The hill resort got its name from `Nandi`, the holy bull of Hindu god `Shiva`. Rising to a height of 1,478 meters above the sea level, the Nandi Hill was acclaimed to be the summer resort of the famous king Tipu Sultan. Various rivers like Palar, Pennar, and Arkavati start off from here. Even today it has retained its popularity as a hilly resort for its tranquility and calmness.

The soothing climate of Nandi hills also attracts tourists from far off places. During summer days, temperature fluctuates between 25 to 28 C. Again in winter, temperature drops down to as low as 8 to 10 C. Every year Nandi Hills of Karnataka has shown a record rainfall of nearly 100 to 150 cms.

Places of Interest
Mesmerized by the beauty of the hill, every year many tourists from every part of the country visit the place. Some of the tourist locales of Nandi Hills of Karnataka are-

Amruth Sarovar:
This is also known, as the "Lake of nectar". This lake is the main source of lucid water throughout the year in this hill resort.


Tipu`s Summer Palace and Fort:
At the time of `Ganga period`, the Chikkaballapur chieftain constructed this beautiful fort. This summer place of Tipu Sultan was completed in 1971. Tipu brought about its renovation and also built a house where people can take rest. Tipu Sultan used to reside here during his stay in this palace.

Gavi Veerabhadra Swamy Temple:
It is enroute to the Sultanpet, from Tipu`s palace. It is thronged with large boulders and later it altered into a temple.

Fort:
Encircling a total area of nearly 90 acres it was used as a popular hide out of the soldiers. It rises approximately over 4851 feet above the mean sea level.

Horse Way:
Lying on the northeastern side of the fort, this doorway, which is made up of stone, is utilized for aiding the soldiers to climb on the back of a horse.

Palar River Origin: This is a landmark of Nandi Hills, Karnataka. On the east side of Nandi Hills, Palar River originates as a tiny spring.

Brahmashrama:
It is a locale noted for its serenity. It is a favourite destination for all the spiritual devotees. An ashram also has been constructed with the help of natural boulders.

Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple:
It is distinguished for its magnificient, intricate carvings. It also has a stunning `Kalyana Mantapa`.

Tipu Drop:
This 600 feet high cliff is another noteworthy locale. During Tipu Sultan`s domination, it was customary to throw down the criminals from this point.

Arkavathi River Origin:
It is the place where Arkavathi River springs up. It lies on the southwestern part of the hill.

Secret Passage:
Visit to this place is a must for the tourists. Lying on the west, this secret passage was utilized by the kings to make a narrow escape when they were attacked from outside.

Children`s Playground:
This beautiful playground is well maintained by the Horticulture department. It appeals more to the kids where they can get immense opportunities to play and enjoy. They can ride the slides, merry-go-round, swings etc.

Muddena Halli:
Being the place of birth of `Sir M Vishveswarayya`, this Muddena Halli is admired by the tourists. It is at 21 kilometers away from Nandi Hills.

The other important tourist places in Nandi Hills, Karnataka include Anjaneya temple, Nellikayi Basavanna, Antaragange, Baananthi Bande, Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple and many more. For example, visiting Yoganandishwara temple, which is located at the top of Nandi Hills and a beautiful temple of Cholas, namely Yoga Nandishvara Temple, is quite thrilling.

The other places, which are quite popular amongst the enthusiastic tourists are, Gandhi Nilaya and the Nehru House. In the near by region also, people find some places to go for sight seeing. Nandi is one such place. It is a wonderful village lying on the northwestern base of Nandi Hills. During the British era, it was used as a military station. The complex of Bhoga Nandishvara Temple is a landmark. Its artistry mesmerizes the tourists. Just at a stone throw distance from Nandi Hills, one can come across Muddenahalli, another tourist attraction.

How to reach Nandi Hills, Karnataka
By air
Bangalore airport is the nearest airport from Nandi Hills, lying at a distance of approximately 60 kms.

By rail
Chikkaballapur is the closest railway station from Nandi Hills. This station is almost 9 kms from Nandi Hills.

By Road
This hill station is also well linked with other places of Karnataka via roadways. From Bangalore, Nandi Hills is only 60 kms away. `Bangalore-Hyderabad National Highway` traverses this place. Government buses run from Bangalore, Chikkaballapur and Nandigrama. It takes 2 hours from Bangalore and 1hour from Chikkaballapur by bus.

Accommodation in Nandi Hills, Karnataka
Staying in Nandi Hills becomes memorable due to the hotels and resorts that have developed here. They provide all sorts of facilities to their boarders. Hotels are also wide ranging. It incudes budget hotels, guesthouses, forest bungalows and lodges.