Top 5 Motorcycle Rides in India

Exhilarating, mesmerizing, heartening – well, all these adjectives are usually associated with road trips. Now add biking into them and you would struggle to find enough adjectives to describe the feeling or phenomenon, which is associated with it. Perceptibly, it transcends all the limits of joy and excitement – biking is a journey of self-exploration and every rider would agree on that. With varied terrains, climates and awe-inspiring sceneries, India has all the attributes, which make it a heaven for bikers. There is something special in each part of India, waiting to be explored and always inspires the riders.

A rider not only experiences the unfathomed beauty of nature but also savours the best in adventure and this is the reason why India is considered as a perfect destination for riders. There are many motorcycle rides in India, which are full of surprises and challenge the skills and patience of every rider. The best thing about India is that one can embark upon a motorcycle trip in every season, across the various parts of this incredible country. So, let’s talk about some awesome motorcycle rides of India, which are worth exploring for every biker:

Leh-Ladakh and Kashmir

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most-celebrated and favourite motorcycle rides, not only in India, but also in the world, which has become synonymous with chilly mountain air, beautiful monasteries, enormous natural beauty and above all the sheer adrenaline rush. Talk to anyone, who has attempted it and you are bound to hear some incredible tales. This ride is all about some of the most stunning stretches in India – from snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear rivers, verdant valleys and sleepy towns, this ride is a must-have experience for any biker as each twist and turn on the road would unleash boundless natural splendours. The whole experience will stay etched in your memory – forever. Exquisiteness not only demands our reverence but also comes with a hefty price tag and that’s the case with this ride too, as it is the most difficult ride to attempt in India. You need at least 20 days to complete this route, which will take you through some marvellous valleys in Manali to the astonishing peaks in Leh. Usually, riders attempt this route by joining motorcycle groups, which help them conquer this difficult terrain as a team. This route has high mountain passes, including the highest motorable road in the world – Khardung La. A rider also gets the opportunity to explore the rich and serene Buddhist culture in this part of India. Some of the highlights of this trip are its wonderful destinations like: Nubra Valley, alpine lakes like Pangong Tso, Zanskar valley, and various Buddhist monasteries like Lamayuru, Alchi and Hemis.

Best Riding Season: April to August

Mumbai to Goa

An ideal road for high-speed bikes, The NH17 is one of the smoothest highways in the country, which connects Mumbai to Goa. It is one of the most picturesque and a different kind of biking ride in India, as compared to the high altitude one – mentioned above. Interestingly, on this route, you would get the feeling of riding through seemingly foreign roads, which will be devoid of any cumbersome traffic and roadside distractions. The ambience is dotted with some pristine coastlines and mesmerizing landscapes, a rider is bound to explore and experience so much on this route. This highway offers some overwhelming sights of the Vashisti River, marshlands and the virgin beaches of Ganpatipule. Other attractions of this highway are Malvan village and Sindhudurg fort, which was built by the great Shivaji.

Best Riding Season: November to February

North- East India

Snow-clad mountains, deep gorges and valleys, verdant hills, lush green tea plantations and widespread rice paddies, the North-Eastern region of India is blessed with alluring natural beauty, which is complemented by its fascinating landscape. However, at the same time, its meandering roads offer challenging conditions to the riders. It would require at least 25 days to complete this biking route, which will take you through the tea estates of Assam, Kaziranga National Park, Tawang Monastery of Arunachal Pradesh, Tribal Nagaland, and the abode of the clouds – Meghalaya. This region of India is known for a unique culture, ancient Buddhist Monasteries and highest waterfalls in the country. Besides offering an awe-inspiring experience, this route is also about a spiritual journey that sets you on the path of self-discovery and serenity. In some part of North East, the road network is not in a good condition, but as a biker, you would get the opportunity to ride through narrow bridges, river beds and gorgeous mountain passes to relish a once in a lifetime experience. This trip requires a lot of preparation and you can easily attempt it with a group.

Best Riding Season: March to September

Valparai and the Vazhachal Forest

Though monsoon season unleashes the remarkable natural beauty of India, it is not considered as the best season for riders, as many places get inundated with water and create difficult conditions for riding. Well, Valparai and the Vazhachal Forest biking ride offer the best monsoon ride in India. This is a connecting route between Pollachi in Tamil Nadu and Chalakudy in Kerala, and the roads are dotted with evergreen tropical rainforests. This region receives substantial rain as compared to nearby parts, but you would not see much water on the road. Well, the water of this region can be seen in stunning waterfalls and exquisitely built reservoirs. In fact, this area is also a part of the Vazhachal forest reserve, so one can also enjoy some amazing wildlife views. The most outstanding aspect of this route is well-maintained roads, which are complemented by the emerald green forests.

Best Riding Season: All year around

Jaipur to Ranthambore

This biking ride allows you to savour a biking experience on a totally different terrain, devoid of immense greenery, mountains and beaches. This ride is also about some challenging roads and harsh conditions, but with some preparation, one can explore the majestic destinations of Rajasthan on the bike. Starting out from Jaipur, you can visit many destinations along the way, including Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. In fact, this ride also presents a unique opportunity for the riders to cruise through the Great Thar Desert. Besides experiencing the rich culture of Rajasthan, you would enjoy the local cuisine and wonderful hospitality of the people of the state. The entire landscape is dominated by the brown and green hues and you would find many enthralling palaces and havelis on this ride, which are the true testimony of the grand Rajputana architecture.