Nandi Hills
Escape the urban rush of Bangalore with the iconic Nandi Hills Sunrise Trek, curated by Bharat Trotters. Located just 60 km from the city in the Chikkaballapur district, Nandi Hills (Nandidurg) stands at an elevation of 1,478 meters above sea level and serves as one of South India's most breathtaking weekend sunrise destinations. This short, beginner-friendly trek takes you through scenic forest trails, ancient stone steps, and cool, mist-covered hills. As dawn breaks, you will bear witness to a mesmerizing "sea of clouds" phenomenon, where golden sunlight pierces through floating cloud beds below the summit. Beyond its natural allure, Nandi Hills is steeped in history—housing Tipu Sultan’s historical summer retreat, the precipitous Tipu’s Drop, and ancient temples. Whether you are a first-time trekker, a photography enthusiast, or someone seeking a quick overnight adventure, the Nandi Hills Sunrise Trek with Bharat Trotters promises an unforgettable journey into nature.
Trip essentials
What makes this trip special
- Spectacular Sunrise & Cloud Bed: Witness the famous "Sea of Clouds" and early morning golden dawn from the peak.
- Beginner-Friendly Trail: Easy 3–4 km round-trip trek suitable for first-timers, couples, and group outings.
- Beginner-Friendly Trail: Easy 3–4 km round-trip trek suitable for first-timers, couples, and group outings.
- Rich Historical Exploration: Visit Tipu’s Drop, Tipu Sultan’s Fort, and ancient hilltop monuments.
- Hassle-Free Overnight Travel: Seamless non-AC vehicle pickup and drop from multiple key hubs across Bangalore.
- Expert Local Trek Leads: Dedicated Bharat Trotters trek coordinators ensuring safety, permits, and rich local insights throughout the trek.
Important notes
- Booking Date Selection: Since departure happens late Friday or Saturday night (11:00 PM onwards), select Friday when booking for Saturday sunrise, and select Saturday when booking for Sunday sunrise.
- Batch Confirmation: A dedicated WhatsApp coordination group will be created by Bharat Trotters on the evening of departure (between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM) sharing exact vehicle details, driver contacts, and trek lead details.
- Zero Litter Zone: Nandi Hills is an ecologically sensitive area; carrying single-use plastic is discouraged, and littering is strictly banned.
- ID Proof: Carrying a soft or hard copy of a valid Government ID proof is mandatory for verification.
Itinerary
Day 1: Base Arrival & Night Hike Start
Reach Peak & Golden Hour Sunrise
Descent & Breakfast Stop
Return Journey to Bangalore
Ticket options
Base Package (Without Transport)
Per person
- Begin our return journey to Bangalore, arriving at your respective drop-off points with unforgettable sunrise memories.
Standard Package (Round-Trip Shared Non-AC Travel)
Per person
- Round-trip transport from Bangalor
- Trek guide
- Entry fee
- First-aid
- Trek leadership
Private / Corporate Group Package
Group of 12 members
- Non/AC Transport
- Trek Entry Fees
- Trek Leader
- Team Building Activities
- First Aid Support
- Trek Certificate
- Mineral Water
- GST Invoice (for corporate reimbursement)
Inclusions & exclusions
What you get
- Forest Permits & Entry Fees: All necessary forest department clearances and hilltop entry charges.
- Transportation: Round-trip transport from Bangalore in a comfortable non-AC vehicle (Tempo Traveller / Bus based on group size) for With Transport packages.
- Trek Leads: Experienced, certified trek leaders and group coordinators from Bharat Trotters.
- First Aid: Basic medical and first-aid support during the trek.
Not included
- Meals: Breakfast and morning snacks (stopover provided at local restaurants/cafés post-trek).
- Personal Expenses: Bottled water, personal shopping, camera fees, or additional activities.
- Insurance: Personal travel or medical insurance.
- Anything Not Mentioned: Any service or item not explicitly listed under the inclusions.
Pickup & trip preparation
Pickup locations
- 1RR Nagar (Gopalan Arcade): 11:00 PM
- 2Banashankari Bus Stop: 11:30 PM
- 3BTM Udupi Garden Signal: 11:55 PM
- 4Silk Board Bus Stop: 12:15 AM
- 5Bellandur Central Mall: 12:40 AM
- 6Marathahalli: 01:00 AM
- 7Tin Factory (HP Petrol Bunk): 01:20 AM
Things to carry
- Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes or sneakers with good grip (Mandatory).
- Backpack: Light 15–20L backpack to carry water and personal essentials.
- Clothing: Layered warm clothing (jacket, sweater, or windcheater) as morning temperatures at the peak are cold and windy.
- Rain Gear: Poncho or raincoat (especially during monsoon/transitional months).
- Hydration & Snacks: Minimum 1–2 liters of water and energy snacks (dry fruits, energy bars).
- Illumination: Headlamp or small flashlight (or fully
Booking and cancellation
↬ Age Limit: Participants must be 10 years or older. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
↬ Forest Permits & Regulations: Trekking timelines depend strictly on Forest Department permissions. If permits are delayed or denied due to sudden government restrictions or natural circumstances, timings may vary or an alternative trail will be provided.
↬ Participant Responsibility: The trek requires basic physical fitness. Bharat Trotters is not liable if a participant cannot reach the summit due to personal physical limitations or health issues.
↬ Conduct & Safety: Consumption of alcohol, smoking, or littering during the trek or inside vehicle transport is strictly prohibited. Misbehavior or failure to comply with instructions will lead to immediate termination from the event without any refund.
↬ Personal Belongings: Participants are solely responsible for their luggage, cameras, and personal valuables. Bharat Trotters is not responsible for any loss or damage.
↬ Vehicle Allocation: Transport type (Tempo Traveller / Mini Bus / Bus) is decided based on final group size.
↬ Safety & Liability: Every participant agrees to acknowledge inherent risks associated with outdoor trekking. Bharat Trotters is not liable for accidents or personal injuries caused by negligence or disregard of safety guidelines.
↬ 0 to 14 Days Before Departure: No refund (100% cancellation charge applies).
Government Restrictions / Unforeseen
↬ Weather: In the event of sudden forest closures, adverse weather conditions, or civic restrictions, an alternative feasible itinerary or date transfer will be offered. No monetary refunds apply in such cases.
↬ Refund Processing: All eligible refunds will be processed within 5 to 7 working days to the original payment mode.
Frequently asked questions
The Nandi Hills Sunrise Trek is a popular early morning weekend trek leading to the top of Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur. Organized by Bharat Trotters, it offers breathtaking views of the dawn above cloud layers, cool hill breeze, and historical exploration.
Nandi Hills is approximately 60 to 65 km from central Bangalore, making it an ideal destination for a quick one-day sunrise escape.
The total trekking distance is around 3 to 4 km (round trip). The trail is categorized as easy, making it perfect for beginners, families, and casual weekend hikers.
No, meals are not included in the package cost. However, the vehicle stops at a hygiene-vetted local café/restaurant post-trek where participants can purchase breakfast.
Yes, absolutely! Bharat Trotters maintains a high standard of safety with professional group leads and structured coordination, making it completely safe and welcoming for female and solo travelers.
Yes. Early morning access to Nandi Hills requires official permissions. When you book with Bharat Trotters, all forest permits and entry clearances are arranged for you in advance.