People look at me strangely when I mention that I drive like 30 mins one way just to jog awkwardly on a stretch of road in the middle-of-nowhere on weekends.

The first time I encountered this place was in February 2020. I was training for a half marathon (I am older and tireder now) and set off early in the morning for a slow long run. Feeling adventurous, I ran further than usual. As I progressed, Bangalore’s outskirts changed from empty BDA plots and occasional houses to deserted access roads partially reclaimed by plants. This gave way to a stretch of empty highway, which then became a small road winding through the woods leading to a lake. I returned home after noon, feeling like an explorer who had reached some foreign land.

Running here is sensual experience. Forgotten nature with almost no people and vehicles. The scenery is dominated by shades of green and browns. A silence that you don’t get in cities interrupted with the occasional bird chirp and peacock squawk. The nip of the cold morning air and foresty scent lingers in the air. Running through the single-laned, tree-lined road with its rolling curves is a unique experience. The large lake with a view at the end of the route is not even the most impressive part of the run.

Driving here to run feels like an essential ritual which I’m drawn to on early weekend mornings. Running here feels like a mini vacation from hustling-bustling Bangalore and a chance to reset my mind for the start of a brand new week. The exercise is not even that important, its more like an excuse.