Nandi Hills of Bangalore

Is the Friday-evening fatigue weighing you down? Planning to hit the highway this weekend ? Your road to Nirvana could just be a short drive away! Touted as Bangalore’s own hill station, Nandi Hills is a mere 65-km drive from the city. Far from the madding crowd, and enveloped in absolute tranquillity, this summer retreat of Tipu Sultan is sure to delight the city dweller’s heart.

The drive to the place isn’t too bad either, but plan an early run to avoid heavy traffic. As you hit the Bangalore-Hyderabad highway, and the early morning cooking smells waft in, stop by for a quick bite in one of the many roadside eateries that dot the road.

Drive through the hinterland, watch the sun play footsie with your windscreen and very soon you are greeted by the silhouette of the awesome cliff called Tipu’s drop, the place from where outlaws were apparently hurled down to death during Tipu's reign.

Three centuries hence, the place serves as a good retreat for the tired souls and allows you the luxury of rooms with amazing views and an eatery that takes care of your hunger pangs. The place also commands magnificent views of the sunset and you can soak in the evening colours lounging with a glass of chilled beer .

For the believers there is the Yoganandishwara Temple, and unlike in the city, here you can listen to the sounds of the wicks crackling and experience an eerie calm as complete silence engulfs you.

For the adventurous, this place provides a wonderful opportunity to go trekking and rock climbing . There are also plans of setting up a sky diving centre. And as you hit back the highway once again, stop by at one of the roadside eateries to take in the sights and sounds of the night. Sprawl on the cots, take a nap and enjoy a hot meal.

A real oasis for the thirsty and tired traveller.