Nandi Hills, which is also called Nandidurg is an ancient hill fortress in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka. Nandi hills is just 10 km away from Chikkaballapur town and 60 km from Bangalore city.
Nandi hills is even close to Bangalore international airport and is just 20 km away from National Highway (NH-7) just after Devanahalli Town. It is 4,851 ft (1,479 m) above sea level.
Also read: Munnar, destination for peace and tranquility
If people predict that, they can fly in the sky, the joy of spending a day in Nandi Hills, might make it possible. Other visuals in the world might let your eyes drop down, after watching Nandi Hills. To put it simple, Nandi hills is an utmost eye feast.
How to reach Nandi hills?
Air
As said above, Bangalore airport is just a few kilometres away from Nandi hills. After reaching Bangalore airport, many private and public vehicles are available.
Rail
Nandi Hills does not have a train station. The nearest station is Bangalore, at a distance of 42 kms from Nandi Hills.
Bus
Buses are available from Bangalore bus stand. At 9.26 am and 10 am, from KR puram railway station, 8.40 am and 9.25 am from city railway station, buses can be availed.
Personal vehicles
Travelling to Nandi hills on personal vehicles is really adventurous, as there is only one road to the top. So we can expect vehicles coming from the other side as well. Before reaching the check point, almost around 40 curves have to be negotiated. Moreover, two wheelers are not allowed beyond this check point as the road in slippery.
History of Nandi hills
Nandi hills was in Mysore province. It is built on the summit of a rock, about 1700 feet high, three-fourths of its circumference being inaccessible. Its longitude is 77° 53' E and latitude is 13° 22' N.
In 1770 A.D, after opposing Madhava Rao Peshwa, Marathas took the hill and held it for a few years and latter passed it on to Hyder Ali of Mysore. Hyder and his son Tippu Sultan strengthened Nandi hills in those days.
Also read: Kodaikanal - "Princess of Hill Stations"
Nandi Hills was traditionally known as Kushmandagiri which was named after the sage Kushmanda, and Aanandagiri. However, during the Cholas Regime, it was later renamed to Nandidurga, Hill of Nandi,the vehicle of Lord Shiva.
The climate at the top of Nandi hills will be best suitable to the horticulturists. In fact an experimental garden was introduced in this place at that time. The researchers say, several species of Anona were grown at this garden.
Places of interest at Nandi Hills
Tippu’s drop
This is the place, where Tippu Sultan condemned the prisoners thrown to death.
Summer Palace and Fort of Tippu
During the Ganga period, the Chikkaballapur chieftains built a fort. Tippu reformed this and built a rest house. This was Tippu’s summer bungalow.
Horse Way
In the fort, there is a stone door way, which is believed to be a stone way, which might have helped soldiers to climb on the horse.
Secret Escape Route
This place is believed to be used by the kings to escape when they came across sudden attacks.
Temples
Sri Bhoga Narasimha, Sri Ugra Narasimha and Sri Yoga Narasimha and many other famous temples are in and around Nandi hills.
Children's Playground
The Horticulture department maintains this garden exclusively for children, where they can spend a nice time playing with the slides, merry-go-round, swings etc present at that place.
Nehru Nilaya
This is once Jawaharlal Nehru’s residence. Now it is turned as a guest house for Indian horticulture department.
Rivers
Pennar, Palar and Arkavati rivers originate from Nandi hills. However, the rivers are dried up now. But ‘Amruth Sarovar’ is a beautiful water lake that brims with lucid water all the year round.
So what are you waiting for? Pick out a week out of your busy life, and spend it at Nandi hills. It might be the change over that you are waiting since long.
By Phani
