South India Heritage Tour: Temples, Forts, and Nature

In this guided day tour, we will explore a variety of fascinating sites from different eras. These include ancient Hindu temples, medieval ramparts and fortifications, an over 800-year-old sacred tamarind grove—one of India’s few biodiversity heritage sites, and a pottery workshop. Breakfast and lunch are included in the price.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Nandi Upachara - Devanahalli - “From the outset, it’s important to highlight that this is the most extensive Lepakshi and Nandi Hills tour available, offering an unmatched array of sites and experiences. Unlike other tours, every location listed will be visited, ensuring a complete experience—not just a select few.
    Food is a vital part of…
What's Included
  • Tour in comfort in an A/C vehicle
  • Taste the flavors of South India with a traditional breakfast
  • Taste the flavors of South India with a traditional lunch
  • Enjoy the luxury of having a top-notch guide for the full duration of the tour
  • Hassle free pick up and drop off included
  • All Monument entry fees and Admission tickets
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Personal Shopping
  • Gratuities
Additional Information
  • Language English only
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date
  • Adult pricing applies to all travelers.
  • Minimum age is 4 years
  • A maximum of 8 people per booking
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • Wheelchair not accessible
Location
Nandi Upachara - Devanahalli
National Highway 44
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(13 Ratings)
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D_w
May 2, 2025
Unexpected highlight of my Bengaluru trip - I added this tour to my itinerary because I wanted to walk around the Nandi Hills a bit. What I got was a truly amazing, fun day! We started out with an outstanding dosa breakfast at a pleasant neighborhood spot. Once we talked about my interests, my guide suggested we start out by visiting the local potters (I am a ceramic artist) since they work in the mornings. I loved seeing the potters hand-build giant tandoors using more or less the same techniques I use, and seeing the various steps involved beginning from lakebed clay. We visited the Bhoganandishwara Temple and I learned about how it grew from the 9th century to today. In Lepakshi, we visited the Nandi Bull and Veerabhadra Temple, where among other things we saw stunning, well-preserved frescoes. Hearing that I enjoy spicy food, the guide took me for lunch at a good Telegu restaurant. We then tried to drive up to the Nandi Hills to take in the views. But the road was closed for construction and everyone (including several tour buses) was being turned back. Disappointed, we headed off, but the guide had an idea: if I wanted to see the views, he would lead me up the Nandi steps (the 19th century step route to the top). So we embarked on this adventure. Although I did not have enough water to get to the very top, we went up high enough to enjoy the views! Finally, we stopped to see the Nallu Heritage Tamarind grove to see the ancient tamarind trees, and headed home. What a day! Hidden Gems tours provided me with a lot of hidden gems that day, and I am very grateful.
Review provided by Viator
Ndwyer30
Mar 11, 2025
A day in the country - A culturally fascinating tour into the countryside around Bangalore with a knowledgeable and engaging guide. Authentic!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dessislava_k
Nov 24, 2024
Our trip was fantastic... - Our trip was fantastic and very memorable not only because of the extreme beauties of Bangalore region, but mainly because Praveen and Hidden Gems provided a customized service of exceptional quality. If you visit Bangalore, you will miss a lot if you not select Hidden Gem as your private tour provider.
Review provided by Viator
J2792kdsteveh
Nov 13, 2024
Perfect Blend of Cultural Heritage and Natural Beauty - We had an amazing day seeing the sites around Nandi Hills and Lepakshi! We visited several temples and saw some amazing sculpture and engineering in the temple designs. The great thing about this tour was the combination of visiting historical sites and being out in nature at the Nandi Hills---the perfect combination of cultural heritage and peaceful surroundings. I would definitely recommend the tour for anyone traveling to Bangalore.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F926tnpeggym
May 26, 2024
An exceptional day - If you want to get away from the city and experience the history and culture of India then book this tour. Yes, 6:30 is an early morning pickup, but the reward is to have the chance to spend the day with Praveen, who loves to share his extraordinary historical knowledge with you. The tour takes you out of the city and into the country in order to give you a truly off the beaten track experience. Praveen’s in depth commentary during the visit at the Lepakshi Temple made it easy for me to imagine what a pilgrimage to the temple would have been like for those who made the pilgrimage hundreds of years ago. In his quest to make certain his guests had the correct information, Praveen stopped to have a quick conversation with a temple priest to confirm that he had a piece of history right. Another part of the tour that I thought was valuable was the easy conversations that we had while travelling in the car. Praveen was happy to discuss any topic that I thought would give me a better understanding of his country. Among other things, we talked about economic development generally, the opportunities available to the youth of India, the electoral process, and engagement/marriage customs The Nandi Hills are beautiful, the views are breathtaking, the lunch was relaxing and the food was delicious. It was very hot during my visit in April, so we took the bus to the top of the hills. I was happy that Praveen knew about this option so that I experience the views without the stress of hiking in the heat. It’s easy for you to read the description of what you will see during the tour, but what you really need to know is that you will be cared for like a friend during your Hidden Gems Tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Willkm4405wx
May 10, 2024
An amazing day exploring off the beaten path - My sister and I took this tour on our last day in India. This was our second tour with Praveen, we love travelling with him as our guide! It was a busy day on this tour. We hiked the Nandi Hills (my legs are still tired, but it was worth it!) for the beautiful vistas at the top. Afterwards, we visited a pottery workshop where we were able to make a pot each with the help of the owners. We saw the Nandi Bull statue next. After, we visited an active Hindu temple with the most intricate and beautiful carvings. We wrapped up at an amazing Tamarind Biodiversity Site. At every location, we learned the historic and cultural significance of the site. Each spot was interesting and beautiful, and was enriched by the knowledge we gained from Praveen. It was an amazing day, we are so glad that we booked with Hidden Gems!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E4025ovangelal
Feb 16, 2024
Stunning Sights - This was a great tour. I was picked up from the hotel at 6:30am, and we stopped en route for a local breakfast. The Lepakshi temple and area was amazing and well worth the trip. We then called into the astonishing site of the Isha Foundation, before taking in another temple which was a brilliant demonstration of three different architectural styles as the temple was extended. We then went up to the Nandi Hills - and I do recommend the Nandi Hills wine, which was worth the extra cost. We sat by the window next to a stunning view of the plains below. The guide was knowledgeable and I thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ricktraveler2021
Dec 10, 2023
Great 1-day trip out of typical Bangalore tourism points - The trip was great! Deepak is very knowledgeable and a gentleman. I had the best Dosa Masala I have eaten so far. As we were visiting Lepakshi, Deepak was explaining the rituals in the temple and the history behind it. Same as we walked through Nandi Hills. As a gift, all the trip is registered in 70+ photos Deepak took during the trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cmo7486df
May 7, 2023
Wonderful day spent at Nandi Hills and Lepakshi Temple - Amazing! I was only spending a few days in Bangalore and was wanting a day trip that included culture, history, and activity. Nandi Hills and Lepakshi Temple was perfect! This was my second tour with Praveen and he did an amazing job sharing the history and the wonders of Lepakshi Temple! The stone carvings of the on the walls and pillars of the temple are mesmorizing, the al frescos on the ceiling are beautiful, and the hanging pillar an engineering wonder. Very near the temple is the Nandi Bull made from a single stone. After visiting the temple and Nandi Bull Praveen put me to the challenge of a hike-- Wow! I would definitely recommend this tour with Praveen! Even if you're not up for a hike.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gurudevr
Jan 18, 2025
Sculptural marvel of Vijayanagara empire during 16 th century in Andhra - Sculptural marvel of Vijayanagara empire belonging to 16 th century in Andhra. Well maintained Veera Bhadra -Siva - temple in a sprawling complex with several sculptures still in tact. Treat to eyes. Mystery pillar where bottom is free from ground also can be seen. Takes around one to two hours on a weekday. Pigged attractions like Jatayuvu on a hillock and single rock Nandi are in a different place. Recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $154
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).