The availability of off-beat locations in different parts of India and the beautiful conjugation of the sea and mountains encourage bikers around the country to explore. Cycling in India has gained immense popularity due to the better road structures and the inception of diverse tourist attractions.

So, if you want to explore different parts of this country by riding or cycling, this article highlights the top destinations and best routes to experience thrills.

Here are the top destinations which are considered the best places for cycling in India:

1. Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Ladakh, located in the Eastern part of the greater part of Jammu and Kashmir is on the bucket list for riders in India. Being tagged as one of the best bike riding destinations in India, the mesmerising trails of beautiful lakes and high mountain passes make this place worth the hype.

• Distance: 1200 - 1500 Km
• Route: From Manali- Rohtang La-Darcha-Sarchu-Tanglang La-Upshi-Leh-Lamayuru – Kargil-Drass-Zozi La-Srinagar-Patnitop-Chandigarh
• Activities: Trekking, valley and monastery tours, sightseeing, photography
• Best Time: Mid-June to Mid-October

2. Maharashtra to Goa

Being one of the most popular cycling destinations in India, the National Highway 17 allows riders to cycle around the western coastline of India. This national highway bridges the gap between Mumbai and Kerala which makes the rider not limit their trip to Goa and explore parts of Kerala as well.

• Distance: 668 Km
• Route: Mandwa - Diveagar - Dapoli - Ganpatipule - Kunkeshwar - Vengurla - Goa
• Activities: Catch the sight of Dudhsagar Falls, Sindhudurg fort, etc.
• Best Time: October to February

3. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

The cycling destination to Jaisalmer allows the riders to explore the rich culture of Rajasthan and stunning village settlements painted in brown and green hues. Moreover, this is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience that also offers the opportunity to closely observe the lifestyle of the locals and taste authentic delicacies.

• Distance: 557 Km
• Route: Jaipur – Nagpur – Jodhpur – Ramdevra – Jaisalmer
• Activities: Explore different forts and monuments, photography, etc.
• Best Time: October to February

4. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Being one of the popular destinations for cycling in India, the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh shares the resemblance of its trails with Ladakh. The Hindustan-Tibet highway leading to the Spiti Valley is the most opted route by riders and adventure lovers to experience the utmost adrenaline rush.

• Distance: 450 Km
• Route: Shimla - Sarhan - Sangla - Chitkul - Baspa - Kinnaur - Recong Peo - Kalpa - Kaza - Tabo - Spiti - Keylong - Manali
• Activities: Visiting national parks and monasteries, trekking, photography, etc.
• Best Time: Mid-June to Mid-October

5. Tawang, Western Arunachal Pradesh

Western Arunachal Pradesh is one of the popular routes for cycling in India offering spectacular sights of alpine forest, waterfalls, mountain fresh-water streams and tiny picturesque settlements.

Moreover, the road map of this cycling route allows riders to peek into the tribal culture of Bomdila and Gorshem Chorten alongside Mandapha National Park.

• Distance: 300 - 650 Km
• Route: Bhalupkong-Dirang-Bomdila-Tawang
• Activities: Visiting Bomdila monastery, Nuranang falls, river rafting, exploring wildlife, etc.
• Best Time: March to May and October to November

6. Leh, Jammu and Kashmir

Riding a bicycle along India’s highest motorable road is a dream come true for many. If you are a mountain lover and and adventure enthusiast looking to test your limits in the rough terrains of the Himalayas, you must definitely embark on this journey. Like a bike trip to Ladakh is a customary expedition, a cycling expedition in Leh is also an adventure you must try.

• Distance: 474 Km
• Route: Manali - Marhi - Sissu - Jispa - Patseo - Sarchu - Pang - Tsokar - Rumptse - Leh - Khardung-La - Leh
• Activities: Exploring the rough terrains, Drive through the world’s highest motorable passes like Khardung la and Lachalung la, Rohtang la, and Baralacha la.
• Best Time: June to September

7. Munnar, Kerala

Munnar is one of the best cycling destinations in India, perfect for the beginners. As you embark on this journey, you will find gorgeous tea estates, amazing natural landscapes and flora and fauna. In addition, there are several man-made trails, which make the ride more adventurous.

• Distance: 449 Km
• Route: Coorg – Kushalnagar – Mysore – Chamarajanagar – Talamalai RF – Puliampatti – Palladam – Udumalaipettai – Munnar
• Activities: Pass through coffee and tea plantations, beautiful valleys, scenic camping sites, dams, lakes, farmlands that look like a fairytale.
• Best Time: November to  March

8. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling, Queen of Hills is one of the most loved places for trekking, paragliding and cycling. While riding bikes from Darjeeling to Sikkim, one will encounter steep and winding roads which will offer enough thrills.

Moreover, the northeast is a paradise for a nature lover; hence exploring this holy region under the clear sky and majestic view of Kanchenjunga.

• Distance: 98 Km
• Route: Siliguri – Darjeeling – Kalimpong – Gangtok – Pelling – Yuksom
• Activities: Visiting the monastery, trekking, photography or videography, etc.
• Best Time: All year around

9. Pindari, Uttarakhand

Located at the Southeast of Nanda Devi, the Pindari Glacier is the best place to ride a cycle to. You will reach the splendid Pindari Glacier after crossing some of the most beautiful Himalayan rustic villages and natural routes.

While the route is challenging, you feel travelling to this place is worth it when you arrive at the destination.

• Distance: 74 Km
• Route: Bharari Bazaar–Loharket KMVN–Khatti–Phurkiya–Zero Point–Dwali- Khatti–pass–Kapkot
• Activities: View the Nandakot and Pawali Dwar peaks and Kafini and Sunderdhunga glaciers, hear the roar of Pindar Ganga River, pass through the headwaters of the Ramganga.
• Best Time: April to October

10. Nathu La, Sikkim

One of the most interesting cycling destinations you must visit includes the amazing Nathu La pass. Close to the Indo-Chinese border in Sikkim, the winding roads are gorgeous and enchanting as you oversee snow-capped peaks afar. Reach the Tsomgo Lake, frozen throughout winter.

• Distance: 54 Km
• Route: Gangtok - Aritar – Padamchen – Gnathang – Zuluk Loops – Nathula Pass
• Activities: Exploring the rough terrains, visit Baba Mandir, Tsongmo Lake.
• Best Time: May to October

11. East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

One of the best destinations for cycling trips in India, this North East part of the region showcases the scenic beauty of mountains and terrains. The journey starts from Guwahati and stretches to the mesmerizing capital of Meghalaya, Shillong.

The top tourist attractions here include NohKalikai Falls, Seven Sister Waterfalls, Rainbow Falls, etc.

• Distance: 39 Km
• Route: Guwahati – Shillong – Cherrapunjee- East Khasi Hills
• Activities: Visiting monastery and museums, exploring the shorelines of Umiam lake, etc.
• Best Time: October to February

12. Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu

Located in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, the scenic beauty of Kolli Hills offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to several cyclists visiting here. Some of the top tourist attractions are Agaya Gangai waterfalls, a serene spread of Pineapple farms, and an ancient Shiva temple.

• Distance: 40 km
• Route: Salem – Rasipuram –Kolli Hills
• Activities: Visiting temples, and nearby waterfalls, exploring the national parks, sightseeing, etc.
• Best Time: All year around

13. Kottayam, Kerala

If you want to have an unforgettable experience in God's own country, taking this cycling trip in India will be ideal. As the journey continues, the riders will be able to explore the pristine landscape, the ancient sight of lighthouses and the gasping greenery of Kottayam.

Upon riding a few miles, the roads will head to Ooty and close to the Nilgiri Hills with breathtaking views of the backwaters of Kerala.

• Distance: 23 km
• Route: Mananthavady-Irulam-Nenmeni-Athichal-Kakkavayal
• Activities: Exploring village tours, swimming, bamboo rafting, experiencing staycation, houseboat, jeep ride, etc.
• Best Time: September to March

14. Alibag, Maharashtra

Visiting Alibaug by riding bikes or cycling for a quick weekend getaway is one of the most luxurious ways of treating yourself. Offering one of the safest and best cycling routes in India, the journey takes place for an hour or two and offers a spectacular view of the cityscape.

• Distance: 45 km
• Route: Mandve - Murud - Mhasala - Mulshi - Pune
• Activities: Exploring the beach, visiting the fort, photography, etc.
• Best Time: November to February