From Bengaluru’s south side, Nandi Hills is a day trip to a hill destination in Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka, about 60 km from the city. Its sunrise viewpoint and historic sites—including Tipu’s Drop, Nandi Temple and Amrita Sarovar—make an early start worthwhile.
- Location: Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka
- Access from Bengaluru: private vehicle, bus or taxi
- Recommended visiting period: September to February
- Entry fee: approximately ₹10–₹20 per person
How far is Nandi Hills from the hotel area?
Nandi Hills is about 50.8 km from a hotel in Bengaluru. Karnataka Tourism describes the destination as approximately 60 km from Bengaluru, so the journey can be planned as a day outing; travel time will depend on your route and conditions.
How do you get from Bengaluru to Nandi Hills?
You can travel from Bengaluru to Nandi Hills by private vehicle, bus or taxi. From The Elite Royale, allow about 22 minutes by car to reach the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, then continue your trip to the hills; check your chosen route and current conditions before leaving. The hill’s viewpoint and historic sights make natural stops along the day trip.
If your trip begins at the airport, the Kempegowda International Airport to The Elite Royale journey is a separate leg to plan.
What are Nandi Hills’ entry rules and opening details?
Karnataka Tourism gives visiting hours as 6:00 AM–6:00 PM on one page and 6 AM–8 PM daily on another. Published hours span 6 AM to 8 PM, so plan within that range. The entry fee is approximately ₹10–₹20 per person. Check the official site before you go, since hours and fees can change.
Parking charges vary by vehicle and day: two-wheelers cost ₹30 on weekdays and ₹50 on weekends; cars cost ₹60 on weekdays and ₹100 on weekends; and heavy vehicles cost ₹150 on weekdays and ₹250 on weekends. Check the current charges before your trip as well.
What can you do on a Nandi Hills day trip?
Start early if the sunrise viewpoint is part of your plan, then set aside time for the hill’s named sights. Nandi Hills was a former summer retreat of Tipu Sultan; its attractions include Tipu’s Drop, Nandi Temple and Amrita Sarovar.
Amrita Sarovar is an old reservoir built to supply water to the hill fort. You can walk to Amrita Sarovar and Tipu’s Drop. A practical sequence is to visit the viewpoint early, then walk to these sights and the temple, allowing your time on the hill to suit current access conditions.
Muddenahalli is 20 km from Nandi Hills, Devanahalli Fort is 25 km away and Ghati Subramanya temple is 30 km away. Choose one only if it fits your day’s route and schedule.
What should you check before setting out?
Karnataka Tourism recommends visiting from September to February. June–August is the monsoon period, when roads can be slippery, so take road conditions into account when planning your travel.
Weekend visits can be crowded, particularly around the sunrise viewpoint. Check current opening hours, entry charges and access arrangements before you leave, and allow flexibility in your schedule. If you are planning another hill outing from Bengaluru, consider a Savandurga Hill day trip.
FAQs
What is Nandi Hills known for?
The hill is associated with Tipu Sultan’s former summer retreat and includes Tipu’s Drop, Nandi Temple and Amrita Sarovar.
Can you visit Nandi Hills by bus?
Yes. Bus, taxi and private vehicle are ways to reach Nandi Hills from Bengaluru.
When is the best time to enter for sunrise?
Early morning is recommended for the sunrise viewpoint.
Is there parking at Nandi Hills?
Parking charges differ for two-wheelers, cars and heavy vehicles, and between weekdays and weekends. Confirm current charges before travelling.