Nandi Hills

1. Story/History of Nandi Hills 

2. What is special about Nandi Hills 

3. Entry fee and timing 

4. Places near Nandi hills 

5. Location/how to reach 

STORY/HISTORY OF NANDI HILLS: 

Ganga Dynasty developed Nandi Hills in the 11th century. Tipu Sultan also used it as a summer retreat. Nandidurga was traditionally held impregnable, and its storming by the army of Cornwallis on 19 October 1791 was one of the most notable incidents of the first war against Tipu Sultan of Mysore. A description of the siege is given in Browne's History of Scotland and the records of the 71st Highlanders. 

It later became a retreat for British Raj officials during the hot season. Francis Cunningham built the summer residence here for Sir Mark Cubbon. The climate at the top of the hill made it of interest to horticulturists. Several species of plant were introduced into an experimental garden. Firminger's manual notes that several species of Anona were grown in this garden and also notes the peculiarity of Hypericum mysorense. 

Potato cultivation was introduced in the neighborhood of Bangalore by Colonel Cuppage and continued by the botanist Benjamin Heyne. Heyne brought seeds from St. Helena, which grew well enough to be supplied in Madras and preferred to those obtained from Bengal. In 1860, Hugh Cleghorn tried tea plants on Nandi Hills. There are many stories about the origin of the name Nandi Hills. Nandi Hills was called Anandagiri during the Chola period, meaning The Hill of Happiness. It is also perhaps called Nandi Hills because the hills resemble a sleeping bull. Another theory holds that the hill gets its name from an ancient 1300-year-old Dravidian-style temple and the Nandi (bull) statue situated on this hill. 

WHY IS NANDI HILLS FAMOUS FOR: 

Nandi Hills is a destination for hiking and trekking for beginners to intermediate level. Trails in the area include a staircase-based trekking path that starts near Sultanpet village. As of March 2022, visitors require prior District administration passes to visit Nandi Hills on weekends to manage parking and reduce overcrowding on the hill station. Only 1,000 two-wheelers and 300 light motor vehicles parking are allowed on the hill station. Passes can be purchased at the Ticket counter at the base of the hill station or through the KSTDC website. Earlier, the Nandi Hills trek was closed due to Covid restrictions. 

The vegetation of the hills is typical of high hills. Inside the fort at the summit, many large trees are planted with exotics, such as Eucalyptus, and the undergrowth consists of Coffea arabica and some native species. The forest acts as a substrate for cloud condensation; every morning, the trees are covered in water. This allows for many moist forest species of plants and animals. 

Check Out: One Day Trip From Bangalore | Trekking Near Bangalore | Two Day Trip From Bangalore

The hills are rich in birdlife, making them a popular location for birdwatchers and photographers. The evergreen forest patch on top of the hill is a favored wintering location for many migrant warblers, flycatchers, and thrushes. The forest patch is also home to a relict population of the Nilgiri woodpigeon. A breeding pair of shaheen falcon, the resident race of the peregrine falcon, is also often seen at the Nandi Hills. The Malabar whistling thrush, Uropeltid snakes, and pill millipedes, otherwise known only from the Western Ghats ranges, are also found here. The hill slopes are the home of the yellow-throated bulbul, a species endemic to the hills of peninsular India. 

ENTRY FEE AND TIMING: 

• Entry fee: free 

• Timing: 5:00 AM TO 5:00 PM 

NEARBY LOCATION/PLACES: 

1. Skandagiri: Skandagiri locks one of the most mesmerizing views of the sky and earth that meet at sunrise with clouds at an eye-level height, urging you not to leave. A night trek in Bangalore, Skandagiri is a must for adventure and nature lovers who can spend the night with a camp stay in front of an amazing bonfire. This 10km Skandagiri trek begins two hours before sunrise, where one has to climb up these hills by passing the wilderness until one reaches the absolute top. 

2. Microlight Flying at Jakkur: Ever wondered what Bangalore looks like from above? Redeem a chance to get an aerial view of the various places in Bangalore by taking a Microlight Flying ride at Jakkur. In just ten minutes, you will witness the marvel that this city has transformed into over the years. Flying at a height of 40,000 feet, you can experience the feel of fresh air from high above while riding with a professionally trained flight instructor. 

3. Chikballapur: Famous as the birthplace of the eminent engineer Sir Visvesvaravya, Chikballapur is one of the most scenic places to visit near Nandi Hills. Just 56 km away from Bangalore, it is surrounded by five picturesque hills: Nandhi, Chandra, Giri, Brama, and Skanda. 

4. Ghati Subramanya: One of the oldest holy places to visit near Nandi Hills, Ghati Subramanya Temple captivates the hearts of devotees with its classic architecture and religious significance. Its Dravidian-style architecture and beautiful wall carvings make it stand out from the rest of the temples near Bangalore. 

5. Anthargange: A beautiful hill nestled in the Kolar district of Karnataka, Anthargange is a part of the Shathashrunga ranges. The mountain hill is 1712 meters above sea level and forms an excellent spot for trekking, cave exploration, and rock climbing. The small caves and lush green plantations around the hills add to the irresistible charm of this touristy spot. Anthargange Hill is also home to the iconic Kashi Vishweshwara Temple, attracting many devotees yearly. 

6. Bannerghatta, Savandurga, Kurudumble, Shravanbelagole, etc,.. 

HOW TO REACH/LOCATION: 

The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, from where one can rent a bus, taxi, or private car. The nearest railway station is  Chikkaballapur, which is approximately 19 km away. After this, the roads connect well to the hill station. 

This place would be one of the romantic destinations for couples. And the best memorable destination with family, you can even join escape2explore. You will have a safe journey with us with transportation facilities, the best food availability, accommodation, and much more. You will get the best experience and beautiful memories with us. 

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