Nandi Hills, Bangalore, India

Nandi Hills (also called Nandi Durg or Bull Fort/Hill) is situated around 60km from Bangalore City and is well connected by broad road. Gov bus also runs up to the top from Bangalore. This lies in Chikballapur District of Karnataka and located in close proximity to Bangalore International Airport. The road is smooth and away from the Bangalore hectic traffics.

Just after around more then 20km from NH-7 (after Devanahalli Town), left diversion on this road identifies the start of the hill which is around 15km from here to to top of the hill. This hill road is wide enough for two buses to cross each other but believe me it requires great skills as visually you can't say its that wide enough. Its prudent to stop for few minutes and enjoy the hill view and have some best photo shoots.

After 2 hours of the drive from Bangalore here finally we reached the entrance gate shown above. The entrance gate is not that big and secured as other forts are used to have (i haven't seen even the doors, so curious how it was secured?).Tickets per individual is Rs 5. An interesting thing is, two wheelers are not allowed beyond this point whereas four wheelers are (except Buses).

Tipu's Lodge

Just on the left side of the gate (after entering) is "Tipus Lodge" (shown on right side pic), a two story small building where Tipu Sultan is said to stay whenever he comes. This lodge has been declared as "archaeological site" and with that it doesn't look like its been given that importance. The building is not big as you can see it and is not open for public.

Shiv Parvathi Temple

We continued to walk up along the right side of the entrance gate, few meters away is the Shiva and Parvathi temple. Temple is not big but it has still maintained its charm and prayers is still being offered, Shiva and Parvathi idol has been put in seperate room and both have Pujaris (Priest) appointed. Photo shoots are not allowed so we just offered our prayes and moved on.

Just a few walks away this temple towards a sharp slop is a spot called "Tipu's Drop" from where Tinpu Sultan is used to throw his prisoners who were sentenced to death. Side to this temple is a small restaurant, we stopped by and had a nice tea.

Nillakai Bassavana

Now passed this restaurant crossing the the garden is another end of this fort, where on the downside is a "Nillakai Bassavana" temple, its a Nandi temple whose Nandi Idol measures 10 feet long and 6 feet in height, side to this is "Brahmashrama" cave where it's being said that Sage Ramakrishna Paramhamsa meditated here once upon a time.

Inside this hill, has a few lodges best for couples to spend happy times, its a peaceful environment and cool climate. People come here as early as 4 AM to watch sun rise (near Tipu's Drop) spot.
All together a must see place, Its more like an open park types then a conventional fort.