Bull Temple (Nandi Temple)

The basics

Many tours around Bangalore stop at this temple, and going with a guide is a good idea if you want to learn about temple customs. Visitors first pay their respects to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god at the base of the hill, before climbing the many steps to worship the huge monolithic statue of Nandi at the top. Carved from a single enormous slab of granite, this is one of the largest statues of Nandi in the world.

Things to know before you go

• The Nandi Temple is a must-visit for Hindu pilgrims as well as those interested in temple architecture and design.
• Modest dress is encouraged, with relaxed-fitting clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
• Remember to remove your shoes before entering.

How to get there

The Nandi Temple is located on Bull Temple Road in Basavanagudi, South Bangalore, next to Bugle Rock Park. The nearest metro stations are National College or Lalbagh on the western side of the sprawling Lalbagh gardens. Each is about a 20-minute walk or five-minute rickshaw ride away.

When to get there

The temple is open daily from early morning until well after sunset, with a break of a few hours around lunchtime. If you want to see it at its liveliest, come in November for the annual Peanut Festival, during which farmers from villages on the outskirts of the city come to the temple to offer their first crop of peanuts to Nandi before selling the rest.

Bugle Rock Park

The temple sits adjacent to Bugle Rock and its surrounding parklands, and many visitors come to relax in the park's lush grounds after seeing the temple. The park gets its name from a giant rock formation, though there are plenty of man-made features, including fountains, pathways, and a large amphitheater. There's also a large population of fruit bats that call this park home.