Bengaluru’s favourite picnic spot: Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills is one of the famous hill fortresses, 60 kilometres from Bengaluru, Karnataka. Considered as an exciting place for newbie trekkers, we�visited it last week. Even though vehicles are allowed till the top, people generally prefer to climb, as there is a proper paved path. Visitors from cities such as Bengaluru�prefer to hang out there to observe the sunrise.

The ruins make one�wonder about the scientific and technological advances, from centuries before. The steps, the caves, and a 1,000-year-old�temple, where�the statues are just marvellous. The temple nearby is frequently renovated. Special observation and resting spots have been installed all around the place to give one�a complete holiday vibe.

The hills have a�history of more than 1,300 years. The hill got its name because of its resemblance to a sleeping bull. It is also said to have got its name because of the Nandidurga Fort built by Tipu Sultan. It played a very important role as it was considered impregnable during Tipu’s�first war against the British. It was the summer residence of the Sultan, and served as a punishment point for the criminals with a death sentence. �Tipu Drop� is a spot on the hill from where convicts were thrown into the valley. Even after centuries, this spot is considered as a�’suicide spot’.

Few years ago, it was open 24/7 but due to recent rise of suicides and criminal activities the admission has been restricted only to the daytime. Surveillance has been increased and officials take rounds to keep a check.

More ventures planned

The hills are currently under renovation, including the Tipu Fort, and it will no longer just be a hill station. The Department of Horticulture is setting up a one-crore food court in the area. A Rs 30-lakh music stage, located on a three-and-a-half-acre grove, will be used to conduct cultural programs. Furthermore, the department is developing 140 acres of land in the Nandi Hills region with the creation of a large-scale exotic botanical garden. A planetarium with an initial one-crore investment is also being constructed. More�ventures have been planned in the foothills.

Skandagiri is another popular hill station near Nandi Hills, but reportedly it has been closed since May 2016 due to a pending�murder case. Hope it reopens soon.