Also known as Nandidurga, Nandi Hills are small hillocks near Bangalore. It is located at a distance of 65 kilometer away from Bangalore and nestled at a height of 1478 meters above sea level. It was the famous summer resort of Tipu Sultan because it remains blessed with pleasant climate every year. The hill has been named after the famous statue of mythical bull ‘Nandi’ who guards the outside of the Yoganandeeshwara Temple. The hillock is scattered with wide variety of flora species such as Coffee Arabica and Eucalyptus. Besides flora species, various species of birds and animals can also be spotted there.
How to Reach Nandi Hills from Hyderabad
By Train
Chikkaballapur is the nearest railway station to Nandi Hills. It is located at a distance of 9 kilometers away from Nandi Hills. The railway station is well-connected to nearby cities such as Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mumbai. Taxis ply between Chikkaballapur Railway Station and Nandi Hills.
By Air
Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport to Nandi Hills. Bangalore airport is well-connected to major cities such as Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai. It is located at a distance of 58 kilometers from Nandi Hills. Taxis ply between Bangalore Airport and Nandi Hills.
By Road
The National Highway 7 connects Hyderabad and Nandi Hills. The road journey from Hyderabad to Nandi Hills will approximately take around 7 hours. State government and deluxe buses ply between Nandigrama, Bangalore and Chikkaballapur to Nandi hills.
Tourist Attractions in Nandi Hills
Yoganandeeshwara Temple
Built by the Cholas, Yoganandeeshwara Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. However, most attention is grabbed by the two Dwarpalakas which guard the entrance of the temple. The temple is perched atop of a hill. The temple has an inscription which is known as ‘Kodi Maran’.
Nandi Temple
Constructed during the period of Cholas, Hoysalas, Banas and the Vijayanagar Empire, the Nandi Temple is perched on the top of the Nandi Hills. The benefactor for this temple was the Vijayanagar Kings and it was built by the Kempe Gowda. The temple is bedecked with pillars and exquisite metal work. There is a lamp tower in front of the temple.
Tipu’s Drop
Located on the Nandi Hills, Tipu’s Drop is a rock face which is around 600 meters high. Historians say that the doomed prisoners were thrown off the cliff to their death. The towering height of the cliff generates fabulous views of the city. The views from the top are really breathtaking.
Brahmashram
A cool and beautiful cave near Nandi Hills, Brahmashram has the unique distinction of being the meditation place of Sage Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. The sage was one of the greatest devotees of goddess Kali. The ashram is a major tourist attraction.
Nehru Nilaya
Once a summer residence of Sir Markcubbon K.C.B, the then commissioner of Mysore, Nehru Nilaya is a glorious bungalow designed in British style. The SAARC Summit of 1986 took place in this bungalow. Now it has been converted into a guest house of the horticulture department of India.
