8 Best Cycling Routes that Unravel the Most Stunning Landscapes Across India

Cycling adventures are for the dauntless on the saddle. As you pedal, the world unravels before you in its purest form. Cycling in India is not just about the gentle roll on the road but the adrenalin thrill can take you on some of the most challenging terrains. Here's a list of best cycling routes in India that you should take for a remarkable journey on two wheels.

1. Pangong Lake Circuit

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Easy Rider

This breathtaking stretch of barren route along the Pangong Lake covers Pangong, Trimori and Tsokar with the blue waters on your left and the silent mountains of Chang Chemo Range on your right. To make the ride easier you can hitch a ride upto Changla Pass and while discovering the villages of Spangmik, Maan and Merak, hidden in the lap of Pangong range, this cycling route will leave you spellbound as you ride along.

Credits: blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

2. Alibaug Coast

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Distance: 110 kms

Active Rider

The 750kms coastline of Mumbai offers one of the best cycling routes in India. Alibaug, at a convenient distance from Mumbai and Pune, can be a favorable spot to start. This track gives you an opportunity to enjoy the sunset at Kubala Fort as you reach Nangaon while passing Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary. Cycle to Murud and board a ferry crossing from Rajapuri to Dighi and ride along the coast till Divenagar.

Credits: trekmatesindia.com

3. Udaipur to Jodhpur

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Distance: 275kms

Pro Rider

Across the royal Rajasthan, this cultural rural biking trip would take you past the undulating sand dunes of the Aravallis and from the vantage point of your bike you will witness this royal world of kings. As you ride from Udaipur to Ranakpur via Kumbhalgarh the sandy tracks will lead you to the wildlife hotspot of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Don’t mind the rough and difficult patches, in this approximately 5 day roll on wheels in Thar you will ride past Bhenswara, Bhadrajun with your final destination in Jodhpur.

Credits: kvtholidays.com

4. Sikkim Tea Trails

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Distance: 330kms

Active Rider

Biking on this rolling and hilly terrain will give you a flash of culture in Sikkim before your eyes with influences from the Bhutan, Nepal And Tibet. You will ride across 200-year old Enchey monastery and Rumtek monastery, the largest in Sikkim. As you freewheel to Legship, neatly lined rhododendrons will welcome you to Temi Tea Gardens giving an opportunity to try some sample tea from the local plantation. Ride up to Khecheopalri and visit Sikkim’s holiest lake. This cycling route in India is purely a biker's bliss.

Credits: travel2sikkim.blogspot.in

5. Backwaters around Alleppey

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Distance: 30/40kms

Occasional Rider

The leisure day tours around the backwaters are ideal for a relaxed ride. With sleepy backwaters on one side and paddy fields on the other, you can take a tour to the church town of Edathua. Crossing serene rivulets in this Kuttanad region you can watch the busy toddy tappers as you paddle through. Another gentle ride can be a morning tour to the temple town of Aramula cycling along the River Pamba. At the end of this beautiful stretch, a boat ride to the Parthasarathy temple would be an ideal end to a good day.

Credits: my-travel-experience-info.blogspot.in

6. Manali to Leh

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Distance: 570kms

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The brightly coloured prayer flags welcome you at Marhi, the base camp for this ambitiously adventurous ride. Keep your eye on the road for the scenic wonders as you cross the five passes- Rohtang, Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachulung La and Taglang La with army men on trucks cheering you throughout. This strenuous ride is for the bravehearts who must acclimatize themselves well before they start the roll. Thrill of a lifetime, this route proves why cycling in India is the ultimate challenge for any mountain cyclist.

Read Manali to Leh on Bicycles by Aftab Singh

7. Chennai to Pondicherry

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Distance: 165kms

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In these 10hrs of cycling you will experience the best time on the saddle as you pedal. Crusing through Kelambakam in the suburbs of Chennai on the old Mamallapuram road you can reach Mahabalipuram on the first day. Braving the hot sun, stop by at Kalpakkam for authentic south Indian delicacies for lunch. In these moderate head winds and heat do not ride alone since the beautiful coffee houses on the way are better for two making it a great weekend ride.

Credits: cycleformsf.in

8. Iruppu to Ooty

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Distance: 160 kms

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Iruppu falls are the wonderful rainfed water falls at Coorg, an ideal base to start the ride. The Rajiv Gandhi National Park gives you an eyeful of nature’s best as you paddle across. At almost 70 kms from Iruppu, Sultanbathery can be a smart stop in this two day ride. Crossing over from Kerela to Tamil Nadu, covering over 90kms, Nilgiris district will welcome you with gently flowing mountain streams and the beautiful lake in Ooty.

Credits: trekkingclubs.blogspot.in