Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills, also known as Nandidurg, the anglicized forms of Nandidrug also spelled as Nandydroog stands as an ancient hill fortress in the southern part of India, which happens to be in the Chikkaballapur district of the state of Karnataka. Standing at an altitude of 1,478 m above the sea level, this hill city has served many dynasties and rulers.

The hill spot is nestled between the towns of Nandi, Muddenahalli and Kanivenaranapura. It is believed that the hills are known for being holding the origin of the Arkavathy River. It is also said that these hills stood as the summer resort of Tipu Sultan. There are several tales that relates to the origin of the name of the hills, Nandi Hills. According to the legends in the Chola period, the hills of Nandi were called by the name Ananda Giri which means The Hill of Happiness.

Another saga relates to the Yoga Nandeeshwara who undertook self-punishment here at the very place and according to the beliefs the place is named after him. Also, the place is conceivably called as Nandi Hills because the hill resembles a sleeping bull Nandi. The place is just at a drive of 10 km from the town of Chickballapur and 60 km drive from the city of Bangalore. Nandi Hills enjoy a pleasant climate all through the year.

Nandi Hills forms a solid massive piece of granite making up the best scenic hill station in the vicinity of Bangalore and is sprawled over an area of 97 acres. This hill city also relates to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi as he stayed here at this place for 45 days in the course of his health revival.

Here in the hills the flora is of distinctive than that of other high hills. Apart from Coffee Arabica, there are some more aboriginal species that are grown in the hills. The hills are all covered with lush green forests, rendering a picturesque view to the site and inviting several species of birds and animals, making a common view at the site.

The famous Nandi Hills hosts a series of attractions that will interest its tourists such as Amruth Sarovar, Tippus Summer Palace and Fort, Gavi Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Fort, Horse Way, Palar River Origin, Brahmashrama, Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Tippu Drop, Arkavathi River Origin, Secret Passage, Childrens Playground, Muddena Halli. Apart from these, there are other places to visit at Nandi Hills such as Anjaneya temple, Nellikayi Basavanna, Antaragange, Baananthi Bande, Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple etc.

Nandi hills is open from 6 am to 10 pm and is easily accessible through road.