Normally, when thinking of Indian cities with mostly millions and millions of habitants, an incredible traffic situation and a hot and humid climate it is not that easy to imagine a funny biking tour. But that’s obviously wrong. On the streets the trend to go by bike is growing, young people have discover the advantages of this vehicle – although the risk of accidents should not be underestimated.

I was not sure what to expect when I arrived for a weekend in Bangalore where I visited a friend and we decided to do a biking tour in the surroundings. Well, she lives in this city and is addicted to her bicycle. With friends they often do biking tours in the morning …

Bangalore, in southern India on the Deccan Plateau, stays at a height of over 900 m (3,000 ft) above sea level, and is known for its pleasant climate throughout the year. Its elevation is the highest among the major large cities of India. This climate – especially in the morning hours – is ideal for a biking trip. And a I was even more surprised when we reached quickly some more rural surroundings with empty secondary streets and could enjoy a fantastic nature.

We saw small traditional Indian villages, people sitting and talking together at the small market places or bus stops, monkeys enjoying to destroy huge publicity posters, we could experience a lot of daily life situations, far from any city rumour, passed through fantastic landscapes and had a break at a huge and beautiful lake.

This is India from a completely different world, different from what is shown in magazines, TV and catalogues here in Western Europe.

After ca. 25 km we reached a really nice place in the middle of the countryside where we had breakfast. Singing birds, ancient walls and stones, a very clean and opulent site and a huge choice of self-made bread, curries, sweets, eggs, juices, coffee, teas… Simply like in paradise.

Unfortunately, on the return I had a flat and we had to walk to the next village where we organized a Riksha which took me back to the city. Well, this is an adventure, too. Have you ever experienced to sit on the back of a Riksha with a broken bike which on the right and the left does not fit into the vehicle? You can be sure to have a lot of curious people around.  And there will be no lack of friendly and encouraging smiles and greeting words around you.