed penance and so the hills were named after him – there’s also a temple of Yoga Nandeeshwara on the hilltop. It’s a temple with exquisite carvings and a beautiful Kalyana Mantapa.

And now for the attractions. A flight of 1,175 steps leads from the base of the hills to the top. Take the steps only if you are in your best physical form. While here, make sure you see Amruth Sarovar, a beautiful lake nestled in the hills. This is also the location where the Palar and Arkavathy Rivers take birth, one on the eastern side and the other to the south-west.

There’s also Tipu’s Summer Palace and the Fort that is spread across 90 acres. It was built in a manner that would let soldiers hide and shoot in all four directions. Look up Tipu’s Drop, a spot from where criminals were pushed down from as punishment. Then there’s the Secret Passage to the west which was meant to help kings to make a hurried exit in case of an attack.

The area also has an array of ancient temples such as the Gavi Veerabhadra Swamy Temple made of huge boulders, and the Brahmashrama is an ashram built from huge natural boulders, where Sage Ramakrishna Paramhamsa is said to have meditated. The other sites worth visiting at the Nandi hills are the Gandhi Nilaya and the Nehru House. The horticulture department maintains a garden for children complete with slides, merry-go-round, swings etc. Apart from sightseeing, there’s also paragliding for adventure-seekers and bird-watching for nature lovers.

Special Attributes

Great views especially during sunrise and sunset, and great weather with a bit of history thrown in.

Nuisance

Monkeys, stray dogs and eve-teasers

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable. The trip involves a fair bit of walking. Do carry a light shawl or jacket.

Connectivity

Government buses ply from Bangalore, Chikkaballapur and Nandigrama. It takes two hours from Bangalore and one hour from Chikkaballapur to reach Nandi Hills. There are also private tourist buses, taxis and autorickshaws operating to the hills from the city.

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

Nandi Hills is pleasant through the year -- 25 to 28 centigrade during summer and 8 to 10 centigrade in winter. It’s a good idea to carry light winter clothing even in summer since mornings and evenings could be chilly. And carry sunscreen since it does get sunny during the day

Avoidable Season

Monsoon during June to August

Facilities

Restaurants, guesthouses, washrooms, medical, postal, telegraph and telephone facilities available on top of the hill.

Things Not Allowed

From November 2009, the horticulture department of Karnataka plans not to allow liquor to Nandi Hills. Also, this is a no-plastic zone, so take care not to sully this beautiful picnic spot.

Tip

If you are driving to Nandi Hills, remember that once you leave NH 7, there will not be any fuel station. So be sure to tank up for the ride to the hill and back. And if you’re taking the bus, make sure you know when the last bus returns else you could be stranded. Not to mention, you might like to buy fresh grapes on the way to the hills.

Type of site

Activity, monument, place of worship