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Nandi Hills
Nandi hills is also referred to as Nandi durg that is one of the historic hill castle that belongs to the southern part of the country located in district of Chikkaballapur in state of Karnataka. The neighbouring cities that bound the Nandi hills are Nandi, Kanivenarayanapura and Muddenahalli. The river Arkavathy flows through the hills.
History of Nandi Hills
Many of the historical stories have been linked to the origin of Nandi hills. It was during the reign of Chola that these hills are referred to as Ananda Giri and the literature meaning of which is ‘Hill of Happiness’. It is believed that Yoga Nandeeshwara has been fortified at this place and hence the place got its name after this yoga guru. This hill is also referred to as Nandidurga since the fort that has been built on this hill was built by Tipu Sultan. The other reason for giving this hill the name Nandi is because of its shape that looks like a sleeping bull.
The other name of the hill is associated with the Nandi temple that was built over the hill that is as old as 1300 years. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple has been carved out of the rocks has two buildings where the first building has been adored with idol of three deities while the second building has giant and grand pond named Kalyani. The foundation of the temple was laid during ninth century by Banas. The roof of the temple was constructed during the eleventh century during the reign of Chola. The temple compound also has a marriage hall that came into existence during the thirteenth century and was built by Hoysalas and the second complex wall was constructed during the rule of King Vijayanagar. The art work of this temple has been study for many art and architecture students.
Biodiversity
The vegetation of this place is majorly similar to any of the other high hills. The huge tree plantation on this hill comprises of Eucalyptus whereas the short plants majorly comprises of Coffee Arabica. It is also considered paradise for those who have love for the birds since different species of birds flock here. The migrating birds come to this place during the winter season. This hill is the home for the Nilgiri Woodpigeon while slopes of hill houses Yellow Throated Bulbul.
Attraction for Tourists
During the current times, these hills have been a point of attraction for the tourists especially during the summer season. A garden that is maintained by the horticulture department of the state is another point of attraction.
- Tipu’s Drop: This place is famous for the reason that Tipu Sultan used to throw his convicted prisoners here.
- Tipu’s summer palace: The fort came into existence during the Ganga period and was constructed by the Chikkaballpur and later, Tipu Sultan occupied and modified this fort and also constructed a rest house at this place. This fort has been used as the summer house by Tipu Sultan which during the current times is used for the visit by tourists.
- Horse Way: There is wall located on the north eastern end of the fort that is believed to be used by the soldiers to hike on the horse back.
- Secret Escape Route: The escape route located on the western end of the fort has been used by the king to move out safely during the unanticipated attack.
- Temples: The temples that are located in the nearby vicinity are those dedicated to Sri Bhoga Narasimha, Sri Yoga Narasimha and Sri Ugra Narasimha.
- Rivers: The names of the rivers that flow through these hills are Arkavati, Palar and Pennar though during the current times the rivers have dried up. The only lake that still exists in the vicinity is the Amruth Sarovar.
- Paragliding: During the current times, there are numerous paragliding activities that take place on the Nandi Hill.
- Cycling/Biking: This hill has been considered as the bliss for those have flavour for cycle hiking. The altitude of the route for cycle hiking is approximately 400 metres and the distance is around 7 km. During the weekends, many people from nearby places come to spent there weekends here.
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