Cycling In Bangalore: A Weekend Getaway

Bangalore is known for its pleasant weather and greeneries. It is marked by fancy parks, lush gardens, and beautiful lakes, making the city a natural scenic beauty. Moreover, exploring the diverse ecosystem of the city on two wheels doubles the fun. Cycling is an excellent option if you are looking for a diversion from your hectic schedule to spend your weekends. It is one of the best ways to spend quality time with your family or friends while exploring this beautiful city's lands. Whether you want to relive your childhood memories or do cycling for fitness, we have curated a list of some of the best cycling routes for weekend cycling in Bangalore.

Best Cycling Routes in Bangalore

From well-laid cycling trails to mountain biking, we have developed some of the best cycling routes in Bangalore. Let's explore them.

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Cubbon Park Loop

Cubbon Park is one of the city's major attractions. Away from the city hustle, situated in the lap of nature, Cubbon Park Loop is one of the best cycling routes in Bangalore. You must visit this park on two wheels if you are a nature lover. It has a wide assortment of flora with an exhilarating view of nature. The park is the hotspot of iconic museums, art galleries and libraries. It is one of the best places for cycling enthusiasts to explore the natural scenic views. The Cubbon Park Loop track is an elevated cycling trail of 5 km enclosing Cubon Park. This cycling trail is considered one of the best cycling routes in the city. If you want a break from your busy schedule, breathe some fresh air in Cubbon Park on the weekends.

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Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills are one of the best sightseeing destinations in Bangalore. If you are a cycling enthusiast looking for a hilarious adventurous ride, you have landed in the right place. Nandi Hills are situated 60 km away from the city of Bangalore. Its breathtaking views amidst the greeneries of nature give a heaven-on-earth feel. If you reach the top of the Nandi Hills, you can have a mesmerizing view of floating clouds below the hills. Another attraction of Nandi Hills is the historical Summer Residence of Tipu Sultan. It also has archaeological temples and shrines worth visiting.

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The best time to visit Nandi Hills is in the early morning hours to admire the hypnotising sunrise view on the hills. Get a thrilling cycling experience on the hilly terrains of Nandi Hills. They are also famous for various activities like trekking, camping and paragliding. However, the roads of Nandi Hills are sloppy and hilly, so you should only choose Nandi Hills for cycling once you have some experience.

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Sankey Tank to Sadashivnagar

Sankey Tank is an artificial lake in the middle of Malleshwaram, Vyalikaval and Sadashivsagar neighbourhoods. The tank marks a beautiful lake with clear water and scenic natural views. It is surrounded by cycling trails at its circumference for cycling enthusiasts and pedestrians. The Sankey Tank Park is situated near Sankey Lake for family outings. You can also head to Sadashivnagar and explore the serenity of Indian culture on two wheels. It is one of the poshest residential neighbourhoods of Bangalore. The cycling trails are smooth and cyclist-friendly, and the weather is pleasant, with cool breezes from the adjacent tank.

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Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Lalbagh is a well-crafted lush garden with a wide variety of flora. This botanical garden is spread over an area of 240 acres. The garden has decorative ornamental plants and a recreational park with a centrally placed glass house that adds-on to the garden's beauty. The glass house is a beautiful palace made of glass and iron. It mimics the architecture of the Crystal Palace of London. The garden has a beautiful lake with waterfalls in the southern part of the garden. It also has a topiary park showcasing plants in different animal shapes.

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Lalbagh Botanical Garden is the home to several cultural and festive events in the city. The garden doesn't allow the entry of any vehicles other than bicycles. Cyclists can be seen everywhere in the park. It has four entrances to the garden, making entry and exit convenient for cyclists. Lalbagh Botanical Garden is open for its visitors from 6 am to 7 pm every week. If you are a cycling enthusiast who loves gardening, then make sure to visit this beautiful garden.

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Hesaraghatta Lake

Hesaraghatta is an artificial lake located 14 km away from the city area of Bangalore. It is built on the banks of the Akravathy River. It is a famous picnic spot and a hotspot for migratory birds. It is always crowded with bird watchers. The Hesaraghatta lake loop is a well-laid cycling trail for all those who love bicycle rides. The lanes are smooth and have proper cycling trails. Cycling clubs organise several cycling events in the city at Hesaraghatta Lake Loop. The streets are deserted and cyclist friendly. If you are a cycling enthusiast and planning for weekend cycling in Bangalore, then Hesaraghatta Lake Loop is one of the best cycling routes in the city.

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Bangalore Palace to Malleswaram

If you are looking for one of the finest cycling trails in Bangalore, the lanes from Bangalore Palace to Malleswaram are worth exploring. Delve into the iconic Bangalore Palace that marks the royalness of the Wadiyar dynasty. The castle looks beautiful and is worth exploring. You can also take a tour of the insides of the Palace. The Palace is open from 6 am to 5:30 pm on all days of the week with an entry fee of INR 230. Cycle around the Palace and then head towards the Malleswaram neighbourhood that stays close to nature's heart. Malleswaram is a well-civilised neighbourhood in the northwest of the city. It is known for its mouth-watering South Indian cuisine. If you are a shopaholic, you can also visit the marketplace of Malleswaram. The lanes and streets of Malleswaram are well-developed and contribute to the best cycling routes in the city. However, it is advisable to wear cycling safety gear for a never-ending fun-filled ride.

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NICE Road

The Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises road, commonly known as the NICE Road, is a 4-6 lane road connecting Bangalore to Mysore city. It is a tolled express highway that also allows bicycles and two-wheelers. The lanes are well-constructed and cyclist friendly. If you are someone who enjoys speedy rides, you are going to love it here. However, if you are heading to NICE Road for a fun ride, take the necessary cycling safety measures. If you plan weekend cycling in Bangalore, then NICE Road is worth exploring on two wheels.

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Turahalli Forest

Turahalli Forest is the perfect weekend getaway for cycling enthusiasts. It is one of the favourite destinations of cycling lovers. It is a deciduous forest located 20 km away from the city area of Bangalore. It is also known as the last surviving forest on the lands of Bangalore. It is home to lovely orchids and eucalyptus, which give a picturesque forest view. The diverse wildlife in the woods can make you spot deer and bears on your cycling trail. If you enjoy mountain biking and looking for adventure, plan a weekend cycling on the lands of the Turahalli forest. The forest is the hotspot for cyclists, trekkers, hikers and climbers. It is one of the best cycling routes in the lap of nature.

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Why is cycling good for us?

Cycling is a fun activity that has numerous health benefits. It is an effective way to lose calories and stay fit. It helps in toning muscles and maintains body posture. Cycling can help you achieve a flat belly. It improves blood circulation and is an excellent cardio exercise that supports heart health. If you aspire to stay healthy but don't know where to start, break your cocoon and switch to cycling in your leisure time. Some excellent health benefits of cycling are:

• Helps reduce weight: Cycling is an effective way to fight obesity and lose weight. It helps burn calories and can do wonders for your body in weight reduction. However, the results depend on the intensity and duration of cycling.
• Cycling for fitness and increasing BMR: Cycling is an aerobic exercise that keeps you fit and healthy. It improves the body's metabolism by increasing the basal metabolic rate.
• An excellent lower-body workout: Cycling is the perfect way to start if you want lower-body training that helps tone thighs and buttocks. It helps reduce fat deposits from the lower abdomen and tones the lower body.
• Helps gain a flat tummy: Cycling is a great way to reduce belly fat and attain a flat stomach.
• Improves cardiovascular health: Cycling cause the blood rush in the body and improves cardiovascular health. It also enhances the heart rate.
• Improves body posture: Cycling helps gain the correct body posture and improves body coordination.
• Maintains healthy bones and joint mobility:  Orthopedics suggest that workouts like cycling can keep your bones healthy for longer and improve joint mobility. It is recommended to cycle at least one hour daily to achieve health benefits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is cycling a popular activity in Bangalore?

Yes, cycling is quite prevalent in Bangalore. It is one of the favourite activities of the Bangaloreans to spend their leisure time.

2. How can I make the most of my cycling experience in Bangalore?

You can participate in various cycling events in the city to have the best cycling experience.

3. What are some scenic cycling spots or routes near Bangalore?

Nandi Hills, Hesarraghatta, Cubbon Park, Bangalore University, Turahalli Forest, and Manchanabele Dam are some scenic cycling spots near Bangalore.

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