Top 10 Scenic Cycling Trails around Bengaluru

The cycling definitely has gained momentum in Bangaluru after the lock-down, probably due the fact that gyms were closed and this was one safe mode to workout. While Bengaluru has many other reasons to peddle around, the cool climate and greenery around is definitely a bliss. I too started cycling in the lock-down with that advantage that I could explore places around on a reduced carbon footprint :)

Here are some top 10 trails I have listed for Cycling around Bengaluru, I am giving here 25kms circuits, and obviously you can expand it to your convenience

1. Avalahalli Forest:
A tree park under Jarakabande Kaval Forest. Opens from 6 AM to 9 AM and 3 PM to 6 PM. Plenty of trees, plants, shrubs, flowers, rocky hills, birds, anthills, snakes and other reptiles. Peacocks will welcome you with their resounding calls. One of the best place for the trail running enthusiasts, could be easily 25kms covering all the trails in the forest. They have official cycle allow policy, so cyclists are a welcome here

2. Nandi Hills:
You cannot find a bangalorean who hasn't been to Nandi hills, at-least during their teenage :) While there is hug crowd that gathers on top of the hills during the early morning time to watch the clouds or fog (Stratus Cloud). However the trails around the mountain provides a good trail for cycling, There used to be mountain biking trail from top of the Nandi One hills, but it is closed now by forest dept. The Cycle trail I suggest is 25kms round trip, starts from Karahalli Cross goes towards muddenahalli, and comes back to same spot, circling he hills 360'. It gives amazing views of hills, lakes & villages.

Nandi uphill Trail

3. Hesarghatta Lake trail:
Hesaraghatta Grasslands is one of the surviving grasslands around Bangalore. Situated near Hesaraghatta lake, this scenic landscape is a treat for the eyes. Grasslands gives the vastness and opens up the mind, peace, in absence of shrubs and trees, only color it prevails is green, yellow or brown based on the seasons..!

 

4. Thurahalli
The Turahalli Forest or Turahalli Park is a dry and deciduous forest. It is located about 20 km from Bengaluru off Kanakapura Road. It is attached to Banashankari 6th stage and can be overseen from the NICE road. Entry inside the park has been banned for vehicles, however, it has become a hot spot for cyclists. It has a nice view and a small Shani temple on top of a rocky hill. As of today, Turahalli forest is said to be Bengaluru's only surviving forest. Rocks in the forest provide one of the few outdoor bouldering opportunities to the cities residents and have multiple established routes.

5. Dandiganahalli Dam:

Dandiganahalli Dam is one a relaxing getaway destination within less than 100 kms of Bengaluru, it has a lake surrounded by the Hills. It is basically Dam for the water collected from the Nandi Range of hills, which is around 100kms of forest range. You can drive to the Dam and cycle around or start from the highway, so it should be around 30kms roundtrip from highway. You will get lakes, greenery and narrow village lanes all the way, quite scenic.

6. Kanakapura Road Pipeline
It is a small lane goes parallel to the Kanakapura main road, however the trail is semi urban, Plenty of trees, plants, shrubs. The start could be at the Art of living entrance and take the trail which goes backside the AoL.

7. Mutturayaswamy Hills (Kanakapura Road)
The hills is few kms off Kanakpura road, it is surrounded by quarry hills, however the trail is beautiful. There is a road all the way to the top, cars and bikes can go all the way up. It is ideal cycling/biking trail. There is lot of PoI (Point of Interests) along the way, the pond, temple and scenic view points. Ideal Trail: Art of Living back gate, via Pipeline road. Round-trip 26kms

8. Hennur Bamboo Forest
It is a state forest, need to get permission from forest dept to enter, you can ask at gate after 10am. Amazing terrain with interesting trails amidst bamboo forest. An ideal track for people into long distance running / marathons and trail biking .. gives you a feel of the wilds. A wonderful weekend hiking , running and biking terrain away from the crazy city limits yet closer to the city. It is a big man made forest.

9.  Kethanahalli Falls Trail
This is the alternate trail to the Kethanhalli falls, the one of the few falls left out in the Nandi State Forest or the Nandi range of mountains. Although the water levels has gone down drastically over the years, it still comes alive in core monsoon season for few weeks. It is state forest, please check for permission before entering, however there are bikes who go to falls regularly. The falls may be seasonal, only during peak monsoon, otherwise forest is good to see.

10. Manchinbele Dam
The Dam is overlooking the mightly Monolithic hills Savanadurga, on the Magadi road, It is a man made irrigational dam situated at the Machinbele village. It is surrounded by the Savandurga state forest and hills around making it a beautiful place to peddle around. There are trails around the dam and leading to the dam where you can peddle enjoying the surrounding mountains, away from city.

Now sit back and enjoy the some of the pictures I have taken during the cycling saga...

Enroute a pottery center behind Nandi

Nandi uphill road

Sunset view from Nandi

Leave critics an Comments in the comments section below:

My webpage - http://www.skmanju.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingviews.in/
Blog: www.Chasingviews.in
Write to me at skmanju@gmail.com
——————————————————————————————————————————————
Disclaimer: "Information provided in the post is as is basis, please exercise caution while using the info for the trek. Author is not responsible for any discrepancies in the information"