Our Family Trip to Nandi Hills, a Misty Paradise!

We started to Nandi Hills, Bangalore from our flat in Malleshwaram at 4:40 am on 20th Nov 2016, Sunday in our new Alto K10, silver color. My son, my wife, and our maid also accompanied together on my journey to the awesome misty hills in the Chikkaballapur district in Karnataka, India.

Nandi Hills

The idea to visit the hill station was in our minds one week before the journey day. So a bit of planning was in place and a little feedback was collected from friends and colleagues to make the travel safe, joyful, and peaceful.

Nandi Hills is one of the favorite places in Bangalore for employed youths and fun-loving families.

Where is Nandi Hills?

Nandi Hills, also known as Nandidurga, is located in the Chikkaballapur district of the state of Karnataka, India. It is situated approximately 61 kilometers (38 miles) north of Bangalore, which is the capital city of Karnataka. Nandi Hills is a popular hill station and a favorite getaway for residents of Bangalore and tourists alike.

Our Tip to Nandi Hills

The distance from our place to the family destination was approximately 55 km via NH44 towards Devanahalli and Hyderabad.

We expected that we would reach in one and a half hours but it took a little more than expected as there was a small block while climbing the hills because of cars and bikes heading towards the top of the hill.

The roads were pretty good till the end of our trip. By 6 am we reached the Nandi Hills bus stop on the Nandi Hills main road.

However, it took us around half an hour to cover the last 5 km to reach the top of the hill. Our car was also getting some pressure to accelerate in the first gear following the queue.

At 6:30 am we were at the point to view the partial sunrise on the other side of the hills. Rich clouds were surrounding the hills that were appearing white. The scene was fantastic.

It was also feeling cool with a pleasant breeze and amazing natural effects. A few drops were pouring from the top as the mist started melting a bit.

If you ever wish to visit the place then I would suggest that you plan to reach the hilltop by 5:30 am as it will give a very beautiful view of the sunrise and a little dew drops in the cool weather.

We walked a little further to come across a temple, several monkeys, and huge rock surfaces. Our son enjoyed it a lot because of the presence of the monkeys. There are family people who were taking selfies, photographs of the scenery, couples spending time with each other, and kids playing around.

When it was around 7:30 am because of the cool weather and low temperature we hurried to search for the restrooms to relieve the biological stress. There was not much queue in the gents’ washroom but the queue was long in front of the lady’s washroom.

After this, we moved to find a suitable restaurant for breakfast. Looking around there were some tea stalls and a few hotels. So we decided to move to KTDC hotel to have 2 plates of masala dosa, 1 plate of poori, and 2 cups of tea. The bill was reasonable and the taste was good. Moreover, it was during the third week when Govt of India declared that the old Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 were regarded as invalid legal tender notes for transactions.

The most attractive aspect of the hotel is that one side of the family dining faces the hill slope, giving a great view of the downside.

It was 8:30 am clouds got cleared from the hilltop and the sun began its usual duty to share its light and heat with us.

There were a few benches placed in the park. We occupied one bench and began observing the monkey fight straight in front of our eyes. Fortunately, none of the monkeys took a chance to attack us, especially my son. My phone gave a small ring but then it stopped. Later we realized that there was no signal on any of our phones.

Slowly we thought of returning as to reach the home before afternoon. Also, we saw cottages, a big pond with steps to climb down surrounding all four sides, a board of Tipu Sultan Lodge, and several vehicles parked on the sides of the road.

All of us got in the car and made our return journey back to Malleshwaram. On the way, we saw grape sellers on the sides of the road. We bought 1/2 kg of green grapes and dark grapes each. The price was very low as compared to what we get from the city supermarkets.

Also, we stopped at Devanahalli to buy chicken and vegetables for the family lunch. The cost of 2 kg of full chicken was just 190 Rs. compared to 250 Rs. in the city limits near our residence. The costs of the vegetables were also much less than what we get in Bangalore city.

Finally, we reached home by 12:30 pm. All the way we relied on Google Maps in our smartphones placed on the glass using a mobile holder that gets charged continuously inside the car itself.

A memorable and pleasant family trip! Hope you will also enjoy reading about our experience at Nandi Hills. All the best for your next journey too.

Best time to visit Nandi hills

Nandi Hills, located near Bangalore in Karnataka, India, is a popular hill station and a favored destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The best time to visit Nandi Hills is during the following seasons:

1. Winter (October to February): This is considered the best time to visit Nandi Hills. The weather during these months is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. The mornings can be chilly, so it’s advisable to carry some warm clothing.
2. Monsoon (June to September): The monsoon season brings lush greenery to the hills, and the surroundings become incredibly scenic. However, heavy rainfall can lead to slippery roads and reduced visibility. If you enjoy the monsoon ambiance, this can be a good time to visit, but be prepared for wet conditions.
3. Post-Monsoon/Early Autumn (September to October): After the monsoon, the landscape remains green, and the weather becomes more pleasant. This period is a transition from the rainy season to winter, offering a balance of scenic beauty and comfortable temperatures.

It’s advisable to avoid visiting Nandi Hills during the summer months (March to May) as temperatures can rise, and it may become uncomfortably hot. Additionally, weekends and holidays can be crowded, so plan your weekday visit to enjoy a more peaceful experience. Always check the current weather conditions before planning your trip.

Related: Your 6-Step Guide to a Sustainably Conscious Family Trip

Nandi Hills opening time

The opening time for Nandi Hills can vary, and it’s essential to check for the most recent and accurate information before planning your visit. Generally, Nandi Hills opens early in the morning to catch the beautiful sunrise. The gates are typically open by 6:00 AM.

Keep in mind that opening times can be subject to change due to various factors, including weather conditions and administrative decisions. It’s always a good idea to verify the current opening times by checking official sources, such as the Karnataka Tourism Department or the Nandi Hills official website. You can also contact local authorities or check with the relevant authorities at the entrance gates for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any entry requirements.

Bangalore to Nandi Hills bus distance

The distance from Bangalore to Nandi Hills is approximately 61 kilometers (38 miles) by road. The journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken.

Please note that these distances and travel times are approximate and can vary based on the starting point in Bangalore and the specific route chosen. If you plan to take a bus to Nandi Hills, it’s advisable to check with local transportation authorities or bus services for the most accurate and up-to-date information on bus routes, schedules, and travel times.

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