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Nandi Hills or Nandidurg (Anglicised forms include Nandidrug and Nandydroog) is an ancient hill fortress of southern India, in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka state. It is located just 10 km from Chickballapur town and approximately 60 km from the city of Bangalore. The hills are nestled between the neighboring towns of Nandi, Muddenahalli, and Kanivenarayanapura. These are the sites of the upcoming $22 Billion, 12,000-acre (49 km2) BIAL IT Investment Region, Sri Sathya Sai Baba Universities, the Indian Institute of Technology Muddenahalli, and the Visvesvaraya Institute of Advanced Technology. The hills are traditionally held as the origin of the Arkavathy river.

Etymology and Historical Temple

There are many stories about the origin of the name Nandi Hills. During the Chola period, Nandi Hills was called Ananda Giri meaning The Hill of Happiness. Another story is that Yoga Nandeeshwara performed penance here, and so it was named after him. Nandi is also commonly called Nandidurga (Fort) because of the fort build here by the ruler Tippu Sultan. It is also perhaps called Nandi Hills because the hill resembles a sleeping bull (Nandi).

Another theory holds that that the hill gets its name from an ancient, 1200 year old Dravidian style Nandi temple situated on this hill. An ancient, lord Shiva and Parvati temple also adorns this hill. The Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple in Nandi village is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka dating back to the ninth century. The temple hewn out of rock consists of two complexes. While the first complex houses three deities, the second complex consists of a huge and majestic kalyani pond. The foundation of the temple was constructed by the Banas of ninth century. The Chola rulers of the 11th century constructed the roof of the temple. The marriage hall was built by the Hoysalas in the thirteenth century and a wall of the second complex was built by the Vijayanagar kings. Beautiful stone carvings are a popular tourist site and are a source of inspiration students of art and architecture.

Geography

It is 4,851 ft (1,479 m) above sea level. It is located close to the newly constructed Bangalore International Airport, the second largest in India. In addition, the hills are located about 20 km from the National Highway (NH-7) just after Devanahalli Town. Due to its location, Nandi Hills is rapidly developing and numerous commercial and residential ventures are underway in the region.

The Bangalore amateur ham radio operators have a repeater set up on the Nandi Hills which increases the reach or transmission and reception (Repeater 145.700 (Rx) minus 600 (Tx) with callsign VU2RSB).

History

Nandidurg 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. A description of the siege is given in Browne's History of Scotland and the records of the 71st Highlanders.

Nundydroog, a celebrated fortress and country of Hindostan, in the province of Mysore. The former is built on the summit of a rock, about 1700 feet high, three-fourths of its circumference being inaccessible. Our forces took it by storm in 1791, after a three weeks' siege. It stands in long. 77° 53' E.,and lat. 13° 22' N.

It later became a retreat for British Raj officials during the hot season. Francis Cunningham built the summer residence here for Sir Mark Cubbon.

The climate at the top of the hill made it particularly of interest to horticulturists. Several species of plant were introduced into an experimental garden. Firminger's manual notes that several species of Anona were grown at this garden and also notes the peculiarity of Hypericum mysorense:

The botanist Benjamin Heynes introduced potatoes for the first time in the neighbourhood of Bangalore near Nandi Hills through a Colonel Cuppage. He brought seeds from St. Helena and these grew well enough that they were supplied in Madras and preferred to those obtained from Bengal.

Development

Nandi Hills are currently undergoing a multi-crore development, including a one crore renovation of the Tipu Fort, via private-public partnership to transform the hills into a tourist hub. The Department of Horticulture is setting up a food court modeled after one in Singapore at a cost of nearly one crore at the hill station. Various varieties of vegetarian and continental food, beverages, bakery products, ice-creams and fresh fruit juices will be available. A 30 lakh music stage located on a three-and-a-half acre grove, which has hundreds of eucalyptus trees and rain trees, will conduct cultural programmes. Furthermore, the Horticulture department is developing 140 acres (0.57 km2) of pristine land in the Nandi Hills region with the creation of a large scale exotic botanical gardens. A state of the art Planetarium with an initial one crore investment is also being constructed. A Gondola Lift system will connect the peak of the Nandi Hill with the nearby Muddenahalli.

Real estate in the Nandi Hills region is rapidly appreciating due to its location - it is close to the new Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli, the textile capital at Doddaballapur, as well as the Muddenahalli-Kanivenarayanapura region. Further, with the upcoming IIT Muddenahalli, Sri VS University, and Sri Sathya Sai Baba University, the area is set to become an important educational hub.

Prestige Golfshire is a 1000 crore luxury real estate project over a sprawling 300-acre (1.2 km2) site at the base of Nandi Hills and features a PGA quality golf course and 5-star hotel. QVC Reality has received 100 million dollars of seed money from IL&FS Investment to build luxury mansions as part of the QVC Nandi Hills project.

Biodiversity

The vegetation of the hills is typical of high hills. Inside the fort at the summit, many of the large trees are planted exotics such as Eucalyptus and the undergrowth consists of Coffea arabica along with some native species. The forest acts as a substrate for cloud condensation and every morning the trees are covered in water. This allows for many moist forest species of plants and animals. The hills are very rich in birdlife making it a very popular location for birdwatchers and bird photographers. The evergreen forest patch on top of the hill being a favoured wintering location for many migrant species of warblers, flycatchers and thrushes. The forest patch is also home for a relict population of the Nilgiri Woodpigeon. A breeding pair of Shaheen Falcon, the resident race of the Peregrine Falcon is also often seen at the Nandi Hills. The Malabar Whistling Thrush, Uropeltid snakes and Pill millipedes which are otherwise known only from the Western Ghats ranges are also found here. The hill slopes are the home of the Yellow-throated Bulbul, a species endemic to the hills of peninsular India.

Tourism

The hills are now a popular tourist spot during summer. The state horticulture department maintains a garden for the tourists. The pressure of tourists on the environment here is great with a considerable problem of litter, noise and physical disturbance. Skanda giri is a nearby tourist place.

  1. Tipu's Drop - the famous place from where Tippu Sultan threw his condemned prisoners to death
  2. Tipu's Summer Palace and Fort - During the Ganga period, the Chikkaballapur chieftains built a fort. Tippu strengthened it further and also build a rest house. This used to be Tippus summer bungalow. It is not open to the general public.
  3. Horse Way - A stone doorway in the fort on the North-eastern side, is believed to have been the horse way for helping soldiers to climb the wall on horse back.
  4. Secret Escape Route - A secret passage on the west, is believed to have helped the Kings to escape during unforeseen attacks.
  5. Temples - there are temples dedicated to Sri Bhoga Narasimha, Sri Ugra Narasimha and Sri Yoga Narasimha and you can see beautiful old temples.
  6. Gavi Veerbhadra Swamy temple: on top of the hill, on the way to the Sultanpet, from Tippus palace, natural formation of huge boulders has been transformed into a magnificent temple.
  7. Children's Playground - The Horticulture department maintains a lovely garden for children to play games like the slides, merry-go-round, swings etc.
  8. Nehru Nilaya - where Jawaharlal Nehru used to stay, now a guest house of the horticulture department of India.
  9. Gandhi House, where the Mahatma himself stayed, is under the management of DPAR (Protocol) Government of Karnataka and is reserved for the stay of important dignitaries.
  10. The Horticulture Department runs a vegetarian restaurant and the Karnataka Tourism Department runs a vegetarian / non-vegetarian restaurant "MAYURA".
  11. Rivers - the rivers Pennar, Palar and Arkavati originate from these hills. Most of the sources have dried up. Amruth Sarovar is a beautiful water lake that brims with lucid water all the year round.
  12. Brahmashram - it is said that Sage Ramakrishna meditated here. Its a cool cave. All Munis in the Ashram used to sit and Smoke Up together on the top of the hill beforing starting off their day and this tradition is followed by today's youngsters.
  13. Muddenahalli-Kanivenarayanapura - the home town of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the legendary architect of modern Karnataka. Along with Kanivenarayanapura, it is the site of the upcoming Sri Sathya Sai Baba University and College of Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology Muddenahalli, 600 crore Visvesvaraya Institute of Advanced Technology, and a 70 crore "Silk City".
  14. Paragliding - Nandi Hills is one of the unique place in Karnataka which offers paragliding activity, for more details you can contact Special Officer, Nandi Hills: Sri Mahantesh. Murgod Tele: 08156-250901

Apart from these, there are other interesting places like Anjaneya temple, Nellikayi Basavanna, Antaragange, Baananthi Bande, Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple etc.

Source of rivers

Nandi Hills is the source of the Penner, Ponnaiyar, Palar and Arkavathy rivers.


Photo Gallery:

Nandi Hills Fort Entrance



Nandi (Nellikai Basavanna) at the hills



Source of Palar at Nandi Hills

Source of Arkavathy River

Top of Nandi Hills

Courtesy: Wikipedia



Chikballapur district is a newly created district in the state of Karnataka, India. It was carved out of the existing Kolar district by moving the taluks of Gauribidanur, Gudibanda, Bagepalli, Chikballapur, Sidlaghatta and Chintamani into the new district.

Chikballapur is the District Headquarters of the newly created (2007 August) District of Chikballapur. The town is approximately 50 km (31 mi) north of Bangalore, the silicon plateau of India. The north-south National Highway NH 7 goes through the town. The town contains a bus headquarters, train station, and is the origin of several national Highways. As a result, it is a key transport link in North Bangalore. The town is within 3 km (1.9 mi) of Muddenahalli (the birthplace of eminent engineer and statesman Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya) and its nearby town, Kanivenarayanapura, the sites of the upcoming Sri Sathya Sai Baba University and College of Medicine, IIT Muddenhalli, 600 crore Visvesvaraya Institute of Advanced Technology, the 3500 crore Olympic Quality "Sports Village", 200-acre (0.81 km2) Special Economic Zone comprising commercial and residential zones, and a 70 crore "Silk City". As a result of this rapid development, land prices in this area are at an all time high, hovering well over 2 crores per acre.


The name

In the regional language, Kannada, the city is pronounced Chikkaballapura. "Chikka" in Kannada means "small", while "balla" means the measure to quantify food grains, and "pura" means "town". Thus, its a place where people used to use small measures to quantify the food grains in ancient times. The place has always been known as an agricultural center for the region.

History

The ruler of Avathi Mallabiregowda's daughter Marigowda was hunting one day in Kodimanchanahalli forest. A rabbit stood in front of the fierce hunting dogs without fear. Seeing this, ruler was elated and told his son that the strength of the rabbit is due to the valor of the region's citizenry. As such the ruler took permission from King of Vijaynagar and built an elaborate fort and formed a city which is now known as Chikballapur. Baichegowda, King of Mysore later attacked the fort but had to withdraw due to the valiant efforts of the Chikballapur citizenry and aid from the Marathas. Sri Dodda Byregowda who came to power after Baichegowda acquired the land, which was taken by Mysore king. In 1762 during the ruling of Chikkappanayaka, Hyder Ali captured the town for a period of 3 months. Then Chikkappanayaka agreed to pay 5-lakhs pagodas, and then the army was taken back.

After this, Chikkappa Nayaka with the help of Murariraya of Guthy tried to restore his powers. He was hiding at Nandi Hills along with Chikkappa Nayaka. Immediately, Hyder Ali acquired Chickballapur and other places and arrested Chikkappa Nayaka. Then with interfere of Lord Corn Wallis, Chikballapur was handed over to Narayanagowda. After knowing this, Tippu Sultan again acquired Chikballapur. In 1791 British occupied Nandi & left Narayanagowda to rule the town. Due to this trechery, a fight broke out between the Britishers and Tippu Sultan. Narayanagowda lost his administration. Later, the British defeated Tippu in a bitter battle which led to tremendous loss of life on both sides. The citizens of Chikballapur, however, refused to be subjugated and maintained their warrior pride. Chikballapur later came under the administration of Wodeyars of Mysore, who later merged with the present state of Karnataka.


Geography and Transportation

The town of Chickballapur is approximately 56 km north of Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), the silicon plateau of India. Chikballapur has a high elevation located in the center of the Nandi Hills region. "Panchagiri" is a common descriptor of Chikballapur as it is surrounded by 5 picturesque hills among which Nandi Hills is the famous one (The five hills are known as Nandi Giri, Chandra Giri, Skandagiri, Brahma Giri, and Hema Giri). The Kalavara Halli hill Kalavaara betta, is becoming famous because of the trecking involved to reach the top of the hill. The north-south Six-lane National Highway NH-7 as well as the East-West State Highway 58 goes through the city. The city is also a transportation hub comprising a new major bus terminus and train station headquarters. It is well connected to important towns by the state run buses as well as private taxis and autos. The nearest airport is at Bengaluru International Airport at a distance of 20 kilometers.

Places to visit

Nandi Hills is situated nearby and within the jurisdiction of Chickballapur taluk. The nearby region of Muddenahalli-Kanivenarayanapura is the birthplace of legendary engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya). Many historic temples are situated in and near Chikballapur. There are several reputed educational institutions situated in the region. SJCIT is a famous engineering institute established in 1986 and imparts degree and graduate education. Sri Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba's school, university, and hospital are about 3 km from Chickballapur. Chickballpur has a small, pristine lake called Kandavara Lake.


Courtesy: Wikipedia



Kanva reservoir is an artificial lake and tourist attraction 69 kilometres (43 mi) from Bangalore, India and 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Ramanagara. The reservoir has been formed from the damming of the river Kanva and is well known as a tourist destination for its birdlife. It is surrounded by wooded hills.

Alongside the dam is a fisheries training and research center, aimed at making the local villagers self sufficient through fish farming. The cave temple of Purushotthama Thirtha Gavi is 3 km away. It is an important pilgrimage center for Madhwa Brahmins, as it is believed that a saint performed penance here. A statue of Hanuman has been installed inside the cave.

Kanva Dam

Kanva Dam is a minor irrigation project dam. Built in 1946 across the Kanva river, it is 15 km long covering 776 hectares. The Kanva river (a tributary of the Shimsha and Cauvery river) is named after the sage Kanva, who is believed to have lived in the caves in the mountains and forests around the dam in the time of Ramayana.

Photo Gallery:







Courtesy: Wikipedia



Shri Nage Gowda is the Founder of 'Janapada Loka', which is one of the wonders in the 20th century history of Karnataka. Janapada Loka established near Ramanagara on Bangalore-Mysore highway, on a sprawling 15 acres of land full of greenery, is the fruit of his hard work dedication and organizing ability and was inaugurated on 12th March 1994. It has grown into a very significant folk cultural centre in the country and is a hub of Folk cultural activities.

The imposing main entrance is the chief attraction of Janapada Loka. A majestic door adorned with Harige and Trumpets and tall brass Nandidwajas on either side of the pathway enhance the grandeur of the entrance. The design of the door is a perfect blend of the Shaiva and Vaishnava cult. The information Center sells cassettes, CDs, DVDs and books related to folk art forms and literature and a video show of documentaries and other folk art forms are screened in the Video Scope theatre in Janapada Loka. A big grinding stone, which used to be pulled by two bisons, is a fitting icon of Janapadaloka. "Lokamatha Mandira"is a museum displaying articles of daily use of folk people like cooking vessels, equipments used for farming and animal husbandry and other such rural activities. "Chithra Kuteera" which reflects different stages of the founder's literary achievements and struggle during the building of Janapada Loka and also houses photographs of different folk art forms of Karnataka. "Loka Mahal" is a two-storied building where more than 5000 folk artefacts are aesthetically displayed.

A community house called “Doddamane" built in the traditional rural style with a central courtyard surrounded by pillars serves as a place for workshops and seminars and also provides lodging facility to visiting artists. "Shilpamaala", a place for stone memorials, tell their own story. Aayagaarara Maala, Lokapriya MahaGanapathi temple where Lord Ganesha is ever ready to bless the visitors, a colossal open-air theatre in the Greek style with a capacity to seat 1000 people, boating facility and playground for children are the attractions at Janapada loka.

Artists who have great skill in handicrafts like pottery and wooden toys stay here and are engaged in making artefacts. After imparting training in Dollu kunitha, Kolata, Goravara kunitha and other allied arts, in-house performing troupes of Janapada loka are formed. Bangalore University has recognized Janapada loka as a research centre. This Janapada University started in 1999 conducts Janapada Diploma and Janapada Certificate courses. Folk related development camp, folk research workshop, and seminars are held regularly in the campus. A fully equipped library has been established. Annual Festivals like Lokothsava in February - March, Kite Festival in July, Dassera Festival in October are celebrated without fail which attracts visitors from far and wide. In essence, Janapada loka is a treasure house of Folk museums and folk related activities and attract scholars, interested persons, and researchers. Janapada loka emerging as one of the best Folk cultural centers of the world is bubbling with activities throughout the year.

Photo Gallery:

Courtesy: www.janapadaloka.org