Feb 25, 2004 01:52 PM
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(Updated Feb 28, 2004 01:21 PM)
60 kms north of Bangalore is the summer resort called Nandi Hills which is never mentioned anywhere on MS. Also known as Nandidurga, it was one of the summer retreats of Tipu Sultan. Nandi Hills was popular with the British too who built bungalows and laid out gardens here.
Today of course, it's a hot favourite among Bangaloreans who find this an ideal get-away for weekends. The 1478-m high Nandi Hills is the originating point of many rivers. And the forests surrounding the hills, abound with wild animals. Around the Nandi Hills are several smaller hills, which can be visited on foot.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Tipu's Drop: A 600 m high cliff face where according to legend, condemned prisoners were pushed to their death. On misty days when the wind wails in the trees, you can almost hear the blood-curdling screams of the prisoners as they met their gruesome end. But look down on a clear day and the view is inspiring. Yoga Nandishvara Temple: This beautiful Chola temple has an inscription of Sambhaji, Shivaji's son. The Dwarapalakas, the splendid metallic figures are not-to-be-missed.
EXCURSIONS
Nandi: Situated at the north-eastern base of Nandi Hills. This village was, for some time a British Military Station. The Bhoga Nandishvara Temple Complex here is architecturally, one of the most important Dravidian-style structures in the State.
Muddenahalli: The hometown of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the architect of modern Karnataka, Muddenahalli is just a few kilometres from Nandi Hills. The house of this genius is now a museum. Conducted Tours Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation organises one day conducted tours to Nandi Hills and Muddenahalli every day during the season (April - May).
TRAVEL INFORMATION HOW TO GET THERE :
Airport: The nearest airport is Bangalore.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Chikkaballapur. Road: Nandi Hills is connected by road to Bangalore and Chikkaballapur.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Mayura Pine Top Nandi Hills. Kolar District. Guest House of the Horticulture Department. PWD Accommodation.
