Sunday, August 17, 2008

Nandi Hill Revolution

we made a trip to Nandi Hills which is a haven for the birds (and birdwatchers).

We left Bangalore around 12:30 Am and reached the top at around 3:30 am. The sun had already risen by the time we reached the top.

Soon after we bought the tickets from the ticket counter.

Tourist Attractions :

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 . One can see the source of Arkavati at the entrance.

Brahmashram - It is said that Sage Ramakrishna Paramhamsa meditated here. Its a cool cave .

Nature - Enjoy the green lap and shade that nature has laid for you. Laid back, sit and enjoy.


Getting There – “Nandi Hills” is around 60 KM from Bangalore (towards the north). Take the Bangalore-Hyderabad highway (NH-7) from the Hebbal Flyover. Around 30 kms down this road, you reach Devanahalli. You come across a prominent signage of the upcoming International Airport (BIAL) on the right. Another 5 kms straight ahead, you come across a left turn that takes you to Nandi Hills. This turn is “unmarked” (or possibly marked in Kannada alone). Lookout for a smallish board displaying “Canterbury Castles”. This is where you need to get off the highway. P.S. – Do not mistake it for NH 207 (to Doddaballapur) which is the previous left turn (It leads you to some L&T factory). Post the left turn, 20 Kms of driving gets you to the foothills from where directions to Nandi Hills are very clearly marked.

The road condition is good overall with a few patchy spots nearing the hills. While the highway (NH-7) is very good, beware of some “unmarked” speed breakers that pop out of nowhere