Nandi Hills, located about 60km away from Bangalore, is an ideal destination for weekend trips in Karnataka. This place is full of unique attractions and natural beauty, including a serene lake, impressive forts, ancient temples, and breathtaking views. It is considered one of the top tourist destinations in Karnataka. As it is situated at an altitude of 4851 ft above sea level, the climate in Nandi Hills is pleasant, making it an excellent place to visit during the summer in Karnataka.
Nandi Hills provides a serene and visually stunning experience that can calm your mind and delight your senses. By watching the sunrise or sunset from the top of a hill amid misty clouds and fog, you can treat your eyes and soothe your soul. Additionally, listening to the sweet sound of birds chirping while admiring the view of the clouds is a memorable experience that you can treasure forever.
Tourist attractions of Nandi Hills
- Tipu’s Drop
- Tipu’s Summer Residence
- Nandi Temple
- Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple
- Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
1. Tipu’s Drop
Tipu’s Drop is a popular tourist attraction located on a hilltop with a cliff that stands 600 meters above the elevated ground, providing a breathtaking view of all the hill ranges from the top. Yoganandeeshwara temple, built by the Chola kings, is situated on the side of the hilltop and adds to the scenic beauty of the area. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers who seek a sense of peace and satisfaction away from the hustle of the city.
This place has a history dating back to the time when prisoners were punished by being pushed off the cliff, and their screams were said to be heard in the rustling of the leaves. In addition, there have been cases of suicides and accidental falls from this spot, prompting authorities to take measures to make the location safer for visitors. These safety measures are being implemented to prevent accidents and make the area a more secure and enjoyable place to visit.
Why visit Nandi Hills:
Historical Significance: The fortifications present at this location are said to have been constructed by the Paleyagars of Chikkaballapura, and were later reinforced by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The area was also under the control of the Marathas for a period of time. A steep cliff located to the southwest is referred to as “Tipu’s Drop,” and it is believed to be where prisoners were pushed to their deaths. Additionally, a large water reservoir called “Amrit Sarovar” has been dug at the center of the plateau and a rectangular stone structure has been built to store water.
Temples in Nandi Hills: There are two ancient temples devoted to Lord Shiva located in Nandi Hills. The Yoganandishwara Temple, located at the summit of the hills, is built in the Chola architectural style. The entrance to the garbhagriha is adorned with decorative brass-covered doors and dwarapalakas (doorkeepers) on either side. According to legend, the doorkeeper statues were gifted by Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagara ruler. The Bhoganandishwara Temple, situated in the nearby village of Nandi Grama, predates the 9th century AD, with later expansions during the Chola, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara periods. The temple complex has two separate garbhagrihas in a straight line, each with its own Nandimantapas. One of these Nandimantapas also has a small garbhagriha. The temple to the north is dedicated to Lord Bhoganandishwara, while the one to the south is dedicated to Lord Arunachaleswara. The intricate stone carvings found within these temples showcase skilled workmanship and artistic excellence.
Tippu’s Summer Residence: Remains of a small two-story building, used by Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan can be seen on top of the Hills. A pond and a garden are nearby.
Parks & Play areas: Nandi Hills has a garden/play area for families and kids to relax and play.
Sunrise: Sunrise on top of Nandi Hills is captivating. Aim to reach before sunrise time to enjoy the view.
Food: A line of eateries are available on top of the Hills and caters to your culinary needs. Several shopkeepers and sellers also cater to the requirements of the visitors. More restaurants can be found on the highway en route to the Hills
Points to note: Beware of monkeys trying to snatch food. Also, traffic restrictions may be enforced during busy weekends. Visitors may be required to park at the base of the hill and avail shuttle buses to reach the Hills. Otherwise, you can drive up to the parking lot and climb your way to the top.
How to reach Nandi Hills: Nandi Hill is best reached in a private vehicle or taxi from Bengaluru, 60 km away. Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru is just 35 km from the hills.
A visit to Nandi hills can also be clubbed with a visit to Muddenahalli (birthplace of Sir M Vishveshwarayya) 20 km from Nandi Hills, Devanahalli Fort (25 km), Ghati Subramanya temple (30 km) and Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple (15 km).
Places to stay near Nandi Hills: KSTDC- Mayura Pine Top is the only hotel that has accommodation on top of Nandi Hills. One has to reach before 05:00 pm for an overnight stay.
2. Tipu’s Summer Palace
The Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatna was used by the former Mysuru ruler as his summer retreat and is also known as Dariya Daulat Bagh. The construction of the palace was started by Tipu Sultan’s father, Hyder Ali, and was completed by Tipu Sultan himself between 1778 and 1784 AD. The palace is a two-story wooden structure with walls made of mortar, stone, and plaster. It is surrounded by a large garden area and the interiors are adorned with intricate floral motifs and paintings depicting historic events and battles. The burial grounds of Tipu Sultan are also located nearby.
Museum: The Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace in Srirangapatna features a museum that exhibits various items utilized by Tipu Sultan and his family such as clothing, coins, weapons, silverware, and crowns. Visitors can also view several paintings depicting significant figures and historical events including a 200-year-old oil painting that portrays the storming of Srirangapatna. The palace is open every day from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Timing: Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace in Srirangapatna is open between 8.30 AM and 5.30 PM on all days.
Nearby: Tourist attractions in and around Srirangapatna include Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, which is located 6 kilometers away, Tipu Sultan’s summer palace which is just 1 kilometer away, the Ranganatha Temple and Nimishamba Temple which are located 1 and 3.4 kilometers away respectively, and also the Jama Masjid.
How to reach: Srirangapatna is easily accessible via various modes of transportation. It is located 135 kilometers away from Bengaluru city and just 14 kilometers away from Mysuru, which has the nearest airport. Srirangapatna has a railway station and is also well-connected by bus to both Bengaluru and Mysuru.
Stay: Hotel Mayura Riverview in Srirangapatna is managed by KSTDC. Mysuru, which is located 14 kms away from Srirangapatna, has a wide range of accommodation options catering to various budget categories.
3. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
The Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is located at the base of the Nandi Hills village, which is a well-known spot for visiting temples and enjoying picnics. While the Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple atop the hill is known for its massive bull statue, not many people are aware of the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple complex, which is quite grand and contains three separate temples.
The Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple was constructed in the 9th century, with the initial phase attributed to the Bana Queen Ratnavali. Over the course of around five dynasties, the temple was expanded and altered.
Nandi Hills, where the temple is located, consists of five hills that serve as the origins for five different rivers: Palar, Pinakini, Akravathy, Papagni, and Swarnamukhi.
How to Reach Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
Nandi Hills is a very famous tourist spot. Frequent bus services will be available from the city of Bangalore, 60 km away. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is located in the village at the foothills of Nandi Hills. You can reach here from Nandi Hills by auto rickshaw. The best time to visit the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple is during Shivaratri.
