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Places to Visit in Nandi Hills

Those seeking Places to Visit in Nandi Hills with an added thrill of trekking should look no further than the Skandagiri hills. Also called Kalavara Durga, this is a hilltop fortress with amazing natural beauty and view. The hill is located approx 3 km from chikballapur , off NH7.

The peak is 1450 meters high and you have to trek through Kalavara village.Basically, the hill has ruins of a fort with 18th century origin. The ruins are in dilapidated condition now and same can be said about a temple located nearby. However, the trekking experience is absolutely enjoyable and it is best taken in winter months.

There are buses connecting Bengaluru with Chikballapur from which you can reach the base of the hills either by walking or after taking an auto. The place is ideal for the shutterbugs.

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Karnataka has some of the most impressive temples with royal heritage that leaves historians spellbound. The stunning Bhoga Nandeeswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is situated at base of the Nandi Hills. The temple is now under maintenance of ASI. The large temple complex houses 3 temples actually- Arunachaleshwara temple, Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple and Uma Maheshwara Temple.

The temple bears stamp of ancient Dravidian architecture and the artworks and sculptures inside leave the visitors mesmerized. The 9th century origin temple, reportedly built by Bana queen Ratnabali, went a number of modifications under subsequent 5 dynasties that ruled Karnataka. So, you can spot mix of different architectural styles in the temple.

 There is a statue of Chola monarch Rajendra in the temple complex. Even now, weddings are organized in the temple premises and Shivratri is the right time for visiting if you are religiously inclined.

Known as one of the mightiest warriors of southern India who fought valiantly against the British invaders to protect sovereignty of his motherland, Tipu Sultan has a special place in pages of history as well as heritage of Karnataka. The mighty ruler and freedom fighter built some edifices and forts in his regime which still stand and serve as major tourist draws.

The fort named Tashk-e-Jannat(Heaven’s Envy) is one of the top Tourist Places in Nandi Hills. The fort was made by Tipu’s father, Haider ali but Tipu completed the construction.Located on hilltop, the fort features five magnificent arches laden with minarets, showcasing ancient architectural style in its glory.

Even the walls and ceilings of this historic fort are engraved with amazing paintings and artwork. The Monarch used the fort as his summer residence. There are quite a few trekking trails around the citadel with amazing scenic surroundings.

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The concept of setting up twin temples for the same deity is quiet popular and prevalent in Karnataka and Nandi Hills bears testimony to this religious belief too. At the base of Nandi Hills, stands the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple and at top of the hills there is the counterpart- Yoga nandeeshwara Temple.

The hilltop temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva but it represents the later stage of the deity-the state of renunciation. The hilltop shiva temple has beautiful architecture and its origins can be traced to the days of the Chola dynasty. From the temple premises you get stunning view of the adjoining valley.

 Unlike its counterpart located at foothills, this temple is not used for wedding ceremonies or many festivities. The temple is located in a serene spot and scenic beauty makes it one of the popular top Tourist Places in Nandi Hills.

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The Nandi Hills region is known for its mountainous terrains and there are several caves in these mountains. The cave named Brahmashram is visited by the spiritually inclined visitors all over the year. The cave is sounded by lush greenery and the tranquil settings soothe your mind. In fact, it can be the best way to relax after you explore the other sightseeing at Nandi Hills which often remain crowded! The noteworthy fact about this cave is that eminent Sage Ramakrishna Paramhansa spent a few days here and meditated in his spiritual quest.

The place is calm and has a blissful setting. Of late, the cave has been revamped with masonry work though. The inside of this cave remains quite cool even in scorching summer days. The cave is surrounded by patches of greenery and a lot of trees.

There are some really amazing Places to Visit in Nandi Hills and one of these is amrita or amruth Sarobar. Also known as the Lake of nectar, Amriat sarobar is formed by a number of perennial springs. The serene and pretty water body serves as a prime source for water supply in this area.

It is an amazing experience to see the lake at night when the moonlight sparkles in the still water. It stays filled with water all over the year and the place is so serene and tranquil that you feel relaxed. The sides of the lake are carved in stone and the place is well maintained. A nearby attraction is chabootara where Tipu sultan used for praying.

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The areas around Nandi Hills are ideal for those who love savoring fine quality wine while enjoying amazing natural splendor and serenity. The 410 acre spanning vineyards is perfect for soothing your eyes and mind. The winery has been active over last 2 decades and produces some of the best wines in Karnataka and southern India.

They hand pick the grapes and use global standard equipments for storage as well as processing.There is a guided tour that introduces you with all nuances of wine making. You can also savor some of the popular wine variants made with French grapes and the tour is inclusive of lunch.

Additionally you can enjoy watching the exotic species of birds in the vineyard. The commonly seen avian species are Thrushes, Asian Paradise Flycatchers, Eagles and bulbuls etc. The time spent at the vineyard is totally worth it.

While visiting the Nandi Hills region, you may want to pay a visit to the Muddena Halli Museum, located in the village of Muddenahalli. It is only 7 kms from Chikballapur. This museum is noteworthy for exhibits covering images and writings of Sir. M. Vishveshwarayya.

He used to be a noted architect of former Mysore state. His ancestral house is also located nearby.  The museum was renovated in 2010 on his 150th birth anniversary. He was conferred Bharat Ratna award as well for his exemplary achievements. It is worth inclusion in your list of Places to Visit in Nandi Hills.

There are oodles of Places to Visit in Nandi Hills and not all of them are ruins of ancient forts and temples with heritage tags, as it is. You can also find a few buildings made in the British era that are maintained in a good manner. One of these bygone era edifices is Nehru Nilaya. The white Victorian architecture building has an impressive past and it used to be the summer retreat of former Commissioner of Mysore- Sir Mark Cubbon.

The sprawling bungalow with great landscaping was later converted by the Horticulture Department of India into guest house. It has become a tourist magnet over the years. Built in 1834, this building was used for hosting the 1986 Saarc summit. The luxury suites can be booked and there are cottages too. The Horticulture Department of Karnataka website can be used for booking it.

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Tipu's summer residence-The construction of the summer palace was initiated by Haidar Ali but his son and successor Tipu Sultan completed it. The work is made of wood and the stone base pillars are amazing to say the least. The summer palace is a nice specimen of Indo-Islamic architecture.

 After demise of Tipu Sultan in the 4th Anglo-Mysore War, the palace was seized by the British Administration. It has magnificent arches, ornamental frescoes.Exploring the palace may take a couple of hours and the interior is marked for intricate paintings. The palace also has great landscaping replete with flowering shrubs, sparkling fountains and lush green gardens.

A section of the fort in which the palace is located has been made a museum. Inside the palace, you can feel a sense of timelessness and serenity. The museum is small but has important historic items as exhibits including knight armors, weapons, coins, crowns. The Horticulture Department of Karnataka now maintains the historic edifice.

For all the adventure lovers, if you happen to visit the Nandi Hills on your vacay, then do not miss out on the Channapura Falls. The cascading waterfalls are nestled amidst the grace of nature and if you are visiting Channapura during the monsoon then the breathtaking beauty of the mighty waterfall will awe you.

The trekking trail to reach the falls is incredibly scenic and will offer you with the vistas of verdant valleys. Though the climb can be a bit difficult, the tranquil settings will surely bewitch every city dweller. On your way back, wait to watch the spectacular sunset. Gear up, pack the right trekking shoes and head towards a memorable excursion.