The 10 Most Incredible Bike Trails in India

Bikers get their share of wisdom while they embark on a journey with their sweethearts AND by that I mean their beloved bikes. Bike ride duration is the time to unleash the explorer in them and mend roads to self discovery. For such passionate bike riders, India seems to be the perfect match as it can offer such experience that practically has no match. Whether it is the highest snow-clad peaks of the Himalaya, the dense forests of North East or the most deserted places of Rajasthan; motorbike tours in India not only provide easy access to remote places but also helps in understanding the country’s diversity better. This list below will help you find some of the best places & routes for bike riding in India.

1. Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Ladakh can be the dream bike riding destination in India. Blessed with such mesmerizing beauty this region of Jammu & Kashmir state is a challenge that any crazy-adventurous bike rider would like to take. The trail being rugged, the weather being rough and unpredictable and cherry on top the continuous risk of landslides and other hazards keep the riders on their toes. Ladakh is the land of beautiful lakes, high mountain passes, Buddhist monasteries and meandering roads that are mostly unpaved. Therefore while planning a ride here, one is spoilt for choices but what you must know that you can never make a bad choice as each trail has its perks and thrills.

Ideal Route: Manali – Rohtang La – Tandi/Keylong – Darcha – Sarchu – Tanglang La – Upshi – Leh (from Leh one can take separate routes to Khardungla and Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri and Hemis) – Lamayuru – Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Srinagar – Patnitop – Chandigarh

Best Riding Season: Mid June to Mid October

2. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Another challenging and similar trail for bike riding in India can be found in Spiti Valley. Part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti has a lot of resemblance to Ladakh. So, if you could not plan a bike ride trip to Ladakh, you can conveniently settle for Spiti Valley as it allows the almost the same kind of adrenaline rush. In fact, the Hindustan-Tibet highway that leads into Spiti valley ensures that doze of thrill remain consistence all through for a rider. It is on this ride that you can approach the highest villages of the Asia. Kibber, Kaza, Tabo, Spiti and Pin valley make up for some visually attractive remote places and the Baspa and Kinnaur regions act as great destinations for nature lovers who can enjoy the beauty of apricot and apple orchards, Satluj river views and snow capped monasteries.

Ideal Route: Shimla – Sarhan – Sangla – Chitkul – Baspa – Kinnaur – Recong Peo – Kalpa – Kaza – Tabo – Spiti – Keylong – Manali

Best Riding Season: Mid June to Mid October

3. Western Arunachal Pradesh

With its most humbling landscape, Western Arunachal Pradesh is one of the best places for bike ride in India. Yes, there are high chances that you would find unpaved roads and landslides all through the journey but the nature’s beauty compensates for everything here. Waterfalls, terraced paddy fields, alpine forests, mountain streams, small human settlements, now covered roads (in winter) and the opportunity to witness unique tribal culture makes this high altitude route an irresistible one  for an adventurist.  Bomdila, Dirang, Tawang, Lake District, Gorshem Chorten, Ziro, Parsuram Kund and Namdapha National Park are the part of this paradise called Western Arunachal Pradesh.

Ideal Route: Bhalupkong – Dirang – Bomdila – Tawang

Best Riding Season: March to May or October to November

4. Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu

This particular place will get your heart racing for sure! Kolli Hills a scenic hill station in Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. The hills are famed for its 70 continuous hairpin bends, which by the way are more than enough to get you all excited. This tropical hill is also famous for its Agaya Gangai waterfall, ancient Shiva temple and Pineapple farms. A weekend bike ride from Bangalore to Kolli Hills seems an ideal plan.

Ideal Route: Salem – Rasipuram – Kolli Hills

Best Riding Season: All year around

5. Kerala

A motorbike holiday in Kerala is an unforgettable experience. Kerala is the land of pristine beaches, beautiful lighthouses and mesmerizing greenery. In the state, one is spoilt for choices when it comes to decide the bike route. Ideal trip in Kerala would include a bike ride from Cochin towards the Southern Ghats where a wide variety of wildlife can be seen. All through the way the splendid views of the Tea and rubber plantations and paddy fields keeps the rider motivated. On the other hand a bike route at Southern Western Ghats, Kodaikanal welcomes bikers with open arms. The route shall pass through the famous tea plantations treks of Munnar district. The journey then continues towards Ooty and bikers have are required to ride to a height of 2,000 m into the Nilgiri Hills. From the Nilgiris, the trip will proceed towards Calicut and finally end in Cochin. One can expect a good view of the backwaters of Kerala and the opportunity to savour the mouthwatering cuisine of the state.

6. Valparai to Vazhachal Forest

South India has some breathtaking biking routes and one of its best examples would be Valparai to Vazhachal Forest. An ideal bike ride on this route would be during the monsoon season. The route connects Pollachi in Tamil Nadu to Chalakudy in Kerala, which is prominently covered with fine tropical rainforests and cloud and evergreen forests. The trail passes through stunning waterfalls and numerous dams and reservoirs. And since this area is either part of the Anaimalai tiger reserve or the Vazhachal forest reserve, wildlife sightings makes a significant part of it. Well-maintained roads and the emerald beauty of forests are the highlights that can surely allure bike riders here.

Ideal Route: Pollachi – Valparai – Vazhachal – Athirapally – Chalakudy

Best Riding Season: All year around

7. Mumbai – Goa

It is one of the most famous road trip routes in India and it deserves all the fame that it gets. Popularly called NH17 (National Highway 17), this route offers a trip along the western coastline of India. NH 17 connects Mumbai to Kerala, so in case your adventure instinct doesn’t get satiated with a ride between Mumbai and Goa, you can simply get some more petrol in your bike and vroom off to the state of Kerala. The ride between Mumbai and Goa gives a feel of riding on foreign roads with exquisite landscape to view and cherish.

Best Riding Season: October to February

8. Jaipur – Jaisalmer

If you can endure some harsh and challenging roads, this one should be an easy-peasy for you. However, the desert can be tricky sometime but what is life without a couple of risks and challenges, right? During the bike ride enjoy the rich culture of Rajasthan and the hospitality of the people of the state. The roads are paved, a few pits here and there is a part of any bike trip in India. However, what will catch your eyes the most is landscape that has the mix of brown and green hues. While passing through the rural Rajasthan, one has the opportunity to learn about living life without the modern amenities, also the local cuisine taste the best in these rural settlements. Of course the Rajputana architecture will follow you everywhere.

Ideal Route: Jaipur – Nagaur – Jodhpur – Ramdevra – Jaisalmer

Best Riding Season: October to February

9. Ahmadabad-Kutch

The maverick riders will love to take this challenging yet beautiful route in Gujarat. Starting from the bustling hub of the state to the remote and surreal Rann of Kutch, the route is nothing less than a proverbial diamond in the rough. You can choose to drive around the Kutch region where both white salt desert and salt marsh await to greet you. En route visit can be paid to Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary and also Dholavira can be included in the route. Since Kutch is a culturally wealthy region, a bike ride to the villages is a good idea as well.

Ideal Route: Ahmadabad – Surendranagar- Little Rann of Kutch- Great Rann of Kutch

Best Riding Season: December to March

10. Darjeeling-Sikkim

This is another popular route for bike ride in India. Beginning from the beauty of East, Darjeeling to the surreal destination, Sikkim, a bike ride on this route is a scenic one. However, in no way shall the biking trail here be considered easy, the route is a witness to many steep and winding roads that are enough to keep the adrenaline rushing. A heady mélange of religions and fine hill culture make this route an anticipated one by both an adventurist and a nature lover. Also, the views of the Kanchenjunga are the big time bait of this route.

Ideal Route: Siliguri – Darjeeling – Kalimpong – Gangtok – Pelling – Yuksom

Best Riding Season: All year around

We hope that this list of bike ride routes in India has helped you schedule your next trip. If you think that we missed out on some routes in the blog, do let us know in the comment box below.

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