Bangaloreans cannot afford to miss Nandi Hills – one of the most popular name when it comes to sightseeing. I am sure residents of Bangalore must have been there atleast once.
Nandi Hills is an ancient hill fortress of Southern India which is located at a distance of 60 kms from Bangalore, thereby falling in chikkaballapur district. It is on the way to Hyderabad National Highway (NH7). It is at an elevation of 1,478 metres i.e. 4851 feet above the sea level. Nandi Hills was earlier known as Ananda Giri which meant “ Hill Of Happiness.” Nandi is believed to be the mount of Lord Shiva. The Nandi Bull Statue is located there, hence the name Nandi Hilll was given. There are 2 Nandi Temples, one is at the foot hills of the village and the other is at the top of the hills. The temple at the bottom was built by Banas who was the Ruler then. The temple is the perfect example of architect with style. The temple buildings are sharply carved as renovation was frequent due to the change in the dynasty.
There is an ancient temple of Yoga Nandeeswara at the hill top. A fort was also built, covering 90 acres. It was advantageous to soldiers as they can shoot from all the directions without being seen. There is a famous 600 metre cliff known as “ Tipu Drop.” The convicts and prisoners were pushed off from the cliff during Tipu’s reign. There was a huge rock landing the drop, which confirmed the death of the person.
Nandi Hills is known for its rolling green slopes that surrounds the Amrit Sarovar Lake. It is an important source of rivers such as Palar, Arkavati, and Pennar, which joins with River Cauvery on their further course. The moist evergreen forests of the Nandi Hills are a home to diverse species of wildlife, such as Shaheen Falcon, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Uropeltid snakes, Pill millipedes and the endemic Yellow-throated Bulbuls.
Spots To Be Seen:
- Tipu’s Drop
- Tipu’s Summer Palace
- Fort
- Horse Way
- Secret Escape Route
- Amruth Sarovar Lake
- Brahmashram.Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple
- Sri Bhoga Narasimha temple
- Sri Ugra Narasimha temple
- Sri Yoga Narasimha temple
- Gavi Veerbhadra Swamy temple
Activities
- Trekking
- Tandem Paragliding
Timings
6.00 AM to 10.00 PM
Entry Fee
Free
Accomodation
- Nehru Guest House
- Gandhi Guest House
Restaurant
Mayura – vegetarian / non – vegetarian
Contact Details
DIRECTORATE, Horticulture Department, Lalbagh, Bangalore-560004. Phone: 080-2657-9231 (Between March 15th to July 15th)
SPECIAL OFFICER, Nandi Hill Station, Chikkaballapur Taluk, Kolar district. Phone: 08156-2678621 (Between July 16th to March 14th)
Please let me know about the paragliding costs and timings.
Hey,
Please contact the following number:
Phone: 080-2657-9231