Introduction
There are plenty of tourist destinations in and near Bangalore but Nandi hills is loved the most when it comes to sunrise spots.
Nandi Hills or Nandi Durg is an ancient hill fort built by the Ganga dynasty and later enlarged by Tipu Sultan. It is situated 10 km from Chikkaballapur airport and around 60 km from Bangalore. Watching the sunrise at Nandi hills is most popular among tourists. The first-ever SAARC summit hosted by India was held at Nandi hills in the year 1986.
One must head here to beat the city crowd and to enjoy the calm aura. Nandi Hills is not famous only for its sunrise view, but it also offers other adventurous activities like paragliding, camping, etc.
HISTORY OF ORIGIN
There are many beliefs about the origin of the name of Nandi Hills. During the Chola period, These hills were called Anandgiri which means the ‘hill of happiness’. The hill is called Nandi hills because the hill resembles a sleeping bull. It is also believed that the hill got its name from a 1300-year-old Dravadian-style temple, and the Nandi (bull) statue situated on this hill.
REASONS TO VISIT NANDI HILLS :
- The place is jaw-droppingly and gorgeous.
- Many known figures like Mahatma Gandhi also stayed here.
- The place is open throughout the year.
- Every view and place of Nandi hill is worth the trip.
BEST TIME TO VISIT NANDI HILL
The best thing about Nandi hill is that the tourists can visit there any time of the year. However, the months of October to May are considered perfect to pay a visit to Nandi hills. The weather in these months is very ideal since the temperature during these months stays between 10 to 40 degrees Celcius. During other months of the year, Nandi hills receive a moderate amount of rainfall which keeps the hills drenched all the time.
PLACES TO VISIT IN NANDI HILLS :
Tipu’s Drop :
A trip to Nandi hills would be considered incomplete without paying a visit to the very popular Tipu’s drop which is one of the historic places around the area. Prisoners were pushed down from this point, during Tipu Sultan’s reign, as a punishment for their wrongdoings. Now the tourists can enjoy the view from the top and can click thousands of pictures for future memories.
Amrit Sarovar :
Also known as the ‘lake of nectar’, this beautiful lake remains filled with water throughout the year. The water is so clean that it is even used for supply in local areas. The steps leading to the wells have a touch of Dravidian architecture. The nectar seems to come alive with the moonlight falling on the lake water.
Skandagiri Hills :
Skandagiri hills, also known as Kalavara Durga, is one of the popular trekking locations near Nandi hills. With the view of dense clouds, chirping birds, vegetation, and sun playing hide and seek, trekking to Skandagiri hills is one of the best things to do. The old rocky temple on the hilltop is a prominent beauty that must be captured with the camera as well as with naked eyes. The month of December to March is the best time to trek the hills for a pleasant time in nature.
Devarayanadurga :
It is located at a distance of seventy-one kilometers from Nandi Hills. Devarayanadurga translates to “the fort of God”. It is the perfect vacation spot to enjoy among lush green trees and beautifully crafted temples. It is a place that is open throughout the year for visitors. Although in summer and the rainy season the weather is pleasant, the perfect time to visit the place is during the winter season from November to February.
Nrityagram :
Nrityagram is a dance village which is located at a distance of fifty-two kilometers from Nandi hills. It is located in Hesaraghatta, near Bangalore’s rural district. The village was developed by a well-known Odissi dancer, Protima Bedi. It is the first Indian modern residential school that educated in various classical dance forms of India. A visit to Nrityagram would also give the tourists a chance to witness the Hesaraghatta reservoir which is situated at a distance of five kilometers away from the dance village.
FACILITIES PROVIDED AT HILL TOP :
PARKING :
There is a lot of space available in the paid parking area. You can easily park your vehicle without any security issues.
Toilets :
Paid toilets are available for both men and women.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES :
There are many small food stalls available on the hilltop where one can easily get their hands on some snacks.
HOW TO REACH NANDI HILLS
The distance between Nandi hills from Bangalore can be covered by both road and rail. The roads of the hilltop are excellent and can be covered by any vehicle chosen. One can bring his or her private car or bike and can enjoy the road trip to the hilltop. The nearest railway station is Chikkaballapur which is around 19 km from the hill. It is also an easy way to reach Nandi hills.
