Things to do in Nandi Hills for an Idyllic Escape Amidst Nature

Nandi Hills is among the most gorgeous places in Karnataka and the most popular getaway from Bangalore. One of the most common things to do in Nandi Hills is to take a long leisure walk along the hilly terrain, preferably in the morning, when you can witness a surreal sunrise. Walking in the hills is an experience in itself, you will be able to witness nature in its more charming and raw form. You can sit and reflect and relax and unwind,from the monotony of life.

The most unconventional way of spending an afternoon with your office colleagues would be ambling at Grover Vineyard. 50 km toward the north of Bangalore, you can enjoy stomping on grapes, sipping on the best wine available, lunch buffet on the hills and some bird watching. If you’re an avid wine drinker and a nature lover, Grover Vineyard is the perfect stop for you during weekends to obliterate all your stress while wandering around one of nature’s best closets located at the foot of Nandi Hills in Bangalore. They will provide you with a guide to help you tour around the vineyard oozing with greenery. Your next stop ought to be this scenic vineyard.

This cave situated near Nandi Hills is a perfect spot for those seeking silence and solitude. Hence, it was used by Sage Ramakrishna Paramhamsa for his meditation. It is one of the top tourist destination in Nandi Hills.

Tipu's Drop is one of the oldest visiting places. It is located on a hilltop on a cliff which lies 600 m above the elevated ground. One gets a beautiful view of all the hill ranges from the hill top. Yoganandeeshwara temple is a shrine which is located on the side of the hill top and was built by the Chola kings. The place is a scenic beauty and is a must-visit for the nature lovers. It gives a sense of peace and satisfaction away from the hustle of the city. Visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Nandi Hills.

Nandi Temple or Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is a beautiful temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the few antiquated temples in India which is very well preserved. One will be stunned with the grandeur and mesmerized with the architecture of the temple. The intricacies of the carvings and engineering behind it will take your breath away. The fact that our ancestors could build such intricate and grand structures with minimal resources is commendable, and it still stuns most of us. Paying a visit to admire the beauty of the temple complex is the least we can do today.

One of the prime things to do in Nandi Hills is trying out paragliding. It is one of the most recreational and fun activities available in the area. Paraglide over these hills and valleys, for some of the most memorable experiences here. While flying atop, you will witness a gorgeous bird's eye view of the hills and the valley. The place provides ideal terrain and conditions for paragliding and is preferred by both the amateurs and professionals.

A major source of water supply in this region, the Lake of Nectar as it is called has been formed by the perennial springs. The shimmering waters of this lake after nightfall is a must see. The sarovar is a popular picnic spot and is thronged by tourists all through the year.

There are a number of restaurants and dhabas in and around the hills that serve popular cuisines. One must try the local Chaat. One might also want to travel to nearby cities for a more flattering range of options for food. You might find here, local dishes such as Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Akki Roti, Jolada Roti, Idli, Vada, Sambhar, Kesari Bath, Ragi Mudde, Uppittu, Vangi Bath and traditional and local sweets like Mysore pak, Chiroti etc.

Given the landscape, terrain and the tantalizing altitude, one can have one of the most enjoyable cycling or biking experience at these hills. You can explore the unexplored terrain on your own and you might come across some surreal landscape. It is one of the top touristy things to do in Nandi Hills and you should definitely experience it.

Built by the Cholas, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Two Dwarpalakas guard the doors of the temple which is situated atop the hill. The carvings in the interiors are beautifully designed and attracts a lot of attention. Visiting here is one of the top touristy things to do in Nandi Hills.

The summer retreat of Sir Mark Cubbon, the Commissioner of Mysore, this bungalow has now been converted into a guest house by the Horticulture Department of India. Its British style Architecture attracts many tourists.