Far from Bengaluru's urban chaos, a different kind of thrill awaits on its rugged outskirts. Here, the terrain demands to be conquered not by foot or bicycle, but by the powerful four wheels of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), offering residents a perfect adrenaline-fuelled escape.
First-Time Riders and Scenic Thrills
For Anjan Das, a 28-year-old software engineer, and his fiancée Garvika Bansal, 30, a search for unique Bangalore activities led to an unexpected adventure. They discovered quad biking at Dirt Mania, located off Kanakpura Road. Anjan planned it as a surprise for Garvika, who only realized their destination upon seeing the signboard. As mountaineering enthusiasts, they were eager for a new challenge.
Their journey involved a 12km trail leading to a scenic hilltop view. "It was our first time riding quad bikes," Anjan shared. "The ride was filled with bumps, tilts, and delivered an authentic off-roading experience. It was truly fun." Before hitting the trail, they underwent a comprehensive 30-minute technical session covering bike mechanics, proper riding techniques, and how to maintain balance on uneven ground.
Not Just a Hobby, But a Family Philosophy
For seasoned adventurer Syed Vikhar Ahmed, a 40-year-old emcee, quad biking in Bengaluru was another entry in a long list of global exploits, which includes riding ATVs on Saudi sands and cliff jumping in Bali. He took the 3km ride at Nandi Adventure Park in North Bengaluru about six months ago and appreciated the well-mapped route with its ups and downs, distinguishing it from plainer tracks elsewhere.
Adventure is a family affair for Syed. His 10-year-old daughter rode a quad bike for the first time at the Nandi trail, which offers separate tracks for beginners and pro riders. "ATV is a four-wheeler, but it has handles like a two-wheeler. So, people are fascinated by it," explains Ameen Ali Khan, founder of Global Adventure.
The Business of Adventure: Growth, Challenges, and Safety
Raj Kumar, the 42-year-old CEO and founder of Dirt Mania, notes that his venture receives an average of 200 bookings per month, with many customers finding them via Google searches. Interestingly, about 30% are repeat customers, and he also attracts clients who have tried quad biking in destinations like Bali.
Raj started his venture in 2009 on a rented three-acre plot with a half-kilometre lap, using five Chinese and two Yamaha quad bikes, charging ₹300-₹400 per ticket. He expanded in 2013 with a partner and better bikes. He observes that demand sees a slight yearly increase, though corporate team outings have declined due to budget constraints.
Safety is the paramount concern for all operators. Raj emphasizes that quad biking is a kilometre-based, not time-based, activity. The bikes can flip on natural terrain, so tracks are designed with maximum safety in mind. Mandatory gear includes jackets and helmets. Trained staff assess riders and, if needed, accompany groups. For couples, a common protocol is to let the women ride first.
Aleem, a certified ATV safety instructor from the USA's ATV Safety Institute, trains guides and runs Indian ATV Safety in RT Nagar, conducting safety audits. Raj points out an interesting learning curve: children and non-bikers often learn quicker than experienced two-wheeler riders, who must unlearn the habit of leaning into turns, as ATVs require steering via a push-pull method on the handlebars.
Market Realities and Pandemic Impact
The industry faces twin constraints: finding space for trails and the high cost of maintaining quad bikes. Ameen Ali Khan imports Euro-certified ATVs from the USA and Taiwan for B2B sales, avoiding cheaper Chinese models due to safety concerns. Raj illustrates the cost challenge: an ATV bought abroad for ₹2 lakh can cost ₹5 lakh by the time it reaches India, with basic Polaris models starting around ₹8 lakh in Bengaluru. Major manufacturers include Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and KTM.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted some operators. Harsh Bhimani, partner at Go Bananas, recalled averaging 500-600 monthly bookings pre-pandemic for 6km and 12km trails through property tie-ups. Post-pandemic, bookings in Bengaluru dropped to 150-200 per month, prompting a move to Goa in 2022 where demand was higher.
Despite the challenges, for those seeking a break from Bengaluru's potholed streets, the region's off-road trails offer a legitimate, thrilling, and muddy escape into nature, powered by four rugged wheels.
