Karnataka · India
Nandi Hills
A cloud-wreathed hill fortress near Bengaluru famed for its spectacular sunrises above a sea of clouds — Tipu Sultan's summer retreat, with ancient temples and cliff viewpoints.
Nandi Hills is Bengaluru's sunrise escape: the cloud-sea dawn from the fort, Tipu's Drop cliff, the old Bhoga and Yoga Nandeeshwara temples, cool air, and Karnataka tiffin.
Plan your trip
Nandi Hills Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Nandi Hills Photo Spots
Entry Included
Amrutha Sarovar
- Best timeMorning, when the water is still and the trees around the pond are in soft light.
- ColorsWhiteTealForest green
Medium crowdEntry Free
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
- Best timeEarly morning after the temple opens, when the carved stone is in soft light and the Kalyani tank is calm and quiet.
- ColorsSaffronCreamMaroon
High crowdEntry Nominal
Nandi Hills Sunrise Point
- Best timeEarly morning around sunrise, when the sun comes up over the clouds filling the valley below.
- ColorsRustCreamCoral
High crowdEntry Included
Tipu's Drop
- Best timeMorning, when the light is soft and the haze over the plains is still low; late afternoon for warmer light on the rock.
- ColorsRustWhiteForest green
Entry Free
Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple
- Best timeMorning, for soft light on the stone pillars and a quieter courtyard before the day-trip crowds arrive.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteRust
For the feed
Trending Wear in Nandi Hills
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Nandi Hills Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Nandi Hills
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Nandi Hills
About Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills is an old hill fort in Chikkaballapur district, about 60 km north of Bengaluru and roughly 1,480 m above sea level. It is best known for its sunrise: on the right morning, the valley below fills with low cloud and the sun comes up over a white layer that stretches to the horizon. Tipu Sultan used the hill as a summer retreat, and parts of his fort walls, gates and the cliff called Tipu's Drop still stand along the top.
Most people come as a day trip, leaving Bengaluru in the dark to reach the gate when it opens. On top, you can walk the fort paths to the sunrise point, Tipu's Drop, the old Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple and the quiet Amrutha Sarovar pond in an easy morning. On the way down, stop at the much larger Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple in Nandi village at the foot of the hill, then have a plate of thatte idli, a Maddur vada and a filter coffee before heading back to the city.
Questions
Nandi Hills — FAQ
What is Nandi Hills famous for?
Nandi Hills is famous for its sunrise above the clouds, especially on winter mornings. It is also known for Tipu's Drop, the remains of Tipu Sultan's hill fort, the Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple on top and the 9th-century Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple at the foot of the hill.
How much time do I need at Nandi Hills?
Half a day is enough for the sunrise point, Tipu's Drop, Amrutha Sarovar and the hilltop temple. Allow a full day if you also want to see the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple in Nandi village and stop for breakfast on the way back to Bengaluru.
What is the best time to visit Nandi Hills?
September to February is the best time, when mornings are cool and the chance of a cloud-covered valley at sunrise is highest. Summer afternoons are warm, and the monsoon brings mist, rain and slippery paths. See the best time to visit Nandi Hills for a month-by-month guide.
How do I reach Nandi Hills from Bengaluru?
Nandi Hills is about 60 km from central Bengaluru, usually a 1.5 to 2 hour drive, and about 35–40 km from Kempegowda International Airport. The nearest railway station is Chikkaballapur, about 10 km away. Most visitors drive or take a cab, as it gives you control over reaching the gate early.
Can I see the sunrise at Nandi Hills if the gate opens at 6 am?
Usually, yes. The gate opens around 6 am and the sun rises a little later for most of the year, but the queue of vehicles can be long on weekends. Leave Bengaluru early enough to be at the gate before it opens, and check the latest timings before you go.