I remember, my mother bought me my first cycle when I was 8 years old. I used to cycle a lot then, whether I wanted to go to school or to the nearest shop from my house, I used to go on my cycle. I also remember how while growing up, I again used another cycle as an escape from everything, whether it’s study pressure or some personal problems. I used to take my cycle and just pedal for a few kilometers. And I think I am not the only one who does such things.
Today in the world of semi-automatic vehicles, the cycle is not just a medium of transport it has become a way towards fitness. It helps us in keeping our heart pumping and tummy flat, and yes, it also gives us that escape from our day-to-day life. And I believe for all these things to happen because of cycling there must be a scenic place to cycle. Some fresh breeze, a picture-able landscape, an array of greenery that you come across as you ride your way on your cycle is an unmatchable experience. And finding such beautiful places to cycle in might be an enormous task for many people.
But, if you are from Bangalore, I have good news for you. I have made a list of the top 10 most scenic cycling trails in Bangalore which I am going to mention below in this article. I have personally visited these places and felt the magic of them, and I strongly believe that you too will find them as magical as I felt.
So, if you are a cycling enthusiast in Bangalore looking for some good cycling trails then this article is surely going to become your go-to list. Also, for people who are just visiting Bangalore and want to cycle around the Garden city of India, I have a small gift for you at the end.
1. Nandi Hills
The first place you all should visit if you are living in Bengaluru or visiting there is the Nandi Hills. It is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Bangalore or you can say ‘a perfect destination for cyclists’.
Nandi Hills cycle trail is one of the longest trails for many cyclists in Bangalore. I loved the view there and trust me, you will as well. Cycling there is a treat for the soul. The painting-like sky and landscape there play the perfect backdrop for cyclists like you, especially when you take sharp turns on your way up. It’s beautiful.
2. Turahalli Forest
Another established cycling trail is the Turahalli Forest off the Kanakpura road for the people in Bangalore. You can visit here either via Banashankari or via Uttarahalli. Lots of runners and climbers often come to this urban forest that offers hilly terrain that can be an adventure too. It is one of the last preserved forests in Bangalore, situated around 10km from Jayanagar. The Turahalli Forest is a glorious spot for cycling in the lap of mother nature. This place has to be on your must-visit list.
3. Manchinbele Dam
The beautiful Manchinbele Dam is on the Mysore Road overlooking the Divya Savandurga overlooking the tall banyan tree. To enjoy this place, you can do what I did, plan a fun cycling day-out with your friends here, and get down to the city’s beautiful cycling trail. You will thank me. The surrounding mountains, calm blue water, greenery around, and the cleanliness around will take you away from the hustle of the world. So, if you want a real soul-touching cycling experience with your gang in Bangalore, then this place is my best recommendation for you.
4. Cubbon Park
Another great place for cycling is the iconic Cubbon Park. I seriously liked that place. Wide roads, tall green trees, and peaceful vibes make the place another great destination for cyclists. You can take your cycle via New BEL road or along Sankey Tank or via Place Road or maybe up to the Kanteerva Stadium. These are some amazing routes for short city rides here.
5. Thattekere
Another beautiful cycling spot is Thattekere Lake, near the Kanive Mahadeshwara temple on the hills within the Bannerghatta National park stretch. Ride your cycle along the forest area stretched through Ragihall and Bannerghatta instead of the famous Kanakapura road. The calm lake and peaceful view provide the perfect painting-like landscape as you cycle around with your gang. You might also spot a few beautiful birds as we did.
6. Kempegowda International Airport (KIA)
This is a very fresh entry to the cycling spot list, but I must say, it is a really great space for cyclists. The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is situated in Devanahalli which offers the opportunity to cycle here every Sunday from 6 am to 9:30 am. I personally liked this initiative of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) which allows cycling enthusiasts on its premises to get away from the traffic and potholes on the city roads. So now, you can take your cycle inside the airport premises every Sunday and cycle your heart out here.
7. Narayankere
You should also know this underrated lake, which must be on your ‘let’s go cycle list’ for having one of the best cycling trails in Bangalore. You can go through the Sarjapur road where I am sure you will find a few cyclists and from there reach the famous temple at Chiktirupati. From this temple, only a 2 km ride will take you to Narayankere lake.
This hidden cycling spot will surely win your heart on the very first view and will get its place reserved on your go-to list.
8. Hesaraghatta
Hesaraghatta is a place that is a little away from the city but has a smooth cycling trail and an array of greenery which offers a perfect vibing cycling experience. The cycling trail at this place offers a gorgeous view to look at.
If you want to reach here, take the Hesaraghatta main road. A piece of advice here, if you start cycling early in the morning you might avoid the traffic and also get a chance to meet other cyclists or athletes on your way there. You should also explore the lakes, fields, and cycling trails on your way there according to the season and weather.
9. Rajankunte
When you are on your way to Hesaraghatta on a cycle, an empty road covered with green trees shall guide you to Rajankunte. It is one of the favorite places for bikers and cyclists to explore the greenery of the Garden city. At this place, you can spend a wonderful time cycling with your friends, about 30 km from the outskirts of the city.
10. Jayanagar
If you are a fan of cycling uphill, but you’re in no hurry to get to the top, then you must start your cycling adventure from Jayanagar’s 5th block. You should cycle all the way up to Lalbagh via Madhavan Park, covered with green trees and wide pathways. That place is a wonderful spot for cyclists.
And here is a bonus suggestion for you. After cycling, you must go for an early lunch at the iconic Ranganna Military hotel there, trust me It is worth it.
The Gift I Talked About
Now, the section for the people traveling/visiting Bangalore for a few days. I understand you might not have a cycle there to ride around so here is a list of a few famous cycle renting stores in Bangalore for you.
ICycle
They provide two types of the cycle, which are in-house designed MTBs, namely Betta and Parvath (Depending upon the nature of your ride ).
Cost: It depends upon the event but mainly the hiring price starts with INR 400 per day.
Address: 3rd Block, No. 564, Ground Floor, 6th Main Rd, near Matru Multispeciality, 3rd Stage, Basaveshwar Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560079.
Contact no: 088611 02597.
City Cycling
They have an option of online booking, pickup from the location, and also getting it delivered. They have two types of bicycle MTB and Hybrids like Btwin, Hero, Schwinn, Montra, Great Escape, Firefox, Merida, etc.
Cost: In between INR 100 to INR 500 per week.
Address: Gear Road, near Ambedkar circle, Devarabisanahalli, Bhoganhalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560103.
Contact no: 089715 52453.
Pedals and Wheels
This offline store provides three types of bicycles: MTBs, Hybrids, and Road bikes.
Cost: Starting with INR 300.
Address: #64,18th cross, Margosa Rd, Below Syndicate Bank, Malleswaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560055.
Contact no: 080 4115 4594.
All these stores might ask for your personal info like photo ID, PAN/Voter/AADHAAR/DL, and a security deposit of a few thousand bucks, but don’t worry it is a simple process.
So, if you have read till here, then you now are fully aware of the top 10 places with beautiful cycling trails with extra information on places to rent bicycles at affordable prices.
I hope this article has helped you with your cycling adventure.
Thank you.
