Your go-to list for scenic, safe, and refreshing early-morning rides.

Cycling in and around Bangalore has become one of the most popular weekend activities, and for good reason: fresh air, stunning sunrises, smooth highways, and a vibrant cycling community. Whether you're a beginner who enjoys leisure rides or a seasoned cyclist pushing for longer distances, Bangalore has routes for every level.

This guide breaks down the best early-morning cycling routes around the city—complete with distance, terrain type, difficulty level, facilities available, and what makes each route special.

🚴‍♂️ 1. Nandi Hills Route (Bangalore → Nandi Hills)

Distance: ~40–60 km one-way (depending on start point)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Terrain: Highways + uphill climb
Best Time: 5 AM – 10 AM

The iconic Nandi Hills ride is a must-do for every Bangalore cyclist. The scenic highway leading up to Devanahalli is smooth, well-marked, and ideal for early riders. The final stretch—the Nandi Hill climb—offers breathtaking sunrise views.

Why It’s Great:

• Classic Bangalore cycling route

• Challenging incline for fitness training

• Stunning viewpoint at the summit

Pro Tip: Reach the base by sunrise to avoid traffic during the climb.

🚴‍♂️ 2. Turahalli Forest Route

Distance: ~10–25 km depending on detours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Forest trails + narrow roads
Best Time: 5:30 AM – 9 AM

Turahalli is Bangalore’s last surviving forest patch, and its trails are perfect for early-morning riders who enjoy nature and peace. It's especially popular among mountain bikers.

Why It’s Great:

• Scenic forest surroundings

• Quiet, traffic-free environment

• Ideal for beginners and trail enthusiasts

Pro Tip: Carry a light as early mornings can be slightly dim inside the forest trails.

🚴‍♂️ 3. Kanakapura Road Route

Distance: 20–60 km (flexible turnaround points)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Open roads + countryside
Best Time: 5 AM – 9 AM

Kanakapura Road offers one of the smoothest, most spacious cycling routes near Bangalore. Early mornings here are calm and scenic, especially past the NICE Road junction.

Why It’s Great:

• Wide roads suitable for long-distance rides

• Minimal early-morning traffic

• Beautiful greenery on both sides

Pro Tip: Stop at Art of Living campus or local farms for water breaks.

🚴‍♂️ 4. Old Madras Road → Hoskote Route

Distance: ~25–50 km
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Straight highways
Best Time: 5 AM – 8:30 AM

This flat and beginner-friendly route is perfect for people who want to build endurance without tackling inclines. Cyclists love the smooth surface and long straight stretches.

Why It’s Great:

• Ideal for beginners

• Great for speed training

• Consistent terrain with no steep climbs

Pro Tip: Start early to avoid the truck traffic that begins mid-morning.

🚴‍♂️ 5. Jalahalli → Hessarghatta Lake Route

Distance: ~25–35 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Rural roads + lake surroundings
Best Time: 5 AM – 9 AM

This route takes you through quiet countryside lanes with lush greenery and farmland views. The highlight: Hessarghatta Lake, especially during sunrise.

Why It’s Great:

• Serene, rural visuals

• Less traffic

• Popular among cycling groups

Pro Tip: The lake bed dries up seasonally—check before planning photoshoots.

🚴‍♂️ 6. Airport Road (Bangalore → Airport Perimeter Road)

Distance: ~30–50 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Smooth highway
Best Time: 4:30 AM – 8 AM

One of the most enjoyable long-distance routes due to excellent road conditions. Early mornings here are peaceful and offer great visibility.

Why It’s Great:

• Wide, smooth tarmac

• Perfect for fast-paced rides

• Safe, cyclist-friendly stretch

Pro Tip: Avoid later hours—airport cabs increase traffic density.

🚴‍♂️ 7. Hennur → Chikkagubbi Farmland Route

Distance: 10–20 km
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Small roads + scenic fields
Best Time: 5:30 AM – 9 AM

An underrated cycling gem on the outskirts of North Bangalore, this route feels like riding through a quiet village.

Why It’s Great:

• Great for peaceful rides

• Perfect for sunrise photography

• Minimal elevation makes it beginner-friendly

Pro Tip: Mornings are cool and breezy—stop for short breaks at the local farms.

🧭 Tips for Safe Early-Morning Cycling

✔ Wear a helmet—non-negotiable
✔ Use a headlight + rear red blinker
✔ Stick to well-lit, familiar roads if riding before sunrise
✔ Carry water, energy bars, and basic repair tools
✔ Ride in groups for long-distance routes
✔ Download offline maps before venturing into rural zones

Final Thoughts

Cycling around Bangalore in the early mornings is refreshing, scenic, and incredibly rewarding. Whether you prefer peaceful forest routes, fast highways, or challenging hill climbs, the city has a route for every type of cyclist. Explore these paths, follow safety practices, and enjoy the cool morning breeze Bangalore is famous for.