Road trips India.. Nandi Hills . One bright Autumn morning

Most of our trips are either planned well in advance or impromptu. After losing Arvind's father, Arvind and I tried to recreate many of the wonderful trips we had with him. Nandi Hills was one such destination. When we traveled with him, he seemed aware of every overhanging rock, the number of hairpin bends on the road, the types of Mysore fig trees, and the ability to pose at Tipu's drop.

From the archives.. the year is unknown. 

Appa returns from the edge of Tipu's drop. 

We began early at 0545 hours and drove through the eucalyptus-lined roads, breathing the clean eucalyptus air. Catching a glimpse of Nandi Hills surrounded by misty clouds was breathtaking. The streets were quite good through a single carriageway, very picturesque and incredibly romantic in the early morning sun. We had hoped to catch the morning sunrise from the mountain. 

The charming morning views. 

 At Nandi Hills parking, we were delighted to discover no cars were allowed, and no plastic was allowed further up. Walking along the various well-marked paths and arches, we explored the beautifully designed parks inside the complex. The mist grew heavier, and before we knew it, the lush greenery, wet, misty clouds, and billowing winds completely embraced us. We were surprised to find many youngsters high on energy couples yearning for private space already atop! We might have been the only ones in our age group. 

Misty mornings like this 

 

Yoga Nandeeshwara temple is situated on top of the Nandi hill. To reach the temple, one has to climb a few steps on the mountain.  It was constructed by the ancient Chola kings and later taken over by the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The wall has designs and carvings, weathered by the wind and rain.  The ancient structure of the temple and its adjoining pond was a reminder of the olden age charm. The Gopuram is built in the Dravidian style. Special mention to the stone pillars that support the walls of the temple. There is a small pond attached to the temple premises. We were lucky to have the pond to ourselves for some picture ops. 

Yoga Nandeeswara Temple 

We walked the pristine paths, overjoyed at the foresight of those officials who had managed to maintain the sanctity of this place. Bengaluru has hope! It was a delightful morning.

Despite the greedy BBMP officials selling land to avaricious developers who scoop the trees by the acre to deposit concrete buildings without a thought of hygiene and waste disposal and the general aesthetic assault posed by Indian habits of setting up shop right on the highway, the drive was enjoyable so long as one looked up.

Nature proved mightier and enveloped us in splendor, and we lost ourselves! Could Appa have a hand?

Delightful morning