Nandi Hills in Karnataka: 5 reasons this scenic getaway from Bengaluru is worth visiting

Some 60 km from Bengaluru lies a quick peaceful retreat which is blessed with immense natural beauty and it is known as Nandi Hills. This scenic hill station is set at an elevation of 1478 meters and is a favourite destination among trekkers, photographers, and spirituality seekers and history lovers.
But Nandi Hills is not just your regular hill station. Let’s have a look at five fascinating facts about this iconic destination. (Image: Canva)

Not many must be aware of the fact that Nandi Hill is the source of five major rivers in India, namely Arkavathi, Ponnaiyar, Palar, Papagni, and Penna. All these rivers start as springs and streams across the hill. One of the prominent lakes here is the Amrita Sarovar, also known as Lake of Nectar. Legend has it that Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiva, created the temple tank here with his horns, a fascinating story, right? (Image: Canva)

Nandi Hills is not only naturally blessed but has seen centuries of power struggles. The ancient hill fortress was built by the Ganga dynasty that became a strategic fortress under the Cholas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Empire later. In the 18th-century, it was ruled by Tipu Sultan, king of Mysore, who transformed the hilltop into a summer retreat. (Image: Canva)

There are two old temples here; Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple and Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple. These ancient temples are built in traditional Dravidian style and feature shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The concept of twin temples, one for worldly devotion and another for spiritual renunciation, is a rare sight. (Image: Istock)

Nandi Hills is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The place is home to over a 100 species of birds. If you are lucky, you can spot elusive shaheen falcon, Malabar whistling thrush, and warblers in the region. It’s a perfect spot for wildlife photographers as the hill is also home to reptiles, butterflies, and endemic plant species. (Image: Canva)

Nandi Hills is also one of the prime hubs for adventure lovers. The place is perfect for those who enjoy trekking, paragliding, and cycling. The Sunrise Viewpoint here offers a panorama of clouds and valleys, which look absolutely otherworldly! You can also visit Gandhi Bhavan, where Mahatma Gandhi once stayed. (Image: Canva)