Have you ever wanted a break from the hustle and bustle of city life? Want to take a stroll in the woods, away from all the noise and pollution? If yes, then you must take off to Turahalli Forest. Located just 25 kms from the city centre, it is a quick and a quiet getaway and also offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages.
You can take a walk in the morning and feel the warmth of the sun peeping in through branches, hear birds chirping or see ornate drops of dew decorating leaves. There are several trails to choose from, depending upon the purpose of your walk. Are you training for a trail marathon? Then the smooth mud trails at Turahalli seem to be made just for you. There are several other trails too, lined with thick shrubbery on either side, for that adventurous, leisurely walk.
The place is also a bird watcher’s delight. If you’re early and quiet, you sure can spot a wide variety of birds and butterflies too. While spotting birds requires you to be crouched beside a tree trunk, lay sprawled across a rock, or move minimally; observing butterflies requires you to follow a large depression in the ground, where a river once flowed. Pursuing this trail deeper into the forest you can see an array of colours fluttering through the air. It is almost magical.
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Turahalli also attracts a large number of mountain bikers, as it is one of the few places in Bengaluru that offers gruelling biking trails. At almost three feet wide, these trails are rough, bumpy and filled with loose rocks, easily deceiving bikers! It is best to protect yourself with knee and elbow guards, and a helmet. After riding for about an hour, you will have a sore back, but a satisfying experience.
Sadly, over the years, due to its rising popularity, Turahalli has been littered. Several organisations, and residents plan “Clean up drives” over the weekend, in order to restore the forest to its former glory. These drives are a good way to explore the forest, and to meet like minded people. Not only is it for a good cause, but a lot of fun too.
While Turahalli is a wonderful place to visit, it is advisable not to venture into the forest alone for the fear of insect bites, sport-related injuries, and certain trouble making elements. Travel in groups, have fun, and keep the forest clean!
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