Few experiences can rival the excitement and calmness that accompany exploring a nation on two wheels for adventure seekers and travellers. A cycling tour in India offers challenges, beauty, and cultural richness in perfect harmony. From mountain passes to coastal stretches, India’s majestic and diverse terrain promises mind-blowing rides for every type of cyclist.
If you’re planning to go cycling in India, here are some of the unforgettable routes you must add to your travel list at the top.
-
Manali to Leh (Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh)
Distance: 470 km
Difficulty: Advanced
This legendary high-altitude route is often referred to as the holy grail of Indian cycling adventures. An India cycling tour from Manali to Leh allows you to view some of the world’s highest motorable passes- Rohtang, Baralacha La, and Tanglang La- giving you an uninterrupted view of rugged landscapes, glacial streams, and barren beauty.
Best admired between June and September, the route is an ideal playground for the experienced rider craving some challenge and reward.
-
Munnar to Thekkady (Kerala)
Distance: 90 km
Difficulty: Moderate
This route is completely different from the Himalayas. The misty hills with tea plantations, spice gardens, and forests in Kerala will all be part of your journey. Besides wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls, the trip to Thekkady from Munnar has a very specific lifestyle to be enjoyed during the trip itself.
There is no better route for a relaxed yet scenic India cycling tour than this in the cool months from October to February.
-
Goa Coastal Circuit
Distance: 150 km (Flexible loop routes)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
If you enjoy soaking in the sun and walking on the sand, the coastal roads of Goa are just for you. Enjoy a refreshing ride as you cycle past tranquil fishing hamlets, visit the Portuguese churches, and explore the backroads lined with palms. In plenty are serene beach shacks, heritage homes, and cultural sites to pay a visit to on this mix of leisure and adventure.
This trail is most suitable for beginners or anyone who prefers to augment leisure with excitement on a cycling tour in India.
-
Coorg to Chikmagalur (Karnataka)
Distance: 170 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Lush coffee plantations, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes await you on this beautiful route through Karnataka’s Western Ghats. Coorg to Chikmagalur is a sensory delight—perfect for all nature lovers wanting to escape the hustle of city life.
Owing to gentle climatic conditions and beautiful surroundings, this remains an all-the-year-round cycling destination. However, post-monsoon months (September to February) will be exceedingly famous since the scenery deepens with vivid colours.
-
Rajasthan Desert Trail (Udaipur to Jodhpur)
Distance: 270 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Along this route through Rajasthan’s ageless desert settlements, green lands give way to golden sands. From the lake city of Udaipur to the royal town of Jodhpur, which is characterised by its blue streets, this interesting journey involves visiting the palaces, viewing the desert, and soaking up the vibrancy of rural villages.
It is an easy ride due to the flat terrain; winter is best for exploring without the scorching heat.
Final Thoughts
No matter what it was that drew you into this particular journey, whether it is the challenging scenery or the slow lifestyle, there is something here to offer everyone. It’s not about pedalling from one point to another; however, a cycling tour in India is really about stepping inside the local tempo of life, breathing in the landscape, and finding happiness on the path.
Each tour tells a story- the story of your touring trip around India, which is enriched with beautiful sights, warm smiles, and the gratifying hum of your tyres against the road.
