acquired Chikkaballapur . In 1791 British occupied Nandi & left Narayanagowda to rule the town. Due to this treachery, a fight broke out between the Britishers and Tippu Sultan. Narayanagowda lost his administration. Later, the British defeated Tippu in a bitter battle which led to tremendous loss of life on both sides. The citizens of Chikkaballapur, however, refused to be subjugated and maintained their warrior pride. Chikkaballapur later came under the administration of Wodeyars of Mysore, who later merged with the present state of Karnataka. Demographics India census, Chikkaballapur had a population of 191,122. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Chikkaballapur has an average literacy rate of 64%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. Geography and transportation The town of Chikkaballapur is approximately 56 km north of Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) & Kolar city. Chikkaballapur has a high elevation located in the center of the Nandi Hills region. "Panchagiri" is a common descriptor of Chikkaballapur as it is surrounded by 5 picturesque hills among which Nandi Hills is the famous one (The five hills are known as Nandi Giri, Chandra Giri, Skandagiri, Brahma Giri, and Hema Giri). The Kalavara Halli hill Kalavaara betta, is becoming famous because of the trekking involved to reach the top of the hill. The north-south Six-lane National Highway NH-7 as well as the east–west NH 234 (previously state highway 58) goes through the city. The city is also a transportation hub comprising a new major bus terminus and train station headquarters. It is well connected to important towns by the state run buses as well as private taxis and autos. The nearest airport is Bengaluru International Airport at a distance of 30 kilometers. Nandi hills is also the birthplace of five rivers viz penneru chitravati south Paleru and other two. Education There are several reputed educational institutions in the region. SJCIT is an engineering institute established in 1986 and imparts degree and graduate education. Sri Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba's school, university, and hospital are about 3 km from Chikkaballapur. Places to visit Nandi Hills is nearby and within the jurisdiction of Chikkaballapur district. Chikkaballapur has the small, pristine Kandavara Lake. S. Gollahalli Village Sri Anjaneya Swami temple is an important place to visit. "Vidurashwattha" is in Gauribidanur taluk on the lands of river Pinakini. "Vidurashwattha" is famous for its temple. It is