Nothing compares to a simple pleasure of a bike ride. Remember as kids when you’d run out with your bike to explore the little world around with friends? Well, it’s time to relive those days! And what a better way to explore than cycling in India?
There are enough cycling routes in India to take you on the amazing journey and bring out the adrenaline junkie in you. Go get your gears fixed, adrenaline pumped and bikes set ‘cause here I bring to you the best destinations for a crazy cycling holiday in India:
Before we begin, here’s what you’d need:
- Knee cap
- Elbow guard
- Helmet
- Bicycle riding gloves
- Knap sacks
- Money for fuel – Zero :D
- And of course – a bike! :)
Level: Easy Cycling Routes in India
1. East Coast Road – Chennai to Pondicherry
One of the easiest cycling routes in India, this stretch linking Chennai to Pondicherry is renowned for its seaside sights and views. Clear roads with sparkling beaches and undulating roads make this a dream ride to take.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Duration: 2 days
Must Read: Hill Stations Near Chennai That Will Leave You Loving Summer Forever
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2. Kochi to Backwater
An early morning ride along the Kochi coast with glimpses of unevenly spread backwaters accompanying you all the way. Cycling through small fishermen villages and lush coconut trees, we reach one serene end of the backwaters.
Difficulty level: Easy
Duration: 5days
Level: Moderate Cycling Routes in India
3. Mumbai to Daman
This quaint little place some 170 kms north of Mumbai does not often get the attention it deserves. Daman has everything you need in a holiday destination – beaches, forts, casinos and cheap liquor.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Duration: 2-3 days
Must Read: The Definitive Weekend Getaway Destinations for Mumbaikars
4. Somnath to Diu (Gujarat)
Cycle by the cash crop farms enclosed by coconut trees. The sights are simply beautiful. To add to the experience is the sea that runs all along. The simplicity of the surrounding water is enough to take your breath away.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Duration: 3 days
5. Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is one of the best cycling routes in India. The blue waters will leave you speechless. For a moment you’ll wonder India is so much much more beautiful than what you thought.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Duration: 5 days
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6. Mangalore to Goa Via NH-17
Fancy riding by the sea? This Mangalore to Goa cycling route in India is for you! Travel through the village of Maravanthe on NH-17 (now NH-66). The scenic beauty on this stretch is attributed to the Maravanthe beach on one side of the road and the Suparnika river on the other side.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Duration: 6 days
7. Coorg to Munnar
Cycle in the Nilgiris along the aromatized plantations. This rural region offers some of the country’s most stunning landscapes and goes hand in hand with twisting green roads, forests and hills.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Duration: 7 days
Must Read: Sweat No More: The Best Places To Visit In India This Summer
8. Cycling in Goa
The biking trail travels from the Arabian Sea coast to Netravali village in the magnificent Sahyadri Western Ghats, which are recognized as the top 10 biodiversity spots of the world. Explore the sandy beaches to dense forests on a bike!
Difficulty level: Moderate
Duration: 8-10 days
9. The Highways In Rajasthan
I had taken the route from Ahmedabad – Udaipur – Ajmer – Jaipur. Of course the forts and lakes are breathtaking in every city in Rajasthan, but something you ought to do is ride past the desert highways – the sight that will capture your imagination.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Duration: 10days
10. NH17 Udupi Trail – Mumbai to Trivandrum
This journey will fulfill all your sensory needs, whether it’s for pristine beaches or magical forests. Start at Mumbai and go till Mangalore or be a an adventurer and take the longer route till Trivandrum, either way it’s a guaranteed treat.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Duration: 15days
11. Leh to Khardung La
Cycle on world’s highest motorable road from Leh to Khardung La beyond which lies the Siachen Glacier & Khardung La has world’s highest motorable road. This is one of the most difficult yet beautiful cycling routes in India.
Difficulty Level: Expert
Duration: 2 days
Must Read: The Spell Binding Effect: 10 Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh
12. Shillong to Cherrapunji
Image Credit: Koyel Biswas
This is one stretch that anyone who loves riding has to experience. While riding on most hilly terrains, you have mountains on one side and a valley on the other side. This route is different as you tend to ride on top of the mountains.
Difficulty Level: Experts
Duration: 2 days
13. Gangtok to Nathulapass
Gangtok to Nathu La pass is breathtaking! It’s very close to the Indo-Chinese border in Sikkim and thus is used a lot by the army. With gorgeous roads and the beautiful Tsomgo lake, the pass enchants every riders.
Difficulty Level: Experts
Durations: 2 days
Must Read: 20 Must Visit Places When Travelling to the North East
14. Old Silk Route – Kalimpong to Zuluk
There is a strong belief and story that at some point they gave up completing this road because of the very difficult terrain. It looks so different in each curve, and in winter it’s a different story altogether.
Difficulty Level: Experts
Duration: 6 days
15. Western Arunachal Trail – Bhalukpong to Tawang
Not for the faint hearted – as the roads here might be slightly dangerous, but that just adds to the excitement. Feel the adrenaline pump as you ride from Bhalukpong to Tawang, checking out forests and hills and probably dodging a few landslides. It surely is one of the most adventurous cycling routes you would ever ever ride on!
Difficulty Level: Experts
Duration: 7 days
16. Manali to Spiti Valley
Reach the highest village in the world over a course of ten days. Imbibe a sense of culture very different from your own and don’t forget to talk to the locals, especially in the temples and monasteries, most of which are amazingly beautiful. This route will leave you with not just memories but friends too!
Difficulty Level: Experts
Duration: 10days
Must Read: Swoosh, Splash and Swing: 10 Things To Do In Manali In Summer
17. Zanskar Trail
Riding at this high an altitude is more than just a test of skill, it’s a test of endurance. Get past the hard bit and you’ll notice the looming mountains stunning terrains around you and get lost in their charms.
Difficulty Level: Experts
Duration: 10days
18. Manali to Leh via Rohtang Pass
Walls of snow are just one of the many spectacular sights to behold on this journey. It might be tough and the air might be thin, but the experience will be life changing!
Difficulty Level: Experts
Duration: 15days
You are only a bike ride away from good mood. C’mon bikers, the trails are calling!
Fond of cycling but don’t know where to start? Just post your query in the comments below and I will personally answer your doubts! :)
Further Read: 50 Best Hill Stations In India To Escape The City Heat
Frequently Asked Questions About Cycling Routes In India
A. Although it is safe to cycle in India, riding on national and state highways can be a scary experience. However, India’s blessed with an endless network of paved and well-maintained roads in the rural areas, where you can safely ride your bike.
A. The roads are choked in Delhi with cars and buses, which makes using a bicycle for shorter commute a smart option. However, the city doesn’t have dedicated cycling lanes which can prove to be problematic. Nevertheless, cycling in the lanes of Delhi in the evening is one of the best things to do in Delhi in summer.
A. For every 1,000 people, India has 90 bicycles. China’s numbers are slightly more encouraging. For every 1,000 Chinese, the country has 149 cycles.
A. The bicycle first came to India in the year 1887. The concept of a bicycle was introduced to India by the Britishers, who insisted on exploiting the Indian market.
A. The best cycles in India under INR 20,000 are Montra Trance, Hercules NFS Roadeo, Cosmic Trium, Cosmic Voyager, and Montra Helicon Disc.
A. A hybrid city bike is best for regular and semi professional drivers. An MTB/Hardtrail Cycle is best for beginners.
A. BSA Cycles, which is known for its flagship bicycle brand of Montra, Mach City, and Hercules, is the number 1 cycle company in India.
A. Gearless cycles have a single gear ratio which makes the cycle go faster or slower depending on how hard you pedal. A gear cycle, on the other hand has multiple gear ratios, which makes it more comfy to ride over long distances.
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