Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills or Nandidurg Anglicised forms include Nandidrug and Nandydroog is an ancient hill fortress of southern India. There are many stories about the orgin 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. A temple of Yoga Nandeeshwara is situated on top of the hill. 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. Nandi Hills has been a favourite picnic place for young enthusiasts on a weekend.