Friday, April 16, 2021

#AtoZChallenge - Nandi Hills

(This month, each day, except the four Sundays, I will be blogging about interesting features associated with Bengaluru, formerly known as Bangalore, as part of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge)

This is not in Bengaluru. But I am including it in this series because Nandi Hills, a hill station around 65 km north of the city, is perhaps the most popular getaway for Bengalureans.

This was a fortress built by the rulers of the Ganga dynasty (350 - 550). It's spread over 90 acres and around 5,000 feet above sea level. It was developed during the reign of Tipu Sultan from 1782, and he used it as a summer retreat. The British stormed it in 1791 during the Third Anglo-Mysore War.

There is a botanical garden with some rare plant species. One can get a breathtaking view of the surroundings. It's a favourite of trekkers too. Many people come late in the evening, camp there, to see the sunrise the next morning.

Atop the hill is a spot called "Tipu Drop". One of the stories is that during Tipu's reign, any rebellion was quelled by pushing the rebels down the cliff. The uprising petered away as the rebels just disappeared. The place is barricaded now for safety.

The three photos here are from what I took during an outing way back in 2006.



Can't believe it's been so long since the last visit. 

(Tomorrow, sit down with me for a sweet dish)

22 comments:

  1. Oh, that is a gorgeous view. I can see camping there and enjoying the gardens.

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  2. Hari OM
    Seems to me it deserves another visit in celebration once we truly get through this crisis! It looks spectacular. YAM xx

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    1. Hi Yamini - Yes, you must. As and when we are able to travel.

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  3. Good post. Have visited and spent whole day. Bring back fond memories.

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  4. Wow. Gorgeous. I can see why it was/is a popular retreat!

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    1. Hi Red - It is a nice place. You must visit, whenever you can.

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  5. Hi Pradeep - how fascinating ... I've just been reading about this relative to the Great Trigonometrical Survey by George Everest (of Everest fame) ... a fascinating book about your continent and its mapping in the 1800s - via the book The Great Arc by John Keay ... I didn't understand a lot - but I've travelled through India!! It's been interesting ... so I recognised the Nandi Hills!! Cheers Hilary

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  6. Yes, it is a favourite spot of Bangalorians for a short get away. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. Sounds very nice! Beautiful gardens, and what a great view! A little scary to thing about the ones who where pushed down the cliff...
    Quilting Patchwork & Appliqué

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  8. Such serene and scenic views. Hard to believe this was in 2006, near Bangalore!

    Another place to visit when I'm in BLR next:)

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    1. Hi Arti - Yes, not surprisingly it's a popular spot.

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  9. Excellent. I have heard, as you pointed out, watching the sun rise is a popular tourist attraction there. Just FYI, there is a place called Nandi Hills in Kenya also.

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  10. Wow, what an incredible view. The sunrises must be amazing.

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  11. Tipu Drop sends a shiver down the spine.

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  12. That's a wonderful view from the top. Tipu drop! And to think the man is glorified. Duh. The botanical garden seems like a lovely place to visit. :)

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    1. Hi Srivalli - All kings would have done something like that to keep themselves in power!

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  13. Attractive picturesque beauty. Nice pictures.

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