12 Weekend Bike Rides from Bengaluru (Under 200 km)
The best weekend bike rides from Bengaluru, from sunrise hills to river gorges and ghat roads — with distances, routes, best time to go and riding tips.
· MotoWave team · 5 min read
Bengaluru sits on a plateau, which makes it one of the best cities in India to ride out of. Within a couple of hours you can be on a hilltop above the clouds, beside the Cauvery, or climbing hairpins into Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh. Here are twelve weekend rides under 200 km, grouped by how long they take, with what to expect on each.
Before you go: distances are approximate from central Bengaluru and change with your starting point. Timings, entry fees and rules at these places change often — check the official source before you ride.
Quick list
| Ride | Approx. distance (one way) | Best for | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nandi Hills | 60 km | Sunrise, first group ride | North (NH44) |
| Shivagange | 55 km | Temple hill climb | North-west (Tumakuru Road) |
| Makalidurga | 60 km | Hike + ride | North (Doddaballapur) |
| Devarayanadurga | 70 km | Forest roads, twisties | North-west (Tumakuru Road) |
| Anthargange | 70 km | Caves, night treks | East (Kolar) |
| Avalabetta | 95 km | Quiet sunrise viewpoint | North (Chikkaballapur) |
| Mekedatu & Sangama | 100 km | River gorge | South (Kanakapura Road) |
| Lepakshi | 120 km | Temple architecture | North (NH44, Andhra Pradesh) |
| Shivanasamudra falls | 135 km | Monsoon waterfalls | South (Kanakapura / Malavalli) |
| Talakadu | 135 km | River, sand dunes, temples | South-west |
| Horsley Hills | 150 km | Andhra’s hill station | North-east |
| Yelagiri | 160 km | Hairpin climb | South-east (Tamil Nadu) |
Half-day rides (back by lunch)
1. Nandi Hills — the classic sunrise ride
The ride every Bengaluru biker does first. Take NH44 (Bellary Road) north past the airport, turn off towards Nandi village and climb the smooth hairpins to the top. On a good winter morning you ride out of the city in the dark and watch the sun come up over a sea of clouds.
- Road: excellent highway, then a well-surfaced ghat road with gentle hairpins.
- Tip: it is very busy on weekends. The gates usually open around 6 am and a queue forms well before that, so arrive early and dress for the cold.
- Pair it with: the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple at the foot of the hill, or breakfast on the way back.
Nandi Hills gets crowded; if you want the same view with fewer people, see our sunrise rides guide.
2. Shivagange
A conical hill near Dobbaspet on the Tumakuru Road, with temples carved into the rock and a steep climb on foot to the top. The ride is a straight, fast highway run, so it suits newer riders; the effort comes in the climb.
- Tip: start early — the rock gets hot by late morning, and the steps are steep in places.
3. Makalidurga
A hill fort near Doddaballapur, with the railway line running past the base. Ride to the start of the trail, then hike up for views over the Gundamagere lake. It’s quieter than Nandi Hills and makes a good ride-and-hike morning.
4. Devarayanadurga
A forested hill near Tumakuru with temples at the top and some of the most enjoyable twisty roads close to the city. The ride up through the trees is the highlight. Combine it with Shivagange (they are close to each other) for a full morning.
5. Anthargange
A rocky hill just outside Kolar, known for its boulder caves and the spring at the temple. Popular with groups for night treks and sunrise, and an easy ride east along the Old Madras Road / NH75 side of the city.
Full-day rides
6. Avalabetta
A hilltop near Chikkaballapur with a famous overhanging rock viewpoint. It gives you the Nandi Hills experience without the crowds, and the last stretch is a narrow, winding road through farmland. Details are in our offbeat places guide.
7. Mekedatu and Sangama
Take Kanakapura Road south to Sangama, where the Arkavathi meets the Cauvery. From Sangama, the gorge at Mekedatu (“goat’s leap”) is reached by the local shuttle, not on your own bike. The ride through Kanakapura is scenic, especially after the rains.
- Safety: the river here is fast and deceptively deep. Don’t swim or wade at Sangama or Mekedatu — drownings happen every year.
8. Lepakshi
Ride NH44 north into Andhra Pradesh to the Veerabhadra temple at Lepakshi, famous for its hanging pillar, painted ceilings and the giant monolithic Nandi. It’s a long, fast, straight highway ride: easy riding, but keep an eye on fatigue and trucks.
9. Shivanasamudra falls (Gaganachukki and Bharachukki)
Two waterfalls on the Cauvery near Malavalli, at their most impressive from July to October. Ride via Kanakapura and Malavalli for a good mix of highway and rural roads.
- Tip: viewpoints can close during very high water. Stay behind the barriers.
10. Talakadu
A temple town on the Cauvery known for the sand dunes that buried its old temples. Combine it with Somanathapura’s Hoysala temple for a relaxed day of history and riding.
Weekend rides (overnight or very long days)
11. Horsley Hills
Andhra Pradesh’s hill station, reached via Chintamani and Madanapalle. The final climb is a lovely ghat road with eucalyptus-lined bends. At around 150 km each way, many riders make a weekend of it.
12. Yelagiri
A small hill station in Tamil Nadu, famous with bikers for its ghat road of 14 hairpin bends, each one named and numbered. Ride via Hosur and Krishnagiri. The climb is short but tight: brake before the bend, not in it, and watch for buses coming down.
Tips for weekend rides out of Bengaluru
- Leave before 6 am. You beat the city traffic, the heat and the weekend crowds at the destination.
- Use the right road. Two-wheelers are not allowed on the main carriageway of the Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway — use the service roads or the old highway.
- Fuel up in the city for the smaller hill routes; pumps can be far apart once you leave the highway.
- Carry water, a puncture kit or a tubeless repair kit, and a basic first-aid kit.
- Plan regroup points if you ride as a group, and agree on a lead and a sweep. Our group riding rules cover how to do this well.
- Monsoon rides need extra care: read our monsoon riding tips.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best bike ride from Bengaluru for beginners? Nandi Hills or Shivagange. Both are close, on good roads, and easy to turn back from.
Which bike rides from Bengaluru are best in the monsoon? Shivanasamudra falls and Mekedatu are at their best after the rains, and the Coorg and Chikkamagaluru ghats turn green — see our guides to Coorg and Chikkamagaluru.
Where can I go for a sunrise ride near Bengaluru? Nandi Hills, Avalabetta, Makalidurga and Anthargange are all good sunrise rides. Skandagiri needs an advance trek booking. See sunrise rides near Bengaluru.
Ride safe, ride early, and keep the crew together.