Last Updated on 28 August 2026 by Poorna & Brinda
Looking for an interesting one-day trip from Bangalore that combines scenic landscapes, heritage and spirituality? This Isha Foundation and Nandi Hills trip from Bangalore is one of our favourite ways to combine three very different experiences in a single day.
A road trip covering Bhoga Nandishwara Temple, Nandi Hills and Isha Foundation at Chikkaballapur makes for a wonderful full-day outing. You get a beautiful heritage temple, spectacular hill views and an afternoon at Isha Foundation, with the magnificent Adiyogi as its centrepiece.
But there is more than one way to plan this trip.
Want to stay back for the evening Adiyogi Divya Darshanam? Or would you rather start early and return to Bangalore in the evening?
We have planned two options so you can choose the itinerary that suits you best.
Isha Foundation and Nandi Hills One-Day Trip from Bangalore: At a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Starting point | Bangalore |
| Main attractions | Bhoga Nandishwara Temple, Nandi Hills & Isha Foundation |
| Distance | About 181 km for the complete circuit |
| Trip duration | Full day |
| Option 1 | Start at noon & stay for the evening show |
| Option 2 | Start at 7 AM & return earlier |
| Best suited for | Couples, families, photographers & road-trip lovers |
| Ideal season | October to February |
| Best days | Weekdays |
Route
Bangalore → Bhoga Nandishwara Temple → Nandi Hills → Lunch → Isha Foundation → Bangalore
Depending on your chosen option, lunch and dinner/snacks can be at different points along the route.
Two Ways to Plan This Trip
Option 1: Start at Noon & Stay for the Evening Laser Show
Best for: Those who want a relaxed day and don’t want to wake up early.
12:00 PM – Leave Bangalore
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1:15 PM – Lunch
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2:15 PM – Bhoga Nandishwara Temple
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3:00 PM – Nandi Hills
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4:30 PM – Isha Foundation
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7:00 PM – Adiyogi Divya Darshanam
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7:30 PM – Dinner / evening snacks at Koteshwaram
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9:00 PM onwards – Return to Bangalore
Why choose this option?
This is the ideal itinerary if the Adiyogi evening show is on your must-see list.
Since Bhoga Nandishwara Temple is open from 7 AM to 7 PM, there is no need to visit it early in the morning. You can have a leisurely lunch, visit the temple, spend some time at Nandi Hills and then proceed to Isha Foundation.
You also have enough time to explore Isha Foundation before settling down for the evening show.
Option 2: Start at 7 AM & Return Earlier
Best for: Early risers, photographers and those who don’t want a late return to Bangalore.
7:00 AM – Leave Bangalore
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8:15–9:00 AM – Breakfast
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9:00–9:45 AM – Bhoga Nandishwara Temple
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9:45–10:15 AM – Drive to Nandi Hills
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10:15 AM–12:45 PM – Explore Nandi Hills
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12:45 PM onwards – Lunch
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2:15–2:45 PM – Drive to Isha Foundation
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2:45–4:30/5:00 PM – Explore Isha Foundation
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5:00 PM onwards – Return to Bangalore
Why choose this option?
Although Bhoga Nandishwara Temple is open from 7 AM to 7 PM, we particularly like visiting it in the morning.
The temple is generally less crowded in the morning, and the softer morning light is excellent for photography.
You then have plenty of time to explore Nandi Hills at a leisurely pace before heading towards Isha Foundation.
💡 Travel Twosome Tip: Which Option Should You Choose?
If the Adiyogi evening laser show is on your must-see list, choose Option 1. Start around noon, enjoy a leisurely lunch and take your time at the temple, Nandi Hills and Isha Foundation before staying back for the evening show.
If you prefer an earlier return, quieter temple surroundings and better photography, choose Option 2. Start at 7 AM and make the most of the cooler morning hours.
Either way, you get to experience all three attractions in one memorable day.
Option 1 in Detail: The Evening Show Itinerary
12:00 PM – Leave Bangalore
Start from Bangalore around noon and head towards Chikkaballapur.
Since you are planning to stay until the evening show, there is no need for an early morning start.
1:15 PM – Lunch
After leaving Bangalore, stop for a leisurely lunch before beginning the sightseeing.
You have three good choices:
1. JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire – Lunch with a View
For those looking for a more indulgent experience, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire is a lovely option with beautiful views of the golf course and Nandi Hills.
It is, however, considerably more expensive than the other two options.
Best for: A leisurely lunch, beautiful surroundings and a special occasion.
2. Nandi Upachar – The Time-Tested Favourite
A convenient and dependable choice if you want a good meal without spending too much time or money.
Best for: A comfortable, straightforward highway meal.
3. Koteshwaram – Our Pick for the Full-Day Itinerary
An excellent option if you are planning to spend the afternoon at Isha Foundation.
It involves a small detour, but we think it is worth it. There aren’t many good restaurant options between Nandi Hills and Isha Foundation, and Koteshwaram gives you a convenient place to have a proper lunch before continuing to Isha.
If you stay for the evening show, you can also stop here again for evening snacks or dinner on your way back to Bangalore.
Best for: Those planning the complete Isha Foundation and evening show experience.
💡 Travel Twosome Tip
Planning to stay at Isha Foundation for the evening laser show? Don’t rush your lunch.
You have plenty of time between Nandi Hills and the evening show, so enjoy a leisurely lunch at whichever of these three options suits your taste and budget.
If you choose Koteshwaram, you can also stop there again for evening snacks or dinner on your way back to Bangalore.
2:15 PM – Bhoga Nandishwara Temple
Head to Bhoga Nandishwara Temple at Nandi village.
Spend around 45 minutes exploring the beautiful temple complex, its sculptures and temple tank.
The temple is open from 7 AM to 7 PM, giving you considerable flexibility in planning your visit.
3:00 PM – Nandi Hills
Drive up to Nandi Hills and spend around 1½ hours exploring the hill.
Things to see at Nandi Hills
- Tipu’s Drop
- Shiva Temple
- Birthplace of the Arkavathy River
- Cubbon House
- Hilltop viewpoints
- Gardens and walking areas
Take your time and enjoy the scenery before heading towards Isha Foundation.
4:30 PM – Isha Foundation
Proceed to Isha Foundation at Avalagurki, near Chikkaballapur.
You now have enough time to explore the complex before the evening show.
4:30 PM – 6:45 PM – Explore Isha Foundation
The 112-foot Adiyogi statue is the centrepiece of the complex.
A convenient sequence is:
Adiyogi → Yogeshwara Linga → Naga Mantapa → Adiyogi viewpoint
The Naga Mantapa offers a beautiful panoramic view of Adiyogi.
Take your time exploring the complex and soaking in the atmosphere.
7:00 PM – Adiyogi Divya Darshanam
Stay back for the evening Adiyogi Divya Darshanam.
The current timing is listed as 7:00 PM.
Since show timings and arrangements can change, check the latest information before your trip.
7:30 PM onwards – Dinner / Evening Snacks at Koteshwaram
After the show, head back towards Koteshwaram.
Stop here for dinner or evening snacks before continuing towards Bangalore.
This makes Koteshwaram particularly convenient for travellers choosing Option 1.
🗺️ Option 1 Route on Google Maps
Bangalore → Lunch → Bhoga Nandishwara Temple → Nandi Hills → Isha Foundation → Koteshwaram → Bangalore
[View Option 1 Route on Google Maps → https://maps.app.goo.gl/sj2ZSuHGdojSdi6w9]
Option 2 in Detail: The Early-Start Itinerary
7:00 AM – Leave Bangalore
Start early and head towards Nandi village.
An early departure means you can enjoy the temple in the morning and still have plenty of time at Nandi Hills.
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM – Breakfast
Stop for breakfast along the route.
Options include:
- Nandi Upachar
- Srinidhi Vaibhava
- Koteshwaram
Have a relaxed breakfast before continuing to the temple.
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM – Bhoga Nandishwara Temple
Spend around 45 minutes exploring the temple.
Morning is our preferred time because the temple is generally quieter and the softer light is excellent for photography.
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM – Drive to Nandi Hills
The climb to Nandi Hills is scenic, with winding roads and hairpin bends.
Drive carefully and enjoy the journey.
10:15 AM – 12:45 PM – Explore Nandi Hills
You have a generous two and a half hours to explore Nandi Hills.
Visit Tipu’s Drop, Shiva Temple, Cubbon House and the various viewpoints.
The extra time means you don’t have to rush from one viewpoint to another.
12:45 PM onwards – Lunch
After exploring Nandi Hills, come back towards the highway and choose one of the three lunch options:
JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire – for a more indulgent lunch with beautiful views.
Nandi Upachar – a convenient and time-tested option.
Koteshwaram – an excellent choice if you want good food and a convenient stop before heading to Isha.
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM – Drive to Isha Foundation
Continue towards Isha Foundation at Avalagurki.
2:45 PM – 4:30/5:00 PM – Explore Isha Foundation
Spend the afternoon exploring:
- Adiyogi
- Yogeshwara Linga
- Naga Mantapa
- The surrounding areas
You can take your time without having to stay for the evening show.
5:00 PM onwards – Return to Bangalore
Start your return journey after completing your visit.
This option should get you back to Bangalore considerably earlier than Option 1.
🗺️ Option 2 Route on Google Maps
Bangalore → Breakfast → Bhoga Nandishwara Temple → Nandi Hills → Lunch → Isha Foundation → Bangalore
[View Option 2 Route on Google Maps → https://maps.app.goo.gl/S2pTF26TDTNUVexm6]
Travel Tips
Avoid weekends if possible
Both Nandi Hills and Isha Foundation can become crowded on weekends and holidays.
Weekdays are our preferred choice.
Wear comfortable footwear
There is considerable walking at both Nandi Hills and Isha Foundation.
Carry sun protection
Carry:
- Water
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable clothing
Dress appropriately
As Isha is a spiritual centre, decent and modest clothing is recommended.
Plan your meals
The three lunch options give you considerable flexibility.
If you choose Koteshwaram, it can serve as both your lunch stop and your dinner/evening snack stop if you stay for the evening show.
Don’t Miss
Bring home yummy sesame laddus, which are sold as prasad at the counter! Also, visit the souvenir shop to pick up lovely Isha products.
Can I Do Isha Foundation Without Nandi Hills?
Absolutely.
If your primary interest is Isha Foundation, you can make it a half-day trip from Bangalore by driving directly towards Chikkaballapur and turning towards Avalagurki.
The distance between Nandi Hills and Adiyogi is about 40 km, so combining the two is easy when you have a full day.
If you have already visited Nandi Hills, Isha Foundation can also be combined with other attractions such as Avalabetta, Gudibande Fort or Lepakshi for a different road-trip experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry fee for Isha Foundation?
There is no entry fee for Isha Foundation. Visitor policies can change, so check the current official information before travelling.
Where is Isha Foundation located?
Isha Foundation is located at Avalagurki near Chikkaballapur, on the outskirts of Bangalore.
Can we visit Isha Foundation without booking?
Regular visits are possible without advance booking. Special occasions such as Maha Shivaratri may require registration. Check the current visitor requirements before travelling.
Is food available at Isha Foundation?
Yes. Restaurants are available within the complex, including Chandramukhi and Mallige Maatu.
What is Nandi Hills famous for?
Nandi Hills is known for its pleasant climate, scenic views and hilltop surroundings. Bhoga Nandishwara Temple at its foothills adds an important heritage attraction to the trip.
What is the best time to visit Nandi Hills?
Early mornings on weekdays are recommended for a more pleasant and less crowded visit.
How far is Nandi Hills from Isha Foundation?
The distance between Nandi Hills and Adiyogi is approximately 40 km.
What time is the Adiyogi evening show?
The evening Adiyogi Divya Darshanam is currently listed at 7:00 PM. Check the latest schedule before travelling if you want to include it in your itinerary.
Travel Twosome Verdict
Bhoga Nandishwara Temple + Nandi Hills + Isha Foundation is a wonderful combination for a one-day road trip from Bangalore.
The beauty of this trip is that you can tailor it to your own pace.
Choose Option 1 if you want the complete experience, including the evening Adiyogi Divya Darshanam.
Choose Option 2 if you prefer an early start, quieter temple surroundings, better morning photography and an earlier return to Bangalore.
Whichever option you choose, you get a wonderful combination of heritage, nature and spirituality in one memorable road trip.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you choose the early-start itinerary or stay for the evening show, this Isha Foundation and Nandi Hills one-day trip from Bangalore makes for a memorable road trip. We hope this guide helps you plan your next getaway from Bangalore. If you enjoyed it, share it with your travel companions and save it for your next road trip.
And if you’re looking for more ideas, explore our collection of [One Day Trips from Bangalore] and discover your next destination.
Pack your bags. Pick a place. Hit the road!
Happy travelling!
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