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The Nandi Hills or Nandidurga is just about 60 km away from Bangalore. This stunning, historical, and at the same time, picturesque weekend stop is equally perfect for families, friends, and even solo travelers.
Why Nandi Hills?
• Sunrise attractions: Mainly for photographers and early birds.
• Photogenic places: Old temples, forts, and even colonial buildings and city structures.
• Diverse nature: Perfect for bird watching and through light nature treks.
• Family Friendly: Includes lodges and resorts like Nandi Farms, who welcome families after a small hike.
1. Timing Matters: Sunrise or Later?
A good number of people who plan a trip tend to leave around 3:15 am or sometimes a little later. This is of course in the hopes of catching the sunrise. As is the case while some head out during that time, they will face traffic or run into gates that open only at 6:00 am, and in those cases, missing the sunrise.
Helper advice:
• For people who plan to spend time in the region, Winter is the best time to go, especially because the sunrise during that time is also considerably later with the gates opening around the same time.
• For people who want to have a more incremental and relaxed trip, you could head out later, enabling you to beat the traffic and people while still enjoying a good amount of the region’s incredible views.
2. Reaching the Location
● A convenient and pleasant way to travel is by renting a car with a driver (approximately Rs.3,500 for the day).
● A more economical option is via public transport. Buses depart from the Bangalore Central Bus Station at around 8:30 AM and return by 2:30, 4:15, or 5:00 PM for roughly Rs. 40.
● For the more adventurous, consider treks such as Skandagiri, just 3 km away, which also offer dramatic sunrise views.
3. What to Bring & Wear
● The weather can shift from chilly to warm, so wearing a jumper with a jacket is a good idea.
● Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, as trails and rocks are slippery, and leave the flip-flops at home.
● Bring along snacks and cameras to capture the numerous scenic and foggy vistas, but make sure the snacks are secure, as stray monkeys and dogs are known to explore.
4. Top Activities Atop the Hills
● Add some spiritual depth to your trip with a visit to the ancient Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple or the hilltop Nandi Temple.
● Wander around the old fortress and enjoy the stunning views from the elevated pathways.
● After the climb, savor a hot breakfast at the local café.
• Nature and Photography: the scenery is worth capturing, even if you can’t see everything due to fog and mist.
5. What Comes After the Hills?
•Nandi Farms: This family-friendly resort has a swim pool, playground, and even an indoor play area, so you can unwind on your way back.
• Extend the outing: A short drive can take you to the nearby and often less-crowded BhogaNandeeshwara Temple, or you can spread out a picnic and relax in the wide-open spaces if the weather is pleasant.
6. Family Trip Ideas
This is a great enriching trip for families traveling with kids.
From Travelynn family’s experience:
• A delayed sunrise due to gate timings was a great lesson on managing expectations, and embracing what is.
• The kids turning the mist-filled vista into a foggy playground highlights a positive outlook one can have during travel.
7. Quick Reference Weekend Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
| 6:00 am | Base: arrive and head up once gates open. |
| 7:00-9:00 am | Exploration: summit, temples, and fortress walk. |
| 9:00-10:00 | Picnic or café breakfast. |
| 10:00–11:00 am | Optional excursion to BhogaNandeeshwara Temple; Wrap up and begin descent |
| 11:30 am–1:00 pm | Final leg back to Bangalore |