Full-Day Treasures of Nandi Hiking

My Nandi Hills Experience – A Personal Journey Working with IndiaTourPackages.com, I often get the opportunity to travel, explore, and understand what truly makes a place special. While I’ve visited many corners of India, sometimes it’s the destinations closest to home that surprise you the most. That was certainly the case with Nandi Hills, just a short drive away from Bangalore. This trip wasn’t just another itinerary or checklist — it was personal. I wanted to reconnect with nature, get away from the city buzz, and take in one of the most celebrated sunrises in Karnataka. Nandi Hills gave me that — and much more. The Journey from Bangalore I started my journey around 3:45 in the morning from Indiranagar, Bangalore, armed with a flask of coffee, a jacket, and an excited spirit. The roads were relatively empty, and the drive took just over an hour and a half. As I approached the foothills, the weather shifted. The temperature dipped, mist began to roll in, and there was an electric anticipation in the air — like something magical was about to happen. As I wound up the hill on narrow, slightly curving roads, the sky began to glow faintly in the east. The gates to the hilltop open quite early, and I was lucky to arrive before it got crowded. If you’re planning a sunrise visit, my biggest tip is: start early, really early. The Famous Sunrise — And Why It’s Worth It I’ve seen sunrises in beaches, deserts, and mountains — but there’s something deeply special about the one at Nandi Hills. As I stood at the main viewpoint, surrounded by others quietly waiting for dawn, I felt a sense of shared awe. And then it happened — the horizon turned from indigo to orange, the clouds below looked like waves crashing in slow motion, and the first rays of the sun lit up the sky in fiery gold. It’s difficult to describe in words. For a few minutes, everyone stood still, speechless. Even the monkeys, usually so mischievous, seemed subdued by the grandeur of the moment. The sunlight touched the treetops, bathed the valleys in warmth, and slowly brought the entire hill to life. For that brief window, it felt like we were floating above the world. Exploring the Hilltop After the sunrise, I spent a few hours walking around the hilltop. The cool breeze, chirping birds, and general serenity made for a refreshing change from the city’s noise. There are several walking trails, both paved and unpaved, that take you to different vantage points and small attractions. I wandered toward the Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, a beautiful and ancient structure that exudes calm and spirituality. I’m not overly religious, but there was something grounding about being there — standing among centuries-old stones and taking in the view in quiet reflection. Another place I visited was Tipu Sultan’s Summer Residence, which is now in ruins but still tells a story of the past. The architecture and setting sparked the imagination — I stood there thinking of the time when royalty walked those very stones, watching the sunrise just as I had. A Hidden Gem – The Amrita Sarovar I then headed to Amrita Sarovar, a serene water reservoir tucked between trees. It was peaceful, almost too quiet — just the sound of water trickling, and a few birds fluttering past. I sat on the steps by the water for a while, sipping my coffee and letting time slow down. That’s the kind of place Nandi Hills is. It’s not just a sightseeing destination; it’s somewhere you go to breathe a little deeper. An Unexpected Moment – The Meditation Cave During my walk, I stumbled upon Brahmashram, a naturally formed cave where it’s believed that saints once meditated. I crouched down and entered the cool, damp space. It was dimly lit, echoey, and surprisingly calming. I sat there for a while, cross-legged, and closed my eyes. No phone, no thoughts, no distractions. Just a sense of peace that’s hard to find in our over-connected lives. That small moment alone made the entire trip worth it. Interactions Along the Way Being in the travel industry, I always enjoy chatting with fellow explorers. That day, I met a group of cyclists who had biked up from the base — their energy and excitement were infectious. I also met a solo traveler from Mumbai who was doing a “hill station circuit” across Karnataka. These encounters, though brief, reminded me why travel is so beautiful — it connects people who might otherwise never meet. Food, Snacks & Practical Details By around 9 a.m., I was ready for some breakfast. There are a few local stalls and eateries near the top that serve hot idlis, dosas, vadas, and of course, chai. Nothing tastes better than hot food after a cold morning walk. Don’t expect gourmet meals or fancy cafes — the food is simple, local, and filling. If you're someone who needs special diets or prefers clean, packaged meals, I’d recommend carrying something with you. Also, pack light but smart — carry a jacket, good walking shoes, water, and definitely a camera or smartphone with good battery life. You’ll want to capture the views, trust me. Challenges & Things to Keep in Mind While my experience was wonderful overall, there are a few practical realities to consider: Weekend Crowds: The place gets crowded very quickly, especially on weekends. If you're looking for a peaceful experience, try going on a weekday. Littering: Unfortunately, I did see a bit of litter here and there. It’s disheartening — and I really hope travelers start becoming more mindful. Parking and Traffic: Once the crowd starts building, parking becomes a bit of a mess. Get there early to avoid that stress. Monkeys: They’re cute but cheeky. Keep your food and phones safe. I saw one grab a bag of chips from a kid and run off with ninja-like speed! Returning Downhill — A Slow Descent By around 10:30 a.m., I started the descent. The drive down was just as beautiful as the way up — maybe even more so, as the morning light revealed mist-covered valleys and distant farms. I made a few stops along the way to take pictures, stretch my legs, and just enjoy the quiet. It felt like leaving a sacred space. Final Thoughts Nandi Hills isn’t just about the sunrise. Yes, that’s the headline act, but there’s so much more here: the cool breeze on your face, the history etched in temple stones, the stillness of the meditation cave, the warmth of tea after a chilly morning, and the gentle reminder that nature always has something to teach us. As someone who helps others plan their travels through IndiaTourPackages.com, this trip was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. Travel is about discovery — not just of places, but of moments, feelings, and reflections that stay with you. If you’re in Bangalore and haven’t visited Nandi Hills yet — or haven’t been in a while — I urge you to go. Wake up early, hit the road, bring your sense of wonder, and let the hills work their magic on you.

I had such a great time with Ajith and his lovely trainee. Ajith is a great storyteller with so much energie and english easy to understand what I really appriciated. I liked all the stories and places we visited. Nandi hills with monkeys, the silk farm, the beautiful old temple, delicious breakfast and lunch, all was perfect. Thank you very much! Sarka

Last weekend, we decided to take a quick getaway to Nandi Hills, one of the most popular hill stations near Bangalore. What made this trip extra special was that our little companion, Harry, our Shih Tzu, joined us for the adventure. Starting Early for Sunrise We started our journey very early in the morning around 4:30 AM, hoping to catch the famous sunrise at Nandi Hills. The drive was smooth, and Harry was excited in his little travel basket. By the time we reached the top, the sky was slowly turning shades of orange and gold. Sunrise, Coffee & Breakfast at Mayura Hotel Before the sun peeked out, we grabbed a hot cup of coffee at the Mayura Hotel Sunrise Point. Sitting there, watching the sky change colors while sipping coffee, felt magical. The cool morning breeze, the chirping of birds, and the view from the hill made it a moment to remember. We decided to have a light breakfast there itself. The simple South Indian breakfast tasted even better with the backdrop of the rising sun. Harry enjoyed walking around the open area, and many fellow travelers smiled seeing a cute Shih Tzu enjoying the morning as much as we did. A Leisurely Walk Around Nandi Hills After breakfast, we took a short walk around Nandi Hills. The weather was pleasant, and the pathways were perfect for a peaceful stroll. Families, cyclists, and photographers were all around, but it never felt too crowded. Harry loved the walk too, wagging his tail happily and curious about everything he saw. Stop at A2B for Breakfast No. 2 On our way back, we stopped at A2B (Adyar Ananda Bhavan) for another round of breakfast. The food was tasty and fresh, though a bit on the expensive side. Still, it was a nice stop before heading home. Back Home by Noon We reached back home by 12 noon, tired but happy. It was the perfect half-day trip – refreshing, scenic, and family-friendly. What made it unforgettable was having our furry little Harry along, who seemed to enjoy the outing just as much as we did.

Unventured is the way to go when traveling to Bengaluru. The arrangements are made quickly, the drivers arrive promptly, and the guides are knowledgeable. In order to tailor your experience, the guides communicate with each other. Make sure to ask for Arjith or Sneha or Gladys! I took 5 tours in 6 days. So glad I went with this group!

We had a great experience hiking the Nandi hill , visiting silk worm farm and weaving house. We went on a Friday so it was not crowded at Nandi hill. It was a hike close to one and half hours, our guide Ajith was very knowledgable sharing history and interesting stories along the way, also provided flexibility adjusting pace and itinerary based on our likes and conditions. Lunch was really yummy which is a big plus. Overall an experience I would definitely recommend!

The entire day felt like such an organic and fun-filled adventure with our guide, Midhu. The sights were beautiful, the stories about the area and the history were interesting, informative and conversational, and we felt like we got experiences we wouldn’t have otherwise gotten during our time in South India— both the planned tour aspects and the MONKEYS!! The food during the meals was great, as well, at both the beginning and end of the tour! It felt like we were able to sneak a peek into history and nature and it definitely seemed off the beaten path as far as tourists go. Thank you Midhu!!

My experience with Unventured was fabulous from start to finish. Veena was particularly great to deal with. I’m a solo traveller and I’d been searching for a reputable company in Bangalore to help organise a private hiking tour for me. I wanted to customise my experience so that I could undertake specific activities that interested me the most … solely centred around hiking in beautiful locations. Veena sourced me an English speaking guide, who also happened to be a mountaineering and survivalist instructor that teaches people to scale the Himalayas, so I was in good company. Nithyam was not only a capable guide, but he is also a thoroughly lovely chap and it was my pleasure to spend the day with him (despite my fitness levels being lower than his). Not knowing the area, I was reliant on unventured choosing beautiful locations and they certainly didn’t disapoint. They also organised a private pick up too and from my hotel which was luxurious and very convenient. Without a second thought, I would rate the company and my experience as 5*++. Thanks to all the team for helping make this one of life’s memorable moments 🙏