It’s no wonder that Bangalore’s bike trails have emerged as among the top attractions for cycling lovers wishing to escape & unwind from the chaos of city life, with a climate to die for and an incredible landscape. Although Bangalore has tremendous traffic and terrible roads, these aren’t enough to dampen riders’ spirits.
Bangalore has a thriving cycling scene, with several start-ups organizing regular bicycle trips. Most bicycle excursions allow you to enjoy the fresh air while cycling by lakes, hills, woods, and other tourist sites with your family and friends. Riding through Bangalore’s bicycle paths makes you want to pedal to the end of the globe. Early morning is the finest time to ride while the city is sleeping. Here are ten spots in and around Bangalore where you may spend a great riding weekend to recharge your energies for the next week.
We have listed the top 10 Best Cycling Trails In Bangalore below:
1. The Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills is among the most revered cycling paths in Bangalore, and no travel site fails to include it while discussing Bangalore tourism. It is not overrated. Every pedal on your spokes is worthwhile. The roads are smooth from Bangalore, except for the bend pins to the summit and the road through the Bellary Service Road.
Like most other routes, the optimum time to go riding here is in the morning. With a distance of 60 kilometers from the center of Bangalore & 43 kilometers from Yelahanka, begin riding before dawn to escape the heat of the day. Because the route is far from the city, the roads are wide and lush green on each side as you cross the first toll from Bangalore.
One alternative is to cycle to Nandi Hills. Another option is to arrive at the foothills and then rent bicycles for the curve pin trip up the hills. This is undeniably pricey, but being Bangalore, there are rental firms that will bring the cycle to your desired spot. Icycle is one possibility.
Location: 60 km from Bangalore city center
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings, especially on weekends
How to Reach: By Road: Accessible by car or bike via NH 44. Parking is available near the base of the hills.
Activities:
- Cycling: A challenging uphill ride with steep gradients.
- Sightseeing: Visit Nandi Temple and Tipu’s Drop.
Travel Tips:
- Start early to avoid traffic and heat.
- Carry sufficient water and energy snacks.
- The climb is tough, so ensure you’re physically prepared.
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2. Huge-Banyan Tree: A Relic of a Bygone Age
The 400-year-old banyan tree also referred to as Dodda Alada Mara, stretches over 3 acres & serves as one of Bangalore’s premier cycling pathways. While cycling across this undulating tarmac landscape, you may spin on the steady hills, keep pushing on the flats, & recover on the descents. With so many shops around, you can replenish your system & feel energized to cycle through some breathtaking scenery. ‘A Passage to India’ and ‘Sholay’ were filmed here.
Discover traditional conceptions of India as pure rural cycling—a world of laughing children, monkeys, cows, mango orchards, rice fields, temple after temple, rose nurseries, and granite cliffs; and ascend the Ramadevara Betta peak. You may come with your family and friends to immortalize this riding experience, which concludes with an incredible view from the mountain’s peak.
Location: Dodda Alada Mara, 28 km from Bangalore
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons
How to Reach: By Road: Accessible via Mysore Road. Parking is available nearby.
Activities:
- Cycling: A relatively flat and easy ride suitable for all levels.
- Exploration: Visit the massive banyan tree and nearby village.
Travel Tips:
- Wear sun protection and carry water.
- Combine your trip with a visit to the nearby Manchanabele Dam.
Read also: Cycling Through the Scenic Landscapes of Rajasthan
3. Loop through the Avalahalli Forest
Explore this 6.4-kilometre circular route near Bangalore, Karnataka. It is generally considered an easy course, taking an average of 1 hour and 50 minutes to finish. This path is ideal for mountain biking, trekking, and hiking.
Avalahalli forest has various paths and is well-known for its bike part. These paths are ideal for beginner and seasoned riders to gain a feel for their bike. There are occasional rocky challenging portions where riders can push their boundaries, although the path is mostly dirt-surfaced.
This walk is surrounded by lush greenery and offers breathtaking vistas. There is also a butterfly habitat at the entry & departure points, which is a lot of fun to visit. This track is ideal for all-mountain/trail bike fans and anyone looking for a break from their daily routine or who enjoys nature.
Location: Near Yelahanka, North Bangalore
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings
How to Reach: By Road: Accessible via Doddaballapur Road.
Activities:
- Cycling: A moderate trail with forested areas and dirt paths.
- Nature Walks: Explore the forest on foot.
Travel Tips:
- Use a mountain bike for better handling on dirt trails.
- Carry insect repellent and water.
4. The Cubbon Park
This is my favourite area in the city for riding. Even though I lived 25 kilometers from the lovely park, I couldn’t stop visiting it three weekends in a row. The Cubbon Park route is notable for its less-dusty roads, trees abound, & dedicated cycling & skate paths on weekends.
And, sure, the fact that there are so many other bicycles and like-minded folks here makes it a great place to meet new people. Remember that weekday riding is not permitted between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Location: Central Bangalore
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons
How to Reach: By Road: Accessible via MG Road and Kasturba Road. Multiple entry points around the park.
Activities:
- Cycling: Easy and pleasant ride through the park’s pathways.
- Leisure: Visit the Bangalore Aquarium and State Central Library.
Travel Tips:
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
- Follow the park rules and cycling pathways.
5. Turahalli Forest: The Lonely Forest
Turahalli Woodland, considered to be Bengaluru’s last surviving forest section, is among the greatest places to go cycling in Bangalore. This forest in Bangalore’s municipal limits is popular among climbers & runners because of its rugged topography. The route begins with a minor ascent for about 0.5 km before turning left and climbing to a temple.
The route leads into the forest if you turn right at the intersection. Another popular sight in Turahalli is the Shanimahatma Temple Climb, which is around 1 kilometer from the trail’s center. These tracks with steep downhills & uphills will give a beginner a taste of mountain riding. There are various South-Indian breakfast spots along the road where you may refuel.
Location: 20 km from Bangalore city center
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings
How to Reach: By Road: Accessible via Kanakapura Road.
Activities:
- Cycling: Moderate to challenging trails through the forest.
- Rock Climbing: Popular spot for bouldering and rock climbing.
Travel Tips:
- Use a mountain bike.
- Carry water and snacks as facilities are limited.
6. City of Bharatiya
Have you explored the alleyways of Bharatiya City’s residential district and the mall? I’ve been there a half-dozen times & can’t help but note how smoothly my wheels spin. I included it because of the new construction, well-designed layouts, and some emphasis on vegetation and ponds near the road.
It’s not a full-fledged foliage ride like Cubbon Park, nor is it a scorching Highway flyover ride with automobiles speeding past. It’s a peaceful setting with just the appropriate amount of greenery that will undoubtedly provide a thrilling experience.
I still need to cover the following trails on the list. Nonetheless, based on previous bicycle route assessments, I’ve added a brief explanation of the locations.
Location: Near Yelahanka, North Bangalore
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or evenings
How to Reach: By Road: Accessible via Thanisandra Main Road.
Activities:
- Cycling: Easy and scenic ride through urban landscapes and planned city spaces.
- Exploration: Visit nearby parks and lakes.
Travel Tips:
- Ideal for beginners.
- Follow traffic rules and be mindful of pedestrians.
7. A Water Reservoir: The Manchanabele Dam
Manchanabele is a freshwater reservoir located around 30 kilometers from Bengaluru until the turnoff from Mysore Road. This is an ideal area for cycling in Bangalore, surrounded by temporary woods and steep hills. This thrilling Bangalore cycling track transports you back to your early days of riding a bike. The scenery is spectacular, and the roadways are just breathtaking throughout. This route is great for beginners who wish to improve their endurance & enjoy longer rides. Because this is an isolated location, there are few places to stop for food or drink. As a result, bring your food and water bottles.
Location: 40 km from Bangalore
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings
How to Reach: By Road: Accessible via Mysore Road and Magadi Road.
Activities:
- Cycling: Moderate trail with scenic views of the reservoir.
- Water Activities: Boating and picnicking.
Travel Tips:
- Carry sufficient water and snacks.
- Check dam accessibility as it may be restricted at times.
8. Hesaraghatta
It might be out of the way from Hesaraghatta. However, the continuous bike lane and vegetation create the ideal cycling experience. This lengthy cycling trail offers a stunning panoramic view.
To get here, take the Hesaraghatta Highway. You may even escape traffic and meet with many bikers, cyclists, and athletes who will be practicing early on. Explore lakes, fields, and bike paths depending on the weather and season.
This route begins on the Hesarghatta road and takes around 4-5 hours to complete for the intermediate cycles.
Location: 25 km from Bangalore city center
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings
How to Reach: By Road: Accessible via Yelahanka.
Activities:
- Cycling: Easy to moderate trails around the lake.
- Bird Watching: Spot various species of birds.
Travel Tips:
- Carry binoculars for bird watching.
- Pack a picnic for a relaxing day by the lake.
9. Residential areas in Kanakapura & JP Nagar
Kanakapura Road is undoubtedly one of Bangalore’s most popular riding routes. You’re bound to run with cyclists here because it’s so popular & gorgeous. The undulating terrain is lovely, and the traffic is light.
You may come across several historic residential neighbourhoods if you live near Koramangala or JP Nagar. The roads are normally in decent condition. The regions are highly circular and densely forested. Cycling is best done early in the morning or late in the afternoon!
There are several similar establishments in Kormanagal’s 5th block. Localities can be investigated to find the 5th Block Post Office. Another nice area in Jayanagar is the 5th block. If you wish to pedal greater distances, you can travel to Madhavan Park and LalBaugh. It’ll be a pleasant 20-kilometer trip.
Location: South Bangalore
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or evenings
How to Reach: By Road: Easily accessible within the city.
Activities:
- Cycling: Easy and safe routes through residential areas.
- Local Exploration: Visit parks, cafes, and local markets.
Travel Tips:
- Ideal for beginners and casual cyclists.
- Follow traffic rules and be cautious of vehicles.
10. Nelamangala
If you want to get away from the noise and bustle of the city, the Nelamangala 100 is the appropriate cycling route. This path begins on Tumkur Road and takes around 4-6 hours to complete. It leads to an intermediate stage of difficulty challenge.
With its minimal traffic, waterlily-filled lakes, & smooth asphalt, this picturesque route is a favourite of city bikers. Despite the minimal traffic, you’ll be in a fantastic position to pedal against the clock’s downward inclination until you reach the Mysore road.
This course is on undulating terrain with a 1266-meter elevation gain. Take care not to drive safely while wearing a hollow, but to start fast to avoid heat & traffic.
Location: 27 km from Bangalore city center
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings
How to Reach:
- By Road: Accessible via Tumkur Road.
Activities:
- Cycling: Moderate to challenging trails with scenic views.
- Exploration: Visit local farms and countryside.
Travel Tips:
- Carry sufficient water and snacks.
- Be prepared for rural roads and limited facilities.
Conclusion
Cycling in Bangalore, India’s Garden City, may be a joyful experience. The fresh wind and variety of vegetation that you come across while you ride is an unrivalled experience. Exploring gorgeous areas on your bicycle is not only beneficial, but it is also necessary to lessen your carbon impact. So, if you enjoy cycling but need to know where or how to begin navigating the city on two wheels, we have listed the Top 10 Best Cycling Trails In Bangalore.
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FAQs
1. What are the best cycling routes in Bangalore?
- Nandi Hills: A challenging ride with scenic views.
- Turahalli Forest: Great for off-road cycling and nature trails.
- Cubbon Park: Ideal for a relaxed ride with beautiful green surroundings.
2. Where can I find good parks for cycling in Bangalore?
- Cubbon Park: Offers well-maintained paths for cycling.
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden: Suitable for a peaceful cycling experience.
- Hennur Bamboo Forest: A unique spot with bamboo trails.
3. Are there any dedicated cycling tracks in Bangalore?
- Manyata Tech Park Cycling Track: A dedicated track for cyclists.
- Decathlon Anubhava: Offers a cycling track for enthusiasts.
4. What are some popular cycling trails near Bangalore?
- Nandi Hills: Known for its scenic and challenging route.
- Turahalli Forest: Offers a great off-road experience.
- Bannerghatta Road: A pleasant route with a mix of urban and natural scenery.
5. Where can I rent a bicycle in Bangalore?
- Pedals and Wheels: Offers a variety of bicycles for rent.
- Bumsonthesaddle: Provides high-quality bikes for rent and purchase.
- Yulu Bikes: Convenient app-based rentals are available throughout the city.
6. Are there any cycling groups in Bangalore?
- Bangalore Bicycling Club: Organizes regular rides and events.
- BBC (Bangalore Bicycle Club): Another active group for cycling enthusiasts.
- Jayanagar Jaguars: Known for their weekend cycling events.
7. What safety precautions should I take while cycling in Bangalore?
- Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet for safety.
- Use Reflective Gear: Especially if cycling at dawn, dusk, or night.
- Follow Traffic Rules: Adhere to all traffic signals and rules.
8. Can I find off-road cycling routes in Bangalore?
- Turahalli Forest: Offers excellent off-road trails.
- Savandurga: Known for its rugged terrain and beautiful views.
- Hennur Bamboo Forest: Provides a unique off-road experience.
9. What are some good places for a bike ride around Bangalore?
- Nandi Hills: A favorite spot for bikers due to its scenic route.
- Savandurga: Offers challenging terrain for biking.
- Kanakapura Road: A popular route with a mix of flat and hilly terrain.
10. Where can I find cycling parks near me in Bangalore?
- Cubbon Park: Located in the city center with dedicated cycling paths.
- Decathlon Anubhava: Offers a dedicated cycling track and rental services.
- Manyata Tech Park: Features a cycling track within the tech park.
