The sunrise-above-the-cloud photograph that every Bengaluru feed carries in December. Go on a weekday; at weekends the ghat road is a car park by 5 am.
On the trail now and the next 7 days
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Forecast for the trek's map point. It is usually colder and windier at the top.
Nandi Hills, planned for you
Day-by-day timings, the route, what each part costs, where to sleep and eat, and a checklist. One PDF that works offline: print it, or send it to everyone going.
- Day 1 Nandi Hills: the trek
- TravelBase: Bengaluru, 60 km
- PermitPermits and entry
- On the trailEasy trek to 1,478 m₹400
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The route
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On the map
Nandi Hills & Skandagiri · Open in Google Maps ↗
The climb
How to reach the start
KSRTC bus from Majestic to Nandi Cross, then a shared jeep up the ghat road. Skandagiri is a separate climb from Papagni Mutt, now a morning slot only.
Step 3 of 6Next: Permits↓Permits and rules
Rules change. Check the park office or official booking system before you travel.
Step 4 of 6Next: Gear↓What to carry
What it costs
Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Prices last updated 10 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book. Spot a wrong price? Tell us and we fix it.
Covers local transport, permits or entry, a guide where needed and food on the trail. Getting to Bengaluru is extra.
Photos
Questions people ask
How hard is the Nandi Hills & Skandagiri trek?
Easy grade. It takes Half day and climbs to about 1,478 m. The sunrise-above-the-cloud photograph that every Bengaluru feed carries in December. Go on a weekday; at weekends the ghat road is a car park by 5 am.
Do I need a permit for Nandi Hills & Skandagiri?
None for Nandi Hills — entry ticket at the gate. Skandagiri is booked online on the Karnataka Forest Department's Aranya Vihaara portal as a day trek only: entry 6 to 11 am, up to 150 people a day. The night trek is no longer offered (checked October 2026).
How do I reach the Nandi Hills & Skandagiri trek?
KSRTC bus from Majestic to Nandi Cross, then a shared jeep up the ghat road. Skandagiri is a separate climb from Papagni Mutt, now a morning slot only. Base: Bengaluru, 60 km.
What is the best season for Nandi Hills & Skandagiri?
Oct–Feb, Jun–Aug.
How much does the Nandi Hills & Skandagiri trek cost?
From about ₹400 per person from the base, covering local transport, permits or entry, a guide where required and food. The journey to the base is extra.
What should I carry?
Trainers, a litre of water, a head torch if you start Skandagiri before sunrise.
Guides for Nandi Hills & Skandagiri
Longer reads from our blog that cover this trip.
Nearby treks
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Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we don't sell packages or bookings, we take no commission, and we link to maps and official sites, never to booking sites. Every guide is free; our only paid products are optional downloadable trip plans and itineraries. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.
By Gokul · Updated 10 October 2026 · Photo: Sudheer Battula · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Vijets at English Wikipedia · Public domain · source · Photo: Tinucherian · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
