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

Amazing Experience! - Our hike up the Nandi Hills was a fantastic experience. This uncommon path was bejeweled with gorgeous views, historic rest spots, monkey sitings, and more! It was well worth the climb. The view from the top was absolutely rejuvenating. Afterwards we were able to see pottery being made and were given the opportunity to participate too! Lepakshi was a spot that we would have never visited on our own, as it’s simply not as well known. Praveen’s experience with the area and knowledge on the local temple made the trip that much more significant. Seeing the beautiful fresco, hanging pillar, and the stunning architecture of the temple was incredible. To think that this has held up so well after all these years is amazing. Praveen also took us on a detour to see a unique biodiversity with tamarind trees that have surpassed their life expectancies due to a unique phenomenon. I won’t spoil all the secrets, you’ll have to see for yourself! I highly recommend this trip and cannot emphasize enough how great “Hidden Gems” tours are.

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!

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.

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.

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.

A fascinating and complete day trip - Being at the Lepakshi temple is an experience in itself. Beautiful structures - some complete, some incomplete - but each fascinating in its own way and with a story behind it. The Nandi Hills visit was really relaxing and helped us recover from the heat outside. Praveen and his lovely daughter Sanjana accompanied us on this trip and ensured that all our needs were taken care of and were nothing less than a family to us throughout the duration of the trip. They even customized the trip based on our preferences. We really enjoyed this day and would highly recommend this trip to anyone considering it.

Stunning Views and Monkeys!! - This tour with Praveen of Hidden Gems Tours was so much fun. Praveen’s historical knowledge is endless. We ate a fantastic lunch at the top of the Nandi Hills and were entertained by dozens of monkeys!!!

Trip to Lepakshi and Nandi - Great trip several hours from Bangalore. This was our fifth trip with Praveen and Hidden Gems Tours. The drive was enjoyable seeing the countryside and seeing vineyards along the way. Visited two very different temples which were magnificent. Observed a potter in his shop creating awesome wares. Lunch in Nandi Hills at the top inside the old fort with a panoramic view. Our final stop of the day was at a biodiversity heritage site with centuries old tamarind trees and an old Krishna temple. Such a peaceful trip. We love touring India with our friend, Praveen!