The secure hill fortress of Nandidurg or famously known as Nandi Hills is a getaway not too far from the bustling city of Bengaluru. Situated in the small district of chickballapur, it is isolated from the busy city. This tranquil place was once a strong base of the Ganga dynasty. Dating all the way back to the eleventh century, this place is rich in culture and heritage. The sunset and the sunrise viewpoint have attracted people far and wide. This place gets its name from the sleeping bull-like structure of the entire hill, entitling it to the celestial bull Nandi, thereby Nandi Hills.
Nandi hills
This place is said to have been the summer retreat for Tipu Sultan, a ruler of Mysore. Task-e-Jannat was the name of this architectural marvel. The exquisite Islam architecture with a pleasant pink interior brings back the feel of the olden era. Elegant pillars and usage of wood in the construction are unique to the Islamic designs of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan.
Nandi Hills stood still while the rulers clashed and the land finally came into the hands of the British Bureaucrats. This place was then turned into a summer retreat for all the Britishers.
The High altitude facilitates fabulous views of the world below. The elevation also brings the clouds closer. The breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset amidst the clouds is one of the main reasons people flock to this place. The elevation again facilitates the growth of exotic varieties of plants. Elevation which in turn causes pleasant and cool weather all year round. Horticultural activities have increased rapidly ever since. The climate of the hilltop facilitates the growth of exotic flowering plants. Exquisite untouched nature increases the tranquillity of the place.
Nandi hills timing
One can easily reach this place by a couple of hours of drive from the city. Nandi Hills provides a hills station getaway experience with balanced nature and cultural involvement. Pure untouched nature makes the entire hill in picturesque mode all year long. The cool temperature and peaceful environment is the kind of experience people look forward to while traveling to this place. Apart from the viewpoint, Nandi hills are known for diverse flora and fauna accompanied by temples and monuments of historical importance. Temples and monuments scattered amidst the hill are a perfect balance for the landscape.
From a religious point of view, the hill has temples dedicated to Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple is a thousand three-hundred-year-old temple that has clear inscriptions that relate it to the Chola Dynasty. Back in its glory, Nandi hills were called Anandagiri of the Hill of happiness. The temple is at the top of the hill that stretches 1,478 m (4850 Ft.) by height. The architectural marvels and precise carvings were done to decorate the temple are quite a sight.
Nandi hills weather
Nandi hills weather is unique climatic conditions at the hilltop due to abundance of clouds has supported various unique flora and fauna. From exotic eucalyptus in the canopy to arabica coffee in the undergrowth, pure nature is left untouched. Pleasant climatic conditions also attract exotic birds.
The pleasant climatic conditions have enabled a quite strong population of Aves. Pied Thrush, Indian Blue Robin, Orange-headed thrush, and Asian paradise flycatcher are the unique birds that call these trees home. Peregrine Falcon is one of the rare birds that have been sighted here. The pill millipedes and uropeltidae snakes are quite the common sighting.
Tipu’s drop is a scenic window with a dark history that talks about prisoners being pushed to death due to their offenses. The serene waters of the Amrita Sarovar are quite a sight. The stepped well-based finish adds up the essence of the place. These places give their share of the experience. The Brahmashram is an ancient cave that is nestled on the hillside and was said to have been the place used by the Ramkrishna Paramhamsa.
Resorts near Nandi hills
All the above-featured places are just some of the many untouched places in this hill fortress. All that Nandi Hills has to give is more than that can be expressed in words. The distance and accessibility to this place are also one of the main reasons for crowded weekends. Experiencing delicious food in restaurants is something one must not miss during this trip.
The time-lapse from the Kings to British rule to the modern city, Nandi Hills has seen it all. This very phenomenon of the time and how it shaped an old fortress can be clearly seen here. It is truly an exhibition of history that shapes the world today. From large halls for the kings to the premiere bungalows for the generals, the sculpture of history has been carefully carved. Nandi hills have a window that overlooks the world below but is often blocked by fluffy clouds.
The Wavy roads have attracted bikers as well. Resorts near Nandi Hills is the popular one amongst the neighboring hills like Skandagiri and channagiri. All in all, food, nature, old palaces/ winter houses, temples, monuments, rivers, and many more make this place a must-visit.
Places to visit near Nandi hills
Apart from the tranquil nature and peaceful vibes of the olden monuments, Nandi hills have some secret trails for the adventure seekers as well. Narrow muddy trails that wade through the thick vegetation to rocky slopes, Nandi Hills has it all. Trek trails usually being on stairs usually end up in the Sultanpet village. The trek route is moderate and quite easy in fact. Stairs are present for most of this trek. Camping and paragliding are some other activities offered here.
Places to visit near Nandi Hills is said to be the origin of Arkavathy, Ponnaiyar, Palar, Papagni, and Penna Rivers. Although these rivers still flow to this day, they are not as clean and neat as they used to be. These rivers have become victims of urbanization and other factors. The source of these rivers is also a sight one must not miss during the visit to Nandi Hills.
Most of these rivers were a major source of water supply to the cities and farms nearby. Although most of the rivers have become thin trickling streams, conservation of them is very important. Rules and respective measures to protect these pristine waters are delicately taken care of by the government.
River Originating from Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills, known for its scenic beauty, 10 km from Chikkaballapura is the origin point of a few rivers. These include:
Arkavati River: An important river in Karnataka, it originates from Nandi Hills and is a tributary of the river Kaveri, joining it in Sangama, Kannada.
Palar River: A river in Southern India, it rises in Nandi Hills and flows a distance of 93 km, covering Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu before merging with the Bay of Bengal, south of Chennai.
Chitravathi River: Originating from Nandi Hills, it joins the Penna River, covering 5,908 km. It is a seasonal river that is in full swing after the monsoon.
South Pennar River: It originates from Nandi Hills and heads in both south and north directions. Flowing for a long time, it ends its trajectory in the Bay of Bengal.
Activities at Nandi Hills
Camping: One of the best things to do in Nandi Hill to experience natural beauty is camping. It lets you enjoy the natural beauty of Nandi Hills as you camp under the stars and lush greenery. Camping also enables you to try multiple activities like zip lining.
Watching a mesmerizing sunset
An early morning trek to Nandi Hills will expose you to a beautiful sun rising from between the western ghats, turning the sky into a beautiful hue color.
Paragliding: Nandi Hills is known for its adventurous side, and you can enjoy a view of the Western Ghats from high above with this parasailing adventure.
Trekking:
→ Trekking to Nandi Hills does not end the trekking adventure. From the hills, you can trek to other nearby stunning treks like:
→ Trekking to Horagina Betta, whose summit exposes you to bird sightings while also allowing you to visit a temple.
→ Channagiri Trek, a 2-hour trek from Nandi Hills foothills towards the peak, exposes you to the Deccan plateau’s view. Head to experience peace in this off-beat adventure.
→ An exciting trek to undertake, the Skandagiri Hills Trek Summit awaits you with an old-rocky temple.
Cycling: Nandi Hills has a 30 km trail for biking, and exploring unique animals and rare birds as you cycle through a cool breeze. It is the ideal way to explore the town.
Sightseeing:
→ Amrit Sarovar, or the ‘lake of nectar', is a stunning lake with clean water supplying water to the locals year-round. It is a classic lake, having grand steps with a platform near the lakeside where you can relax and click tons of pictures. An ideal time to visit the lake is during the night when the moon shines brightly and it looks heavenly.
→ Tipu’s Drop is a cliff at a stunning height of 600 m offering a memorable view from the summit. The top, which during Tipu Sultan’s reign was used for punishing people by throwing them off the cliff, offers peace and tranquility.
Historical Significance of Nandi Hills:
Nandi Hills, or Nandi Betta, is named after the Nandi Temple on the foothills honoring Lord Shiva’s beloved bull. The history of Nandi Hills is quite significant and colorful. As the story goes, it is home to an ancient Dravidian tribe and later became a summer retreat for the local kings, namely Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, who used the old fortress on the hilltop as a military outpost.
→ Fort: Tipu Sultan, along with his father, Haider Ali, expanded the fort into twin forts using local feudatory chieftains. The fort has five arches and minarets, which show off its beautiful architecture and art of the bygone era. These are a major attraction, as it also has many trekking trails.
→ Tipu’s Drop: It is situated at 600 m, providing a panoramic view of the city. The history of Tipu's Drop is not so pretty, as according to the legend, it is the cliff where Tip Sultan used to punish the prisoners by pushing them down the cliff to die. Now, the drop is a safe place to enjoy calm and serenity.
→ Amrit Sarovar: The Lake of Nectar or Ambrosia is a stunning water body of perennial springs. A prime water source in the area, visit it on a night of a clear moon to witness a beautiful phenomenon. Close to the Sarovar, there is a platform, or chabootra, known for being the prayer spot for Tipu Sultan.
Other Attractions:
→ Tipu’s Drop
→ Tipu’s summer residence
→ Parks and Play areas
→ Sunrise view point
→ Nandi Hills Caves
→ Amrutha Sarovar
→ Grover Zampa Vineyards
→ Devanahalli Fort
→ Ghati Subramanya Temple
→ Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
→ Muddenahalli
→ Skandagiri Hills
Temples in Nandi Hills:
There are two beautifully designed temples near Nandi Hills, namely Bhoga Nandeeshwara and Yoga Nandeeshawar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, one temple is atop the hill and one at the bottom.
Things to Keep in Mind:
→ Entry fee: There is a charge for visiting Nandi Hills. They are nominal, but check the latest timings and rates before you head there.
→ Safety: The trail for Nandi Hills is relatively safe; however, start the trek early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic and witness a beautiful sunrise. Moreover, while on the trek, you will see monkeys who might snatch your food items, so be aware of them.
→ Transport: To reach Nandi Hills, it is best to use taxis from Bangalore airport, 35 km away from the hills, or drive your private vehicle from Bangalore (60 km).
→ Be respectful: If you are trekking in groups, be respectful to others and do not put anyone in uncomfortable situations. Also, respect the environment and do not litter.
→ No drinking or smoking: For the safety of yourself and others, it is best to not drink or smoke while on the trek.
Local Cuisine of Nandi Hills:
Nandi Hills in Karnataka is known for its delicious cuisine. While you trek here, have a hearty breakfast of idli, dosas, or ragi mudde—all healthier options to kick-start your day. The local ‘Thatte Idli’ is one of the best here. For lunch, you should go for ‘Bisi Bele Bath’, a healthier rice dish, a delicious dish local to the region, or you can go for a traditional Southern Indian thali. For snacks, try the 'maddur vada’, a crispy savory local Karnataka delicacy. For something sweet, you should try ‘Mysore Pak’, a decadent and rich sweet made of pure ghee, sugar, gram flour, and lots of love.
How to Reach Nandi Hills?
Bangalore is the nearest metro city, and thus, the nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport, 35 km from Nandi Hills. Rent a private taxi or take a local bus or cab to reach the hills. The nearest railway station is the Chikkaballapur railway station, 19 km, from where you can reach the hill station via local transport.
From Bangalore
- By bus: The state-run KSRTC, or Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, runs a few buses from Bangalore to Nandi Hills. From the Bangalore majestic bus stand, you can take a state or private bus (near to the stand) to reach Nandi Hills, 60 km away, a distance you cover in 2 hours. The bus tickets are affordable, and you also get a return bus from the Nandi Hills bus stand.
- By private vehicle: You can also rent a car or take a private car to Nandi Hills and drive through the scenic route to reach Nandi Hills. On a two-wheeler, you can cover the distance in 2 to 2.5 hours if you take the Bellary Road.
→ Marathahalli to Nandi Hills: The distance between Marathahalli and Nandi Hills is 55 to 60 kilometers. Take your car or rental vehicle amid the picturesque route via SH 104 to reach the destination in approximately 2 hours.
→ Devanahalli to Nandi Hills: From Devanahalli, the distance to Nandi Hills is 44 minutes via Nandi Hills Main Road. and SH 104. Take your private car or take the two buses from Devanahalli to Nandi Hills.
→ Koramangala to Nandi Hills: The distance between Koramangala and Nandi Hills is 2 hours and 6 minutes via Bellary Road.
→ Hebbal to Nandi Hills: The distance between Hebbal and Nandi Hills is 54.7 km via NH 44, which you can cover in 54.7 km.
→ Bellandur to Nandi Hills: The distance between Bellandur and Nandi Hills is 75 km via NH 44, and you can cover this distance in 2 hours and 9 minutes.
Accommodation at Nandi Hills
→ Viewpoint Room in a Villa
→ Silver cloud
→ Nandi Foothills Farmstay
→ Nandi Hills Farm Villa
→ Fantasy Golf Resort
→ Brahmi Resort
Nandi Hills Map:
