- From Bangalore
- 60 km · ~1.5 h
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Best months
- Oct–Feb
- Altitude
- 1,478 m
- Distance
- ~7 km round trip
- Time on trail
- 2–3 hrs via the old steps / roads from the base
Most visitors drive up. Walking up from the base is a gentle hike that earns the Tipu Drop and Tipu Summer Palace views. Gates open early; vehicle access on weekends is heavily controlled.
- Sunrise above the clouds
- Tipu Drop
- Yoga Nandeeshwara temple
- Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple (Nandi village)
Permit & rules
Best time to visit
Go
Oct–Feb
Avoid
Weekend afternoons (jam), peak monsoon fog
Wildlife
- Monkeys – do not carry visible food
What to wear
- Light jacket
- Sneakers
What to carry
- Water
- Snacks
Typical itinerary
- Leave Bangalore 3:30 am, reach by 5:30 am, sunrise at the top, breakfast at Nandi village, back before the crowds.
Operators compared
Listed starting prices per person from Bangalore. They change by batch – confirm inclusions with the operator.
Do it yourself
Mostly fuel and entry.
~₹350
Thrillophilia
Camping · Marketplace – operator varies by batch, tent/homestay options
₹2,199
- Included
- Varies by operator
- Trip experience
- Camping package, shown as a discount from Rs 2,399; Nandi Hills itself is a drive-up site.
Muddie TrailsLowest listed
Day trip · Small groups, forest permits bundled, add-ons like waterfalls
₹1,090
- Included
- Guided; includes Isha Foundation stop
- Trip experience
- Combined Nandi Hills and Isha Foundation outing.
Local tips
- Arrive before 5:30 am on weekends or you queue at the foot.
- Pair with Skandagiri for a full sunrise day.
Nandi Hills (walk up) FAQ
Do I need a permit for Nandi Hills (walk up)?+
No formal trek permit is needed. Walk-up entry fee at the gate; vehicles pay separately. Check current timings – gates open pre-dawn only on certain days.
What is the best time to trek Nandi Hills (walk up)?+
Oct–Feb. Avoid: Weekend afternoons (jam), peak monsoon fog.
How far is Nandi Hills (walk up) from Bangalore?+
About 60 km by road, roughly 1.5 hours' drive. Round-trip fuel is about ₹687 at current prices for a car-level mileage estimate.
How difficult is Nandi Hills (walk up)?+
Easy, about 7 km round trip. 2–3 hrs via the old steps / roads from the base.
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Information compiled from public operator listings and forest department guidance, last reviewed 2026-11-01. Fees, quotas and closures change – verify on the official portal and with the operator before you travel. Operator links are provided for comparison; we do not sell treks.