Riding a motorcycle in India is a great way to explore the beauty of this marvelous land. Smooth roads, treacherous roads, deep valleys, plateaus, deserts, forests – India offers all kinds of terrains to ride through, a road for every type of biker.
Here is our list of some of the adventurous motorcycling roads in India. You should definitely plan your next trip keeping these in mind, for each route has a unique experience to offer:
1.) Manali to Leh
Leh is becoming increasingly popular among bikers, for all the right reasons. It promises a heavenly landscape, good roads, twists and turns and an unforgettable experience. Solitude seekers must not wait for a trip to this place!
The Leh-Manali Highway has an average elevation of more than 4,000 m (13,000 feet) with the highest point being 5,328 m (17,480 ft) at the Tanglang La mountain pass. The highway was built by the Border Roads Organization.
Less traffic, open roads, fresh air, warm and friendly locals – it doesn’t get any better than this.
Advice: Carry appropriate medicines to combat altitude sickness.
Bike advice: Puncture repair kit, spare fuel, clutch, brake and accelerator cables, spare tubes for the front and rear wheel, foot pump, bungee cords for your luggage, etc.
2.) Manali to Spiti Valley
How can we not talk about Spiti Valley when talking about Northern India! Spiti literally means “The Middle Land”; it is the land between Tibet and India. This cold desert mountain located high in the Himalayas is one of the least populated regions in India and is the gateway to the northernmost reaches of the nation.
If you are planning a bike trip to this place then be prepared for a lot of adventure as the road from Manali to Spiti is in very bad condition (i.e. the roads are extremely bad for most parts of the stretch). Having said that, adventure lovers would want to return again and again to this paradise! To truly experience the incredible beauty and ruggedness of Spiti Valley, a itinerary spanning 10-15 days would be good, as this is not a place to be experienced in a single weekend.
Go for Spiti if:
– You like rough terrain and adventurous roads
– You like breathtaking sceneries and peaceful surroundings
– You like Buddhist Monasteries
Advice: Carry appropriate medicines to combat altitude sickness.
Bike advice: Puncture repair kit, spare fuel, clutch, brake and accelerator cables, spare tubes for the front and rear wheel, foot pump, bungee cords for your luggage, etc. need to be carried without a doubt.
3.) Kolli hills – 70 hairpin bends
A hairpin bend is a very sharp bend (U shaped bend), where the road turns back in the opposite direction. Now, imagine riding 70 continuous hairpin bends for 15KM!
Situated in Tamil Nadu, the Kollimalai Ghat Road (or Kolli hills) is an extremely dangerous mountain road. It is quite an exhilarating experience and indeed a mecca for every rider!
On this trail, enjoy the sighting of the Akash Ganga waterfalls, old Shiva temple and pineapple farms!
Best time to visit: All year around
Bike Advice: Beware of unexpected turns and curves
Destinations beckon and your motorcycles happily oblige. Travel with an open mind and enjoy what the places have to offer. Take challenges in your stride and always remember to ride safe.
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