Nandi Hills – The Hill of Happiness

Bangalore is a city every Indian would love to settle just for the pleasant weather that prevails throughout the year. This is one reason for the IT companies of International repute setting their offices leaving behind all other metros. Just 45 kms away from this pleasant city one can loose his senses by the picturesque locations of Nandi Hills. The beauty is further enhanced due to the origin of Arkavathy river and a lake that holds water throughout the year.

While we enjoy the beauty of the location, it’s also important to know how the name Nandi is given to these hills. But it’s unfortunate we are not in a position to just settle with one theory. So here are the theories. Firstly and most aptly this range looks like a sleeping bull which is called Nandi in Sanskrit. Secondly, Tippu Sultan built a fort by name Nandi Durga in this place and people say the name came from there. Thirdly, during the chola period it was also called as Ananda Giri, meaning The Hill of Happiness. And there are two more, they are, A Nandi temple built in a Dravidian style some 1200 years ago and finally the presence of a Bhoga Nandeeswara temple which is stated to be belonging to the 9th century.

The height 4851 ft above sea level is the main reason for the comfort in these hills which now attract large number of resort builders and hence tourists particularly during summer.

Tippu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore exploited these hills to the maximum. While he had his summer palace, temple, horse way, secret escape routes, etc., the most interesting spot is Tippu’s drop which he used for dropping his prisoners to death.

Mahatma Gandhi during his visits to this part of the country used to stay in a house which is now named as Gandhi House. Similarly there is another building where Jawaharlal Nehru used to stay and that is named as Nehru Nilaya. These houses are now under horticulture department of India. Another importance attached to these hills is the meditation by Swamy Ramakrishna in a cave called Brahmashram. This place also was used by all Munis in olden days and it’s famous joint for youngsters.

And here are some photos to cool your eyes.

Time schedule of departure of buses from various locations to Nandi Hills.
Chikballapur – 7.15 AM | 3.15 PM
Doddaballapur – 4.30 PM
Bangalore (via Chikkaballapur)-7.30AM | 9.30AM | 4.00PM | 4.30PM
Bangalore (via Doddaballapur)-8.30 AM

Time schedule of departure of buses from Nandi Hills to various locations.
Chikballapur – 6.00 AM
Bangalore (via Devanahalli) – 12.30 PM
Chikballapur – 8.00 AM
Bangalore (via Chikkaballapur)-4.30 PM
Chikballapur – 10.30 AM
Bangalore (via Doddaballapur) – 5.30 PM
Doddaballapur – 11.00 AM
Bangalore (via Chikkaballapur) – 6.30 PM

Timing & Entry Fee
Entry Fee: Rs.5/-
Above 12 yrs: Rs.5/-
Children: Free

Vehicle Fee:
Car Parking: Rs.80/-
Two wheelers: Rs.15/-
Buses and Trucks: Rs.100/-

Entry for school children and the disabled is free.

Here are some Travel Tips:
• Collect the details and maps of the important places that you are likely to visit.
• Plan to visit the places along with a government approved guide.
• Beware of monkeys and dogs on the hills and avoid holding eatables in your hands.
• Be careful while choosing the food items at the hill station. Try to buy the food that is properly packed.
• In order to avoid stomach upsets, carry the bottled mineral water for drinking.
• Do not accept any package from a stranger.
• Sunrise and sunset points is a must visit spots at all hill stations.
• While shopping, it is always advisable to buy only exclusive items of that particular place since the cost of other items are too high in tourist spots.
• While purchasing any item, negotiate the prices to 50% and then buy. If not, it is safe to shop from the state government shops as the prices are fixed there and no one can cheat you.
• As there is a threat of wild animals in the hilly forest areas, it is better not to go out during the late night hours.

Related Stories

• Halebidu – A Beautiful Tourist Spot of Architectural Splendor
• Grape Garden at Bengaluru
• Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya Rare Photos & Belongings
• Amchi Mumbai – Fun at Juhu Beach
• The Trimurti Temple, Bangalore