Nandi Hills: Bangalore’s Favourite Sunrise Spot (and a Perfect Excuse to Wake Up at 3 AM)

If you’ve lived in Bangalore for even a few weeks, chances are you’ve heard someone say, “You have to go to Nandi Hills!”

And honestly, they’re not wrong.

The place is legendary, not just for its stunning sunrises but also for the entire pre-sunrise adventure of waking up before the roosters, riding up those misty curves, and trying to convince yourself it’s worth sacrificing sleep for.

Spoiler: it is. 🙂

For me, Nandi Hills is a mix of nature, history, and just enough cardio to make my smartwatch proud.

I vividly remember cresting the summit of Nandi Hills one chilly morning.

This scenic hill station (also called Nandidurga) is just about 60 km from Bangalore’s city center, yet it feels like a different world of cool air and mist-covered valleys.

Even on a weekday, the summit was buzzing with fellow travelers, all eager for the famous sunrise.

The drive up was worth it. Winding roads through green forests lead to a rocky plateau dotted with temples and gazebos.

I instantly knew why so many Bangaloreans love escaping here.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a cycling maniac, or just someone looking to escape the chaos of the city for a few hours, this hilltop has something for you.

And if you’re lucky, you’ll get to stand above the clouds, quite literally, while sipping on a hot cup of chai from one of the small stalls at the top.

Before I dive into all the things you should know, here’s a quick cheat sheet.

Quick Information: Nandi Hills

Because a little trivia before the trip is like coffee before a Monday, absolutely necessary!

Category	Details
Location	Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, about 60 km from Bangalore
Altitude	1,478 meters (4,851 ft) above sea level
Best Time to Visit	Early mornings, especially between September and February
Opening Hours	6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee	₹15 per person
Parking Fee	₹60 for cars, ₹25 for two-wheelers
Popular For	Sunrise, trekking, cycling, photography, paragliding
Travel Time from Bangalore	1.5 hours by road

My First Visit to Nandi Hills

My first visit to Nandi Hills was part nostalgia and part adventure.

A friend and I left Bangalore well before dawn, arriving at the base around 5:30 AM.

We parked our bike near the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple and hiked the final stretch in darkness, guided only by our torchlights and the faint city glow below.

By sunrise, the view was incredible.

A golden sun spilling over the distant peaks, while the valley below lay in clouds.

As the day warmed up, we explored the summit area. The 1,300-year-old Nandi Temple with its giant bull statue was both historic and serene.

It felt amazing to sip hot chai from a hilltop stall, taking in the 360° views after our early morning trek.

Why Nandi Hills is Worth Losing Sleep Over

If there’s one thing Bangaloreans collectively agree on, it’s that Nandi Hills is the city’s most famous excuse for waking up at 3 or 4 AM.

And I’m not exaggerating when I say this.

The moment you reach the summit just as the sky starts to blush, you’ll understand why this ritual is almost sacred for many.

The sunrise here isn’t just “a sunrise.” It’s an experience.

First, there’s the slow reveal.

The thick blanket of mist that covers the valley below, the chill that makes your morning coffee taste ten times better, and that hush… the kind of silence you don’t get in the city.

Then, the magic begins. The horizon glows, the clouds turn shades of orange and gold, and suddenly the whole landscape is bathed in soft, warm light.

And the best part?

This view isn’t behind a glass window or on a desktop wallpaper.

It’s right in front of you, raw and real.

You’ll feel the breeze tug at your jacket, hear birds waking up, and maybe even spot a paragliding daredevil soaring above.

The reward for dragging yourself out of bed so early is this.

A view that stays with you long after you’ve descended the hill.

It’s nature’s way of saying, “You did well, my friend.” 🙂

Things to Do in and Around Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills has no shortage of activities for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Here are some favorites:

• Nandi Temple (hilltop): A 1,300-year-old Shiva temple dedicated to Nandi (the bull). The giant granite Nandi statue, carved from a single rock, is truly impressive, and the hilltop shrine offers panoramic views.
• Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple (base): At the foot of the hills lies this ancient twin-temple complex (9th century) with beautifully carved pillars and shrines to Shiva and his consorts. It’s especially charming in the early morning quiet.
• Tipu’s Drop & Summer Palace: A 600m-high cliff with breathtaking views of the plains. Legend has it Tipu Sultan once used it as a prison drop – a spooky history etched into the rocks. Nearby are the ruins of Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace (built by Haider Ali), which he reportedly named “Tashk-e-Jannat” (Envy of Heaven).
• Paragliding: One of the few places in Karnataka that offers paragliding tours. I didn’t try it, but I watched colorful parachutes soar above the valley. It looks like an amazing way to bird’s-eye the hills once you’re up there!
• Cycling & Biking: The winding roads and trails are perfect for a morning bike ride. Several locals and tourists cycle up before sunrise. Given the terrain, it’s one of the most enjoyable cycling experiences in the area.
• Brahmashram & Amrita Sarovar: These peaceful spots sit along the trail. Brahmashram is a quiet cave once used by the saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa for meditation. Just below it is Amrita Sarovar (the “Lake of Nectar”), a crystal-clear spring lake. I loved the serene feeling sitting by the water after the morning excitement.
• Nearby Waterfalls: Don’t miss the falls around Nandi Hills, especially in the monsoon. For example, Chunchi Falls (near Harohalli) is just a short drive away and looks stunning in the rainy season. Also, the famous “Pearl Valley” (Muthyalamaduvu) near Bangalore is about an hour’s drive – a popular waterfall trekking spot in peak rains.

Best Time to Visit and Weather Tips

The weather on Nandi Hills is generally pleasant, but seasons make a difference.

As one guide notes, the best time to visit is December through February, when the days are cool and the mornings often have misty views of the valleys.

I went in winter and needed a light jacket at dawn, but loved the clear skies.

Summer (March–May) can be warm in Bangalore, but Nandi Hills stays a few degrees cooler, still, by midday, it can feel hot if the sun is out.

The monsoon (June–September) transforms the hill into a lush paradise; streams and waterfalls are at their fullest.

I’ve seen photos of Nandi Hills shrouded in clouds.

It’s beautiful, but trails can be slippery, so bring sturdy shoes and rain gear.

Essentially, plan for early mornings (which are coldest) and afternoons (bring sun protection).

Resorts in and Around Nandi Hills

(Including JW Marriott and Discovery Village)

(Source: JW Marriott)

Staying overnight is a great way to experience Nandi Hills fully.

There are several resorts near Nandi Hills offering comfortable stays:

• JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire – A luxury 5-star golf resort often referred to as “JW Marriott Nandi Hills.” This 22-acre estate features villas and rooms with hill views, multiple pools, a golf course, a spa, and several restaurants. It’s upscale and family-friendly – perfect if you want a pampered stay just minutes from the peak.
• Discovery Village, Nandi Hills – A charming countryside resort in the foothills. It offers cozy cottages, dorms, and tents, plus a pool and bonfire area. Families and groups love it for the array of activities (paintball, archery, indoor games, nature trails, etc.). I’ve heard they even organize team-building games! This place feels relaxed and fun for kids.
• Wild Valley Nandi Hills – An adventure-focused resort, a short drive from Nandi Hills. It has hill-view rooms, a pool, and tons of outdoor games (zip line, rope courses, treasure hunts). Guests rave about it being “like a private retreat” packed with activities. We didn’t stay here, but it seems perfect for an action-packed weekend.
• Other Nearby Resorts: If those are booked, consider Mulberry Shades (Tribute Portfolio by Marriott) or Silver Mist, which are also near Nandi Hills. Many resorts offer weekend packages. Staying overnight means you can roll out of bed and walk to the summit for sunrise, instead of a 4 AM drive from Bangalore.

How to Reach: Distance and Travel Info from Bangalore

Getting to Nandi Hills is straightforward.

By road, it’s roughly 60 km north of Bangalore, usually about a 1.5–2 hour drive (traffic permitting).

The fastest route is via NH44; Bangalore’s city outskirts go north past the airport and then up the winding hill road.

Bangalore’s KSRTC and private buses run frequent trips to Nandi Hills (ask for the 8:00 AM or earlier service).

We found driving to be easiest, so we rented a scooter and made the pre-dawn climb ourselves.

A cool recent option is the suburban electric train from Bangalore to Nandi Hills.

Two trains leave daily from Bangalore Cantonment (and one from Yeshwantpur) with tickets around ₹40.

They pull into the tiny Nandi Hills station near Tipu’s Drop; we took one on our second trip and skipped the traffic entirely.

(For fliers, note that Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport is only about 38 km from Nandi Hills, so it’s a quick cab ride if you land early morning.)

Nandi Hills Location

Travel Tips, Parking, Timings, and Entry Fee

A few practical tips to make your visit smooth:

• Gates, Fees & Parking – Nandi Hills opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM. There’s no entry fee, but parking is charged (around ₹15 for two-wheelers, ₹60 for cars). On busy weekends, the lots can fill, so arrive early or park a bit below and walk up.
• Beat the Crowds – Sunrise hours (6–7 AM) are the busiest. If you prefer solitude, go on a weekday or arrive just after sunrise; late mornings quiet down a bit. We’ve seen heavy weekend crowds, so planning off-peak can make it more relaxing.
• What to Pack – Bring water, light snacks, and a jacket. Even in summer, early mornings and evenings can be chilly. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap are must-haves, as much of the hilltop is exposed. Also, wear sturdy shoes; some trails and viewpoints are rocky or uneven.
• Facilities – Amenities at the top are basic. You’ll find a few tea and snack stalls (chai, coffee, omelets) and toilets, but don’t expect restaurants. There is a battery-operated cart service (for about ₹100) from the parking to Tipu’s Drop area if you prefer not to hike the last bit. Keep small change on hand for these.
• Safety & Etiquette – Stick to marked paths (for example, avoid walking past the fenced-off edges at Tipu’s Drop). Children should be watched near steep viewpoints. Monkeys can be cheeky – secure your bag, and don’t feed them. Finally, remember this is a sacred space (especially the temples), so remove your shoes before entering shrines and don’t litter.

​​FAQs on Nandi Hills, Bangalore

Final Thoughts

All in all, Nandi Hills, Bangalore, is the kind of place that makes every early alarm clock worth it.

On a clear morning atop Nandi, looking out over the hills as the world awakens, I feel both peaceful and energized.

It’s a great getaway, whether you go solo, with friends, or on a family trip (kids tend to love the open space and playgrounds at some viewpoints).

Every time I visit a resort like Discovery Village or just camp out at the top, I discover something new. A hidden temple, a herd of deer by the road, or simply the joy of a sunrise shared with others.

If you’re near Bangalore, make Nandi Hills your next weekend adventure.

You’ll return with memories of misty dawns, ancient temples, and a well-deserved dose of mountain air. An experience that’s as practical to reach as it is unforgettable.

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