Nandi Hills at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Karnataka |
| Famous For | Bangalore, Weekend Getaway, Sunrise |
| Best Time to Visit | September to May |
| Ideal Duration | 1-2 days minimum |
| Language | Kannada, English, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi |
| Nearest Airport | Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), 60km from Nandi Hills |
| Nearest Railway | Chikkaballapur (CBPR) |
| From Bangalore | 60 km · 1h 30m |
| Entry Fee | Free – ₹15+ (varies) |
| Best For | nature and adventure seekers |
Nandi Hills: What Makes It Worth Visiting
Nandi Hills, an ancient hill fortress in Karnataka, offers stunning sunrise views and a tranquil escape from the bustle of Bangalore. Once a summer retreat for Tipu Sultan, it's now a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Nandi Hills is a great weekend getaway from Bangalore, offering beautiful views and fresh air. However, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, and some areas may be poorly maintained. If you are looking for solitude, this might not be the best choice.
Nandi Hills: Temples & Religious Site Opening Hours
| Name | Hours | Entry Fee | Best Time | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nandi Temple | 06:00-19:00 daily | Free | Morning or evening for a peace | Remove footwear before entering |
| Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple | 07:30-13:30, 16:30-21:00 daily | Free | Morning or late afternoon to a | Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) |
How to Reach Nandi Hills: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
directions_car Driving to Nandi Hills: Road Routes & Highways
| From | Distance | Drive Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | 60 km | 1h 30m | NE-WKSRTCBUSSTOP, NH-44, NH-69 |
train Train to Nandi Hills: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Chikkaballapur (CBPR) — Nearest major railway station, about 9km from Nandi Hills. Several trains connect it to Bangalore.
- From Bangalore: 1-2 hours (₹100-300)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Nandi Hills: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), 60km from Nandi Hills
- Delhi: 2.5 hours (₹3000-7000)
- Mumbai: 1.5 hours (₹2500-6000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹1500-2000
- Uber/Ola: ₹1200-1800
directions_bus Bus to Nandi Hills: Services & Timings
- From Bangalore: 2-3 hours (₹150-300)
Trains offer a more comfortable journey
Best Time to Visit Nandi Hills: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: September to May
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: September to May | 15-25 degrees C | This is the best time for sightseeing, trekking, and enjoying the panoramic view | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: June to August | 20-30 degrees C | The landscape is exceptionally green and picturesque. The crowds are thinner com | Carry rain gear and check weather f |
| Avoid: N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Peak season note: Expect higher prices for accommodation and activities during peak season. Book your accommodation and transportation in advance, especially for weekends.
2-Day Nandi Hills Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Temples & Heritage
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
📍 Tipu's Drop
Tipu's Drop is a cliff face where Tipu Sultan allegedly had prisoners thrown to their deaths. It offers panoramic views of the sur…
💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
🙏 Nandi Temple
Nandi Temple is dedicated to Nandi, the bull which is the mount of Lord Shiva. It features a monolithic statue of Nandi.…
💡 Tip: Take your time to admire the intricate carvings and the serene atmosphere of the temple.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
🙏 Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is an ancient temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. It showcases exquisite Dravidian architecture.…
💡 Tip: Hire a local guide to learn about the history and significance of the temple complex.
📍 Amrita Sarovar
Amrita Sarovar is a beautiful lake that adds to the charm of Nandi Hills. It's a serene spot for relaxation and enjoying the scene…
💡 Tip: Bring a book or a picnic basket and spend some time by the lake.
🌆 Evening (5 PM – 7 PM)
📍 Secret Passage
A hidden passage that was supposedly used by royalty in the past. It's a bit of an adventure to explore.…
💡 Tip: Carry a flashlight as the passage can be quite dark.
Day 2 — More to Explore
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
📍 Brahmashram
A cave that was once used as a meditation place. It is believed to have been used by Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.…
💡 Spend some time in silence and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the cave.
📍 Sunrise Viewpoint
The main reason people visit Nandi Hills is to view the sunrise. The view is spectacular when the weather is clear.…
💡 Bring warm clothing as it can get chilly in the early morning.
Top Places to Visit in Nandi Hills: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 📍 Tipu's Drop | ₹15 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) | 30 minutes | 06:00-18:00 daily |
| 2 | 🙏 Nandi Temple | Free | 1 hour | 06:00-19:00 daily |
| 3 | 🙏 Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple | Free | 2 hours | 07:30-13:30, 16:30-21:00 daily |
| 4 | 📍 Amrita Sarovar | ₹10 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) | 30 minutes | 08:30-17:30 daily |
| 5 | 📍 Secret Passage | ₹20 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) | 1 hour | 08:00-17:00 daily |
| 6 | 📍 Brahmashram | Free | 30 minutes | 06:00-18:00 daily |
| 7 | 📍 Sunrise Viewpoint | ₹10 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) | 1 hour | Sunrise time |
📍 1. Tipu's Drop
Tipu's Drop is a cliff face where Tipu Sultan allegedly had prisoners thrown to their deaths. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
📍 Getting there: Accessible by road, short walk from the parking area.
🙏 2. Nandi Temple
Nandi Temple is dedicated to Nandi, the bull which is the mount of Lord Shiva. It features a monolithic statue of Nandi.
Honest take: Worth a visit for its religious significance and architectural beauty.
📍 Getting there: Located near the summit, easily accessible by road.
🙏 3. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is an ancient temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. It showcases exquisite Dravidian architecture.
Honest take: A must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.
📍 Getting there: Located at the base of Nandi Hills in Nandi village, accessible by road.
Food & Restaurants in Nandi Hills: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Masala Dosa, Idli-Vada, Bisi Bele Bath, Thatte Idli, Mysore Pak, Filter Coffee
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Masala Dosa, Filter Coffee | ₹₹ (₹400-600 for two) | Nandi Hills |
| Continental Dishes | ₹₹₹ (₹800-1200 for two) | Devanahalli |
| Bisi Bele Bath | ₹₹ (₹400-600 for two) | Devanahalli |
🛺 Street Food: Nandi Hills Roadside Stalls — Chaat, corn, tea (₹50-150 per person)
Nandi Hills Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹1500-2500/night | ₹3000-5000/night | ₹8000+/night |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Hotels in Nandi Hills: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Mount Palazzo
₹1500-2500/night
Nandi Hills
Clarks Inn Bangalore Airport
₹1800-2800/night
Near Airport
🏨 Mid-Range
Signature Club Resort
₹3000-5000/night
Devanahalli
Windflower Prakruthi - Bangalore Resort
₹3500-5500/night
Devanahalli
⭐ Luxury
Taj Bangalore
₹8000+/night
Near Airport
JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa
₹10000+/night
Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Overcharging: Confirm prices before buying anything or hiring transportation.
- ✓ Aggressive vendors: Politely decline and walk away.
- ✓ Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Carry warm clothing if visiting during the winter months.
- ✓ Available in Chikkaballapur
- ✓ Available at the airport and in Bangalore. Airtel and Vodafone are good options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Nandi Hills
How many days are enough for Nandi Hills?
1-2 days minimum is ideal for Nandi Hills. Day 1 covers Tipu's Drop and Nandi Temple, while Day 2 explores Brahmashram and Sunrise Viewpoint.
What is Nandi Hills famous for?
Nandi Hills is famous for Bangalore, Weekend Getaway, Sunrise.
What is the best time to visit Nandi Hills?
The best time to visit Nandi Hills is September to May. Pleasant and cool weather, ideal for outdoor activities. Clear skies offer excellent views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
How do I reach Nandi Hills from Bangalore?
Nandi Hills is 60 km from Bangalore by road, approximately 1h 30m drive via NE-WKSRTCBUSSTOP, NH-44, NH-69. The nearest railway station is Chikkaballapur (CBPR). The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), 60km from Nandi Hills.
Is Nandi Hills worth visiting?
Yes, Nandi Hills is worth visiting for Bangalore, Weekend Getaway, Sunrise. It is especially recommended for nature and adventure seekers and can be combined with a visit to Bangalore.
What is the budget for a trip to Nandi Hills?
A 2-day trip to Nandi Hills costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹1500-2500/night per night.
What are the timings of Nandi Temple?
Nandi Temple is open 06:00-19:00 daily. Best time to visit: Morning or evening for a peaceful visit.
What is the entry fee for Nandi Temple?
Entry fee at Nandi Temple: Free.
What is the dress code for Nandi Temple?
Remove footwear before entering when visiting Nandi Temple.
What are the timings of Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple?
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is open 07:30-13:30, 16:30-21:00 daily. Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
What is the entry fee for Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple?
Entry fee at Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple: Free.
What is the dress code for Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple?
Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) when visiting Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple.