NANDI

BHOGANANDISHWARA TEMPLE(9TH, 16TH C/ HINDU)

At the foot of Nandi hill and its fort , 60 km from Bangalore, is a temple reflecting the Noramba style. In the 16th century there was a big open _mandapa_in the front with small Bhognandishwara and Arunachaleshwara temples reflecting the Vijyanagara style. Only the wall of the tower was sculpted upon. Now these walls are hidden behind the heavily sculpted mandapa . inside the precincts there are three square formations a stepped tank.

Nearest visiting places

• Nandi hills

Nandi Hills is a hot favourite among Bangaloreans who find this an ideal get-away for weekends. The 1478-m high Nandi Hills is the originating point of many rivers

• Rangasthala Temples

Ranganatha Swamy Temple Situated in Chikkaballpura. It’s around 60kms from Bangalore. Chikballapur is the District Headquarters of the newly created District of Chikballapur in the State of Karnataka, India.Chikballapur is about 57 km north of Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), the silicon plateau of India

• Vidurashwatha Temples

Vidurashwatha is a small village located in the Gauribidanur taluk of Chikkaballapur district in the state of Karnataka, India. Situated near the Karnataka - Andhra Pradesh border and about 6km from Gauribidanur, it had a major role to play in the freedom movement of India

• Arkavathy River

Arkavathy River or Arkavathi River, is a river in India, originating at Nandi Hills of Chikkaballapur district. It is a tributary of the Kaveri River, which it joins at Kanakapura called sangama in kannada after flowing through Kolar District and Bangalore Rural district

• Penner River

The Pennar (also Penner, Penna or Penneru) is a river of southern India. The Penner rises on the hill of Nandi Hills in Chikballapur District of Karnataka state, and runs 560 km (350 miles) north and east through the state of Andhra Pradesh to empty into the Bay of Bengal

Location info

karnataka.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit NANDI

October to March offers pleasant weather for outdoor exploration. Early morning (8-10 AM) and late afternoon (3-5 PM) provide the best light and comfortable temperatures.

How to reach NANDI

NANDI is accessible by road from nearby towns. Local transport available from district headquarters. Well-connected by road to major cities. Karnataka is well-connected by air (Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore, Mangalore International Airport, Hubli Airport), rail (extensive network with major junctions at Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Mangalore), and road (NH 44, NH 48, NH 75, NH 66). State buses (KSRTC) and private operators connect all towns regularly.

Timings & opening hours

Open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. ASI-protected monuments follow specific timings. Best visited during daylight hours.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: INR 10-25 for Indian nationals (ASI sites), INR 100-250 for foreign nationals. Some sites are free. Camera fee: INR 25-50.

Duration needed

1-2 hours to explore the site thoroughly. Photography enthusiasts may need 2-3 hours.

Safety tips

Walk carefully on ancient stone surfaces and staircases. Do not climb on or touch fragile structures and carvings. Follow all ASI/Archaeology Department rules. Report any damage or vandalism to site authorities.

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). Good walking shoes. Guidebook or information about the site. Sketching materials if interested in drawing. Water bottle (limited facilities at remote sites).

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station in the district. Nearest airport depends on the site location. KSRTC buses connect to nearby towns.

History of NANDI

NANDI is an archaeological site in Karnataka, revealing the region’s ancient civilisation and cultural evolution. Karnataka’s archaeological heritage spans from prehistoric Stone Age settlements to megalithic burial sites, Roman trade contacts, early medieval temple complexes, and the rise and fall of powerful empires. This site provides important evidence of Karnataka’s historical development over centuries.

Things to do at NANDI

Exploring the archaeological remains, photography, studying inscriptions and carvings, learning from information boards, sketching, and understanding the historical context from guides or literature.

Things to visit & highlights

Main excavated structures, inscription stones, ancient temple/monument remains, sculptures and carvings, museum (if attached), surrounding archaeological landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is photography allowed? A: Photography is generally permitted. Flash may be restricted inside enclosed structures. Q: Are guides available? A: Guides are typically available at major archaeological sites. Q: What should I know before visiting? A: Read about the site’s history and significance. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Archaeology