Living in Bengaluru, it feels almost ironic to admit that I still haven’t visited one of the most famous nearby attractions – Nandi Hills. It’s one of those places everyone talks about, recommends, and posts photos from, yet I somehow kept postponing it.
Nandi Hills is well known for its stunning sunrise views, cool and pleasant weather, and lush greenery that offers a refreshing break from city life. There is also a 1,000-year-old temple, the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, which adds historical and spiritual depth to the place. Many people visit Nandi Hills not just for sightseeing, but for picnic-style relaxation, quiet walks, cycling, and simply to breathe cleaner air for a few hours.
What makes this more amusing is that I’ve lived in Bangalore since I was born, yet I never made time to visit this iconic spot 😂. It’s a strange habit we all seem to have chasing faraway destinations while ignoring what’s right next to us. This year, however, I’ve decided to finally change that and experience Nandi Hills for myself instead of just hearing stories about it.
Another place that has been on my list for years is Horsley Hills, located near my father’s hometown. Unlike Nandi Hills, which is often bustling and energetic, Horsley Hills is known for its calm and breezy atmosphere. It’s a small, quiet hill station with clean air, beautiful scenery, dense trees, and a slower pace of life that feels grounding.
Horsley Hills is ideal for nature walks, light trekking, and simply sitting still without feeling the pressure to constantly “do” something. It’s the kind of place where silence feels comfortable, where the wind and the trees do most of the talking. That simplicity is what draws me to it. Despite being so close to a place with personal roots, I still haven’t visited it, another reminder of how easily we delay experiences that feel familiar or easily accessible.
I’m planning to visit Horsley Hills this year as well, and I feel that both trips will offer different kinds of experiences. One represents a long-overdue visit to a landmark near the city I grew up in, and the other connects me to family, nature, and a quieter side of travel.
This year feels like the right time to finally stop postponing and start exploring what’s been right around me all along.
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