12 Best Short Bike Rides Around Bangalore Under 150 KM (2026)

Some weekends don't need a full tank and a two-day plan. You just need a road out of the city, a decent breakfast stop, and a reason to be back before dark. That's what this list is for — 12 of the best short bike rides around Bangalore, every single one under 150 km, ranked by what kind of morning you're in the mood for.

Quick Facts: All 12 Rides

What Makes a Good Short Ride

The best short bike rides near Bangalore share a few things: a road you can actually enjoy (not just endure), a breakfast or coffee stop within the first hour, and a destination that's worth the fuel. Distance matters less than road quality — a rough 50 km ride can feel longer than a smooth 100 km one.

Sunrise & Hill Rides

Nandi Hills is still the ride every Bangalore rider does first — twisty climb, cool morning air, and a valley view that's earned its Instagram fame. Skandagiri, just next door, gets you the same misty-hills feeling with a fraction of the crowd. Avalabetta is the quiet alternative to both — rockier at the top, but the sunrise hits just as hard with far fewer bikes parked around you.

Lakes, Dams & Easy Mornings

If you want a shorter, flatter start, Hesaraghatta Lake is barely 30 km out and perfect for a lazy morning ride with the camera out. Manchanabele Dam is the underrated one — backwater views, quiet roads, and almost no tourist noise. Big Banyan Tree is the shortest ride on this whole list, a shaded, easy stop that works even on a weekday evening.

Waterfalls & Rocky Escapes

Chunchi Falls is a monsoon favorite — the road via Kanakapura is smooth, and the falls are worth the short detour once the rains set in. Ramanagara, famous for its rocky outcrops, is a fast highway run with a landscape that looks nothing like the rest of Karnataka. Bannerghatta is the closest nature escape on the list, easy enough for a first-timer testing out a longer ride.

Heritage & Hill Temple Rides

Shivagange combines a sharp, scenic climb with a hill temple at the top — a good half-day ride for those who want a bit of a workout with their view. Devarayanadurga offers cooler, forested hill roads and a slower, quieter climb than Nandi Hills. Lepakshi, the longest ride on this list at around 140 km, rewards the extra distance with genuinely striking temple architecture and smooth highway riding most of the way.

Best Short Rides by Type

• For beginners: Bannerghatta, Big Banyan Tree, Hesaraghatta Lake
• For sunrise rides: Nandi Hills, Skandagiri, Avalabetta
• For monsoon riding: Chunchi Falls, Manchanabele Dam
• For scenic hill climbs: Shivagange, Devarayanadurga
• For the longest day out: Lepakshi, Ramanagara

Quick Safety Notes

Carry water, wear proper riding gear even on short rides, and check fuel before heading into the hill routes — pumps thin out past Kanakapura and Chikkaballapur. If you're riding in a group, agree on a regroup point before you leave, not after someone falls behind.

FAQs

Which is the best short bike ride around Bangalore? Nandi Hills remains the most popular pick for a reason — close, scenic, and easy for any rider. For fewer crowds, Avalabetta or Skandagiri are just as rewarding.

What's the best bike ride under 100 km from Bangalore? Manchanabele Dam, Ramanagara, and Chunchi Falls all sit comfortably under 100 km and make for a relaxed half-day ride.

Which rides are best for beginners? Bannerghatta, Big Banyan Tree, and Hesaraghatta Lake are the easiest starting points — short distances, simple roads, low traffic.

Are these rides good for a sunrise trip? Yes — Nandi Hills, Skandagiri, and Avalabetta are all built for an early departure and a sunrise payoff at the top.

Conclusion

You don't need a long weekend to remember why you ride. Pick one of these, leave early, and let a short bike ride around Bangalore do the resetting for you.