Just 70 kms from Garden City College, Nandi Hills, is our very own Jclosed Hill Station for the Bangaloreans. 1,478 meters above sea level, it was Tipu Sultan's summer retreat and the fort walls still stand as testimony to history. The rivers Pennar, Palar and Arkavati originate from these hills. A flight of 1.175 steps lead from the base of the hills to the top. But before you decide to throw a stone at me for treating this is a just another Travelogue column, wait! Nandi Hills is not just about the place, but the pleasure of riding on to this hill top. Let me clear up a bit for you, if you are one of those, who haven't been to this splendid place, heard a lot about it, and rather prefer your two-wheels to the public transport or air conditioned car, welcome aboard. This article, is actually through a biker's point of view, not that I'm a dare devil stunt man, but I'm a sucker for long rides, especially the hills. But why Nandi Hills, you may ask. For one this place provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a long ride and then it is close enough for students to make the best possible use of their Sundays. Mind you it's more of a guide and I beg your Armchair Travelogue Rahul Devnath at Nandi Hills GCC World, October 2007 30 pardon if I sound like a record. So, let me come to business. Before You Start: The distance from the college to the hill top is exactly 69 kilometres, which may not sound much far for you, but considering the steep climb, all year rain, and minimal visibility, you should keep aside at least two hours for one way travel. Also, the climb is actually quiet steep, so make sure your vehicle has enough horse to support your endeavours, a 125 plus CC bike would have no problem at all with a pillion rider. First things first: Be sure to have your med kit, toolkit. Check your oil level, 140 kilometres, in single day, may stress your bike, although the cool ambient won't be much harsh on your engine. Be sure to double check your brakes, tyres, headlamps horn etc, not much of an option of repairing if you get a flat, nevertheless it's better to be on the safer side. The Journey: To really enjoy the scenic beauty, and ambient temperature, start early. Before 6 am, would be preferable, as you would be avoiding a lot of traffic, till you leave main city. From K.R Puram, you can take the Tumkur Ring Road, which will lead you to Hebbal. From Hebbal, take the road to right, via under the flyover to Yehlanka. You will join the NH 7, which is the Hyderabad highway. After Yelahanka, the road is very broad, with very least bit of traffic, a perfect place to enjoy the ride. There is no limit to your speed, but be sensible and drive carefully, because even on clear roads, you never know when a dog will pop up out of nowhere. This 4 lane highway, give you ample space to enjoy the nature, not bothering about the irritating traffic or signals. The next waypoint is Devannahalli, a village which will pass on to your right, take a break if you wish; chaiwalas and fruit retailers can be found here. Continuing on the same stretch of the Hyderabad high way, you will have the sight of Nandi Hills soon, on your left. Look for a left turn, with a BSF sign board. Be careful as you might miss this turn, and overshoot. Take the diversion from the main high way, rest of the way is hilly, full of fun and challenge. Remember you will not find any petrol pumps after this point, also an all round year drizzle keeps the road slippery, and don't exceed your adrenaline, on uphill. Once you the reach the hill top, you have to park your twowheelers outside the main gate, as only four wheelers are allowed inside. Strange! Take the tickets, and start walking to the main area, here you can have breath taking sight of Bangalore with a bird's eye view. If you are lucky enough to have a clear visibility, all is there is to watch and admire the nature's beauty. Have a coffee or tea; take a look at the famous Tipu Fall, the Temple. Also every kind of food is available here at a small restaurant, but be aware that most of the items are costlier, even a packet of chips. Return way: Make sure you leave the hills, by say 4'clock by far, so as to avoid the darkness. It's a good idea to avoid driving at night in the hills. It's advisable to keep the vehicle running and be in the same gear as in the uphill driving, while coming down. Don't honk much but be careful on curves. The route is more or less same, although be ready to witness the tremendous traffic burst as you enter the main city. A note on safety: Enough has been said on safety, it's in your hands. It would be sad for a lad, who wants to experience the pleasure of biking, to fall even at say 25 Km/h without a helmet and crack his skull on a kerb stone. So be sure to wear a helmet at all times. Drive sensibly and carefully, you are in no hurry, make it a pleasure journey. Best of luck! Rahul Devnath BA (Journo, Psy and Eng)