A 1,478-metre granite hill fortress and former summer retreat of Tipu Sultan that rises above the Deccan plateau, best known for sunrise above a sea of cloud.
Nandi Hills is a rocky hill north of Bengaluru, once a summer retreat of Tipu Sultan and used later by British administrators. The summit road winds up past Tipu's Drop, a sheer cliff, and the 11th-century Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple lies a short distance away at the base, at Nandi village. Sunrise is the reason most visitors arrive, and mist often lies in the valleys below the summit. The hill is crowded at weekends and on holidays, with restrictions on vehicle numbers at the gate, so weekday visits are calmer. The climate is cool year-round and the hill is windy.
| Distance | About 60 km north of central Bengaluru, near Devanahalli |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5-2 hours each way by road, longer on weekends |
| Getting there | Mode: Car or motorbike; Detail: Road via Bellary Road (NH44) and Nandi Cross; no rail link and limited public buses to the base |
| Cost | Entry is a small fee per person plus a vehicle fee, typically under ₹100 (approx $1.04 USD) per person |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Nandi Hills, Nandi, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka 562103, India |
How to get there
- Car: private cab from central Bengaluru ₹2,500-4,000 (approx $26-42 USD) for a half-day round trip, leaving around 3:30-4am for sunrise
- Motorbike or self-drive: popular with early-morning riders; vehicle entry to the summit road is controlled and can be capped on weekends
- Bus: KSRTC and BMTC services run to Chikkaballapur, then a local bus or auto to the Nandi Hills gate
- Organised tour: sunrise coach tours from the city depart in the small hours
Location
Nandi Hills, Nandi, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka 562103, India
13.3702, 77.6835 View on map
Highlights
- Sunrise view above the clouds
- Tipu's Drop cliff and Tipu Sultan's fort remains
- Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple at the base
- Cycling and paragliding-friendly slopes at the top
Tips for visiting
- Leave the city by 3:30am to reach the gate for sunrise
- Weekend vehicle numbers are capped, so weekdays are easier
- Carry a jacket; the summit is cool and windy at dawn
- Monkeys at the summit snatch food from visitors
When to visit
Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise on a weekday between October and February.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nandi Hills a day trip from Bengaluru?
Yes, it is a half-day trip of about 3-4 hours' driving in total, most often done at sunrise.
Is there a train?
No direct train serves Nandi Hills; the nearest rail town is Chikkaballapur, followed by a road transfer.
When is the best time to visit?
October to February gives the clearest sunrise views; weekdays are less crowded.