Description

Nandi Hills, or Nandidurg, is a hill fortress in the south Indian state of Karnataka. Tipu Sultan Fort, a summer retreat of the namesake 18th-century ruler, features stone carvings and wall paintings. Prisoners are said to have been thrown to their death from Tipu’s Drop, now known for its panoramic views. Local Hindu temples include the hilltop Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, guarded by a huge statue of a bull (nandi).

At the bottom of the hill, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple has ancient carvings, stone pillars and statues. Close to the source of the Arkavathi River, Amrita Sarovar (Lake of Nectar) is a stepped, straight-sided water tank that supplies the region. The area around Nandi Hills is known for its winding trails, with hiking and cycling routes, including a long flight of more than 1,000 steps. Paragliding is also a popular activity in the area. To the north, Muddenahalli village was the birthplace of the 19th- and 20th-century Indian engineer Sir M Visvesvaraya, and has a museum and memorial dedicated to him