Nandi Hills

It is often said that 'the best places are off the beaten path', and Nandi Hills is a clear testimony to that. Located around 60 kilometres away from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is one such tourist spot that has gradually been discovered by visitors over the years, and has now become a well-known holiday spot. Situated at a height of 4851 feet above sea level, this ancient hill fortress is an idyllic escape from the daily city life. Once used as the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, Nandi Hills is scattered with shrines and monument, and is surrounded by mesmerizing views, making this place no less than a hidden paradise.

Nandi Hills finds its place in history as being reminiscent of the reign of Tipu Sultan, and the Tipu Sultan trail is a famous historic attraction of this place. The most well-known spot in this trail is Tipu’s Drop, a 600-metre-high cliff which was used during Tipu’s reign to hurl prisoners down to their demise. The entire place is barricaded for safety and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Another must-see attraction is Tipu’s Summer Residence, which was named by Tipu himself as the Tashk-e-jannat, meaning ‘the envy of heaven’. Featuring beautifully carved arches and majestic pillars with intricately painted walls and ceilings, this place is a popular tourist spot.

Nandi Hills is home to quite a few temples, and one such temple that you must visit is the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple in Nandi village. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consorts Nandi and Parvati, this temple is one of the oldest temples in the area and is a beautifully designed work of architecture.

Nandi Hills is a haven for cyclists, and the lofty altitude coupled with the amazing terrain and the spectacular landscape makes cycling at Nandi Hills a complete adventure in itself. Cycling amidst the lush greenery and past hairpin bends that open into jaw-dropping vistas, cycling tours in the Nandi Hills is a must-do activity for adventure lovers. Paragliding is also a very famous activity in Nandi Hills, and the experience of paragliding amidst the rolling valleys and the lush green hills is an experience that will get your adrenaline pumping.