Nandi Hills in Bangalore

Weather             :  19° C
 Best time           :  Oct-Jun
 Tags                   : Hills & Valleys  Trekking 
Nandi Hills, also known as Nandidurg or Nandi Betta is an ancient hill fortress situated in a district called Chikkabalapur in Karnataka.  Situated near the town of Nandi, the ancient belief is that they are the origin of the Arkavathy River.

A glance into its name

The ancient Dravidian temple dedicated to the Nandi statue that is located here is responsible for the hills getting their so-called name.

However, different stories surround the origin of its name. During the Cholas Period, the hills were called Ananda Giri, which means “The Hill of Happiness”.

Some say that Yoga Nandeeshwara performed his penance here and the hills are named after him.  It is also said that the name of Nandi Hills originated from the resemblance of the hill to a sleeping bull (Nandi).

Nandi Hills scenic places of interest

At a height of 4851m above sea level, Nandi Hills is a favorite destination for all nature lovers and a popular picnic spot.

If you like taking photographs and appreciating the beauty of nature and are moved by beautiful views that Mother Nature has created for us, then Nandi Hills is the ideal getaway for you.
Some breathtaking scenery, rare flora, cool fresh air and peace, makes the hills the perfect place for a holiday.

The best time to enjoy the beauty of this scenic place is early mornings. Although you can visit the hills at any time of the year, it is recommended to go during the rainy season.

Sightseeing in and around Nandi Hills

Tipu Sultan’s Fort
Tipu’s Drop

Bhoga Nandeeshwar Temple

A beautiful and ancient temple, Bhoga Nandeeshwar Temple is situated at the base of Nandi Hills, making it the perfect place for a weekend break and a popular picnic destination. It is twinned with the Yoga Nandeeshwar Temple, which is situated at the top of the hills.

Both temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The twin temple concept is popular only in Karnataka, where two temples, both dedicated to the same deity are built, one at the top and the other at the bottom of a hill.

Activities in Nandi Hills

Paragliding

Go away with a beautiful and memorable experience of Nandi Hills by paragliding over the hills and valleys that the area is so famous for.

Cycling

The landscape, terrain and the alluring altitude, not to forget the lush green forage everywhere make it the perfect cyclist paradise.  You will be sure to get a cycling/biking experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Nehru Nilaya

A beautiful 150 years old colonial house, its British architecture draws tourists by the throngs. During its time, it was the summer retreat of the Commissioner of Mysore, Sir Mark Cubbon.  It is surrounded by lush green gardens.  It has now been converted into a guesthouse by the Horticulture Department.

How to reach Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills can easily be accessed by road as well as by the rail as it is conveniently networked with the major cities in Karnataka including Bengaluru.

By road

You can drive or even bike to Nandi Hills from Bengaluru via the Bangalore- Hyderabad Highway. Other cities from which you can travel to Nandi Hills by road include Bellary, Mysore and Devanahalli. Nandi Hills does not have its own bus station and the nearest one is Nelamangala, which is 43km away.

By rail

The nearest train station is Oddarahalli which is 16km away. Dodballapur is 17km away from Nandi Hills and Chikkaballapur station is at a distance of 19km. Trains from Bengaluru come to all these stations.