The ideal way to explore Mumbai is through its streets. Even though walking seems a good option, it can be tenacious. Some may suggest driving around the city, but finding parking in the popular spots may be a challenging task. Hence the best option is to opt for cycling. For someone who loves cycling, any time of the year is perfect for a ride.

Cycling in Mumbai is a must-have experience if you are in the city. In this article, we will list the most popular cycling routes to explore in and around the city.

Here are the top cycling destinations to check out in Mumbai:

1. Marine Drive

Marine Drive tops among the most popular cycling routes in Mumbai. The long stretch by the Queen’s Necklace is perfect for cycling any time of the day. However, it is better to avoid office hours as it is one of the busiest routes.

Ideally, people love to cycle and witness stunning views throughout the route. The best time to visit Marine Drive is in the morning or late evening.

• Distance: 3.5 km
• Route: Churchgate area, Nariman Point Promenade, Colaba area and CST Station
• Activities: Sightseeing, photography, exploring imperial architecture
• Best Time: January to May, November to December

2. Bandra Kurla Complex

At first glance, Bandra Kurla Complex may not seem like a cycling hotspot, but it is otherwise a famous cycling spot for locals. The roads are so well-maintained that people love to spend their happy time here cycling through the neighbourhood. You can start early and utilise your time to make the most of this beautiful neighbourhood.

• Distance: 5.14 km
• Route: Round trip to BKC via MNTL junction
• Activities: Experience events
• Best Time: Mid-Feb to April

3. Aarey Milk Colony

If riding around nature rejuvenates you, Aarey Milk Colony is the ideal hotspot. It is one of the greenest parts of Mumbai. Unlike other cycling hotspots, this region is completely traffic-free. In addition, this trail crosses through several picnic spots and breakfast joints, the reason why people love cycling here. So, on your way, you can stop for a quick bite as well.

• Distance: 4.3 km
• Route: Goregaon East to Powai via Aarey Milk Colony
• Activities: Picnic, photography, get breakfast
• Best Time: July to October

4. Walkeshwar

Walkeshwar may not be an ideal cycling trail for beginners. This false flat land is preferred by those who know how to manage the beat with the road. One of the popular cycling trails in Walkeshwar is the one to Banganga Tank. The perfect season to avail this route is the winter season. Nevertheless, you can also ride to Worli Sea Face.

• Distance: 45 km
• Route: Nerul to Worli Sea Face via Walkeshwar
• Activities: Sightseeing and Photography
• Best Time: January to May

5. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Another well-known cycling route in Mumbai is through Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Cycling enthusiasts often choose this trail to get some fresh air away from the busy city life. If you are planning to visit here on weekends, you can turn it into a picnic. For those who want to have an adventurous time, explore the Kanheri caves from here.

• Distance: 5 to 6 km
• Route: Sanjay Gandhi National Park to Kanheri Caves
• Activities: Arrange picnic, trek, visit Kanheri caves
• Best Time: October to April

6. Carter Road

If you are a beginner or someone who likes to ride bikes occasionally, you can ride through Carter Road. You will enjoy cycling beside the promenade, around decorative palm trees. Besides being one of the well-maintained roads, this area has no road bumps. Hence, this is another cause for riders to prefer Carter Road.

• Distance: 11.9 km
• Route: Round trip to Palm Springs via Carter Road and Danda Boulevard
• Activities: Enjoy the seaside, Photography
• Best Time: Throughout the year

7. Western Express Highway

Cycling in Mumbai through the highways is quite common. The Western Express Highway is perfect for those who want to complete a high-intensity workout. On this route, you will face a flat road followed by a downhill. As you will be travelling through a highway, you must carry a puncture kit and enough water if you choose to explore this trail.

• Distance: 3.6 km
• Route: Kala Nagar to Vakola via Western Express Highway.
• Activities: Sightseeing, Photography
• Best Time: Throughout the year

8. Eastern Express Highway

Another cycle-friendly highway in Mumbai is the Eastern Express Highway. Unlike the WEH, there is not much elevation on the EEH. Moreover, on this route, cyclists will ride past more localities. Nevertheless, it is always better to carry your water and a puncture kit in case of any emergency.

• Distance: 14 km
• Route: Eastern Express Highway, Mumbai to Zakaria Bunder Road 4
• Activities: Photography, local sightseeing
• Best Time: Throughout the year

9. Virar

Although to ride from Vasai to Virar, you have to cross the city, it is worth a try. Cycling through the lush green surroundings will make you fall in love with this route. The best months for good weather in Virar are January to April and October to December.

As the traffic is less, you get distracted by fewer vehicles. You can spend hours rolling down the terrain as long as your stamina supports it.

• Distance: 149 km
• Route: Vasai to Virar
• Activities: Explore beaches, photography
• Best Time: December to February

10. Yeoor Hills

Yeoor, situated in Thane, is one of the popular cycling routes in Mumbai. The smooth roads and splendid views of waterfalls and woodlands make this cycling ride quite enjoyable. Cyclists visit Yeoor Hills throughout the year as the place envelopes different vibes in different seasons. Since this is a difficult trail, it is only suitable for skilled cyclists.

• Distance: 12.7km
• Route: Mulund to Yeoor via Ghodbunder Road
• Activities: Trekking, photography, exploring waterfalls, mountain biking
• Best Time: April to May

11. Churchgate

Anyone who likes to ride must have at least once visited the Churchgate on their cycle. Although this is one of the busiest routes in Mumbai, it is highly recommended. This is also among the hub of tourists, so if you want to avoid the crowds, you may start very early in the morning. Additionally, it is better to avoid office hours as it is also the home of corporate enterprises.

• Distance: 20 km
• Route: Dadar to Churchgate via Bandra
• Activities: Explore imperial structures, photography, sightseeing
• Best Time: October to March

12. Manori

One of the picturesque cycling trails is from Uttan to Manori. The best season to go to Manori Beach is in winter or autumn. Several cyclists love to explore this route. Therefore, to reach the destination you have to pass through mangrove lanes in Gorai and Uttan. Once you reach the destination, take some time and check out the beautiful beaches.

• Distance: 12 km
• Route: Uttan to Manori via Gorai
• Activities: Explore beaches, visit Global Vipassana Pagoda
• Best Time: October to March

13. Palm Beach Road

Cycling through Palm Beach Road allows you to explore a perfect scenic trail. Throughout the trail, cyclists love to explore the mangroves on either side of the road. As you move closer to Kharghar hills, the route becomes steep. The trail becomes more beautiful as you pass through seasonal waterfalls. That is the reason most cyclists from Mumbai love to avail this experience.

• Distance: 11 km
• Route: Palm Beach Road to Kharghar Hills
• Activities: Sightseeing, exploring waterfalls, photography
• Best Time: April to May, September to October

14. Lonavala

Lonavala is among the favourite hotspots for cyclists in Mumbai. This serene hill station looks splendid, especially during monsoon. Famous amongst cyclists, this trail includes the steepest climbs of the Ghat Road to Amby Valley. Again, this is a tough climb, hence, suggested for skilled cyclists. Many choose to stay back for a night and then return the next morning.

• Distance: 40 km
• Route: Lonavala Railway Station to Korigad Fort
• Activities: Hiking, photography
• Best Time: June to September

15. Malabar Hill

Malabar Hill is also among the best places for cycling in Mumbai. This is a beginner-friendly trail, but it may get challenging at the end. As you travel to Malabar Hills, you will cross some of the tallest skyscrapers of Mumbai. The best time to visit Malabar Hill is during the drier, cooler months from October through March.

• Distance: 7.3 km
• Route: Nariman Point to Malabar Hill via Marine Drive
• Activities: Sightseeing, photography
• Best Time: February to May, October to December