Whenever it comes to visiting places for a vacation in India, one can think of nothing but the snow-clad mountains, the Thar Desert or the sea-side beaches! While the snowy aura and beaches have their own perks and offer a thrilling experience, they also have become cliched. Also they are highly crowded, owing to their high popularity among the tourists.
Let’s take you to a wonderful and exquisite place, free from the chilly winds of the Himalayas, free from the sea-sickness of the oceans or the scorching heat of the deserts. Let’s unveil the quintessential beauty of the Nandi Hills, a place which itself is set in the heaven.
Location
The Nandi Hills or the Nandi Betta is an ancient hill fortress, located at a height of 1,478 metres above the sea level are crowned in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka. They are about 60 km from the capital city, Bangalore.
Interesting legends behind the name
Ages ago, the Nandi Hills were called Ananda Giri or ‘the Hill of Happiness’.
It is believed that Yoga Nandeeshwara performed penance here, so the hill was named after him.
Another legend talks about the shape of the hill, which resembles the sleeping Nandi (bull).
Also, there is the Nandi Temple situated on the hill, which is built in 1300 years old Dravidian style.
A treat to satiate the senses of Nature lovers
Basked in the snow-white clouds, the Nandi Hills are famous for their lush green slopes. The top of the hill seems to bulge out from the foaming milk, like clouds. Visit these hills and you will be astounded by their pristine beauty and get to experience nature at its best. The Amrit Sarovar Lake adorned in the hills provide icing on the cake. It makes the place perfect for photography. Popular among the couples, families and even friends, the Nandi Hills are an excellent place to soak yourself in the serenity of nature.
Also, these hills are the source of origin of sacred rivers like Palar, Amravati and Pennar, which further mingle in the river Cauvery.
What else could one need when there are already all spheres of nature morphed together, from mountains, winds and sunshine to clouds, rivers and forests. Yes, forests! The Nandi Hills are blanketed with a thick forest cover, which is the abode of a vast variety of flora and fauna, including the Shaheen Falcon, Yellow-necked Bulbuls, Pill millipedes, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Uropeltidae snakes and many more.
Other Tourists Spots
Some other places to visit in Nandi Hills, which are bound to seek your attention, once you reach there include the Tipu’s Drop, a popular place where the revered king, Tipu Sultan performed his punishments of the wrongdoers, Tipu’s Summer Palace and Fort, which used to be a summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, the Nandi Temple and the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple.
Tourists Activities
Mankind has sure got wings to fly, thanks to the peppy and the vivacious paragliding. All the fun-lovers and adventure-seekers can enjoy their hearts out with paragliding in the Nandi Hills. This is a major tourists charisma of this place.
One can even go trekking at the trails which lead to the fort, with the beautiful scenic beauty of the hills in the backdrop.
So, pack your bags and get ready for the peppy trip to the Nandi Hills.
About The Author:
Dimpy Roy is a travel writer working with an Online Travel Guide. She helps travel lovers to find the best Bangalore to Patna flight for their wonderful journey.
Dimpy Roy is a travel writer working with an Online Travel Guide. She helps travel lovers to find the best Bangalore to Patna flight for their wonderful journey.
