Cycling in India: top bike tours and tips

Say to someone that you’re thinking of cycling in India, and they might look at you as if you’ve lost your mind. Indeed, you would be if you’re considering a jaunt on two wheels around Mumbai or New Delhi’s traffic-thronged streets.

But head out into the countryside and it’s a different story. In fact, in many ways, exploring a secluded village nestled in the hills by bicycle is the ideal way to experience rural life in India.

The pace of cycling means that you can soak in the details much better than simply passing through by car. You’re also likely to interact with local communities in a new and diverse way, which can create unique experiences and elevate your Indian vacation.

Why you should try cycling in India

Why not combine some time in the saddle exploring the Indian countryside with more conventional transport for the rest of the trip? Taking a cycling vacation here should make for an enjoyable, varied itinerary without compromising on what you see and where you go.

You don’t need to go through the rigmarole of putting your bike on a plane. On a tailor-made tour planned by our local experts, good quality bikes can be provided, along with all the other necessary equipment. Your luggage travels by car ahead of you, and once out in the countryside, you can stay at wonderful restored forts and palaces, traveling between them entirely by bike.

You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide on a bike to show you the way, act as a translator, and point out or explain areas of interest. The country roads taken are generally paved and quiet, with only light traffic.

The distance you cycle daily can be as little or as much as you like. If you’re feeling saddle-sore one day, you can travel by car for a bit. You might want just a few days of cycling, or you might prefer a week or more. Either way, it’s a very different way to experience India and is suitable for anyone who enjoys cycling, not just ‘serious’ cyclists.

Top cycling vacations in India

Get to know the best bike trips in India, winding through historically famous places like the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur and part of the ancient trade route in Sikkim in the northeast. Each route tells a story of the centuries-old “Golden Sparrow”.

1. Rajasthan cycling tours

Rajasthan in northwestern India is nicknamed the “Land of Kings” because of the number of elaborate palaces and majestic forts built. Taking Rajasthan cycling tours means you could possibly ride through a variety of terrains, from cities to gentle hills and even the Thar desert.

Jaipur, the beautiful capital of Rajasthan, is one of the best cities in India simply because of the sheer number of ornate buildings it features. It’s a popular cycling route, not just because of its beautiful backdrop and historical sites, but also because of its wide streets and relatively flat terrain, altogether making it a good cycling tour for beginners.

Cycle the backroads of rural Rajasthan for something unique and be welcomed by the local people as you go. Towns, villages and cities like Pushkar, Jaisalmer, and Ranakpur are not only stunning but also hold significant cultural festivals and architecture, making them a worthy ride.

2. Agra biking tours

The city of Agra sits on the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh state and is probably best-known as the home of the Taj Mahal. So, naturally, taking a cycle tour in and around the city is a dream ride for many.

The city invites you to explore its rich Mughal heritage, historical monuments, and buzzing bazaars by bike. Stop every now and then to snack on local street foods, or to snap a picture to remember this fantastic experience by when you get back home.

Popular routes include weaving through the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sadar Bazaar, and nearby villages and farms to give you a complete picture of this metropolis. Just west of Agra is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fatehpur Sikri, the previous capital of the Mughal Empire, which now stands as an ornate ghost city.

3. Kerala cycling tour

Head to Kerala state in southern India for gentle cycling and almost untouched beauties such as the Western Ghats and its beaches. It is nicknamed “God’s Own Country” because of its blend of lush rainforests, backwaters, and green rolling hills.

Kerala’s Kochi is one of our favorite destinations for food, beaches, and culture in India because it’s so laid-back. Cycle through this seaside city and Fort Kochi to see its diversity in architecture, people, and international influence thanks to its ports.

Cycling highlights include discovering the backroads of India, Munnar’s tea estates, and Periyar National Park. One of the most popular routes in the state is traveling to and around the Western Ghats, the entire stretch of which reaches across Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

4. Sikkim cycling routes

Sikkim is located in northeast India, in the Eastern Himalayas, and borders Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet. Its unique location gives it a lush, mountainous terrain perfect for tea plantations, paddy fields, and breathtaking views.

This route is perfect for adventure-seekers who want an immersive look into eastern India’s culture. Enjoy passing by the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, and Buddhist monasteries on India cycling tours to these parts. You can also ride along the ancient Silk Road at Nathula Mountain Pass.

5. Darjeeling cycling tour

Darjeeling is best-known for having some of the best tea plantations in Asia. Located in northeast India, it is nicknamed the “Queen of Hills” thanks to its winding roads, rolling hills of tea gardens, and Himalayan vistas.

Take a riding tour on Tiger Hill Mountain or Chatakpur Mountain in the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, for delightful moderate trails that blend nature and adventure. The 12.4-mile (20km) cycling trail stretches from Jorbangla to Chatakpur village. Along the way, you’ll pedal through green forests, get amazing views of the Himalayas, and might even spot some wildlife.

Visit the nearby tea plantations and turn your cycling tour into a tea tasting tour. Explore tea gardens like the popular Happy Valley Tea Estate and Glenburn Tea Estate for the best brew in the area. If you’re not ready to give up cycling just yet, Kurseong Tea Garden offers a trail that allows you to ride within the estate.

6. Goa cycling tour

Goa has some of the best beaches in the world and is a coastal gem along the Arabian Sea. Taking India cycling tours here means you’ll have pristine views of the swaying waves, serene villages, and lush paddy fields. Goa also has a portion of the Western Ghats, which gives it an exceptional biodiversity.

The Indian coast offers a laid-back atmosphere, which allows you to have a slow-paced adventure. Ride through the beautiful buildings of the capital city, Panaji, and stop to take some stunning pictures of the brightly colored buildings and cobblestone streets.

Want to spend more time at the ocean? Move your India cycling tour to the palm-fringed beach routes of Morjim to Ashwem or Palolem to Agonda. Both offer tranquil beaches and less congested paths. The state also has a few islands, untethered from specific routes, that allow you the freedom to explore them as you see fit.

7. Himachal Pradesh cycling routes

Himachal Pradesh in the Indian Himalayas provides access to lush green mountains and is a sight worth falling in love with. Its dramatic landscapes treat cyclists to winding mountain roads, pristine forests, and lush valleys ideal for nature-lovers.

The thrill of these mountains is that there are many routes to choose from, depending on your fitness level. For the adventurous, visit the high-altitude Spiti Valley, which winds through ancient monasteries, remote villages, and religious temples.

Other worthwhile trails here are Shimla, Rohtang Pass, and Solang Valley, which all offer memorable views of snowcapped peaks, rugged terrain, and exciting challenges along the way.

8. Ladakh biking tour

Ladakh in north India, near the Indian Himalayas, offers some of the most dramatic landscapes. The barren Tibetan plateau at a high altitude is reserved for more experienced cyclists as it’s remote and away from major cities.

Ladakh highlights include the snow-capped vistas, remote Buddhist temples, and pristine alpine lakes. Take a cycle tour here from spring to summer for the best weather conditions and clear routes.

Cycling the whole area can take up to 10 days with routes leading through the Nubra Valley, Khardung La, Pangong Tso, and the Manali-Leh route. So, maybe an overnight stay is not such a bad idea. You can bed down at resorts or camping grounds nearby.

9. Uttarakhand cycling tour

In northern India, Uttarakhand is a very important tourist place for spiritual and cultural reasons, as it’s a Hindu pilgrimage site. Deep in the Indian Himalayas, taking a tour here is a dream ride for adventure explorers as it gives you time to explore lush valleys, mountain villages, and serene valleys.

Uttarakhand is home to Mana, the last Indian village at the Uttarakhand Indo-Tibetan border. Like all the beautiful villages in the area, there is almost no traffic, meaning you can ride the popular routes that lead to the high-altitude Deo Tal, a holy lake in Mana Pass.

It has a harsher terrain that can be challenging to climb, but it serves all levels of cyclists. Consider the Maldevta to Sahastradhara loop trail for a much easier route. Both offer an incredible view of the Himalayas and the pristine biodiversity in the area.

Best time to visit India for cycling tours

The best time to go on cycling vacations in India is from October to May. Some benefits of traveling during the shoulder season are that forests are wonderfully green, the weather is pleasant, and it isn’t too humid. Evenings can get quite cool, so pack warm layers.

India’s pre-monsoon season starts from April to June, with northwestern regions experiencing it until mid-July. The country is in full monsoon season from June to September with heavy rainfall, high humidity, and warm temperatures.

Read more: When to visit India on vacation

Tips for India cycling tours

• Travel by train beforehand: To cycle in India, you need a certain fitness level, so do as much endurance exercise beforehand as possible to ensure you don’t exhaust yourself.
• Take it slow: Even if you’ve trained well for the trip, remember it’s not a race. Take time to enjoy your surroundings.
• Be aware of altitude changes: Some areas, incredibly close to the Himalayas, have a higher altitude, which could increase fatigue and cause oxygen issues.
• Pack light and strategically: Tight-fitting clothes may not be appropriate in certain parts of the country, so dress appropriately.
• Bring a physical map: Some areas, like secluded villages, may not have consistent Wi-Fi, so bringing a map with you is always a good idea.
• Bring snacks and hydration: Keeping your energy up is very important.
• Listen to your guide: Your expert guide has most likely done the trails a dozen times, so they know what to expect and follow local customs.

Read more: The ultimate India travel guide: how to plan your trip

FAQs about cycling tours in India

Which place is best for a bike ride in India?

India has so many amazing locations to bike, but the ones that stand out are the Manali to Leh highway, the Golden Triangle, and the Western Ghats routes.

Is India good for cycling?

Yes. India is a beautiful country to cycle through, with various terrains, rolling mountains, and coastal towns.

Which city is famous for bicycles in India?

Ludhiana in Punjab is nicknamed the “Bicycle Capital of India” as it produces more than half of the country’s bicycles, which are over 10 million bikes.

Can foreigners ride bikes in India?

Yes, foreigners can ride bicycles in India. While you don’t need any specific documents to do so, learning about the local traffic laws and conditions for cyclists is encouraged.

Is the MTB Himalaya held in India?

The annual MTB Himalaya is held in Himachal Pradesh because of the region’s unique terrain.

Make it happen

Indian bike tours are a fantastic way to see the beautiful country’s landscapes. Pedal through the aromatic tea and spice plantations of Sikkim and Darjeeling, or spend the afternoon leisurely cycling through the Pink City of Jaipur. The thrill of the ride is enough to make this a unique, sustainable travel experience that you won’t forget any time soon. So, gear up and explore India by bicycle for a journey of a lifetime.

Check out our India destination page for more details on what to do and see, as well as plenty of itinerary ideas crafted by our local experts. All of our private trips can be tailor-made to your requirements and dates; simply reach out to a local partner for more information.