Cycling to discover Bengaluru
As the coast clears after yet another pandemic wave, Bangalore’s offices steadily welcome back its professionals. Whether or not folks look forward to working from the office again, one would imagine that discovering or rediscovering the city is marked on everyone’s calendars — as it should be.
Bangalore is known for its pleasant climes, people of good humour, scents of coffee, swigs of stronger brews, long walks in Cubbon Park and the internet-famous Pink Poui trees. Compared to Bangalore’s centuries-old history, the traffic and the gleaming IT parks are new artefacts around which the city’s old gems continue to glisten. If you are looking for something other than walking tours to explore the city — and there are plenty of lovely ones — consider bicycling. You could discover an activity that you enjoy, a community to share it with and encounter the story behind the garden city and its many stewards while you are at it.
The Audio-Guided Heritage Rides of Bangalore
In 2021, Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) conceptualized the audio-guided heritage rides project, a series of 5 GPS-enabled bicycling tours of Bangalore. YLAC is a New-Delhi based social enterprise working to build the capacity of young people to lead change and is part of the larger Sustainable Mobility Network. Their foray into this project is rooted in the aim of encouraging citizens to take up cycling, a sustainable option for short commutes in a city burdened with mobility woes. What better way to offer a fillip to this change than to launch a series of bicycling tours for people to enjoy, scripted with a deep admiration for Bangalore’s history.
The audio-guided heritage rides feature temples of southern soul food such as MTR, Bangalore’s central business district and the old towns of Basavanagudi and Malleshwaram. Museums, gardens, galleries and charming book cafes also join the mix. The beauty of cycling to explore these vastly different neighbourhoods is that there are no barriers between yourself and your surroundings. You can cover a lot of ground, enjoy the ride between points of interest and stop whenever you spot something fascinating along the way.
As with any activity, the more, the merrier! Planning to set out with friends for a weekend cycling adventure is the way to go after a week of warming the office chair. Beginners to cycling need not worry as the routes incorporate wide roads and avoid pain points. The tours are GPS-enabled, offering turn by turn directions and helpful tips to navigate traffic as a cyclist.
HopOn India, a platform that hosts and creates tours of various Indian cities and museums, is the implementation partner for the audio-guided rides. HopOn’s in-app descriptions point you to the nearest cycle rental services, bus stops, metro stations and parking areas in addition to offering tips to help you prepare for the tour. You can download the HopOn India app or visit their website to take the 5 audio-guided heritage rides mentioned below 👇
Lalbagh, Gandhi Bazaar & More: A Bicycling Tour of South Bengaluru
Cycle through the culturally steeped neighbourhood of Basavanagudi, visit a few temples and learn of various legends and lores. You can also stop by Vidyarthi Bhavan in Gandhi Bazaar which serves some of the best dosas in the city.
Cycling through Central Bengaluru: Soul Food, An Art Hub & A Royal Abode
The tour begins at the legendary Malleshwaram breakfast joint, Veena Stores. You can chow down on their famous idlis served with mint chutney or sample their steaming tamarind rice (puliyogare) before cycling onward to Sankey Tank. A visit to the charming Bangalore Palace will be next, followed by the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath.
Architectural, Historical and Artistic Wonders: A Deep Dive Into The Central Business District
There is a lot to see in Bangalore’s central business district and this tour does an excellent job of offering you a little taste of everything. You can cycle along Ulsoor Lake, take in a towering 30-foot mural, visit Bangalore’s posh neighbourhoods and several iconic churches.
Pristine Parks, Military Memorabilia & More: A Cycling Tour of Central Bengaluru
On this tour, unpack the history behind the favourite Sunday morning destination, Cubbon Park and learn how the famous circle with the aircraft (near Minsk Square) came to be. The ride also features a modern art gallery, a planetarium, a musical fountain park and the most charming bookstore-cafe, Champaca.
Hidden Histories of Bangalore’s Crown Jewels: An Essential Tour of Central Bangalore
Listen to the story of how the brass band movement of 1800s England gave birth to the Cubbon Park Bandstand and how the Vidhana Soudha came to bear its Neo-Dravidian architectural style. All this and more on this final cycling tour of central Bangalore.
Whether you are a true Bangalorean or have come from elsewhere to make your home here, these tours will bring you closer to the city. As you pedal towards familiarity with its landscape and culture, discover cafes and darshinis to file away as favourites, Bengaluru will happily claim another as its own. Bring your bicycles and companions and consider the rides as you make your plans for the next weekend!
