Bangalore to Nandi Hills: Travel Guide with Route, Timings, Cost & Rental Bikes

Summary

Directions: Drive about 60-65 km from central Bangalore, either on NH44 or along Hoskote-Chikkaballapur. You should head out between 4:00 to 4:30 AM, avoiding traffic while making it in time to catch the sunrise.

Highlights: Most noteworthy sites at Nandi Hills comprise the fort, with Tipu's Summer Palace and Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple at its foothills. Additionally, many nearby places for trekkers can also be added in your itinerary like Skandagiri, Avalabetta among many others.

Rental Advantage: Compared to getting a taxi or bus with a predetermined timing, booking a geared bike or scooter online would be highly economical. You will be charged anything from Rs. 300 to Rs. 900 in one go. Getting the services of a taxi would take you from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000.

Getting There

Getting yourself the services of a cab could appear quite simple and trouble-free. But it could turn rather inconvenient with three people crammed in a row and waiting for the driver to complete his call, all prior to you making an appearance in time for the dawn trek.

If you were fortunate to get yourselves a bicycle then there would be no botheration at all: you leave when you please and can stop whenever you feel like it, and the excursion would be at a far-out and also low price. The drive from central Bangalore is 60 km on an avg, with a drive time of around 1 to 2 hours depending on where in Bangalore you start from, and whether or not you get to face congestion on your departure from the city. We would not advise you to hit the road late in the evening as one could risk running out of petrol halfway due to lack of service stations.

Routes From Bangalore

NH44 going further up as NH648 is well-known to locals as the Devanahalli route and the most direct path to get there. You're expected to ride on a very clear surface all along. However, as you come down the highway from Devanahally, you could face considerable obstruction, and you will probably lose twenty minutes on your journey if you reach these roads in the wrong direction and time. Always do try to check reports online by earlier travelers before visiting that place.

In the middle of an over-capacity issue on NH44, where we find a traffic snag at Devanahally, you'd simply get ahead and take the Hoskot road which is longer than NH44 but often beats the traffic.

Best Time to Start and Visit

There are no words for it better than what one gets to do here - catch some 'killer sunrise'! As such, for catching a sunrise over the hills, one should be hitting the road somewhere between 4 and 4:30 in the morning, for the gates to Nandi Hills to be opened as they do at 6 am in the morning.

If you arrive late, then it is not unlikely that you will find plenty of visitors thronging at each and every viewing point, as too many people can lead to traffic congestion and a frustrating view in the morning.

October to March is the perfect period as one gets to feel pleasantly cold, have clear views as compared to all other months when one has to contend with atmospheric haze.

What You Can Expect at Nandi Hills, Bangalore

• Check out the beautiful sites around the place, indulge in rock-climbing, and of course, if you arrive on time, Tipu's Palace and the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple.
• In the months of Oct-Mar, the atmosphere is really pleasant so you may even undertake adventurous trekking activities on the hills around with friends.
• Tickets for visiting the main complex may cost anywhere from a dollar to three dollars, which you'd be able to afford even by saving up.
• Tickets for your bicycle would go for dollars 2, and for cars, dollars 6.

If you are planning to ride from Bangalore to Nandi Hills, renting a bike can be a convenient option for a flexible day trip. You can check bike rental options near Nandi Hills and choose a suitable two-wheeler based on your travel plans and budget.

Pit Stops and Food on Your Way

A few dhabas situated along this route to Nandi Hills would even start serving a decent breakfast, that you may even consume on your return. So, if you wish to eat out before you begin your trek, do not even worry - you could get good fare. Food outlets and gas stations are aplenty in both Devanahalli and Chikkaballapur, where you can relax and refuel at a decent fare.

Road Trippin' - Nearby Add-on Spots

Skandagiri, Avalabetta and Devarayanadurga - with them, we can stack up days of trips for one, and the latter places have much to offer by way of trekking, with Skandagiri, while at Avalabetta and Devarayanadurga one could commune with friends at peaceful environs. You have the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple and the Nandi Fort at the foothills of the mountains.

Nandi Hills is one of the popular destinations for a short bike ride from Bangalore, especially for early-morning trips. If you are looking for more places to explore, check out these best bike ride routes in Bangalore for additional route ideas and weekend ride options.

Why Rent Instead of Taking a Cab, Bus or Driving Your Own Vehicle?

You could grab a cab to Nandi Hills, but what if you are stuck sharing the vehicle with 2-3 strangers, traveling to a predetermined location without the power to command your destination? You surely do not feel good about the overall travelling experience, and that too if the same is extended to a full family trip. Taking a public bus to Nandi Hills is far more difficult since one does not have the freedom to fix a timing in advance.

ONNBikes Rental Is Your Way

ONN Bikes provides 24/7 mobility solutions for all types of bikes on the best rental rates available, from Rs. 300 onwards per day. ONN Bikes allows you to ride without any traffic or congestion and lets you choose and design your travelling experience just as per your wishes, rather than relying on some bus/train timetable or cabbie demands.

Documents and Booking Process

Requirements: A Government ID, a valid driving license.

Procedure: One can book your preferred bike online, within a couple of days prior to your trip.

Documents: A valid driving licence and an identification certificate (with details of voter card, PAN card etc).

Bikes on Rent for a Nandi Hills Trip - Breakdown

Note: On occasion, an online booking of bikes with ONNBikes can help you avail discounts on your bike rent. Generally, an additional refundable security deposit over your bike rent will be charged as extra by the renting companies. All fuel would cost extra per usage. Be watchful for charges that may increase as a late payment penalty, and inquire about possible damage and insurance before paying.

How to Calculate the Total Cost

For example, a round trip using an ONNBike could charge: Bike Rental (say scooter, INR 500), Fuel (INR 200), parking & entry tickets (INR 50), food at the top (INR 150) - a total of INR 1,000 as a minimum for your outing.

Riding Tips & Safety

• Wear a full-face helmet and full-sleeve attire.
• Check the air pressure of the bike's tyres, especially if the bike being used is a rental.
• Carry extra cash you might be in need of.

Safety Precautions at the Mountain Top

• Keep an eye on your speed around curvy routes, at all times.
• If it is raining on the route, avoid travelling during these times.
• Use basic precautionary and first-aid measures for such travels, and you could have an enjoyable experience even in remote terrain.

FAQs

How do I calculate bike rental cost for a Nandi Hills trip?

The bike rental for a scooty costs Rs. 300 to Rs. 600 daily, but a manual transmission bike will cost you around Rs. 500 – 900 per day.

Is a vehicle prohibited at Nandi Hills?

All vehicles that use roads are allowed. Two-wheelers are welcome, with a specific parking lot for them.

What type of motorcycle is ideal for a day trip to Nandi Hills?

A typical scooty would work perfectly fine with an ONN Bikes rental, as for the most part there will not be much trouble on the road trip. Though a geared bike is more ideal for the curves and bends that occur.