India is home to some of the best places and routes that will give you an experience of a lifetime. Take a look at some of our favourite picks.
1. Mumbai to Goa: This one is a top choice among Mumbaikars and is one of the most famous road trip routes in India. The national highway 17 (NH 17) offers a trip along the western coastline of India and is as smooth as creamed butter along with an amazing view of the Western Ghats. This route will utilize 10 hours of travel time and you will get plenty of gastronomic options throughout the way to satiate your stomach.
Best riding season- October to February
2. Ahmedabad to Kutch: This route will take you to the Land of White Salt Desert in approximately 7 hours; covering a distance of 400Km. Riders will extremely enjoy this beautiful yet challenging route in Gujarat. You can also pay a visit to the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Chari-dhand, which is a heaven for bird watchers and the Hodko Village nearby to buy some exquisite local handicrafts. Also, try planning this trip during the full moon period as watching the full moon at the Rann of Kutch will be one of the most memorable moments for any biker.
Best riding season: December to March
3. Manali to Leh: Remember Kareena Kapoor dancing to “Yeh Ishq Hai” from Jab We Met? Wouldn’t it be fun to cruise along that road in all its snowy glory on a Bullet? This road trip is absolutely breathtaking and needs to be experienced for yourself. It is a treat for bikers who love to take on challenge as the trail can get rugged with some deadly twists and turns, along with a rough and unpredictable weather. The route spans a length of 480km and will take 2 days to complete with one stopover. Chilly mountain air, the adrenaline rush and the monasteries dotting the path will make it a thrilling experience for any biker.
Best riding season: June to September
4. Chennai to Pondicherry: This trip of approximately 155 Km can be completed in only 3-4 hours via the East Coast Road. This is one of the most beautiful roads for travelling on a cruiser motorbike. It will take you through scenic views of the beach, lush green rice fields and many fishing villages along the route. You can also take pit stops at Mahabalipuram which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kalpakkam (nuclear facility), Marakkanam (famous for large salt pans). Be prepared for a lot of photography sessions en route.
Best riding season: All year
5. Shimla to Manali: Manali is merely 247 kilometres from Shimla, which can be covered in a seven to eight hour ride via NH205 and NH3. This road trip with the River Beas flowing alongside is a beautiful road trip to relax and unwind. With beautiful mountains on one side and deep valley and greenery on the other side, this road trip will definitely leave riders spellbound for a long time. The Hindustan-Tibet highway that leads into Spiti valley ensures that doze of thrill remain consistence all through for a rider. Spiti has a lot of resemblance to Ladakh, so if you could not plan a trip to Ladakh you can definitely settle for Spiti as it will provide you with the same beauty and adrenaline rush.
Best riding season: Mid June to Mid October
6. Jaipur to Jaisalmer: Although the desert can be tricky sometimes, this route will be an easy route for bikers that have endured other harsh and challenging roads. During the bike ride you will get to enjoy the rich culture of Rajasthan as well as the hospitality of the people there. The roads are in good condition and taking the RJ SH 19 will be the best option.
Best riding season: October to February
7. Mumbai to Mount Abu: The NH 8 from Mumbai to Mount Abu via Vadodra stretches 745 Km and will take approximately 12 hours to cover. On this trip you will get to experience three different cultures of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. There are scores of Dhabas and eateries along the route for you to experience all three types of cuisines and then ride into the misty mountains and lush greenery of Mount Abu.
Best riding season: July to October
By Radhika Vidyarthi