Introduction
Nandi Hills is a fantastic weekend getaway from Bangalore, enticing many people to plan a trip from Bangalore to Nandi Hills. The location, also known as Nandidurga, is breathtakingly beautiful, and watching the sunrise is an unforgettable experience. The altitude is approximately 1450 meters, so some trekking is required, but the experience is unquestionably worth the effort and time spent.
It’s also fantastic for bird-watching. The perfect relaxation recipe for your mind and body is to gaze out the window and enjoy the cool breeze. Thousands of visitors flock to the important historic ruins, which include temples and forts. While you can visit the site at any time, the best season is from October to May.
Things to do
While cycling and adventure sports such as paragliding are available, walking is the best way to enjoy the scenic beauty. Avoid public holidays and visit this amazing place near Bangalore on a weekday. The camping experience, nestled amidst the scenic hills of Nandi, allows you to enjoy a serene getaway overlooking the misty hills. This campsite, located in the foothills of the Nandi Hills, offers great comfort while surrounded by beautiful hill views and lush greenery.
How to get to Nandi Hills
The starting point is located at the foothills of the Nandi Hills, approximately 60 kilometres from Bangalore. Private vehicles can easily reach the location in 1 hour 40 minutes. The majority of visitors to Nandi Hills prefer bus transportation over other modes of transportation. The KSRTC operates direct buses from Bangalore to Nandi Hills.
Places to visit
Skandagiri
Skandagiri is a lovely hill near the Nandi Hills region and Chikkaballapura. It has evolved into Bengaluru’s very own paragliding destination. The hilltop is a haven for adventurers and campers alike. At the top, there is also a nice stone house structure. Skandagiri has a hill fort built by Tipu Sultan, though it has been ravaged by time and nature, making it one of the best places to visit within 100 kilometers of Bangalore. Trekking enthusiasts will enjoy the path to the top of the hill. There are well-marked pathways, and the view from the top is spectacular. At the peak, you can feel the clouds approaching!
Bhoga Nandeeswara Temple
While religious visitors flock to the ancient and majestic Bhoga Nandeeswara Temple, other types of tourists enjoy it as well. It was founded in the ninth century AD and is located 15 kilometers from the Nandi Hills (at their base). The Archaeological Society of India now owns the Bhoga Nandiswara Temple. Weddings are still held inside the main temple. It is a large temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, with amazing Dravidian architecture. It is also an excellent place for day trips in Bangalore. This temple complex contains three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva: Uma Maheshwara Temple, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, and Arunachaleshwara Temple.
Fort Tipu Sultan
The Devanahalli fort, a major historical attraction in Bangalore, is associated with Tipu Sultan, the most impressive monarch of Southern India who gave the British invaders sleepless nights. It is a destination within 200 kilometers of Bangalore and a must-see on your way from Bangalore to Nandi Hills. Several film sequences have been shot on it over the years. Climbing the semicircular bastions of this oval-shaped fort provides a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Tipu’s father, Hyder Ali, won the original mud fort built by a local chieftain in the early 1500s. By 1760, it had been renovated with stone and masonry.
Brahmashram
You may be exhausted after exploring the edifices, temples, and major sights around Nandi Hills. You can go to the Brahmashram cave to rest your mind and your tired body. It became famous after the eminent sage Ramakrishna Paramhamsa spent some days in this cave for meditation and spiritual quests. If you are on a one-day trip from Bangalore, you can stroll along to this destination. The cave, which is located adjacent to National Highway 7, is ideal for getting away from the hustle and bustle of tourists on the nearby road and temples. Other caves can be found in the hilly region. Stone and masonry have been used to renovate Brahmashram.
Zampa Vineyard by Grover
If you enjoy wine and want to spend some time in nature while traveling from Bangalore to Nandi Hills, the Grover Zampa Plantation is the place to go. The vineyard covers 410 acres and is located at the foot of the Nandi Hills. You can take a guided tour to learn about the intricacies of winemaking. Of course, you can enjoy the wine varieties produced by the company. The serene natural setting and gentle breeze will relax you, and you will see exotic avian species such as Asian Paradise Flycatchers, Puff-Throated Babblers, Blue Capped Rock Thrushes, and Tawny Eagles.
