Nandi Hills, Karnataka

Nandi Hills is a hill station situated 60 kilometers north of Bangalore in the state of Karnataka. This summer resort, also called Nandidurga, served as one of the summer retreats of Tipu Sultan.

Nandi Hills had been frequented by the British who constructed bungalows and laid down gardens here. Nowadays the place is very popular with Bangaloreans who consider it a perfect weekend refuge. The 1478 meters high Nandi Hills is the source of several rivers.

The jungles enclosing the hills are filled with wild animals. Near the Nandi Hills are several smaller hills which are accessible even on foot.

The chief attractions of Nandi Hills are:

Tipu's Drop: A 600 meters towering cliff face where following legend, sentenced prisoners were pushed to their death.

Yoga Nandishvara Temple: This exquisite Chola temple has an inscription of Sambhaji, Shivaji's son. The Dwarapalakas, the marvelous metallic figures are a must-see.

Nandi: Located at the north-eastern foot of Nandi Hills. This village was once a British Military Station. The Bhoga Nandishvara Temple Complex here is one of the most significant Dravidian-style edifices.

Muddenahalli: The native town of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the architect of present Karnataka, Muddenahalli is only a few kilometers from Nandi Hills. His residence now houses a museum.

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation arranges single day conducted tours to Nandi Hills and Muddenahalli each day during April - May.

The closest airport is Bangalore. The nearest railway is Chikkaballapur. Nandi Hills is linked by road to Bangalore and Chikkaballapur.

You can put up at:

• Hotel Mayura
• Guest House of the Horticulture Department.
• PWD Accommodation

The temperatures at Nandi Hills are:
Summer: 23-29°C Winter: 11-21 °C Nandi Hills is a famous hill resort of Karnataka.