Nandi Hills

Located around 60 kilometres away from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is one such tourist spot that has gradually been discovered by visitors over the years and has now become a well-known weekend getaway.

 

Featuring beautifully carved arches and majestic pillars with intricately painted walls and ceilings, Nandi Hills is scattered with shrines and monument and is surrounded by mesmerizing views, making this place no less than a hidden paradise.  Situated at a height of 4851 feet above sea level, you can see a convoy of weekenders from Bangalore during early hours catching the glimpse of sunrise.

Trekking in Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills are a famous trekking spot. There are several trek routes, through the Nandi hill, to suit the ability and strength of different kinds of trekkers, from beginners to experts. There is a simple rustic way up the hills for beginners. For mid-level trekkers, there is a steep trek up the Channarayana Hills. This is a strenuous route. For the extreme enthusiasts, there is a multi-terrain trek circuit through grasslands, rivers, rocky ways and paved roads.

History and Places of Interest

Once used as the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, Nandi Hills finds its place in history as being reminiscent of the reign of Tipu Sultan, and the Tipu Sultan trail is a famous historical attraction of this place. 
The most well-known spot in this trail is Tipu’s Drop, a 600-metre-high cliff which was used during Tipu’s reign to hurl prisoners down to their demise. Another must-see attraction is Tipu’s Summer Residence, which was named by Tipu himself as the Tashk-e-Jannat, meaning ‘the envy of heaven’.
Nandi Hills is home to quite a few temples, and one such temple that you must visit is the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple in Nandi village. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consorts Nandi and Parvati, this temple is one of the oldest temples in the area and is a beautifully designed work of architecture.
Nandi Hills is a haven for cyclists, and the lofty altitude coupled with the fantastic terrain and the spectacular landscape makes cycling at Nandi Hills a complete adventure in itself. Paragliding is also very famous in Nandi Hills and is a must-do activity for adventure lovers.

Suggested Itinerary for Nandi Hills

Day 1- Arrive at Nandi Hills. Visit Bhoga Nandeeswara Temple. Return to hotel.
Day 2- Early morning trek over the hills. End day at local food joints and handicraft stores.