Biking is one of the best ways to explore some of the famous offbeat places in the country. Motorcyclists rarely take this route to explore places. These special spots show a different side of India's beauty and charm. Visiting the top offbeat bike destinations in India can be an unforgettable experience.
Scroll below to learn some of the top unusual bike destinations in India.
10 Offbeat Destinations to Visit in India by Bike
Here is a list of the top 10 offbeat bike destinations in India sorted as per distance from longest to shortest:
1. Delhi to Leh
- Road Name: NH 3
- Distance: Approximately 946 km
It is one of the best road trips that is a dream of every adventurer and biker. Though the journey may be long and tiring, the breathtaking scenery you encounter with every km will leave you wanting more.
As you start through the rough roads, you are greeted by the majestic and stunning beauty of the Himalayas, which is sure to leave you amazed. You will encounter various terrains and landscapes, each unique. Feel free to make a few stops along the way to rest, relax, and admire one of India's most magnificent landscapes.
2. Hyderabad to Hampi
- Road Name: NH 44
- Distance: Approximately 425 km
Biking from the City of Nizams, Hyderabad to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka, like Hampi and Pattadakal offers an exhausting yet rewarding experience. Hampi, housing the remnants of a glorious past, serves as a gateway to the splendour of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Also known as the backpackers' haven, Hampi caters to every traveller’s interests. Various biking routes exist from Hyderabad to Hampi, with the most popular one passing through Raichur.
3. Ahmedabad to Kutch
- Road Name: GJ SH 7
- Distance: Approximately 400 km
For all the adventurous riders out there, this location is perfect. It takes you away from the bustling Ahmedabad urban area towards the stunning marshland of Kutch. The beauty of this place is unmatched by any other road trip. Their culture here will captivate you, and the locals are some of the friendliest people you will encounter. Furthermore, do not miss out on visiting the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary and Dholavira along the way.
4. Rishikesh to Badrinath
- Road Name: NH 7
- Distance: Approximately 290 km
Travelling from Rishikesh to one of the Char Dhams offers bikers a challenging route that can profoundly impact you for life. This experience is truly unparalleled. The narrow roads on rugged terrain make the journey more risky. It requires around ten days for bikers to reach the destination. The route leads to the majestic Badrinath temple, and a few kilometres away, you will find Mana, the last village of India.
5. Kathgodam to Munsiyari
- Road Name: Almora - Berinag Rd
- Distance: Approximately 278 km
The route takes you to the beautiful hills of the Kumaun region in Uttarakhand. This offbeat bike destination ride slowly becomes challenging due to the increasing altitude. Along the way, you will pass through some picturesque areas and experience the rich culture of Uttarakhand. The ultimate destination is the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Munsiyari. Typically, this ride takes around 9 hours to reach the destination.
6. Chandigarh to Kasol
- Road Name: NH205
- Distance: Approximately 253 km
Kasol, nestled in the scenic beauty of Kullu, is an offbeat bike destination adored by adventure enthusiasts and trekkers. Often dubbed the Amsterdam of India, Kasol welcomes visitors with a diverse crowd of hippies and travellers from across the globe, drawn to explore this idyllic paradise. The captivating journey from Chandigarh to Kasol promises to keep bikers enthralled. For those seeking more adventure, there's the option to embark on the renowned Kheerganga Trek.
7. Jammu to Srinagar
- Road Name: NH 244A and NH 44
- Distance: Approximately 245 km
While it is easy to hop on a quick 30-minute flight to the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, however, for bikers, this challenging road journey offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Along the way, you will encounter snow-capped mountains and breathtaking scenery. You will also have the opportunity to meet many army officers and engage with the locals. Moreover, do not miss the chance to visit the Jawahar Tunnel, which stretches around 2.85 km long.
8. Mangalore to Gokarna
- Road Name: NH 66
- Distance: Approximately 231 km
Gokarna, a small beach town in Karnataka, will captivate you with its enchanting charm and pristine beaches. It stands as one of the top vacation choices among individuals. The journey from Mangalore to Gokarna provides a soothing experience as you pass through scenic landscapes and coastal views, immersing yourself in this beautiful journey.
9. Siliguri to Gangtok
- Road Name: NH10
- Distance: Approximately 112 km
Renowned for trekking adventures, biking along the Siliguri to Gangtok route will enchant your heart and soul. Opt for this journey during late summers to experience the refreshing winds and the stunning beauty of nature. However, remember the steep slopes and sharp turns will constantly keep your heart racing the whole time. This offbeat bike destination ride usually takes around 5 hours.
10. Shillong to Cherrapunji
- Road Name: SH 5
- Distance: Approximately 54 km
Begin your ride with a visit to Ward’s Lake, a charming horseshoe-shaped artificial pool surrounded by lush greenery. During your ride, do not miss the opportunity to take a detour to Shillong Peak for panoramic views of the greenery, Himalayas, and Bangladesh plains. Along the way, make stops at Elephant Falls, Wah Kaba Waterfalls, and Arwah Caves, each offering a unique glimpse into Meghalaya’s natural beauty.
Things to Do Before Setting Out
- Plan your budget: It can make a lot of difference in terms of time and effort if you plan your budget based on supposed accommodations, food, and fuel.
- Link documents with DigiLocker: Before starting your journey, you should link important documents with DigiLocker, such as your driver's licence, vehicle RC, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc. It will ensure easy access to these documents whenever needed, providing peace of mind as you travel.
- Get your bike serviced: Check the condition of your bike, including tyres, brakes, fluid levels, and lights. If needed, consider scheduling a pre-trip inspection.
- Get bike insurance: You must have a valid and active bike insurance policy to keep yourself financially covered in case of emergencies. Opt for an insurer with a good network of cashless garages and roadside assistance.
- Assess the time of travel: For a comfortable ride, even the time of the day when you are riding is important. So, check when you are setting out based on weather conditions for maximum convenience.
Thus, exploring these above-mentioned offbeat bike destinations in India offers adventure enthusiasts a unique and exhilarating experience. Before starting your journey, remember to pack your essentials, like medical kits, insurance policies, etc., to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
