Dollu or drum is associated with Lord Shiva, known for his aggression and fierce dance (bhairava tandava dance) when upset. Shiva is believed to have made a drum from the skin of demons he killed. Shiva’s main devotees, from Kuruba community, celebrate the killing of demons by beating the drums.

Dollu Kunitha is performed in a group of 10-12 drummers. Both men and women can be part of the Dollu Kunitha team. 

Dollu Kunitha performance never goes unnoticed, due to high decibel, high energy performance put forward by the troupe. Drum dance is usually performed in a circular or semi-circular fashion with drum holders beating their drums in rhythm, along with singing and accompanying music.

Dollu Kunitha performance demands lots of stamina and endurance to be able to hold the heavy drum for hours and dance with it. Because of this only well built men used to take part in Dollu Kunitha. Of late lighter, smaller size drums are also available, which are suitable for everyone. Villagers and spectators often jump in to dance along with the Dollu Kunitha troupe and indulge themselves.

Dollu Kunitha is an integral part of various temple festivals, cultural events and celebrations. Karaga festival procession, Mysuru Dasara Jambu Savari, Bengaluru Habba, various temple car festivals often include Dollu Kunitha performances. 


INFORMATION FROM :
www.kstdc.com

Why visit Nandi Hills:
Historical Significance: It is believed that the fort walls here were built by the Paleyagars of Chikkaballapura and later strengthened by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. It was under the Maratha control for some time. The precipice to the south-west has the name “Tipu’s Drop”, which is believed as the place where prisoners condemned to death were pushed down to the valley below. At the centre of the plateau, a big water pool has been dug out and a rectangular stone structure is built for the storage of water. The pool is named “Amrit Sarovar.”

Temples in Nandi Hills: Two ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are located in Nandi Hills. The Yoganandishwara Temple on top of the Nandi Hills has the architecture of the Chola style. The garbhagriha entrance of this temple has decorative brass covered doors and dwarapalakas (door keepers) on either side. It is said that these doorkeeper images were the gifts of Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagara ruler. Located in a village Nandi Grama near to Nandi Hills is the Bhoganandishwara Temple. The original temple belongs to a period prior to the 9th century A.D. with later additions during Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara periods. In this Bhoganandishwara temple complex, there are two separate garbhagrihas in one straight line, with separate Nandimantapas. Of these Nandimantapas, one has a little garbhagriha also. The temple to the north is dedicated to Lord Bhoganandishwara and the southern one to Lord Arunachaleswara. The exquisite stone fringes in them display ornate workmanship and artistry.

Tippu’s Summer Residence: Remains of a small two-story building, used by Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan can be seen on top of Nandi Hills.  A pond and a garden are nearby.

Parks & Play areas: Nandi Hills has a garden/play area for families and kids to relax and play.

Sunrise: Sunrise on top of Nandi Hills is captivating. Aim to reach before sunrise time to enjoy the view.

Food: A line of eateries are available on top of Nandi Hills and caters to your culinary needs. Several shopkeepers and sellers also cater to the requirements of the visitors. More restaurants can be found on the highway en route to Nandi Hills

How to reach Nandi Hills: Nandi Hill is best reached in a private vehicle or taxi from Bengaluru, 60 km away. Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru is just 35 km from Nandi hills.

A visit to Nandi hills can also be clubbed with a visit to Muddenahalli (birthplace of Sir M Vishveshwarayya) 20 km from Nandi Hills, Devanahalli Fort (25 km), Ghati Subramanya temple (30 km) and Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple (15 km).


INFORMATION FROM:
www.kstdc.co

It is believed to have been built when Bhima visited the place during the panishment (vanvas) period of Pandavas.

Bhimtal is older than Nainital as the city of Nainital and has been a stoppage for the travellers of the region from hills to plains or vice versa for a long time. Visitors come here to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva throughout the year.

 INFORMATION FROM: www.uttarakhandtourism.gov.in