Overview
Nandi Hills is a mountain range that has progressively been discovered by travellers over the years, taking its name from the towering statue devoted to the god Nandi constructed on the mountain. Tipu Sultan hoped to escape the heat of the plains and the clamour of combat in this location, which is now a popular weekend resort for Bangalore locals.
A true treasure surrounded by fascinating vistas of hills and valleys, a truckload of weekenders travel here early in the morning merely to catch a glimpse of the dawn from atop. The weather is good all year, but the best time to explore these hills is between September and May, because the roads can be slick and difficult to climb during the remaining rainy months. So make your journey early in the morning, around 5.30 a.m., to capture the stunning dawn. The Nandi Hills are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This Nandi Hills travel guide will assist you in planning every element of your vacation, enhancing the entire experience and making it an amazing pleasure to be in.
How to reach
Nandi Hills is located 210 kilometres from Mysore, 166 kilometres from Mandya, 80 kilometres from Kolar, 75 kilometres from Tumkur, and 61 kilometres from Bangalore. All three modes of transportation—road, train, and air—are easily accessible. If you are travelling alone, make contact with and join another group before proceeding to the ticket booth.
By plane:
The closest airport, located approximately 33 kilometres from Nandi Hills, is the Kempegowda Airport Terminal, which serves both domestic and international tourists. You might then catch a bus from here to Nandi Hill.
By Train:
The nearest train station, located 9 kilometres from Nandi Hills, is the Chikkaballapur Railway Station. From there you can take a cab or a bus to the site. Furthermore, Bangalore Railway Station is a significant train depot. And it connects to all major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
By Road:
Visitors can also take a cab or drive themselves. But they must park their vehicles at specified places at the foot of the hills. The Nandi government also provides vehicles and other modes of transportation.
History
These hills, which were once Tipu Sultan’s summer home, are redolent of his rule. The Tipu Sultan path is a very well heritage landmark in this area. Well known for Tipu’s Drop, a 600-meter-high cliff used to execute convicts during his rule. Tipu’s Summer Home is another must-see attraction. Tipu dubbed it the Rashk-e-Jannat, which translates to “the envy of heaven.”
Places to visit
Tipu’s Drop
Tipu’s Drop, situated on a hilltop atop a cliff 600 metres above the raised ground, is one of the probably the most popular tourist sites in Nandi Hills. This location is well-known for being the cliff from which captives were pushed as punishment for their misdeeds. The sound of crunching leaves is thought to be the screams of the captives who were tossed from the cliff. It is a must-see for nature enthusiasts since it provides a sense of calm and contentment away from the rush and bustle of the metropolis. From the hilltop, you may obtain a beautiful view of the entire city. It is accessible from 6 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
The Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, popularly known as Nandi Temple, goes back to the ninth century which is one of the holiest places in Karnataka. It’s a magnificently built work of Dravidian architecture. Weddings are still held within the main temple. It is now open to travellers to visit and study the temples, which are managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This location is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and has no admission price.
Brahmashram
The Brahmashram cave was used for meditating by the guru Ramakrishna Paramhansa, an admirer of Goddess Kali. Now the cave has now become a renowned popular tourist destination and is one of the locations to visit here. If you’re looking for calm and isolation, this location at Nandi Hills in Bangalore is ideal for recharging your body, mind, and spirit.
