Nandi Hills, located
at a distance of 35 kilometers from Bangalore on the Bangalore-Tumkur highway,
is a popular getaway spot during the weekend. It offers amazing views of the
surrounding countryside, from high above near a blanket of clouds.There are also
walking trails for trekking and many lookout points from where you can enjoy
the view.
What to
See and Do
The hill houses temples
dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and Lord Hanuman, and these are often
visited by the locals. As the hill-top is not too high, those looking to climb to
the top can try the steps carved into the hillside.
The ruins of Tipu
Sultan’s summer retreat are located here at the top and there is an open tank
as well. A sheer drop of 600 feet called Tipu’s Drop is a popular site here,
and from here his prisoners were thrown to their death. You need to exercise
caution while visiting this spot, as there have been a few accidents here due
to the fog.
Many people frequent
Nandi Hills to watch the sunrise from Tipu’s Drop, as this can be a
breathtaking sight to behold, early in the morning at 5 am.
If you choose to
walk uphill, you can set off early in the morning and reach the summit by
mid-morning. But be careful while dealing with the monkeys en route. The steps
that lead to the top follow a scenic route and offer breath-taking views from
the lookout points. There’s a spot called Hanuman Rock, where you can rest and
relax.
Paragliding is also
a popular weekend sport here for those looking for adventure.
How to
Get There
Though you can visit
Nandi Hills anytime of the year, if you can, avoid the rainy season as the
rocks will be slippery during this time.
You can reach the
hills either by motorbike or a car; but two-wheelers are not allowed beyond the
entry point on the hill top as the roads can be slippery. The best way to reach
Nandi Hills would be by car, if possible.
There are direct
buses that run to Nandi Hills from the Bangalore Central Bus Stand and from
Kengeri. The first bus leaves at 7 a.m. and the next one at 8 a.m., so watching
the sunrise will not possible if you take a bus. You should ideally leave
Bangalore by 4 a.m. and reach the top of the hills by 5.30 a.m. to watch the
sunrise.
Where to
Stay
If you’re looking
for an extended stay, you can opt for accommodation through rooms that are
present in the hilltop. A lot of dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth II have
stayed here at the top of Nandi Hills, attesting to its attractions.You can reach the
village during the previous day and there are many hotels and resorts to choose
from, if you’re unsure about the early morning drive. The drive to the top in
the morning will take hardly half an hour from the village.
There is a traveler’s
bungalow in Nandi Hills and you can stay in Hotel Mayura, managed by the KSTDC.
There are couple of other bungalows too, managed by the Lalbagh Horticultural
Center, where you can stay. Many restaurants and eateries are present in the
region, so there is no necessity to carry your own food; it is not advisable to
do so anyway because the place has quite a few monkeys and they tend to attack
people for your eatables.
You need not frame
up a complex plan to visit Nandi Hills, as it is just a hangout spot. Pack up
anytime you want from Bangalore and just head uphill!
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