Top 6 Thrills at Nandi Hills: A Bucket List for Every Travel Enthusiast!

Traveling to Nandi Hills, located in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka, is an engaging adventure in the lap of nature, not just a trip. Travelers are drawn to this charming location by its attractions, which include its historical significance, varied and exciting activities, and stunning scenery. We have put together the best bucket list in this detailed guide for any ardent tourist hoping to have an amazing time at Nandi Hills. South India’s hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Munnar are also considered popular among most tourists. In the south, however, the list of hill stations is not limited to the above three. Several other hill stations, like Devikulam (Kerala), Araku Valley and Anantagiri Hills (Andhra Pradesh), Kudremukha (Karnataka), Ponmudi (Kerala), etc., are located in the southern states of India. One of these is the popular hill station, Nandi Hills.

Nandi Hills: Bengaluru’s Weekend Retreat

People living in Bengaluru city, which is the hub of IT companies, frequently travel to the Nandi Hills to take a little ‘break’ from their hectic lives. Many ardent youths of Bengaluru travel to Nandi Hills by motorbikes, motorcycles, and bicycles every week or two to take advantage of the weekends, as Nandi Hills are only 60 km from Bengaluru.

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Discover Nandi Hills, Karnataka

Category	Information
Location	Nandi Hills, Karnataka, India
Google Location	Nandi Hills on Google Maps
Best Time to Visit	Choose between September and June for the most pleasant weather
Climate	Experience a delightful and cool climate, perfect for a getaway
Attractions	Don’t miss Tipu’s Summer Palace, Nandi Fort, and the beautiful Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
Accommodation	Options range from cozy resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses
Local Cuisine	Savor local treats like Masala Dosa and filter coffee at nearby eateries
Transportation	Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport (approximately 40 km away) Nearest railway station: Chikkaballapur (around 9 km away)
Language	Kannada and English are widely spoken
Currency	Indian Rupee (INR)
Safety Tips	Watch your step on the hilly terrain, and stay hydrated during your exploration
Local Etiquette	Respect the tranquility of the hills and be courteous to fellow visitors
Emergency Numbers	Police: 100, Medical Emergency: 108

 

Nandi Hills: Unveiling Legends and History Behind the Name

There are various stories behind how these hills came to be named Nandi. According to folklore, the hills are said to have been named after a 1,386-year-old statue of Nandi. This historic statue is still seen here today. According to another folklore, Yoga Nandiswara (Lord Shiva) performed penance here; hence, the hills are known as Nandi in his honor. It is also said to have got its name as the shape of the hills looks like a sleeping Nandi. According to historical records, the Nandi Hills were known as Anandagiri during the Chola Empire of South India in the 11th century. It became famous as Nandi Durg after Tipu Sultan built a fort on these hills in the eighteenth century.

Rising Splendor: Nandi Hills: A Tranquil Haven for Nature Enthusiasts

The height of Nandi Hills is 1,479 meters (4,850 feet). Nandi Hills are an evergreen tourist place, as it is enjoyable to spend all the main seasons at this altitude. Nandi Hills are the attractions that interest tourists, along with nature lovers, for their delightful sunrise. Before dawn, the Nandi Hills are surrounded by clouds; dense fog can be seen in the atmosphere, and moisture particles can be felt. If the humidity is high, a rain shower falls and makes the atmosphere extremely refreshing. At such times, the experience of walking through the clouds and fog in the coolness of the early morning becomes unforgettable.

Unveiling the Spectacle: Sunrise Splendor at Nandi Hills

When the sun’s rays shine through the white ‘blanket’ of thick clouds spread all around, a beautiful rangoli of various colors is formed in the sky. As the sun climbs higher and the heat evaporates the moisture from the air, the blanket of cloudy fog slowly begins to disintegrate. There is more than one vantage point on the Nandi Hills where crowds of people gather to witness this thrilling sight of sunrise.

Daytime Delights: Exploring the Charms of Nandi Hills on Foot

After enjoying the immense beauty of the sunrise, there are many places to see during the day. Local transports like auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available; however, the natural beauty of the Nandi Hills is worth experiencing on foot, and some of the tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easier to walk than by vehicle. Let’s have a look at the main attractions of Nandi Hills:

(1) Tipu Sultan’s summer residence and fort

Nandi Hills were ruled by Tipu Sultan of Mysore in the later part of the eighteenth century. Here he built his summer residence as well as a fort. Today, both of them have become ruins, but when the fort was completed, Tipu called it Tashaq-e-Jannat (superior to heaven) after seeing its grandeur and beauty. The fort is characterized by five arches with minarets, which are an example of eighteenth-century architecture. The construction of Tashaq-e-Jannat Fort was actually started by Hyder Ali, Sultan of Mysore and Tipu’s father. Tipu Sultan completed it

after Hyder Ali’s death in 1782. Spread over an area of about 90 acres, the historic fort is in dilapidated condition today. The cracks of time have hollowed out the walls of this fort. Tourists are not allowed inside the fort (as per the latest information) to avoid any accidents due to the crumbling walls. Tourists will be able to enjoy the historic fort again once the repair work at a cost of Rs 1 crore is completed.

A short distance from Tashaq-e-Jannat is Tipu’s summer residence, which has also fallen into disrepair due to a lack of proper maintenance.

(2) Tipu’s Drop: A place where traitors were pushed to death

To execute traitors and conspirators of the state, Tipu Sultan selected a special place on the Nand Hills, from where the criminals were pushed into a valley about 600 meters deep. This place is known as Tipu’s Drop and is popular among tourists for its beautiful panoramic view of the surroundings.

(3) Bhog Nandishvar Temple

Built in the ninth century, Bhog Nandiswara Temple is also known as Nandi Temple. After construction, this temple was repaired by the kings of the Chola, Hoysala, Pallava and Vijaynagar kingdoms from time to time. Today, three separate temples and a large water tank can be seen on the premises. According to the mythology, the rectangular tank, known as Kalyani is said to have been created by Nandi with his horns. Hence, Kalyani Kund is a holy place for devotees. On the day of Diwali, 1,00,000 lamps are lit on the small steps around the tank. Many people visit Nandi Hill to see this view.

The Shivlinga in the main temple of Nandiswara is hundreds of years old. It is said to have been established during the reign of the Chola dynasty. The carvings, decorations, and idols on the walls, ceiling, and pillars of the temple are extremely beautiful.

(4) Brahmashram

The nearby caves of Nandi Hills are an ideal place to experience peace and solitude. Ramakrishna Paramahansa used to meditate here regularly. Today, many tourists visit Brahmasram to experience the coolness of the cave.

(5) Gandhi Bhavan: Commemorating the Mahatma’s visit

In April 1936, Mahatma Gandhi‘s health deteriorated due to asthma and high blood pressure when he visited Bangalore. Dr. Pranjivan Mehta advised him to stay for a few days at Nandi Hill for treatment. The house where Gandhi spent one and a half months came to be known as Gandhi Bhavan. Several years ago, the Government of Karnataka repaired the Gandhi Bhawan at a cost of Rs 25 lakhs (₹ 25,00,00) and placed a statue of the Father of the Nation on the premises.

(6) Mudanhalli

Located just a few kilometers from Nandi Hills, Mudanhalli is the birthplace of Sir Vishwa Saraiya, the architect of modern Karnataka. The design of the dam’s automatic ‘Sluice‘ gates on the river is the product of Vishwa Saraiya’s fertile mind. Apart from this, his contribution in the fields of famous bridges, various factories, drainage systems, town planning, etc. was invaluable. Hence, in 1955, he was honored with the highest title of Bharat Ratna. Vishwa Saraiya’s house in Mudanhalli has now been converted into a museum. A memorial has also been built in the memory of this genius engineer.

Beyond the Horizon: Nandi Hills’ Diverse Charms

Nandi Hills is a must-see from a historical, religious, and natural point of view, but apart from that, the experience of paragliding here is special. Paragliding between lush green hills and serene valleys feels like being transported to a different world. Information about paragliding is available at the www.flynandi.com website. On a motorcycle or on a bicycle, the joy of wandering through the hills of Nandi is matchless. Both the vehicles can be rented from here. For trekking and hiking enthusiasts, there are several routes available. The flora and fauna of this hill station are rich, so bird watchers and photographers have fun here!

There is a saying in English that ‘the best places are often off the map’. This sentence is mentioned here because many people on their way to Bengaluru miss out on visiting Nandi Hills. Around 60 kilometers of the route pass through eucalyptus trees, so one often gets to enjoy the sweet fragrance of eucalyptus. The cool and refreshing air with fragrance infuses energy into the body. At least 40 turns have to be taken after starting the hill climb and reaching the top. At some of these bends, one can stop to rest and enjoy the natural beauty of the valley. If you want to cover the distance from the foot of Nandi Hills to the hill on foot, you have to climb 1,175 steps.

With its natural beauty, wildlife, serene tranquility, and attractions ranging from temples to adventure sports, Nandi Hills is a destination that appeals to people of all ages. The Tourism Department of Karnataka calls it the ‘hidden gem’ of the state. It is worth seeing the gems ‘hidden’ beyond the clouds!!

Good to Know:

• Perfect Time:

The best time to visit Nandi Hills is all year round, but October to May can be said to be the best time.

• Transportation:

The nearest airport to Nandi Hills is Bangalore, and the nearest railway station is Chikbalpur. Nandi Hills can be reached by bus or taxi from these two cities.

• Food:

There are not many options for food and drink at Nandi Hills. Hence, many tourists take some food stock with them. Presently, the Horticulture Department of Karnataka is preparing a food court at Nandi.

• Accommodation:

Here are some hotels for overnight stay. Information about Karnataka Tourism Department hotels can be found at the kstdc.co/hotels/hotel-mayura-pine-top-nandi-hills website.

• A day trip to Nandi Hills can also be organized from Bengaluru. If you make such a plan, take care to reach the view point of Nandi Hills before sunrise.

Conclusion

Nandi Hills is a symphony of adventure, history, and nature—it’s more than just a place to visit. This paradise in the sky meets the needs of every traveler, regardless of whether they are passionate hikers, history buffs, or thrill seekers. Nandi Hills is a must-visit location because of the dawn, paragliding, historical marvels, trekking paths, hidden gems, and culinary delights.

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