12 Best Road Trips in India: Every Indian Biker Must Take

India is one of most amazing and uncommon countries blessed with some of the most diverse terrains and incredible landscapes. Crisscrossing on the face of this massive country are some fascinating roads snaking their way through some of the most heavenly locations and sites on Earth. Mentioned below are 12 Best Road Trips in India every Indian biker must take which are equally challenging when it comes to thrill and excitement.

Delhi – Leh


Widely perceived as one of the most adventurous and exciting motorcycles tours in India, the Delhi-Leh stretch is full of most wonderful sights and experiences. The road trip in India, normally taking 14-15 days, is also one of the most difficult one and passes through Chandigarh, eventually making its way through the fabulous valley of Manali.

This exotic bike trip can rightly be categorized as one of the most real adventures that any biker can experience. Coming out from the urban chaos of Delhi, the sights and scenery quickly change from beautiful to exotic, taking you into the mysterious hills of Leh with barren landscapes and heavenly cold deserts, proving to be an ultimate one to one encounter with the nature. This is doubtlessly one of the most cherished road trips in India for anyone who love to go on adventurous expeditions on their motorcycles.

Best time to Visit : May to October

Manali – Leh


The stretch from Manali to Leh is one of the most difficult ones with unpredictable roads and weather, making the bikers face a lot of problems. The sweep ahead of Manali to Leh can take nearly 7-8 days while uncertain weather can cause the duration to increase. The journey from Manali to Leh takes you through the highest motorable road in the world, which is the Khadungla Pass.

Interspersed with beautiful Buddhist Monasteries and snow clad hills in the backdrop, the route appears like a reflection of heaven with some of the most unique and amazing sceneries. In fact the difficulty and challenging nature of this stretch even further enhances its appeal and lure for bikers.  

Best time to Visit: May to October


Shillong- East Khasi Hills


North-East was and still very much the most beautiful place in India. Beginning from Guwahati, the path takes you towards the Meghalaya capital of Shillong and then to some of the wettest regions on Earth with the majestic East Khasi Hills.

The sheer greenery, the cool breezes, the backdrop of amazing mountains and winding roads are too much of a temptation. Find exotic sites, such as the cleanest village in India, the Mawlynnong, the traditional living root bridges of the surrounding areas and soul enchanting waterfalls. If you are considering a sojourn to the regions of North East then rest assured, this bike trip is one of the most adventurous tours in India.

Best time to Visit: October to February

Shimla - Spiti Valley


This ride will make you pass through one of the most scenic routes of India, right up to the heavenly Spiti Valley. Experiencing the paradisiacal sights and sounds of nature, one gets to see wonderful orchards, beautiful shrines, amazing resting places after passing through the route past Baspa, Kalpa, Kinnaur and Kaza.

Spiti valley has the charm similar to Ladakh, in fact, it resembles Tibet in many respects. Hence it furnishes almost an equal adventure of an expedition to Leh-Ladakh region. The best time to visit through this amazing course is from summers to early winters after which the terrain gets progressively difficult due to the onset of harsh winters and snow. Nevertheless, this trip has all that it takes to have one of best bike adventures.  

Best time to Visit: Mid June to Mid October

Delhi –Nainital


Nature has blessed this region with some of the most spectacular views with abundant greenery and round the year nice weather. Starting from the urban and concrete jungle of Delhi, the ride takes you towards the Corbett region as the path becomes adorned with fruit orchards on both the sides of the road, making the ride a fairytale experience. The winding roads then take you to the beautiful lake city of Nainital offering as well the delights of a popular hill station.

Savor the raw beauty of Uttarakhand on this favorable and popular stretch with your bike and capture wonderful memories in your mind forever.

Best time to Visit: October – April

Western Arunachal Pradesh


With is its amazing landscape providing the quintessential visual treat, the bike trip in Western Arunachal Pradesh can be called as one of the best road trips in the country. Replete with natural beauty, there are waterfalls, terraced paddy fields, beautiful mountain streams, alpine forests on the way, which really takes the heart away.

Although one may find unpaved roads and landslides on the stretch, the beauty of this route far more compensates these shortcomings. Other attractions such as the Bomdila, Tawang, Gorshem Chorten, Lake District, Ziro Valley and Namdapha National Park etc. enhances the beauty of this course manifold.

Best time to Visit: March to May and October to November

Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu


Located within Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, the scenes of this exotic destination will literally take your heart away. The place is known for its continuous hairpin bends which are over 70 in number. The Kolli Hills are, hands down, one of the most beautiful places in the region.

The site is adorned with the fascinating waterfall, Agaya Gangai, along with an ancient Shiva Temple and beautiful Pineapple farms. Most of the bikers take the sojourn to Kolli Hills as a weekend trip from Bangalore. Due the wonderful weather which remains present here all the time, this bike trip is a year round expedition.

Best time to Visit: All Year round

Mumbai - Goa


This one of the best road trips in India, taking you south from the maximum city of Mumbai to the exotic beach destination of Goa. Widely known as the NH17 highway, the course takes you through the western coastline of the country, replete with some of the most mesmerizing views.

The NH 17 highways also connects Mumbai with Kerala, so if your heart suddenly decides to enjoy the nature with its exotic views, you can always make a stopover in Kerala. Dispersed with exquisite landscapes all around, this is one most cherishing bike trips you will ever have.

Best time to Visit: October to February

Darjeeling-Sikkim


One of the beautiful and romantic stretches is the one leading from Darjeeling to Sikkim. There can be no two thoughts about the beauty of India’s North Eastern region and this route is another such heavenly course. However the roads are pretty winding and rains can make the roads slippery and hence dangerous.

But nevertheless, if one is careful enough with speed and grip, this can be one of your most memorable rides. The Darjeeling-Sikkim route begins from Siliguri and passes through Kalimpong, Gangtok, Pelling and Yuksom. It is an all year round route which you can take.

Best time to Visit: All year round

Royal ride from Delhi- Ranthambore


The route for this one most exciting trips in India starts from Delhi and passes through Agra, letting the bikers experience the majesty of Taj Mahal en-route. Post this the road take the route towards the Pink City Jaipur, passing through the Rajput Strongholds of Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ranthambore and then finally moving back towards Delhi. One can cover this stretch either in 14 or 22 days depending upon the time constrains.

Since the route passes through dry and hot regions, the best time to undertake this trip is from November to March. Full of many scenic views, the cultural cauldron of Rajasthan and Agra is absolutely enthralling. This is a bike trip that one must undertake.

Best time to Visit: November to March


Bangalore-Kannur


If you are planning a vacation to Kannur, then, one of the best way to access it is through a bike trip from Bangalore. The Bangalore-Kannur road trip is said to be one of the best road trips in South India. The route passes through Nagarhole and Tholpatty and go on Kuthuparamba from Manandvady. Then going all the way to Kuthuparamba, the route ends at Kannur.

One of the most beautiful places in Kerala, Kannur is a holiday destination in itself and the trail has many lakes too which are a great sight and where you can take a stop to enjoy the scenes.

With great restaurants offering sumptuous meals on the way and great scenic sights already adorning, this is one of the most sought after bike trip for adventure lovers.

Best time to Visit: All year round

Jaipur – Jaisalmer


Hardcore bikers will find this trail not only challenging but also the one with many cultural delights on the way. The trip passes through some of the best destinations for road travel in India. The wonderful paved roads lets you enjoy the amazing green and brown hues of the state along with the heart melting hospitality of its people whenever you make a stopover.

The course, while passing through the rural landscapes and villages makes one come across the lifestyles, cuisines, culture, customs and mannerisms of local people, not to forget the exotic buildings that dot the every corner of this superb region. If heat and dust is something you can manage then this is the bike trail that you should not miss.

Best time to Visit: October to February


[Read more about Jaisalmer and tour packages]