Bangalore to Nandi Hills Taxi

A short trip to Nandi Hills is a perfect choice owing to its easy accessibility and majestic views. Nandi Hills road is just like any other Ghat road with turns and loops. One ought to be careful while driving through such roads. Though the difficulty level is low, it can prove to be challenging for the first timers. Hence, hiring a chauffeur driven vehicle from Bangalore Drive is the best option for a safe ride to the hills.

The fastest route to reach Nandi Hills is via NH 44 and is approximately 61 kms and can be covered in around 1 hours 50 minutes. One must ensure early onset of the journey, as it might give you a chance to beat the city traffic. On this route one can visit Devanahalli Fort too. The route is:

Bangalore – Yelahanka – Devanahalli -Yarappanahalli – Nandi Hills. 

One of the alternate routes to reach the destination is via SH 104, commonly called New Airport Road and SH 74. It would take you almost 2 hours to reach Nandi Hills after covering a distance of approximately 67 kms. The route is:

Bangalore – Hunnachur – Kannamangala – Devanahalli – Yarappanahalli – Nandi Hills.

Nandi Hills came to limelight during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in the 1960s and the hosting of SAARC Summit in the 1980s. It is a perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore for nature lovers, adventure seekers and religious people too. Few of the major attractions in and around Nandi Hills are:

1. Tipu Sultan’s Lodge

At the top of the Nandi Hills, one can find remains of a two storeyed building, which once used to be summer retreat of mighty ruler Tipu Sultan.  However, the guest house is in dilapidated condition, and one can see towers and arches which are engraved and represent the architectural style of the time. 

2. Tipu’s Drop

Tipu’s Drop is a 600ft high cliff at Nandi Hills, which was once used by Tipu Sultan to throw off his prisoners. This is a must visit place for adventure seekers during their trip with Bangalore to Nandi Hills taxi service. The climb to the cliff is remarkable with good scenic views. Though the place is safely barricaded, it can send chills down your spine.

3. Amrita Sarovar

Amrita Sarovar or the lake of Nectar is a natural perennial water body, which  is generally associated with Hindu temples in India. This lake has steps on all the four sides and has been a source of freshwater for the people living in the area. This place offers a picturesque backdrop for the photographers.

4.  Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple

Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple is an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) – protected monument at the foot of Nandi Hills. It is a must visit attraction during your trip with Bangalore Drive.

According to inscriptions, the original 9th century structure was built by the native Kannada Nolamba dynasty. The temple came under the guardianship of successive remarkable South Indian dynasties: the Ganga Dynasty, the Chola Empire, the Hoysala Empire and the Vijayanagara Empire too. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple complex is an excellent example of confluence of architecture across different dynasties and a rare gesture of mutual respect for each other’s culture. 

The Cholas had built the pavilion around Nandi. The Uma Maheshwara temple was built by Hoysalas in the 12th – 13th century. The ‘ Kalyani’ or the tank in the temple premises was added by the Vijayanagara Kings. Despite these additions, the temple has retained its Dravidian architecture. 

The temple complex has two large shrines: the “Arunachaleswara” shrine and the “Bhoga Nandeeshwara” shrine. In between there is a small shrine called “Uma-Maheshwara” shrine with a kalyana mantapa supported by ornate pillars in black stone with reliefs portraying the Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

As per the Hindu belief, the “Arunachaleswara” and the “Bhoga Nandeeshwara” forms of Shiva represent two phases in the life of the Lord Shiva: childhood and youth. The “Uma-Maheshwara” shrine has reliefs portraying the third phase, Lord Shiva’s marriage to the Goddess Parvati.

5. Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple:

Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, is located on the top of Nandi Hills. This temple represents the final renunciation stage in life. The philosophy of life can be illustrated by different stages in one’s life: childhood, youth, marriage and finally abstention from worldly matters. Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple depicts the final stage in the life of Lord Shiva.

The temple is believed to be approximately 1000 years old and was built by the Cholas. As evident from the name itself, the presiding deity is Lord Shiva. Temple’s sanctum is guarded by intricately carved ‘Dwarpalaks’. The temple houses shrines of Subramanya Swamy, Goddess Parvati, Lord Vinayaka and Nagas too. One can visit this temple to get a glimpse into intertwined Hindu mythology and philosophy.

Nandi Hills has emerged as a popular destination to unwind after a hectic week. Besides offering natural scenic beauty and several viewpoints, it is also home to some of the ancient temples such as Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple Complex and Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple. Hire a private taxi from Bangalore Drive and explore this beautiful place leisurely.

Apart from heritage sites, Nandi Hills is famous for trekking trails, cycling routes and adventure sports such as paragliding.

After exploring the hills with your Bangalore to Nandi Hills taxi, if time permits, you can visit Muddenahalli which is birthplace of Sir M Vishveshwarya and is 20 kms from Nandi Hills.

Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka and a favored tourist destination across all age groups. This city can mesmerise anyone with an array of monuments, amusement parks and spectacular garden parks, etc. Famous tourist attractions of Bangalore are Bangalore Palace, St. Mary’s Basilica, Bull Temple, Bannerghatta Biological Park to name a few. A short trip to Nandi Hills from Bangalore is hassle free and can be planned spontaneously.

The government-run Nandi Hills Guest House offers basic rooms with great views – book well ahead. For better amenities, try Discovery Village at the foothills. Most visitors make this a day trip, but if you’re sunrise-hunting, consider Grover Zampa Vineyards Resort nearby.

Shopping’s limited – and that’s okay. The local vendors near Tipu’s Drop sell fresh berries in season. The handicraft shop near the parking lot stocks basic souvenirs. For authentic wine, visit the Grover Vineyards store at the base.

Early mornings (5-8 AM) offer the best sunrise views and mist-covered landscapes. Weekdays bring fewer crowds. October to February stays pleasantly cool – perfect for hiking. Skip afternoon visits in March-May unless you enjoy the heat. Monsoon weekends (June-September) get crowded despite the rain.

The government canteen serves simple but fresh breakfast after sunrise. Food Court near the parking lot offers decent South Indian meals. Pack a picnic if you’re picky – food options are basic up here. For better meals, try Valley View Restaurant at discovery Village.