What to expect
Highlights
- The sunrise and sea-of-clouds views.
- Tipu's Drop and the summer residence.
- The old Ganga-dynasty fort walls.
Nandi Hills
The marquee of the district — a Ganga-dynasty hill fortress at about 1,478 m and a former summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, famous for its sunrise and sea-of-clouds views, with Tipu’s Drop, Tipu’s summer residence, the Amrita Sarovar tank and the old fort walls. This hill station guide is organized from Nandi in Chikkaballapur district, with practical planning for routes, timing, nearby stays, food, operators and direct local inventory. Use it to compare what to see, how long to spend, when to go and which verified stays, local guides, jeep or taxi operators, food stops, permits and safety-aware activity providers should be verified around Nandi Hills.
Practical guide
Plan Nandi Hills
Typehill station
Nearest baseNandi
Best timeOctober to February
Time neededHalf a day, or a dawn trip
EntryNominal entry; parking charged
Nearest town/baseNandi
DistrictChikkaballapur
Place typehill station
Time neededHalf a day, or a dawn trip.
The marquee of the district — a Ganga-dynasty hill fortress at about 1,478 m and a former summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, famous for its sunrise and sea-of-clouds views, with Tipu’s Drop, Tipu’s summer residence, the Amrita Sarovar tank and the old fort walls. This hill station guide is organized from Nandi in Chikkaballapur district, with practical planning for routes, timing, nearby stays, food, operators and direct local inventory. Use it to compare what to see, how long to spend, when to go and which verified stays, local guides, jeep or taxi operators, food stops, permits and safety-aware activity providers should be verified around Nandi Hills.
Nandi Hills (Nandi Betta) is the marquee of the district — a Ganga-dynasty hill fortress at about 1,478 m and a former summer retreat of Tipu Sultan.
It is famous for its sunrise and sea-of-clouds views, with Tipu’s Drop, Tipu’s summer residence, the Amrita Sarovar tank and the old fort walls.
Visiting
Nandi Hills — at a glance
TimingsOpens very early for sunrise to evening
Best timeOctober to February; before sunrise
Entry: Nominal entry; parking charged
Getting here
How to reach Nandi Hills
About 60 km north of Bengaluru near Chikkaballapur; by road (drive up) or the step climb
A crowded, cold cliff-edge hill at dawn — dress warm, go early for a spot, keep back from the drops and mind the monkeys.
Getting there
How to visit
- About 60 km north of Bengaluru near Chikkaballapur; drive up or climb the steps; the gate opens very early for sunrise.
- Very crowded and cold at dawn — dress warm, go early for a viewpoint spot and keep food away from the monkeys.
Distance by road
- Bengaluru60 km
- Kolar55 km
- Chintamani40 km
- Tumakuru90 km
- Hindupur (AP)75 km
Road km to Chikkaballapur; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to February; arrive before sunrise.
Weather in Nandi HillsSeasonal guide
Live forecast loads in your browser.
Visitor notes
- A busy cliff-edge hill — keep back from the drops and mind children and monkeys.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Nandi Hills is
Photos
Nandi Hills in pictures
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What’s near Nandi Hills
Good to know
Nandi Hills — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Nandi Hills?
October to February; arrive before sunrise.
What are the entry fee and timings at Nandi Hills?
Entry: Nominal entry; parking charged. Timings: Opens very early for sunrise to evening. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Nandi Hills?
About 60 km north of Bengaluru near Chikkaballapur; drive up or climb the steps; the gate opens very early for sunrise. Very crowded and cold at dawn — dress warm, go early for a viewpoint spot and keep food away from the monkeys.
How much time do I need for Nandi Hills?
Half a day, or a dawn trip.
What else is near Nandi Hills?
Nearby you can pair Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple (200 m), Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple (1.8 km), Muddenahalli (4.2 km), Skandagiri (5.2 km).
Read next
Stories, legends & history of Nandi Hills
More stories, legends & guides from Chikkaballapur
Image credits
- Nandi Hills:Amol.Gaitonde, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0