Nandi Hills, Bangalore

Nandi Hills is a popular hill station situated at an altitude of 1478 meters above sea level and is approximately 60 km from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. Nandi Hills is renowned for its picturesque beauty, ancient temples, and rich history.

The name "Nandi Hills" is derived from the statue of Nandi (the sacred bull of Lord Shiva) that is located on the hill. The hill was called Ananda Giri, which means "The Hill of Happiness," in ancient times. Nandi Hills has a rich history, dating back to the Chola period of the 9th century. The hill was ruled by various kingdoms such as the Hoysalas, Vijayanagar Empire, and the Mysore Wodeyars. It also served as a summer retreat for Tipu Sultan and the British during their reign.

The main attractions of Nandi Hills are the Nandi Temple, Tipu's Drop, Tipu's Summer Residence, Amruth Sarovar, and the Brahmashram. The Nandi Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is believed that the temple was built during the Chola period. Tipu's Drop is a high cliff from where Tipu Sultan used to throw his prisoners to their death. Tipu's Summer Residence is a beautiful palace built by Tipu Sultan during his reign. Amruth Sarovar is a beautiful lake on the hill, and Brahmashram is a cave where the sage Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is said to have meditated.

Apart from these attractions, Nandi Hills is also known for its trekking trails, paragliding, cycling, and other adventure activities. The climate of Nandi Hills is pleasant throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Nandi Hills is a beautiful hill station that offers a perfect blend of nature, history and adventure all in one place.

Nandi Hills is a popular tourist destination located near Bangalore. The points of interest that make Nandi Hills a must-visit destination are:

1. Nandi Temple: The ancient temple of Nandi, dedicated to the bull deity, is located at the top of the hill. It is believed that the temple was built during the Chola period.
2. Tipu's Drop: Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, used this cliff to execute prisoners by throwing them off the cliff.
3. Amruth Sarovar: It is a beautiful lake located at the foothills of Nandi Hills. The water of the lake is believed to have medicinal properties.
4. Cycling: Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy a scenic ride through the winding roads of Nandi Hills.
5. Paragliding: Nandi Hills is a popular destination for paragliding. The hill offers perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced paragliders.
6. Trekking: The hill offers several trekking routes that provide a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
7. Sunrise and Sunset: The hill is a popular spot to watch the sunrise and sunset. The view from the top of the hill is breathtaking.
8. Vineyards: Nandi Hills is home to several vineyards that offer wine tasting tours.
9. Nandi Fort: The Nandi Fort was built by Tipu Sultan and is located at the foothills of Nandi Hills. The fort offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.
10. Nehru Nilaya: It is a beautiful colonial bungalow located on the hilltop. The bungalow was once used as a summer retreat by India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Today, it has been converted into a hotel.

Nandi Hills is a popular hill station located near Bangalore, India. The best time to visit Nandi Hills largely depends on your preferences and the activities you wish to indulge in.

The months between September and May are considered the best time to visit Nandi Hills. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges between 10°C and 28°C, making it ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and other outdoor activities.

The monsoon season from June to August brings heavy rainfall, and the hills become slippery and dangerous. It is not recommended to visit Nandi Hills during this period. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to visit Nandi Hills on weekdays, as it can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. Additionally, it is advisable to visit the place early in the morning to witness the breathtaking sunrise and avoid the heat of the day.

The best time to visit Nandi Hills is between September and May, when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities.