Nehru Nilaya
Nehru Nilaya is a historic guesthouse located at the peak of Nandi Hills, famous for having hosted India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, during his visits to the region. Originally known as the Cubbon House, it was built over 200 years ago as a summer retreat for Sir Mark Cubbon, the Br itish Commissioner of Mysore. The bungalow is a magnificent example of colonial-era architecture, surrounded by sprawling gardens filled with century-old trees and exotic flowering plants. It is now managed by the Horticulture Department of Karnataka. Staying at Nehru Nilaya is a unique experience as it allows visitors to be already present at the hilltop before the main gates open to the public at 6 AM, providing an exclusive and peaceful view of the sunrise. The bungalow has several rooms and suites named after dignitaries who have stayed there. While the interior is basic and maintains an old-world charm, the real draw is the surrounding environment. The gardens of Nehru Nilaya are home to rare species of flora, including the Hypericum mysorense, a yellow-flowered bush rarely found elsewhere. The bungalow also played a historic role in 1986, hosting world leaders during the SAARC Summit. Today, it stands as a quiet witness to the passage of time, offering a sense of nostalgia and tranquility that is hard to find in modern hotels. Visitors can walk through the verandahs where Nehru once sat and looked over the valley. The property is strictly maintained, and while it isn't a luxury resort, its heritage value and prime location make it one of the most sought-after stay options in Karnataka. It is a perfect spot for those who appreciate history, quietude, and the simple elegance of a bygone era.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
Overnight StayPlace Type:
Heritage Stay & GuesthouseEntry Fees:
Entry to Grounds: Usually included in the Nandi Hills entry fee (Rs.20).
Staying Fee: Room rates vary from Rs.1,500 to Rs.4,000 depending on the suite type.
Booking: Must be done online via the Karnataka Horticul...Entry to Grounds: Usually included in the Nandi Hills entry fee (Rs.20).
Staying Fee: Room rates vary from Rs.1,500 to Rs.4,000 depending on the suite type.
Booking: Must be done online via the Karnataka Horticulture Department website.Timing:
Check-in: 3:00 PM;
Check-out: 1:00 PM for overnight guests.
Public View: The exteriors can be viewed from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Staying overnight is the onl...Check-in: 3:00 PM;
Check-out: 1:00 PM for overnight guests.
Public View: The exteriors can be viewed from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Staying overnight is the only way to truly experience the magic of this place.Special Events:
Independence Day Lighting: The bungalow is beautifully illuminated during national holidays.
Government Retreats: Occasionally hosts high-level government meetings, keeping its political legacy alive. ...Independence Day Lighting: The bungalow is beautifully illuminated during national holidays.
Government Retreats: Occasionally hosts high-level government meetings, keeping its political legacy alive.Best Photo Spots:
The Front Verandah: The long perspective of the arches and pillars makes for a grand colonial-style photo.
The Garden Bench: An old stone bench surrounded by flowers with the valley in the background.
The Main ...The Front Verandah: The long perspective of the arches and pillars makes for a grand colonial-style photo.
The Garden Bench: An old stone bench surrounded by flowers with the valley in the background.
The Main Entrance: The grand wooden doors of the Nilaya are an iconic photo subject.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Heritage Walk: Walk around the bungalow to admire its 200-year-old architectural details.
Sunrise Watching: Step out of your room at 5:30 AM to see the sun rise over the mist.
Gardening Study: Explore the extensive botanical collection managed by the Horticulture Department.
Reading & Writing: The quiet verandahs are perfect for authors and thinkers.
Bird Watching: The private gardens attract many endemic hill birds.
Photography: Take colonial-themed photos against the backdrop of the old bungalow.
Dining: Enjoy simple local meals at the adjacent dining hall.
Stargazing: At night, the private garden area offers a clear, unpollut...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Jawaharlal Nehru's Stay: Famous as the preferred holiday spot for India's first PM.
SAARC History: Hosted the 1986 SAARC summit, adding to its diplomatic significance.
British Heritage: Originally the home ...Jawaharlal Nehru's Stay: Famous as the preferred holiday spot for India's first PM.
SAARC History: Hosted the 1986 SAARC summit, adding to its diplomatic significance.
British Heritage: Originally the home of Sir Mark Cubbon, making it a key site for colonial history.
Sunrise Access: Known for being the only way to beat the morning traffic and see the sunrise in peace. -
Architecture:
British Colonial Style: Nehru Nilaya features classic colonial architecture with high ceilings, large wooden windows, and wide, sweeping verandahs designed for ventilation. The building uses thick granite walls and a red-tiled roof typical of hilltop bungalows.British Colonial Style: Nehru Nilaya features classic colonial architecture with high ceilings, large wooden windows, and wide, sweeping verandahs designed for ventilation. The building uses thick granite walls and a red-tiled roof typical of hilltop bungalows.
Dimensions: The main bungalow covers approximately 5,000 square feet, set within a 10-acre private garden enclosure. The verandah alone spans the entire front length of the building, offering unobstructed views of the gardens. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Kempegowda International Airport is 35 KMS away.
By Train: Nearest station is Chikkaballapur (21 KMS).
By Road: Drive to the very top of Nandi Hills; follow the signs for "Horticulture Guest House.... -
Near Tourist Places:
Tipu's Drop (0. 5 km), Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple (0. 3 km), Amrita Sarovar (0. 4 km), Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple (15 km), Muddenahalli (8 km), Skandagiri (15 km), Grover Zampa (20 km), Jakkalamadagu Dam (15 km), Srinivasa Sagara (22 km), Adiyogi Statue (15 km).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: Keep doors and windows closed to prevent monkeys from entering the rooms.
Packing: Bring your own towels and basic toiletries as the guesthouse provides minimal supplies.
Accommodation: Thi...
Reviews
Chikkaballapur Itineray And Cost:-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Karnataka Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Adiyogi Chikkaballapura
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Amruth Sarovara
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Avalabetta
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dandiganahalli Dam
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ghati Subramanya Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Grover Zampa Vineyards
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gudibande Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gummanayaka Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Jakkalamadagu Dam
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities