Entry Fee: No general entry ticket required. Vehicle charges apply at the base gate.
At 1,478 metres above sea level in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka, approximately 60 km north of Bengaluru, Nandi Hills is the most accessible hill station in the entire southern peninsula for residents of a major Indian metro. You can leave Bengaluru at 5:00 AM, drive 60 km, and watch the sun rise over a cloud sea from a 1,478-metre hilltop by 6:30 AM, then be back in the city for a 9:30 AM meeting.
This is exactly what tens of thousands of Bengalureans do every weekend. And it is exactly what has made Nandi Hills both beloved and occasionally overcrowded — a place where the natural beauty is genuine and the historical layers are thick, but where the weekend management of crowds and traffic has required active intervention.
Nandi Hills Ticket Price 2026 — Entry Fee
There is no general entry fee or personal ticket for visiting Nandi Hills.
There is no entry fee that tourists have to pay for visiting Nandi Hills. You need to pay for vehicle parking at the designated parking area.
Vehicle / Parking Charges
| Vehicle Type | Charge |
| Two-wheelers and cycles | ₹15 – ₹70 |
| Four-wheelers (cars) | ₹60 – ₹150 |
| Buses | ₹100 |
Sources cite a range because the charge structure has been revised over recent years. The most current confirmed rate per a 2025 source: ₹150 per car and ₹70 for two-wheelers, which includes parking for 2 vehicles.
Sunrise Bus
Taking a bus to the sunrise point costs ₹25 per person, one way. This is the KSRTC/local bus service that runs from the base of the hills to the hilltop viewing area, used by visitors who arrive by bus from Bengaluru or Chikkaballapur.
Individual Attraction Charges
Most attractions within Nandi Hills are free. A few individual sites have nominal charges:
- Individual temples: Free
- Tipu’s Summer Palace: ₹5 (nominal) — verify at gate
- Children’s Park: Free
- Amruth Sarovar Lake viewing: Free
Nandi Hills — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Also Known As | Nandidurga / Nandi Durg |
| Location | Chikkaballapur District, Karnataka |
| Distance from Bengaluru | ~60–65 km |
| Distance from Chikkaballapur | ~10 km |
| Altitude | 1,478 metres (4,851 feet) above sea level |
| Open Hours | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | No general ticket |
| Vehicle Charge (Car) | ₹60–₹150 |
| Vehicle Charge (Two-Wheeler) | ₹15–₹70 |
| Sunrise Bus | ₹25/person (one way) |
| Best For | Sunrise views, cycling, trekking, paragliding |
| Key Attractions | Sunrise Point, Tipu’s Summer Palace, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Amruth Sarovar, Tipu’s Drop |
| Nearest Railway | Chikkaballapur (~19 km) |
| Nearest Airport | Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (~31 km from Nandi Hills) |
| Weekend Crowd Advisory | Very high — arrive before 6:30 AM for sunrise; expect traffic from 7 AM |
Nandi Hills Timings 2026
| Day | Opening | Closing |
| All 7 days | 6:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
Nandi Hills is open for visitors from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day per some sources, though the effective visiting window with full access to all areas is 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Individual temples and the Karnataka Tourism restaurant operate their own hours within this window.
Sunrise timing: The sunrise at Nandi Hills occurs between approximately 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM depending on the season. Arrive at the hilltop by 5:45 AM at the latest to secure a viewing position before peak crowd arrival.
Peak crowd period: 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekends — the road up the hill can develop vehicle queues from this window onward.
History of Nandi Hills
Earliest History and Mythology
The hills have carried multiple names across history. This place was traditionally known as Kushmandagiri, named after the sage Kushmanda, and Aanandagiri (Hill of Happiness), which was later changed to Nandidurga — Hill of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva — during the Chola period.
The ancient Yoganandeeshwara Temple at the hilltop, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built by the Cholas. The temple also has a dedication in the name of Sambhaji, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji. The complex houses several historic shrines and is one of the oldest continuously active temples in Karnataka.
The Ganga and Chola Periods
During the Ganga period, the Chikkaballapur chieftains built a fort on the hilltop. The fort spreads across 90 acres above 4,851 feet and was constructed so that a soldier could hide and shoot in all four directions simultaneously. A stone doorway in the fort on the northeastern side — the Horse Way — was designed for soldiers to ride up on horseback.
The hills were also the birthplace of several significant rivers. Nandi Hills is the origin point of several rivers, including Palar, Arkavati, and Pennar.
Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and the British
After many sieges by the opposing forces of Madhava Rao Peshwa in 1770 AD, the hill passed into the hands of Hyder Ali of Mysore. Hyder and his son Tipu Sultan strengthened the fortifications further.
Tipu Sultan used Nandi Hills as his summer retreat — the Summer Palace (Tasker Town) at the hilltop was his personal residence during the hot season. Tipu Sultan used to execute his prisoners at Tipu’s Drop — a 600-metre cliff at the edge of Nandi Hills — by throwing them down. The historical weight of this location is palpable standing at the cliff edge today.
In 1791, Nandi Hills was captured by British forces under Lord Cornwallis during the Third Anglo-Mysore War. The British used the hill as a sanatorium — its altitude made it significantly cooler than Bengaluru, and the colonial-era bungalows that dot the hillside today date from this period.
Nehru Nilaya: A 150-year-old heritage house at Nandi Hills where Jawaharlal Nehru stayed during his visits. Now maintained by the Karnataka Horticulture Department and open to visitors.
First SAARC Summit (1986): In 1986, the first SAARC meeting took place at Nandi Hills — a diplomatic significance that adds to the historical layers of the site.
What to See and Do at Nandi Hills
Sunrise Point (Brahmashrama)
The defining experience of any Nandi Hills visit. From the main hilltop viewpoint, the sunrise over a sea of cloud that fills the valleys below is one of the most widely photographed natural phenomena in Karnataka.
The specific quality that makes Nandi Hills sunrise unusual: the altitude places the viewpoint above the morning mist, so visitors look down at a white cloud layer from above as the sun rises through it. The first golden light across the cloud surface — before the clouds burn off and the landscape below becomes visible — creates a visual sequence that changes every 2 to 3 minutes for approximately 45 minutes.
The best position is on the eastern rampart of the old fort or at the main designated Sunrise Point. On clear winter mornings, Bengaluru’s glow is visible on the southern horizon even before sunrise.
Tipu’s Summer Palace (Tasker Town)
The hilltop summer retreat of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The existing structure is modest — a two-storey colonial-era bungalow rather than a palatial building — but the historical context makes it significant. The palace grounds include gardens maintained by Karnataka Horticulture.
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple (Base of the Hills)
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is designed in Dravidian style, with a beautiful complex supported by gigantic pillars. Its walls and interiors are designed with stone carvings and spellbinding metalwork. There is also a pond outside the temple named Sringeri Teertha.
This temple at the foothills — dedicated to Lord Vishnu — predates most of the fort structures on the hilltop. It is one of the most architecturally significant temples in the Chikkaballapur district and warrants a separate visit combined with a Nandi Hills trip.
Yoganandeeshwara Temple
At the hilltop, the ancient Shiva temple complex with dedicated mandapas for Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Nandi. Active worship continues daily; the temple has an ancient pond and elaborate stone-carved interiors.
Tipu’s Drop
A 600-metre sheer cliff at the northern edge of the hill. Tipu Sultan used this cliff as an execution site, throwing prisoners down it. Standing at the edge provides the most dramatic aerial view available at Nandi Hills — vertically downward to the valley floor 600 metres below. Metal railings are installed for safety.
Amruth Sarovar (Lake)
A natural water body on the hilltop that feeds some of the rivers whose source is at Nandi Hills. The lake is calm and reflective in early morning, surrounded by the fort walls, with the silhouette of the temple visible on the adjacent ridge.
Horse Way
A stone archway in the fort’s northeastern wall — the passage through which soldiers rode horses to access the hilltop. An architectural detail that illustrates the military purpose of the hilltop location — wide enough for a horse to pass through, positioned on the gentler northeastern slope.
Cycling Routes
Nandi Hills is one of Bengaluru’s most popular cycling destinations. The road from the base of the hills (Nandi Village) to the summit is approximately 8 km of consistent gradient — not extremely steep but requiring sustained effort. The route is particularly popular before 6:00 AM on Sundays when vehicle traffic is low and the climb is possible in cool pre-dawn air. Many Bengaluru cycling clubs make the Nandi Hills climb a regular group event.
Paragliding
Seasonal paragliding is available at Nandi Hills through licensed operators based at or near the hilltop. The elevation and reliable thermals make it a functional paragliding site. Activities are weather-dependent; confirm with operators before planning specifically around this. Prices vary by operator: typically ₹1,500–₹2,500 for a tandem flight.
Trekking
Multiple trekking routes connect the hill base to the summit through forest trails rather than the paved road:
Nandi One Trek: The one-day trek can be completed within 4–5 hours, making it suitable for families. The trail passes through forest with bird activity and occasional wildlife sightings.
Night trek: Several operators organise night treks that culminate at the summit in time for the sunrise. These are departure-from-Bengaluru group experiences starting at 1:00–2:00 AM and arriving at the hilltop well before dawn.
Dining at Nandi Hills
Mayura Restaurant (Karnataka Tourism): The Karnataka Tourism Department runs a vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurant “Mayura” at the hilltop. Serves standard Karnataka meals and snacks. Operating hours follow the hill’s general visiting window.
Small tea and snack stalls: Multiple informal stalls near the parking area and along the fort ramparts serve tea, coffee, omelettes, bread, and basic snacks.
The Murthal equivalent at Nandi Hills: The major dhabas on the NH-44 corridor near Murthal are specific to that location, but the rural Chikkaballapur district surrounding Nandi Hills has local eateries serving Andhra-Karnataka border cuisine. Chikkaballapur town (10 km away) has a broader restaurant selection.
How to Reach Nandi Hills
Address: Nandi Hills, Chikkaballapur District, Karnataka – 562103. Set destination “Nandi Hills Karnataka” on Google Maps.
By Car/Bike (Most Common): Nandi Hills is located about 60 km from Bengaluru and only 10 km from Chikkaballapur. From Bengaluru: take NH-44 (Bengaluru–Hyderabad highway) northward, exit toward Chikkaballapur, then follow signs toward Nandidurga. Journey approximately 90 minutes at normal traffic.
By Bus (Bangalore to Nandi Hills): KSRTC buses start from Majestic (Bengaluru bus stand) around 6:00 AM and reach Nandi Hill by 8:00–8:30 AM. This timing misses the sunrise but is suitable for general sightseeing. Alternatively, travel to Chikkaballapur by train or bus and take a local auto from there.
By Train + Auto: Chikkaballapur is the nearest railway station (~19 km from Nandi Hills). Several MEMU trains run from Bengaluru City to Chikkaballapur. Autos from Chikkaballapur station to Nandi Hills gate: ₹200–₹350 per trip.
By Air: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, is approximately 31 km from Nandi Hills. Cab from airport: ₹800–₹1,200.
Peak Weekend Traffic Management
Nandi Hills has become a victim of its own accessibility. On weekend mornings between 6:30 AM and 10:00 AM, the narrow hilltop road can develop vehicle queues stretching several kilometres from the base gate, with wait times of 1 to 2 hours possible on busy Sundays during October–February peak season.
Practical guidance:
- Arrive at the base gate before 5:30 AM for sunrise visits — this ensures access before traffic builds
- Weekdays (Tuesday–Friday) are dramatically less crowded and fully accessible without queue
- The Karnataka Tourism and Chikkaballapur local authorities periodically implement online slot booking or entry limits on peak days — check current weekend access policy before planning a weekend visit
Best Time to Visit
October to February: The best time to visit Nandi Hills is during December to February. This is when nature is at its most enchanting, with misty hills and lush greenery creating a magical atmosphere. Clear winter mornings produce the most dramatic sunrise displays.
Monsoon (July–September): The hills are enveloped in cloud during monsoon — a completely different aesthetic. The greenery is intense, waterfalls appear, and the hilltop is often in cloud rather than above it. Fewer crowds. Some access roads may be slippery in heavy rain.
Early morning (before 6:00 AM) for sunrise: The defining Nandi Hills experience. Plan around the sunrise, not around convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Nandi Hills ticket price in 2026?
There is no general entry ticket for visiting Nandi Hills. Vehicle charges apply: cars ₹60–₹150; two-wheelers ₹15–₹70; buses ₹100. The KSRTC sunrise bus charges ₹25 per person one way. Individual attractions within the hills are mostly free.
Q2. What are Nandi Hills timings?
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, all 7 days of the week. Arrive before 5:30 AM for the sunrise experience.
Q3. How far is Nandi Hills from Bengaluru?
Approximately 60–65 km, about 90 minutes by road on NH-44 toward Chikkaballapur. The nearest railway station is Chikkaballapur, 19 km from the hills.
Q4. What is the best time to visit Nandi Hills for sunrise?
October to February for the clearest conditions. Arrive at the hilltop by 5:45 AM to secure a viewing position before crowds arrive. December and January mornings produce the most dramatic cloud sea views.
Q5. Is there a booking system for Nandi Hills entry?
There is no permanent general online booking system. Walk-in with vehicle charges at the base gate is the standard entry method. On very busy weekends during peak season, the Karnataka Tourism or local authorities may implement temporary crowd management — verify current weekend access protocols before visiting.
