I did three tours with Hidden Gems whilst in Bengalaru - ‘Bangalore Through the Ages’ on my own (see my separate review) and the ‘Nandi Hills’ and ‘Mysore’ day trips out of Bengalaru with my husband. All the tours were excellent.
Praveen kindly customised the Nandi Hills tour for us due to our availability, and it included a visit to a fascinating temple, a pottery workshop to see tandoors being made, a hike up the Nandi Hills taking in the spectacular views in the countryside, lunch at the top and Praveen the guide providing fascinating historical insights along the way. For those interested in the history of British India in particular this was a fascinating tour. If you take this tour on the weekend you could also visit one of the neighbouring vineyards. The hike is approx 2km up hill, so is excellent for adventurous and fit visitors, if you have health issues it would be worth reaching out to Praveen to customise the tour without a hike (you can drive to the top of the hill instead). This was my favourite tour by far, the countryside is so peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of Bengalaru and the views are reminiscent of the Scottish highlands.
The Mysore tour was also excellent. It is broken up into multiple very interesting stops along the way which makes the journey easier, however it is an early start and a late finish (6.30am-8pm ish depending on traffic) so book this tour on a day when you are not jet lagged. It is definitely worth the trip. You start with a delicious traditional breakfast, stop at a silk cocoon factory, an ancient temple, two palaces, a riverside lunch and the market. All stops are interesting, the Mysore Palace (breathtaking) and the markets were the highlight for us.
Praveen and Pradeep the tour guides are both extremely knowledgeable, passionate and make the day trips a memorable experience. I highly recommend this tour company to any visitors to Bengalaru.
