In the Chikkaballapur District of Karnataka there is an ancient hills known as Nandi Hills. The  Hills is also called by  the name Nandi Betta. The ancient Dravidian temple dedicated to the Nandi statue that is located here is responsible for the hills getting their so-called name. These Hills are nestled near the town of Nandi. The Hills are origin of the Arkavathy River. It is 10 Km from Chickballapur town. There are many stories about the origin of the name Nandi Hills. Nandi Hills was called Ananda Giri  which means Hill of Happiness, during the period of Chola. Under the rule of Tipu Sultan, the fort was built so nandi hills is also called Nandidurga. It is also perhaps called Nandi Hills because the hills resemble a sleeping bull. Lord Shiva and Parvati Temple adorns the hills. From the sea level Nandi hills are 4851 ft above. Hills are closed to Bangalore International Airport. From the national highway (NH-7) hills are located at the distance of 20 km. Nandidurga was traditionally held unimpregnable, and its storming by the army of Cornwallis on 19 October 1791 was one of the most notable incidents of the First War against Tipu Sultan of Mysore.

Places of Interest

• Amruth Sarovar : Beautiful water Lake
• Fort : It is on sprawling area of 90 acres and soldier can hide in this and shoot in all four direction in same time.
• Tippu Drop : Criminals were punished down from this point.
• Muddena Halli : Birthplace of sir M. Vishveswarayya prserved for public viewing.
• Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple : Temple is beautiful,intricate carvings.
• Horse Way : Horse doorway in the fort in north-eastern side.
• Brahmashrama : Place of spirtual minded.

Timings

From 6 :00 am to 10 :00 pm people can visit the Nandi Hills.

Climate

In summer the temperature is 25 - 28 centigrade

In  winter the temperature is 08 - 10 centigrade

How to Visit

By Air : Bangalore Airport is the nearest Airport.

By Rail : Bangalore Railway station is the nearest Station.

By Road : You can take Buses from Bangalore City.