Himalayas to the Ghats: 15 Epic Bike Rides in India For Adventure Seekers

Bike rides in India are the most alluring journeys that will transport you to a realm of unparalleled freedom and self-expression. You can glide through the smooth roads, letting the wind whisper the tales of the previous adventurers in your ear. From the lofty Himalayan mountains to the palm-fringed beaches of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the awe-inspiring vistas will motivate you to keep going!

Let us not forget the adrenaline rush! The rhythm of your heart stays in sync with the extraordinary speed of the wheels. You can grin widely behind your helmets while experiencing the joy of basking in the heart of nature.

We have the list of the 15 most beautiful road trips that you have to go on in your lifetime! These routes for bike rides in India will introduce you to verdant hills, mist-kissed mountains, green curvy roads, and cascading waterfalls. The symphony of the tweeting birds is the cherry on the cake! 

On any road trip, it is important that you stay well-rested to regain the lost vigor and energy. There are affordable Treebo Hotels on your way that will keep you comfortable until you decide to go on the road again. 

Without further delay, let us know about the 15 most spectacular routes for bike rides in India

Bike rides in India for the adventure lovers

1 – Chennai to Pondicherry

The road trip from Chennai to Pondicherry is a must during the early hours of the day. The first rays of the sun will reflect off of the lush greenery on either side of the road. The route is very mesmerizing, with rocky terrains and wild trees. You also get to drive along the east coast of the Bay of Bengal, and the view from the roadside is ethereal! You can see the tiny droplets of water reflect the sunbeams, making the whole surface of the sea look like glistening diamonds. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Pondicherry from Chennai. Once you are there, enjoy the cafes and French delicacies in the ‘Paris of the East’!

Distance – 151 km
Route to Take – Chennai – Kelambakkam – Mahabalipuram – Marakkanam – Pondicherry

Also Read – Pondicherry Itinerary: the Only One You Will Ever Need

2 – Manali to Rohtang Pass

The route from Manal’s infamous Mall Road to Rohtang Pass is one of the most beautiful ways we can suggest to bike riders. If you are confident about driving uphill and downhill, this short trip will blow your mind! On your way, you can get glimpses of snow-laden valleys, mountain peaks, and natural vegetation. You can stop at Solang Valley, go paragliding, have a plate of ‘Pahadi Maggi’, and then head out through the alluring Atul Tunnel. Travelers will need a Himachal Pradesh Government Road Permit to travel through the Rohtang Pass. 

Distance – 36 km
Route to Take – Manali Mall Road – Solang Valley – Atul Tunnel – Rohtang Pass

3 – Mumbai to Goa

Goa is on!! Yes, the route from Mumbai to Goa gives you an opportunity to set out on one of the most exhilarating bike rides in India! You get to drive past scenic attractions of the Satara region and the village backdrop in Belgavi, Karnataka. It is a rather long trip that is going to take about 11 hours, but every minute is worth your time and effort. Also, you can take a quick break in Vijaypura on the way and relax before heading out the next morning. Bike riders can opt to go via Solapur or Kolhapur. We would suggest Kolhapur since it is the shorter and most comfortable way. 

Distance – 587 km
Route to Take – Mumbai – Pune – Satara – Kolhapur – Vijaypura – Belgavi – Goa

4 – Manali to Baralacha La

The route from Manali to Baralacha La is regarded as one of the most adventurous as well as dangerous bike rides in India. The sloppy terrains, deep curves, sudden U-pin turns, and threateningly short width of the roads will set your hearts racing! However, for someone who has been on the roads a lot, this trip will be an enriching experience to remember for a lifetime. Seeing those snowy mountains up close is a mesmerizing experience. You will also find Suraj Tal and Jissu waterfalls along the way. Note that this route will eventually take you to the infamous Leh-Ladakh roads. 

Distance – 145 km
Route to Take – Mall Road – Atul Tunnel – Burwa – Sissu – Keylong – Jispa – Baralacha La Pass

5 – Ahmedabad to Mount Abu

Mount Abu is the closest hill station to Ahmedabad and also the much-needed respite from the scorching heat during the summer months. The mountain region will welcome you with foggy weather and hills that peek at you from under the veils of heavy clouds. The people who set out from Gujarat will have to come through Rajasthan to reach Mount Abu. So, you get to see the unique culture of two different places on a single trip. Let’s not forget the mouth-watering food that you can eat on roadside dhabas! 

Distance – 238 km
Route to Take – Ahmedabad – Kalol – Mehsana – Palanpur – Mount Abu

6 – Manali to Spiti Valley

Manali, again!? Of course! The mystical Himalayan ranges that spread across Himachal Pradesh are too fascinating to ignore! You can go on several bike rides in India that originate from Manali and spread over to the most exotic and undiscovered terrains. The route to Spiti Valley is sure to give you a humongous boost of adrenaline, seeing how the region is known for uncertain weather and the narrow width of roads, WITHOUT a railing. You might want to take those speed limit boards seriously while on this trip! 

Distance – 196 km
Route to Take – Mall Road – Chhatru – Batal – Pangmo – Spiti Valley

7 – Bangalore to Kolli Hills

You can escape the traumatizing traffic in Bangalore to explore the dense forests of the Kolli Hills in Tamil Nadu. The best part is that this route is absolutely stunning throughout the year. If you have about a week to get out and explore nature, take a scenic bike ride from Bangalore to Kolli Hills. Riders will come across 70 hairpin bends, spacious roads, and Pineapple farms. On the way, stop to seek the blessings of Mahadev from the Shiva temple and look at the enthralling visage of the Agaya Gangai Waterfalls. It takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes to complete the ride. 

Distance – 286 km
Route to Take– Bangalore – Hosur – Krishnagiri – Salem – Rasipuram – Kolli Hills

8 – Guwahati to East Khasi Hills

Some of the best routes for bike rides in India are available in the North-Eastern regions of the country. Guwahati, the Capital city of Assam, is one of the finest establishments that offers you a perfect blend of modern development with natural gorgeousness. From Assam, you will be entering the Godly state of Meghalaya. This road trip will give you an opportunity to explore the olive terrains of Shillong, proceed to the wettest place in the country and then get the panoramic view of rolling valleys from the East Khasi Hills. This soul-satisfying trip will leave craving for more!

Distance – 167 km
Route to Take – Guwahati – Sikkim – Cherapunji – East Khasi Hills

Planning your stay in Shillong? Then you will enjoy reading The 15 Most Incredible Places to Visit in Shillong with Travel Itineraries

9 – Western Arunachal Pradesh

Western Arunachal Pradesh definitely deserves its place on our list of the best bike rides in India! Along the way, you will experience some trouble with the rocky roads, slippery terrains, and potholes. However, the widespread paddy fields, alpine forests, snow-peak mountains, and cascading waterfalls will compensate for it. You can make pit stops along the way and truly enjoy the magic of nature. Bikers can explore Bomdila, Ziro, and Parasuram Kund, among other regions on this route. Ultimately, you will be stopping in Tawang. 

Distance – 329 km
Route to Take – Bhalupkong – Dirang – Bomdila – Tawang

10 – Delhi to Ranthambore

The Delhi to Ranthambore route will show you glimpses of the corporate hustle and bustle, followed by silent stretches of roads. Finally, you get to experience the hospitality of the Jaipur folks! It is a beautiful journey altogether with some delicious Rajasthani Dhabas to cater to your taste buds. Jaipur will be the place you halt during the 9-hour road trip, and while you are there, go visit the Hawa Mahal and Amber fort. We would also suggest some street shopping for handicrafts and clothes. 

Distance – 436 km
Route to take – Delhi NCR –  Gurugram – Jaipur – Ranthambore

11 – Chennai to Munnar

If you want a break from the constant music of the splashing waves, then head from Chennai to Munnar. The road trip will bring you so many surprises along the way. You can see green canopies shielding you from the rays of the sun, rolling valleys on either side, impressive waterfalls amidst the dense forests, and tranquil lakes with infrequent rippling. This 12 hours journey is a therapeutic experience for anyone who likes to spend time in hill stations. 

Distance – 636 km
Route to Take – Chennai – Viluppuram – Tiruchirapalli – Dindigul – Munnar

12 – Jaipur to Jaisalmer

The people who enjoy art and architecture will enjoy the road trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer. The route that takes you from Pink City to Golden City has several architectural delights along the way. Also, you can ride on the rough and challenging Desert roads, and the feeling of accomplishment is very satisfying. The winter will be the right time to set out on this bike ride because the forts and structures along the way look more beautiful in the grey sky backdrop. The summers can be too harsh on you, and heatstrokes are a serious concern. 

Distance – 560 km
Route to Take – Jaipur – Makrana – Nagaur – Phalodi – Jaisalmer 

13 – Ahmedabad to Kutch

Any bike ride through the deserts will challenge you both from above and below. The heat of the sun is too intimidating, and the roads are not always smooth and glide. And that’s exactly why you should set out to cover the distance between the Capital city of Gujarat to the Rann of Kutch. At the end of the day, the rewarding view of the salt desert and the surrounding marshes will make you very happy. 

Distance –  450 km
Route to Take – Ahmedabad – Surendranagar – Little Rann of Kutch – Dholavira – Great Rann of Kutch

Please note that the Google Map coverage area ends at Dholavira. 

14 – Darjeeling to Sikkim

This is one of the most exhilarating hilly bike rides in India for adventure seekers. You will be starting from the honeymoon favorite – Darjeeling, and reaching the snow-laden mountains of Sikkim. The route is anything but easy, and the challenge is what will make the journey all the more worthwhile. The wind is gushing at its best speed, and you are in the heart of the majestic mountains. The chill in the air is somehow satisfying to your soul and body. The roads are rather steep, so always keep your speed under control. 

Distance – 124 km
Route to Take – Darjeeling – Kalimpong – Gangtok, Sikkim 

15 – Delhi to Nainital  

From the Capital city of India to the relaxing city of lakes, the trip is every nature lover’s paradise. There are several routes you can take to complete the journey from Delhi to Nainital. However, we will tell you the fastest route that also offers you glimpses of the dense forests and vegetation. On this bike trip, you will come across bustling town roads that will ultimately lead you to Ramnagar – the entrance to an enchanting land of tall trees and bushes. Here, you will travel to reach the Corbett region, where fresh Burahn flowers will greet you. And then you drive to reach Nainital! 

Distance – 353 km
Route to Take – Delhi – Hapur – Moradabad – Ram Nagar – Corbett – Nainital 

Now, that’s our list of the maverick routes and scenic destinations that bike rides in India offer.  Let us know where you will be going first in the comments section below!