Explore the 9 Best Bike Routes Near Bengaluru During Monsoon

The rainy season brings a different mood to all of us. Some prefer chilling at home with a hot cup of coffee, daydreaming about a rainy adventure on the best bike routes near Bengaluru. While others are all about turning those daydreams into reality with long bike rides on the open roads. If you’re like us and belong to the second group, grab your map, rev up your engine, and let’s hit the road. Here are some of the best bike ride routes near you to take during monsoon season while singing your favorite tunes and feeling the cool, moist breeze!

1Mysore

Photo by Yan Krukau

Mysore, well known as the “Palace City of India,” was once the capital of Karnataka. It is perfect for a monsoon bike ride in Karnataka and its gardens are among South India’s most popular historical landmarks, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Thus, these places and structures illustrate British-era Indian architecture. 

Bengaluru to Mysore: 143 km (approx.)

Ride Duration: 03 hours (approx.)

Route Guide: Bengaluru – Bidadi – Ramanagara – Channapatna – Maddur – Mandya – Srirangapatna – Mysore

2Mekedatu

Photo by Kelly

Mekedatu is a small town in Kanakapura Taluk, Karnataka. The name is merely a Kannada word for goat’s leap. Set up along the banks of the Kaveri River, it’s an ideal place to rest and unwind on a weekend. A short bike ride from Bengaluru to Mekedatu is quite enjoyable, perfect in this monsoon weather, when temperatures range between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. A quick trip to Mekedatu ranks as one of the top 1 day bike rides from Bengaluru.

Bengaluru to Mekedatu: 101 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 02 hours 35 min (approx.)

Route Guide: Bengaluru-Kanakapura-Mekedatu

3Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Photo by Michael Armour-Johnson

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka is well-known for its flora and fauna. This location, in Mandya district on the banks of the Kaveri River, is certainly God-given land. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary covers 40 acres and has 13 islands, 219 bird species, and a few water features. You can also take a boat ride around the entire sanctuary. This experience provides not only a breathtaking view but also sights of a variety of birds. 

Bengaluru to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: 92 km (approx.)

Ride Duration: 02 hours 50 min (approx.)

Route Guide: Bengaluru – Kumbalgodu – Channapatna – Mandya – Rangantithhu

4Avalabetta

Photo by Sid Cam Photography

Avalabetta, often referred to as “Nandi Hills with less crowd,” is the ideal site to enjoy Nandi Hills’ beauty without the fuss. The formation of hills is so magnificent that you can’t help but click pictures at every step. A Lakshmi Narasimha temple can be seen atop Avalabetta Hill, well-complemented by its immaculate surroundings. Avalabetta is a serene place, especially if you are lucky enough to witness the sunrise or sunset from the hilltop. A bike ride from Bengaluru to Avalabetta this monsoon is a great way to start the weekend, taking you on a refreshing adventure. 

Bengaluru to Avalabetta: 92 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 01 hours 50 min (approx.)

Route Guide: Bengaluru-Chikkballapur-Avalabetta

5Lepakshi

Photo by Phil

Lepakshi is a beautiful village in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh with a significant mythological history. The main attractions in this area are the stunning temples with incredible architecture. Each temple is meticulously built and carved to vividly illustrate battle scenes, marriages, and interesting tales from the 1336-1646 period. Not just the Holy Temples but also the local handicrafts market attract tourists here. Lepakshi is ideal for architecture enthusiasts as well as people who are fascinated by mythology. 

Bengaluru to Lepakshi: 123 km (approx.)

Ride Duration: 02 hours 20 min (approx.)

Route Guide: Bengaluru – Hebbal – Yelahanka – Doddaballapur – Gauribidanur – Hindupur – Lepakshi

6Skandagiri

Photo by Djordje Petrovic

Skandagiri, also known as “Kalavara Durga” among the locals, is a popular bike ride near Bengaluru within 50 km. It is located 1450 meters above sea level and is surrounded by Nandi hills. Skandgiri was previously home to a spectacular fort built by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the state of Mysore, in the 18th century. The walk to the hilltop is captivating, with moderate to high difficulty for trekkers. People typically spend the night beneath the stars on the hilltop, with a spectacular view of the surrounding hills, great for a 2 day bike trip from Bengaluru. 

Bengaluru to Skandagiri: 55 km (approx.)

Ride Duration: 01 hours 20 min (approx.)

Route Guide: Bengaluru – Yelahanka – Devanahalli – Chikkaballapur – Kalawara – Pappagni Matt – Skandagiri

7Kunti Betta

Photo by Dương Nhân

Kunti Betta is a hill-rock arrangement located in Mandya district, approximately 125 kilometers from Bengaluru. The hill is approximately 2882 meters above sea level. Trekking all four kilometers to the summit of the hill is an adventure not to be missed. The hiking trail includes a temple at the foot of the hills that residents use as a pilgrimage site. It’s a great weekend escape spot from Bengaluru and is best explored at night.

Bengaluru to Kunti Betta: 123 km (approx.)

Ride Duration: 03 hours (approx.)

Route Guide: Bengaluru – Mandya – Kunti Betta

8Sakleshpur

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom

Sakleshpur, located in the Western Ghats, is a picturesque town. It’s about a four-hour-long bike ride from Bengaluru. It’s a highland station surrounded by lush green plantations of coffee, cardamom, pepper, and areca. Trekking all the way to Sakleshpur Hilltop is also a worthwhile experience that has been recommended by many. It’s a moderate to challenging walk that demands you to pump more and more energy as you climb the hill. But isn’t it worth putting in your best efforts for a breathtaking view in the end? Overall, a long bike ride from Bengaluru to explore the surrounding plantations, followed by a strenuous hike all the way to the hilltop, makes for a great, adventurous trip this monsoon.

Bengaluru to Saklehspur: 222 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 04 hours (approx.)

Route Guide: Bengaluru – Nelamangala – Tumkur – Tiptur – Banavara – Halebeedu – Sakleshpur 

9Coorg

Photo by Pragyan Bezbaruah

Coorg, a popular hill station in Karnataka, is also known as the ‘Scotland of India.’ With cloudy temperatures all year, it has one of the best routes for bike rides in India and is a delight for hill station enthusiasts. Coorg, which has one of the greatest rainfalls in the country, is well-known for its coffee and tea plantations. It also offers a range of activities, including trekking, rafting, kayaking, and fishing, an ideal destination for a family holiday or a quick getaway with friends.

Bengaluru to Coorg: 270 km (approx.)

Ride Duration: 05 hrs 30 min (approx.)

Route Guide 1: Bengaluru – Ramanagara – Madya – Kushalnagar – Madikeri – Coorg

Route Guide 2: Bengaluru – Ramanagara – Mandya – Nagarhole – Gonikoppal – Coorg

There you go! These were some of the best places for bike rides near Bengaluru for thrilling road trips, with the monsoon season adding a whole new level of beauty to the landscapes. Everything turns greener, with misty clouds floating around, turning mountains, waterfalls, and valleys into a picturesque paradise. These routes are perfect for motorcycle lovers seeking unforgettable monsoon bike rides in Bengaluru, offering a mix of stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and exciting adventures. So jump on your bike, and let’s go on some fun road trips this monsoon! Make sure to follow @things2doinbengaluru on Instagram for more such guides!

by Sakshi Tyagi

Content Writer at Things2do