Nandi Hills - Perfect for a day trip or a road trip out of Bangalore (Bengaluru)

Nandi Hills, 60 Kms north of Bangalore towards Chikkaballapur via Devanahalli, is a small hill station. It was one of the summer retreats of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore.

Tipu's Drop- a 60 meter high cliff face offers a magnificent view of the valley below. Nandi Hills or Nandidurg is a hill fortress located just 3 Km to 5 Km from Chickballapur Taluk.

It is 4851 feet (1478 meters) above sea level. Nandi Hills gets its name from an ancient Nandi (Sacred Bull) Temple situated on this hill. This temple has a thousand year old sculpture of Nandi. An ancient Lord Shiva and Parvati Temple also adorns this hill.  

Nandidurg or Nandi Hills was traditionally held impregnable, and its storming by Lord Cornwallis in 1791 was one of the most notable incidents of the first war against Tipu Sultan of Mysore.

It was formerly a favorite summer resort for the British officials. Francis Cunningham built the summer residence here for Sir Mark Cubbon.

Cottages are available here for overnight stay

Contact: Director of Horticulture, Lalbagh, Bangalore (Bengaluru). Tel: 6672231. During season (July to February) contact the Special Officer, Horticulture at Nandi Hills.

KSTDC's Hotel Mayura Pine Top has a restaurant and accommodation facilities. Guided tours are conducted by KSTDC.  Contact KSTDC (HO). Phone: 2212901/902/903

Places to see on and around Nandi Hills

• Tippu's Drop - the place from where Tippu Sultan made his prisoners fall.  
• Tippu's Summer Residence a beautiful palace on top of this hill. This palace is closed to the general public.
• Temples: There are temples dedicated to Sri Bhoga Narasimha, Sri Ugra Narasimha and Sri Yoga Narasimha.
• Nehru Nilaya, where Jawaharlal Nehru used to stay, now a guest house of the horticulture department of India.
• Rivers: the Rivers Pennar, Palar and Arkavati originate from these hills. Most of the sources have dried up.  
• Brahmashram- It is said that Sage Ramakrishna Paramhamsa meditated here. It's a cool cave. 
• Muddenahalli: The home town of Sri M.Visveswaraya, the architect of modern Karnataka. Muddenahalli is just a few Kilometers from Nandi Hills. The house of this genius is now a museum.

Return to Places to See around Bangalore or go to Bangalore Attractions