Apart from gorgeous views, there are ancient temples, forts and even colonial houses to check out at Nandi Hills. The hike up to the peak itself (which is about 30 km from Bangalore) is about 10 kilometres. There are a few vantage points with rocks jutting out from where you can get a picture of the village below. Once up at the peak, we recommend a stop at the walkway that hangs over the hill. The hills are open from 6 AM to 10 PM. There's an entry fee of INR 5, and parking charges of INR 15 for two-wheelers, and INR 60 for four-wheelers.
At the top, there are ruins of Tipu’s fort as well as the exact point where it is rumoured that Tipu pushed his prisoners to their death from. Aptly named Tipu’s Drop, it'll give you the chills. For something less eerie, the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple and the Nandi Bull are worth a gander. The pond at the temple is also a great crowd puller, especially if you’re a photographer. Post that, walk over to the Nehru Nilaya and Gandhi House — two colonial bungalows which have had guests like Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Queen Elizabeth, and Dr CV Raman. Don't forget to make a stop at the canteen for dosa or grab an ice cream to go.
Adventure junkies, make a note. They sometimes organise paragliding from the peak, for that thrill of flying. You’re also welcome to take your rollerblades, skateboard or bicycle so you can whizz past the walkers to make it an exciting trip to Nandi.
