A hill fortress rising to about 1,478 m above the Deccan plain, Nandi Hills is Bengaluru's classic sunrise outing. Most visitors drive to the summit car park, while walkers use the old fort paths, the Tipu's Drop viewpoint trail and the steps around the Yoga Nandeeshwara temple.
Nandi Hills (Nandidurga) is a granite hill fort in Chikkaballapur district, run as a garden and viewpoint by the Karnataka Horticulture Department. The summit is open from about 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with an entry fee of a few rupees per person and separate vehicle charges that were reported in 2025 at roughly INR 150 per car and INR 70 per two-wheeler (fees change, so the gate rate applies). Cars can drive to the top, and a battery-car shuttle operates on the upper stretch. Many visitors leave Bengaluru between 3:30 and 4:00 AM to reach the ridge before sunrise, and weekend crowds are heavy, so weekday visits are calmer. Paths on the summit are paved or packed earth; the tougher option is the old stepped path from the base near Nandi village, which climbs steeply through boulders. Walkers can link Tipu's Drop, the Amrita Sarovar pond and the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple below the hill. Monkeys are bold around food, so snacks should stay sealed. Access rules are set by the Horticulture Department, and opening hours and vehicle rules can change on public holidays.
| Distance | 2-5 km of loop walks on the summit; 8-10 km one way for the full climb from the base at Nandi village |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-3 hours for summit walks; 3-4 hours for the full ascent |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Self-drive or hired cab via Devanahalli (about 60 km); no direct metro, with KSRTC buses to Nandi Cross and a taxi for the last stretch |
| Best season | October to February, when mornings are clear; June to September brings dramatic cloud but also fog and slippery paths |
| Address | Nandi Hills, Nandi Giri Dhama Road, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka 562103, India |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Chikkaballapur district, about 60 km north of Bengaluru
What to bring
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- 2-3 litres of water
- Headlamp or torch for pre-dawn starts
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Light snacks and electrolytes
Location
Nandi Hills, Nandi Giri Dhama Road, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka 562103, India
13.3702, 77.6835 View on map
Highlights
- Sunrise above the cloud layer between October and February
- Tipu's Drop cliff viewpoint
- Ruined fort walls and the Yoga Nandeeshwara temple
- Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple at the base
Tips for visiting
- Start from Bengaluru by 3:30-4:00 AM for sunrise parking
- Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend queues on the ghat road
- Keep food sealed because monkeys snatch bags
- Carry a jacket, as the summit is 8-10 C cooler than the city in winter
- Confirm current timings and vehicle fees at the gate or with the Horticulture Department
When to visit
Weekday sunrise between October and February for clear skies and fewer crowds.
Accessibility
The summit car park and main viewpoints have paved approaches, but stone steps and uneven paths make the fort trails unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Nandi Hills timings?
The summit is generally open from about 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with sunrise visitors queuing on the approach road before opening.
Is a permit needed to walk at Nandi Hills?
No forest permit is needed for the summit garden area; an entry ticket is collected at the gate along with a vehicle fee.
How far is Nandi Hills from Bengaluru?
About 60 km, roughly 1.5-2 hours by road from central Bengaluru depending on traffic near Devanahalli.