Nandi Hills, Karnataka, (South India)
Nandi Hills is a popular hill station near Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It is known for its pleasant climate, lush greenery, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The hills offer a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal getaway from the bustling city life. Visitors can enjoy activities like trekking, paragliding, and sightseeing. The famous attractions in Nandi Hills include Nandi Temple, Tipu's Drop, Amrita Sarovar Lake, and Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple.
Unlock the beauty of Nandi Hills with our comprehensive guide to the best things to do and places to visit in this mesmerizing region. From nature's marvels to cultural gems, Nandi Hills has it all
Sightseeing
A beautiful lake, also known as the 'Lake of Ambrosia', it's especially scenic at night when the lights of the nearby towns reflect off its surface.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Swimming not allowed
Religious Visit
Located at the base of the hills, this temple is an architectural marvel and a significant pilgrimage spot.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Remove footwear before entering
Paragliding
For the thrill-seekers, there's an opportunity to go paragliding and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the hills and valleys.
Best Time to Visit: January - February, November - December
Timings: 11:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 3000.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Prior experience may be needed
Trekking
While you can drive up to the hilltop, there are also trekking trails for those looking for some adventure.
Best Time to Visit: January - March, October - December
Timings: 06:00-10:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 500.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Wear appropriate gear
Sightseeing
A historical spot where prisoners were allegedly thrown to their death during Tipu Sultan's reign.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 5.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Cliff edge, caution advised
Historical Sites
A fort built by Tipu Sultan, which houses a shrine.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Remove footwear before entering
Religious Visit
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the top of the hills.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 07:00-12:00,16:00-20:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 5.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Remove footwear before entering
Museum
Located nearby, it's dedicated to Sir M. Visvesvaraya, an eminent engineer and statesman.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-18:00
Closing Days: Closed on Monday
Price: 5.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Photography may be restricted
Sightseeing
Nandi Hills is famous for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. The hill is often covered in mist during the early morning, providing an ethereal experience.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 06:00-07:00,18:00-19:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Check weather conditions
Sightseeing
Where Jawaharlal Nehru used to reside during his visits.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Prior permission may be needed
Travel Guidelines for Nandi Hills, Karnataka (South India) For Indian Travellers Only
1. Place Information
Nandi Hills, also known as Nandidurga, is an ancient hill fortress situated in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka. The hills offer breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunrise. The place has historical significance and is associated with legends tied to Lord Hanuman and the epic Ramayana.
2. Travel Related Information
By Road: Nandi Hills is around 60 km from Bangalore, making it a popular weekend getaway. The hill station is easily accessible via well-maintained roads.
By Air: The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, which is approximately 40 km away.
By Railway: The nearest railway station is Chikkaballapur, around 19 km away.
3. Visa Related Information
Indian citizens don't require a visa to travel within India. For any ID or travel-related concerns, refer to local administrative offices or the Ministry of Home Affairs website.
4. SIM Card/Network Related Information
Major telecom providers in the vicinity of Nandi Hills include Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and BSNL. Network connectivity is generally good, but there might be some patches with weak signals, especially in hilly terrains.
5. Govt Safety Guidelines
Nandi Hills is a safe tourist destination. However, it's advisable to avoid isolated areas after dark. For safety advisories and other related information, you can refer to the Karnataka Police website.
6. Internal Transport Related Information
In and around Nandi Hills, taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available. If you're visiting from Bangalore, many tourists prefer to drive or rent a cab for the day.
7. Special Mentions
Tipu Sultan's Summer Residence: Known as Tipu's Drop, it offers a panoramic view of the landscape below.
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple: An ancient temple at the base of Nandi Hills dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Amrita Sarovar: A beautiful lake that provides water supply to the region.
Paragliding: For adventure enthusiasts, Nandi Hills offers paragliding opportunities.
Cycling: The winding roads leading up to Nandi Hills are popular among cycling enthusiasts.