Nature’s Gift — Nandi Hills, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Nature’s Gift — Nandi Hills, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

ROUTE MAP

My family and I visited Nandi Hills in October 2016. It’s around 70 Kms from Bangalore. Its 4851 ft above sea level. Nandi Hills is also known as Nandi Gram or Nandi Durga. Nandi Hills was Tippu sultans summer retreat. Due to its location, Nandi Hills is rapidly developing, and numerous commercial and residential ventures are underway in the region. This is one of the most preferred destination for Bangalorean’s.

Surrounded with breath-taking views, spectacular attractions, and surreal experiences, this place is awesome.

One of the best things about this place is that it can be visited at any time of the year. All you’ve got to do is pick a date and pack your bags. However, if you’re looking for the ideal weather, then plan your trip between October and May, since the temperature during this time ranges from 10 to 40 degrees Celsius. The remaining months, which are June to September often receive moderate rainfall, which keep the hills drenched throughout the time.

This the perfect place for bird watchers too as you can see lot of birds chirping here and there. You can see grapes, vineyard enroute to the Nandi hills.

How to reach:

The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore from where you can hire a cab or taxi. If you wish to experience the train journey, then the nearest station where you can get down is Chikkaballapur from where both buses and taxis are available. But, if you’re looking for a short road trip, you can cover the distance of 70 kms between Bangalore and Nandi by driving yourself. This is also a perfect bike trip destination.

Beware of sharp turns – drive carefully

Once you start driving up the hills, you may want to keep your camera aside and focus fully on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. There are sharp turns and steep sides with minimal barriers on the side. Local and frequent visitors were seen to be driving pretty fast and we found several young guys driving bikes and cars like crazy.

Places to see:

Tipu’s Drop:

Located on a hilltop on a cliff which is 600 metres above the elevated ground, Tipu’s Drop is one of the oldest and most famous tourist attractions in Nandi.

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple:

Also known as Nandi Temple, this place which dates back to the 9th century is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka

Sun rise point

Garden

Tippu’s summer residence (not open to public)

Some Tips:

• If you come across monkeys, avoid feeding them.
• Since this place has very limited food options, prefer carrying your own packaged food.
• The best option will be to reach around the Sunrise (please note that the gate might open at 6 Am only). Also, be informed that many people come with the same intention of seeing the sunrise view and there might be many cars waiting at the gate in front of you.
• Don’t consider this as a full day trip. If you start early to see to Nandi hills, you can come back to Bangalore by afternoon.
• Don’t forget to carry your camera as there are a lot of picturesque places in Nandi.
• If you’re driving to Nandi in your own car, prefer parking it at the designated parking area.
• Try to return from the hill station before evening since driving after dark can be quite dangerous if you are not familiar with this place.