India is the Country You Always Wanted To Visit But Never Knew
A Motorcycling Destination with Everything You’re Looking For
With so many enticing destinations from small towns, mountains, beaches, and beautiful countryside to a vibrant mix of landscapes and cultural traditions, India is filled with destinations that are just perfect for a motorcycle tour. Here is a list of some of India’s main attractions from the snow-covered peaks of the mighty Himalayas and the hilly forests of northeast India to the most deserted places of Rajasthan:
Leh is the second largest district of India and the former capital of the Himalayan Kingdom. It was an important stopover on trade routes along the Indus valley between Tibet and Kashmir and also between India and China for centuries. This place has been a very popular destination for road trips in India. The trek from Manali to Leh is one the toughest bike journeys in India. With unpredictable roads and fluctuating climate conditions, and the highest rideable pass, this is one interesting motorcycle tour.
Northeast India is the eastern-most region of India with a narrow passage between Nepal and Bangladesh. This area presents one of the most adventurous and mountainous motorcycle trips in India. While in Assam this road trip offers a chance to witness the great Brahmaputra river valleys, infinite rows of tea plantations, and one-horned rhinos. Meghalaya, also known as “Abode of Clouds” has some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. With its twisting roads and its boundless natural beauty, Northeast India provides an alluring landscape for motorcycle tours.
Rajasthan is the largest state in India and is also known as the “Land of Great Kings.” The state is located on the northern side of the country and comprises most of the wide and inhospitable Thar Desert. The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s first and oldest settlements, was in parts of what is now called Rajasthan. It is one of the most popular destinations in the country and is famous for its desert cities, palaces, forts, temples, and unique culture. Biking in Rajasthan is an incredible experience. The colorful turbans and clothing are a dazzling contrast to broad desert landscapes. Desert highways lead to the golden city of Jaisalmer where you can take a break from your bike and enjoy a brief tour by camel. From here you can continue your tour to the blue city of Jodhpur with its striking forts. With mountain roads in the Aravalli range, enchanting streets of Udaipur, and the Ranthambore National Park and its tigers, a motorcycle tour in Rajasthan is truly mesmerizing.
A motorcycle tour in Kerala is a euphoric experience in itself. The trip to Kerala starts from Cochin, which is over flowing with gorgeous beaches, lighthouses, and enthralling greenery. Apart from beaches in Cochin, the area has a wide variety of wildlife and tea and rubber plantations. This is one of the few motorcycle tours that have interesting landscapes along with mouthwatering cuisines.
NH 17 is certainly the perfect ride in the coastal region of India; it can be compared to the U.S. Highway 1 in California. The ride extends from Mumbai to Trivandrum and offers some exotic sightseeing including infinite beaches and stunning coastlines. With tempting strawberries growing along the coastline, refreshing coffee, and valleys full of flowers the ride on NH 17 highway is an absolute bliss.
About the Author: Rohit Agarwal is a writer by profession who blogs at www.transindiatravels.com. Also, he is a biking enthusiast who contributes his writings to various traveling sites. Photo of Leh by Saad Faruque, CC BY 2.0.
Guest Contributor, Travel Inspiration
