If you are thinking where to take your bike next for an exhilarating cycling experience, here are some of the most iconic cycling places in India to to bike your bike! This list will will be updated regularly based on new information and recommendations we receive so save this page and keep referring back. Also do not forget to recommend any of your favourites not featured here.
List of best cycling places in India organised by regions and states
North India
Himachal Pradesh
Manali (Himachal Pradesh) to Leh (Ladakh)
Though a difficult route due to high altitude, this cycling route offers some of the most aesthetic and unreal views as well as the sense of achievement and satisfaction upon completing the challenge
- Distance: ~475 km
- Difficulty: Very Difficult (High altitude: 3,000m to 5,300m!)
- Best time: June to September
- Highlights:
- Five major mountain passes (Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Lachung La, Tanglang La, Khardung La).
- Rugged barren landscapes, glaciers, rivers.
- Riding to one of the world’s highest motorable roads!
Spiti Valley Loop (Himachal Pradesh)
Again while difficult due to the high altitude mountain terrain this cycling experience will reward you with some never-seen-before views and landscapes
- Distance: ~550 km (Shimla → Kaza → Manali)
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Best time: June to October
- Highlights:
- Remote Tibetan Buddhist monasteries (Key, Tabo).
- Alien desert-like landscapes.
- Remote villages like Dhankar, Langza, Hikkim (world’s highest post office).
Uttarakhand
Rishikesh to Joshimath (Uttarakhand)Distance: ~250 km
Do this route for the mountain valleys, river views as well as travelling through some of the most popular spiritual regions of India
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Best time: March to June, September to November
- Highlights:
- Ganges river valleys, dense forests, temple towns.
- Gateway to Himalayan trekking (Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib).
- Spiritual towns like Devprayag, Rudraprayag.
West India
Rajasthan
Udaipur and the Aravalli Hills (Rajasthan)
This region will treat you with cycling across forts and deserts
- Distance: Flexible day loops or 200-300 km circuits
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best time: October to March
- Highlights:
- Stunning lakes (Pichola, Fatehsagar), grand forts and palaces.
- Rustic villages, rolling desert hills.
- Heritage hotels and haveli stays!
Ranthambore (Rajasthan):
Cycling in Ranthambore will take you through villages and if your wildlife is your thing, you can also club your journey with to include a stunning forest safari here
Goa
Goa Coastal and Forest Trails
Consider this region for cycling across some of the most serene and pristine beaches while enjoying great local food
- Distance: 100–300 km loops possible
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best time: October to March
- Highlights:
- Empty beaches, coconut groves, rivers.
- Old Portuguese churches, colorful villages.
- Great food: seafood, bakeries, tropical fruits.
South India
Kerala
Munnar to Thekkady (Kerala)
These regions will make you bicycle among endless tea gardens making it a unique and memorable cycling experience
- Distance: ~90 km
- Difficulty: Moderate (hilly)
- Best time: October to February
- Highlights:
- Endless tea gardens.
- Wildlife sanctuaries (Periyar tiger reserve).
- Waterfalls and spice plantations.
Tamil Nadu
Ooty – Coonoor – Kotagiri Loop (Tamil Nadu, Nilgiris)
- Distance: 100–150 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (Steep climbs!)
- Best time: October to April
- Highlights:
- Misty hills, eucalyptus forests.
- Colonial hill station charm.
- Curving roads with 36 famous hairpin bends (Kalhatty Ghat!).
Karnataka
Mangalore to Gokarna (Coastal Karnataka)
- Distance: ~230 km
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best time: November to February
- Highlights:
- Quiet fishing villages, cliffside beaches.
- Temples and beach camps.
- Sunsets over the Arabian Sea.
East & North East India
Meghalaya
Shillong to Cherrapunji (Meghalaya)
- Distance: ~60 km (but steep!)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time: October to April
- Highlights:
- Waterfalls (Nohkalikai Falls – one of India’s tallest).
- Caves and limestone formations.
- Living root bridges in Mawlynnong and Nongriat.
Sikkim
Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake (Sikkim)
- Distance: ~40 km (one-way, steep uphill)
- Difficulty: Difficult (Steep ascent to ~3,753m)
- Best time: March to May, September to November
- Highlights:
- Himalayan peaks in the backdrop.
- Buddhist monasteries, colorful prayer flags.
- The frozen/snowy Tsomgo Lake.
West Bengal
Sundarbans (West Bengal): Cycle through villages and mangroves.
Andamans
Andaman Islands: Neil and Havelock Islands for scenic island cycling.