Lepakshi — home to the gravity-defying "hanging pillar" and one of the largest monolithic Nandi statues in India — is one of the most remarkable heritage day trips from Bangalore. Located about 125 km north via NH44, just across the Karnataka–Andhra Pradesh border near Hindupur, this 16th-century Vijayanagara-era temple town rewards visitors with extraordinary stone carvings, vivid ceiling frescoes, and a story straight out of the Ramayana.
The Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi was built around 1530 AD by the brothers Virupanna and Viranna, governors under the Vijayanagara Empire. Among its 70-odd granite pillars, one — the Aakaasa Sthambha — doesn't fully touch the ground, an architectural mystery that has puzzled visitors and engineers for centuries. Just outside the temple stands a 27-foot-long, 15-foot-tall Nandi carved from a single block of granite, one of the largest such monolithic statues anywhere in India.
This guide covers everything for your Bangalore–Lepakshi trip: per-km cab fares, the best route, interstate permit information (since the trip crosses into Andhra Pradesh), temple timings, what to see, and practical tips.
About Lepakshi Temple — Veerabhadra Swamy Temple
🛕 Lepakshi — Where the Bird Jatayu Rose Again
According to the Ramayana, this is the spot where the bird Jatayu fell, wounded while trying to save Sita from Ravana. Lord Rama is said to have told the fallen bird "Le, Pakshi" — "Rise, bird" — giving the village its name. The temple itself sits on a low rocky outcrop called Kurmasailam ("tortoise hill") and is renowned for its hanging pillar, vivid fresco ceilings, the Nagalinga relief, and a footprint believed to be Sita's.
Cab Fare from Bangalore to Lepakshi — 2026
Fares are charged per km for the approximately 125 km route. Driver charges, toll, parking, and interstate permit charges (this trip crosses from Karnataka into Andhra Pradesh) are extra at actuals.
| Vehicle | Seats | Rate per km | Min. km/Day | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire / Swift) | 4 | ₹12/km | 300 km | 💬 Book |
| Ertiga | 6 | ₹16/km | 300 km | 💬 Book |
| Innova Crysta | 7 | ₹19/km | 300 km | 💬 Book |
⚠️ Minimum 300 km billed per day regardless of actual km travelled. Driver charges, toll, parking, and permit charges extra at actuals. WhatsApp us for a custom quote →
🛂 Interstate Permit Note: Lepakshi is in Andhra Pradesh, so this trip crosses a state border. Karnataka-registered commercial cabs travelling into AP are subject to an interstate permit/road tax charge under motor vehicle regulations. Saraswathi Car Rentals takes care of this for you — the permit charge is simply added to your final fare at actuals, with no separate paperwork needed on your end.
Choose Your Vehicle
All three vehicles are AC, GPS-tracked, and regularly serviced. Your driver stays with you throughout the trip. Rates below are per km; driver charges, toll, parking and permit charges are extra.
Best Route: Bangalore to Lepakshi Temple
The recommended route is via NH44 — well-maintained, around 125 km, and 2.5 to 3 hours from central Bangalore.
💡 Pro Tip: Leave Bangalore by 6:30–7:00 AM to reach Lepakshi by mid-morning, explore in cooler temperatures, and head back well before evening traffic builds up on NH44.
Lepakshi Temple — Timings & Key Details
📋 Quick Reference — Timings & Facts
⚠️ Lepakshi's temple grounds are open, rocky terrain that can get extremely hot by midday in summer. Plan an early-morning or cool-season visit, and carry water and footwear you don't mind removing frequently.
What to See and Do at Lepakshi
🪨 The Hanging Pillar (Aakaasa Sthambha)
One of around 70 carved granite pillars in the temple's main hall doesn't fully rest on the ground — a centuries-old architectural puzzle. Visitors traditionally pass a cloth underneath to feel the gap.
🐂 The Monolithic Nandi
About a kilometre before the main temple stands a massive Nandi — 27 feet long and 15 feet tall — carved from a single block of granite, among the largest monolithic Nandi statues in India.
🎨 Ceiling Frescoes
The temple's ceilings are covered in vivid Vijayanagara-era murals depicting deities, dancers, and musicians — among the best-preserved fresco work from the period.
🐍 The Nagalinga Relief
A striking sculpture of a multi-hooded serpent sheltering a Shiva linga, carved from a single rock — one of the temple's most photographed features.
🦅 Jatayu Viewpoint
A hillock near the temple marks the legendary spot connected to Jatayu from the Ramayana, with views over the surrounding countryside.
🛍️ Lepakshi Handicrafts
The region is known for Kalamkari paintings and handwoven textiles. A handicrafts emporium near the temple is a good stop for souvenirs before heading back.
Best Time to Visit Lepakshi from Bangalore
Lepakshi can be visited any time of year, but October to February offers the most comfortable weather for walking the open, rocky temple grounds.
The best time of day is early morning, between 6 AM and 9 AM — cooler temperatures, softer light for photography, and fewer visitors. Weekdays tend to be noticeably quieter than weekends.
Practical Tips for Your Lepakshi Trip
- Leave early: Depart Bangalore by 6:30–7:00 AM to reach Lepakshi by mid-morning.
- Carry cash in small denominations — small eateries and handicraft stalls near the temple may not accept cards or UPI.
- Wear comfortable, easily removable footwear — the rocky courtyards get hot, and footwear is removed at the temple entrance.
- Carry water and a cap — much of the temple grounds and the Nandi statue area are in the open with little shade.
- Remember your cab is crossing into Andhra Pradesh — your Saraswathi driver handles the interstate permit.
- Parking is available near the temple entrance, though it can get tight on public holidays.
Nearby Places to Combine with Your Lepakshi Trip
Since you're travelling north on NH44 towards Andhra Pradesh, consider combining Lepakshi with one of these destinations on the same corridor for a fuller day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
The road distance from Bangalore to Lepakshi Temple in Andhra Pradesh is approximately 125 km via NH44. The cab journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.
Fares are charged per km: ₹12/km for a Sedan, ₹16/km for an Ertiga, and ₹19/km for an Innova Crysta, with a minimum of 300 km billed per day. Driver charges, toll, parking, and interstate permit charges are extra. WhatsApp for instant confirmation →
Lepakshi is in Andhra Pradesh, so the trip crosses a state border from Karnataka. Commercial cabs crossing state lines are subject to interstate permit and road tax charges. Saraswathi Car Rentals handles this on your behalf — the permit charge is simply added to your fare at actuals.
Entry is free. There is no ticket required for the Veerabhadra Temple, the hanging pillar, or the Nandi statue darshan.
Lepakshi Temple is open daily from approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. No entry is allowed after 6 PM, so plan to arrive well before closing.
Lepakshi can be visited any time of year, with October to February offering the most pleasant weather. The best time of day is early morning between 6 AM and 9 AM for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
The best route is NH44 via Hebbal → Yelahanka → Devanahalli → Chikkaballapur → Hindupur → Lepakshi. Approximately 125 km on well-maintained highway roads, taking 2.5 to 3 hours.
Plan 2.5 to 3 hours for a comfortable visit — the Veerabhadra shrine, the hanging pillar, the frescoes, and the monolithic Nandi statue. Your Saraswathi driver waits at the temple parking throughout.
Lepakshi is famous for its 16th-century Vijayanagara-era Veerabhadra Temple, the mysterious hanging pillar that doesn't fully touch the ground, one of India's largest monolithic Nandi statues, vivid ceiling frescoes, and its connection to the Ramayana legend of the bird Jatayu.
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