Top 12 Motorcycle Trips in India
India is a vast country that is truly blessed with beautiful and widely different landscapes. From majestic mountains to the sun-kissed desert, and from mighty rivers to golden coastlines, it’s one country where you can find anything and everything. So, it’s undoubtedly a rider’s paradise.
Driving through different terrains gives you an amazing experience. Although you can enjoy these terrains on a four-wheeler too, riding a motorbike altogether enhances the experience and makes the memories unforgettable.
If you are born to ride a motorbike, I’m sure you’d understand what I mean. Just make sure that your motorcycle is properly equipped for long drives with all the required accessories, such as proper toolset, luggage racks, and crash protection accessories. Once you get set and are ready to go, consider these 12 motorcycle road trips that you certainly should not miss if you love to ride on your two-wheels:
1) Manali to Leh-Ladakh
When it comes to road trips this route tops the list. It is the most adventurous and one of the favourite road trips in India. Riding on one of the highest motorable roads (Khardung La) in the world and passing through several mountain passes makes it an enriching once in a lifetime experience. The route is thrilling and breath taking at the same time. It's definitely not for the inexperienced riders. The route is 479 km long with a mean altitude between 3000 to 4000 meters above sea level. Best time to take this trip is from April to August. It usually takes 2 days to complete this road trip with one or two rests in between in order to get acclimatized to the thin air. These places have many adventure sports too, to satisfy your hunger for adventure. So, if you are an adventure seeker and an experienced rider do not miss out on this one.
2) Shimla to Manali via Mandi
Any biker would know the fun of riding in the hills. This road trip is truly fantabulous as the beautiful gushing river Beas runs along the way. The lush green mountains are a sight of delight. Shimla-Manali highway is one of the most picturesque road trips. The distance of 250 km takes around 7-8 hrs to complete as the route is full of curls and twists. You should be an experienced rider if you want to take up this road trip.
3) Jaipur to Jaisalmer (SH19)
This is another amazing road trip. Starting from the Pink City of Jaipur and ending at the Golden city of Jaisalmer, this 559 km long road trip gives you a wonderful opportunity to witness some of the best man-made and natural marvels. Driving past beautiful mountains, pristine lakes, sun-touched sand dunes to mighty forts, mesmerizing temples and endless ‘ship of the desert’ caravans, this trip has everything one can ask for. The roads are in top-notch condition and it takes about 9 hrs to complete this journey.
4) Ahmedabad to Kutch
Located 400 km away from Ahmedabad is one of the largest salt deserts in the world, the mighty Rann of Kutch. This is an unobstructed 11-hour ride from Ahmedabad. The beauty of this ‘wasteland’, as most of us would think of it, cannot be described in words. One has to see it to believe it. Several mirages welcome you as you enter the barren landscape. Witness the mesmerizing view of huge windmills and salt panning as you make your way through the little Rann of Kutch. The roads are in fairly good condition except for a few bad patches at some places. Best season to take this road trip is from October to March.
5) Darjeeling to Gangtok
This short ride of approximately 96 km in the Eastern Himalayas is truly a special weekend getaway. This beautiful route comprises of many twists and turns running along the Himalayan Railway. The scenery throughout is mesmerizing with the majestic Kanchenjunga peeping through several bends. The season is favorable throughout the year but riding during rainy season should be avoided as this area is prone to landslides during heavy rainfall.
6) Shillong-Cherrapunji-Mawlynnong
This beautiful and short trip in the northeast is nothing short of amazement. Cloudy skies, cascading waterfalls, gushing rivers and breath taking scenery, it has it all. Shillong is just 54 km away from the once ‘wettest place on earth’, Cherrapunji. The ride through lush green mountains is splendid. From Cherrapunji head to God’s own garden and Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong.
7) Puri to Konark -NH-203
This may be a short road trip but it’ll be one of your most memorable trips. The Puri-Konark highway is one of the most beautiful highways in India. The canopy formed by the trees on either side of the road is a mesmerizing view. The soft breeze hitting you while riding is nothing but comforting and enriching. This 36 km ride can be easily done in an hours time.
8) Mumbai to Goa
This here is one of the most popular road trips in India. This is gonna be a long ride, so gear up folks!. The ride is breath taking with amazing scenic beauty throughout the way. Lush green coconut trees and paddy fields along the way will truly delight you. It's a 577 km ride and it's a good idea to make a stopover in between. However, NH 17 is a splendid road and makes you complete the ride in approximately 10-12 hrs, so if you are an adventurous soul and want to reach Goa before the party begins, start early and ride at a stretch. Another option is to leave at noon and make a stopover at Chiplun or Ratnagiri and start early the next day for Goa. Reaching Goa at noon has its own advantages, as you get a splendid view of the ocean and if lucky enough you might catch a glimpse of someone boarded on their surfboards on those beautiful waves. Just sayin!
9) Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley
This 116 km long ride from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley is truly mystifying. The whole route is very scenic with lush green mountains and coffee plantations along the way. The twisty and curvy road with a gradual elevation is perfectly maintained making it very suitable for two-wheelers. So get geared and take this beautiful road trip in South India for an everlasting memory.
10) Bangalore-Gokarna
This is one of the best road trips for bikers as the road is very well maintained and the weather along with the surroundings are very supportive. This coastal temple town is 499 km away from Bengaluru and it takes approximately 9 hrs to complete this journey. The whole route is quite scenic and overall it's a fun drive.
11) Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
Also known as the East Coast Road or ECR, this is one of the most beautiful roads for traveling on a motorbike. The reflection of the sun on the water and the seashore temple at Mahabalipuram is a sight to behold. This 160 km long ride can be easily covered in 3-4 hrs. The ideal time to ride a motorbike on this route is in the months of December and January. Be prepared with your camera and lots of stops to capture some of the most amazing sights on the way.
12) Chennai to Munnar
If you have a long weekend ahead and an itch for adventure, riding to Munnar is your perfect getaway. Situated at 600 km from Chennai, this ride takes approximately 11 hrs to complete. It’ll be wise to make a stopover in between, as riding your two-wheeler buddy for a long time can be quite tiring. Follow this route for beautiful lush green sceneries along the way- Chennai -> Vellore -> Krishnagiri -> Dharmapuri -> Mettur -> Bhavani -> Udumalpet -> Munnar. India is a unique destination for motorcycle rides, just choose your route, get in your riding gear and hit the road. Visiting Munnar this year from the month of July is going to super special as it is the year of the Neelakurinji flower that blooms once in 12 years and that will decorate this entire region in vibrant blue. Even though, you will spot the flower blooming all across the region, the most photogenic spots would be inside Eravikulam National Park and the Neelakurinji sanctuary near Munnar.
Happy riding!!
Author’s Bio:
Jessica is a traveller by heart. She loves to pen down her thoughts related to her travel experiences and her knowledge about motorcycle adventure products to keep one’s safe and enjoy the ride. She loves to meet new people during her trips.
