India is a country that has several offbeat destinations, landscapes and attractions that are worth exploring. There are different ways you can explore a place. However, nothing can beat the excitement and thrill of cycling through these varied landscapes around the country. This one activity gives you a true sense of freedom and adventure.

Navigate through this write-up below to learn about some of the best cycling routes in India that you must scout.

While some cycling routes are easy, there are challenging terrains too. So, you must gain as much information as possible on the route you plan to take before going on a cycling trip. Additionally, carry a knee cap, elbow guard, bicycle riding gloves, helmet, medicine and first aid, money, and an LED highlighter as you start your journey.

The routes are categorised into Easy, Moderate and Difficult level.

If you are a beginner, want to explore the easy terrains and satisfy your adventurous thirst, below are the tracks you can start with:

1. Munnar to Annamalai | 210 km

Be its ancient temples and dense sandalwood forests or well-manicured tea estates, this cycling route from Munnar to Annamalai is on several people's bucket lists. One of the unique cycling trips in India, this trail takes you through Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

• Route: Munnar – Madupatty – Kundala – Perumala – Kanthalloor – Marayoor – Palani – Annamalai 
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Duration: 4 - 5 days
• Best Time: October – February

2. Chennai to Pondicherry | 174 km

You can cycle from Chennai to Pondicherry in two days. During your journey, you can view some top attractions such as - Marina Beach, Auroville, Cholamandal Artists' Village, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Edward Elliot's Beach, The Sacred Heart Basilica Church and many more. However, carry your camera to capture some of the excellent sunrises and sunsets.

• Route: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Duration: 2 days
• Best Time: December – March

3. Mumbai to Alibaug | 98 km

A wonderful route that you can attempt during your weekend, this cycling trip takes you through the beautiful Western coastline, the clean and unexplored Alibaug beaches, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, and Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary. However, ensure to taste some mouth-watering meals from the beachside eateries.

• Route: Mumbai — Vashi — CBD Belapur — Panvel — Karnala — Kharpada — Chirchghar — Vadkhal — Khandale — Alibag
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Duration: 1 day
• Best Time: November – March

4. Somnath to Diu | 90 km

The cycling ride from Somnath to Diu will allow you to explore the culture and heritage of this place. As you soak in the warm sun, you will fall in love with the sea while paddling along the coastline. Be ready to visit some popular attractions during your journey, amongst which Gir National Park is the most famous.

• Route: Somnath – Veraval – Prachi – Kodinar – Una – Keshariya - Diu 
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Duration: 1 day
• Best Time: October – March

5. Kochi to Alleppey | 53 km

You will find it mesmerising as you cycle along the coastline. This ride will take you through villages, farms, warm sandy beaches and backwaters. Moreover, you will catch glimpses of some local churches and temples, coconut trees and fish farms on the way.

• Route: Kochi – Chellanam – Andhakaranazhi – Mararikulam – Alleppey
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Duration: 1 - 2 days
• Best Time: November – February

If you have gained a bit of experience in these adventure trips, you can opt to push your limits. Below is a list of some moderate cycling routes in India that you can explore:

6. Mumbai to Trivandrum | 1680 km

Whether you are seeking pristine beaches or wish to explore dense forests, this cycling route has it all. Along the NH17 between Mangalore and Udupi, this route is quite adventurous. Some of the great stops along the way allow you to click photographs of the lovely countryside.

• Route: Mumbai – Pune – Kolhapur – Belgaum – Hubli – Chitradurga – Tumkur – Bangalore – Hosur – Dharmapuri – Madurai – Rajapalayam - Trivandrum
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Duration: 15 days
• Best Time: October – February

7. Coorg to Munnar | 449 km

If you are a nature lover the cycling trip from Coorg to Munnar is the ideal one for you.  Pass through scenic landscapes, rolling hills and explore the expanses of spice, coffee and tea plantations. Teeming with natural beauty the serpentine roads add to the difficulty levels. 

• Route: Coorg – Kushalnagar – Mysore – Chamarajanagar – Talamalai RF – Puliampatti – Palladam – Udumalaipettai – Munnar
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Duration: 6 - 7 days
• Best Time: November – March

8. Mangalore to Goa | 382 km

One of the most interesting cycle rides, the stretch from Mangalore to Goa is trailed by the Maravanthe Beach on one side and the Souparnika River on the other. This journey starts from Mangalore and proceeds on NH 17 to a small village, Kaup. You will at the end approach Gokarna, a popular destination.

• Route: Mangalore – Murdeshwar – Gokarna – Karwar – Polem – Palolem - Goa
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Duration: 5 - 6 days
• Best Time: October – March

9. Udaipur to Jodhpur | 352 km

One of the best bicycle trips in India, paddling from Udaipur to Jodhpur will take you through varied landscapes, and introduce you to the rich Rajasthani culture. Meet camel herders during your journey or spot a blackbuck or a deer. 

Some of the major stops on this route are – Haldighati, the majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort, the villages of Dhakri and Jojawar and the Jain temples of Ranakpur! 

• Route: Udaipur – Kumbhalgarh – Ranakpur – Jojawar – Dhakri - Jodhpur
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Duration: 8 - 10 days
• Best Time: November – February

10. Mumbai to Daman | 170 km

This scenic ride will let you travel through the well-maintained NH8 route. The highway is lined with trees and is less crowded, allowing you to enjoy your cycle ride at its best. If you wish to rest, stop at the roadside eateries on the Vapi-Daman route. 

In Daman visit Devka Beach, Cathedral of Bom Jesus, St. Jerome Fort, etc. If you are looking for a place to rest your limbs, the charming Mirasol Lake can be an ideal location.

• Route: Mumbai – Thane – Manor - Talasari – Vapi - Daman
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Duration: 2 - 3 days
• Best Time: October – May

11. Mysore to Ooty | 126 km

If you are an adventure enthusiast, you must explore the cycle ride from Mysore to Ooty. After cycling for more than 70 km, you will reach the famous Bandipur National Park region. You might be lucky to spot wildlife or some endangered birds, reptiles or mammals here.

This route will take you through a few challenging hairpin bends and Masinagudi before you reach Ooty.

• Route: Mysore – Kadakola – Begur – Bandipur – Masinagudi – Ooty
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
• Duration: 3 - 5 days
• Best Time: December – March

12. Shillong to Cherrapunji | 60 km

If you love cycling expeditions, the Shillong to Cherrapunji trail will catch your attention. Find the location surrounded by majestic mountains, freshwater springs, quaint villages, monasteries and plenty of flora.

Although a hilly terrain, there are no sharp bends or steep climbs. In Cherrapunji, visit  Seven Sisters Waterfall, Mawsmai Cave, Arwah Caves, etc.

• Route: Shillong – Mawphlang – Mawsynram – Cherrapunji
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Duration: 5 - 6 days
• Best Time: October – November

If you are an expert traveller/cyclist and have the knowledge of traversing through rough terrains and in challenging conditions, you can boost your adventure thirst by choosing to explore the below routes:

13. Manali to Leh | 700 km

Walls of snow, age-old Buddhist monasteries, and beautiful lakes are some of the many spectacular vistas you will behold during your cycling journey. The journey might be difficult due to challenging climatic conditions, unpredictable hairpin bends and steep roads, but it will be a life-changing expedition. This route is not recommended if you are doing this for the first time.

• Route: Manali - Pangong Lake – Hemis - Chang La – Durbuk – Tangtse – Lukung - Leh
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Duration: 10 - 12 days
• Best Time: June – September

14. Zanskar Trail | 639 km

One of the best cycling routes in India, the Zanskar trail is a tough route with rough unmetalled roads and requires expertise to ride through this terrain. However, this cycling expedition provides a myriad of experiences, as this region's remoteness allows few modern amenities. You will find ancient monasteries dotting the brown valleys.

• Route: Manali – Marhi – Sissu – Jispa - Zanskar Sumdo - Shingo La – Lakhang – Purne – Phuktal – Padum - Lalung Nala – Tangol - Kargil
• Difficulty Level: Expert
• Duration: 10 - 12 days
• Best Time: July - September

15. Guwahati to Tawang | 520 km

One of the most challenging roads for cycling in India, you must attempt cycling from Guwahati to Tawang only if you are an experienced rider. You will have to paddle through one of the highest motorable roads in the world, situated at a height of 13700 feet or 4176 metres. However, you will find several army camps for rest.

• Route: Guwahati – Bhalukpong – Jamiri - Bomdila – Sangti Valley – Dirang – Senge – Sela Pass – Jung - Tawang
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Duration: 9 - 10 days
• Best Time: April – October

16. Manali to Spiti Valley | 177 km

If you are a cycling enthusiast, you must plan a trip from Manali to Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. While Manali is a quaint town nestling in the lap of the Himalayas, Spiti Valley is a mountainous desert at an altitude of 9000 feet above sea level.

Therefore, a bicycle ride from Manali to Spiti means you will experience a lot of scenic views, age-old monasteries and mesmerising high-altitude vistas.

• Route: Jibhi – Rampur – Chitkul – Kalpa – Kaza – Spiti Valley
• Difficulty Level: Tough
• Duration: 6 - 7 days
• Best Time: June – October

17. Kalimpong to Zuluk | 89 km

Featuring difficult hairpin bends, snow-capped peaks, and valleys, this trail is challenging. As you start from Kalimpong, view the colonial Gothic buildings. From Kalimpong, paddle towards the beautiful Lampokhari Lake situated in Aritar and move downhill through the Dalapchand Valley.

You can rest on the banks of river Rongpo and move to the hamlets of Lingtam and Sisney and finally reach Zuluk.

• Route: Kalimpong – Gangtok - Zuluk
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Duration: 5 - 6 days
• Best Time: October – February

18. Gangtok to Nathula Pass | 54 km

The cycle trip from Gangtok to Nathula Pass will take you through beautiful landscapes, monasteries, etc. The trip takes you to an altitude of approximately 14140 feet above sea level.

As you reach Nathula Pass, you will get stunning views of Tsomgo Lake, snow-capped mountain peaks and clear blue skies. Other attractions include – Elephant Lake, Hangu Lake, and Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple.

• Route: Gangtok - Aritar – Padamchen – Gnathang – Zuluk Loops – Nathula Pass
• Difficulty Level: Expert
• Duration: 5 – 6 days
• Best Time: May – October

19. Leh to Khardung La | 39 km

Leh to Khardung La cycle trip is a dream expedition for adventure seekers who love to take up challenges. The world's highest motorable road is a rugged stretch and is frequented by avalanches, landslides and river crossings. Therefore, you must only attempt this adventure trip if you are an experienced cyclist.

• Route: Leh – Phyang – South Pullu – Khardung La
• Difficulty Level: Expert
• Duration: 2 days
• Best Time: April - June and September – October