About Lepakshi — The Hanging Pillar & Monolithic Nandi
Lepakshi is one of those rare places that genuinely surprises first-time visitors. The Veerabhadra Temple, built around 1530 AD by brothers Virupanna and Viranna under the Vijayanagara Empire, is home to two extraordinary sights that no photograph fully captures. First: the Aakaasa Sthambha — a granite pillar that doesn't fully touch the ground. Pass a cloth under one side and it passes through, defying the logic of a 500-year-old structure. Second: a 27-foot-long, 15-foot-tall Nandi carved from a single block of granite — one of the largest monolithic Nandi statues in India. The temple ceiling is covered in vivid Vijayanagara-era frescoes, still remarkably intact.
Interstate permit — what you need to know
- Lepakshi is in Andhra Pradesh — this trip crosses a state border from Karnataka.
- Commercial cabs travelling into AP require an interstate permit under motor vehicle regulations.
- AI City Taxi arranges the permit for you — the charge is added to your final fare at actuals.
- No separate paperwork or advance action needed on your end.
Lepakshi Cab Fare from Bangalore — 2026
Charged per km — minimum 300 km per day. Driver charges, toll, parking and interstate permit (Andhra Pradesh) extra at actuals. AI City Taxi handles the interstate permit — no paperwork on your end.
| Vehicle | Seats | Fare | Extras | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Swift Dzire) | 4 seats | ₹11/km | Min 300 km/day | Book Now |
| Maruti Ertiga | 6 seats | ₹15/km | Min 300 km/day | Book Now |
| Innova Crysta | 7 seats | ₹18/km | Min 300 km/day | Book Now |
| BYD EV | 7 seats | On request | — | Book Now |
Fares confirmed before pickup. Call or WhatsApp +91 79754 06398 for instant booking.
How to Reach Lepakshi from Bangalore
Bangalore → Hebbal → Devanahalli
Head north on NH44 (Bellary Road). One toll at Devanahalli — your driver handles it. Continue past BLR Airport.
Devanahalli → Hindupur (crossing AP border)
Continue on NH44 crossing the Karnataka–Andhra Pradesh state border. The road is well-maintained throughout.
Hindupur → Lepakshi
At Hindupur, follow signs for Lepakshi (~15 km from Hindupur town). Total: 125 km, 2.5–3 hrs from Bangalore.
Tips for Your Lepakshi Visit
- Leave Bangalore by 7:00 AM — arrive early (8 AM) before the heat and crowds build up.
- The hanging pillar: try passing a cloth under the gap on the south side to see the mystery firsthand.
- Temple entry is completely free — no tickets, no booking needed.
- Combine with Hindupur town for lunch — 15 km before Lepakshi, several good restaurants.
- AI City Taxi handles the interstate permit — no paperwork on your end.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lepakshi from Bangalore?
Lepakshi is approximately 125 km from Bangalore via NH44, taking 2.5 to 3 hours by cab. It is located in Andhra Pradesh, just across the Karnataka border near Hindupur.
What is the cab fare from Bangalore to Lepakshi?
AI City Taxi charges ₹11/km for a sedan, ₹15/km for an Ertiga and ₹18/km for an Innova Crysta, with a minimum of 300 km per day. Driver charges, toll, parking and interstate permit are extra at actuals.
What is the hanging pillar at Lepakshi?
The Aakaasa Sthambha (sky pillar) at Lepakshi's Veerabhadra Temple doesn't fully touch the ground — a cloth can be passed under one side. It is one of 70 granite pillars in the temple, built around 1530 AD under the Vijayanagara Empire.
Is Lepakshi entry free?
Yes. Entry to the Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi is completely free. No tickets or booking needed.
Is an interstate permit needed to go to Lepakshi by cab?
Yes. Lepakshi is in Andhra Pradesh — commercial cabs crossing from Karnataka require an interstate permit. AI City Taxi arranges this for you; the charge is added to your final fare at actuals.
Can I visit Lepakshi and return to Bangalore the same day?
Yes. Leave Bangalore by 7:00 AM, spend 3–4 hours at Lepakshi and return by early afternoon. Total road time is around 5–6 hours both ways.
What else is there to see near Lepakshi?
The temple complex has three shrines — Veerabhadra, Shiva and Vishnu. Outside the temple stands the 27-foot monolithic Nandi, and the ceiling frescoes inside are remarkable Vijayanagara-era art worth studying closely.