10 Cycling Routes in India That You Should Visit in 2024

Ever been on a cycling trip with a bunch of friends? If you haven’t, you’re missing out on some great fun and adventure. And if you have, you are surely dying to explore the best routes out there. Well, you are in luck. India is a beautiful country with many offbeat destinations, attractions and landscapes that are worth visiting. And while there are different ways to explore a place, nothing can beat the thrill and excitement of cycling through varied landscapes and routes in different parts of the country. What’s more, cycling tours are not only good for the environment, but also for your health and pocket. So, if you are a cycling enthusiast, the following cycling routes in India should be on your list.

Cycling Routes in India

1. Mumbai to Daman

Mumbai to Daman | Cycling Routes in India

When it comes to taking a break from the urban chaos, a short bicycle tour is probably the best option for you. And if you are in Mumbai, you are in for a treat as there are some amazing places around that you can explore on your bicycle without burning a hole in your pocket. However, instead of opting for the usual places like Lonavala and Khandala, how about choosing Daman for a change?

Located 170 km from Mumbai, Daman is a scenic and quaint beach city. The route from Mumbai to Daman along the well-maintained NH-48 is quite easy and amazing, thanks to the shady trees, eateries and recreational spots on the way. Hence, you can take short breaks whenever you feel hungry or tired, or when you want to capture some amazing views on your camera. Once you reach Daman, you can explore the popular attractions around, like St. Jerome Fort, Mirasol Lake Garden and Daman Lighthouse, among others. If you are looking to relax by the sea, head to Jampore Beach or Devka Beach.

• Distance between Mumbai and Daman: 170 km
• Route: Mumbai – Thane – Manor – Talasari – Vapi – Daman
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Duration: 2-3 days

2. Coorg to Munnar

Coorg to Munnar | Cycling Routes in India

If you are a nature lover, the cycling trip from Coorg to Munnar is a great option for you. From rolling hills and lush green meadows to vast expanses of tea, coffee, and spice plantations, the entire route teems with natural beauty. What’s more, the rich aroma of coffee beans on the way will keep you alert throughout and make the ride effortless.

Although the cycling route from Coorg to Munnar is not entirely an easy one, the combination of forests, hills, and serpentine roads adds a fun element to it. On reaching Munnar, you can visit popular attractions, such as Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, The Blossom Hydel Park, and KFDC Floriculture Centre. You can also take bike rides through tea gardens and enjoy mesmerizing views of the hill station from different vantage points.

• Distance between Coorg and Munnar: 449 km
• Route: Coorg – Kushalnagar – Mysore – Chamarajanagar – Talamalai RF – Puliampatti – Palladam – Udumalaipettai – Munnar
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Duration: 6-7 days

Explore recommended places to stay in Mysore

3. Kochi to Alleppey

Kochi to Alleppey | Cycling Routes in India

This is probably one of the best cycling tours you can take. Kerala has a beautiful coastline and cycling along the seashore is mesmerising. From white sandy beaches and backwaters to villages and farms, a bicycle ride from Kochi to Alleppey will take you through them all. What’s more, you can catch glimpses of some local temples, churches, swaying coconut trees and fish farms on the way.

The route is a short and easy one, making it perfect for a day’s trip. And in case you feel a bit weary or hungry at any point, you can stop by the beach or at a restaurant; there are many good options on the way. Alleppey has some beautiful places that are worth visiting, such as Marari Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Alleppey Lighthouse, Kanichukulangara Devi Temple, and Mount Caramel Roman Catholic Latin Cathedral, to name a new. Keep your camera handy as you will get many opportunities for photography throughout this scenic route.

• Distance between Kochi and Alleppey: 53 km
• Route: Kochi – Chellanam – Andhakaranazhi – Mararikulam – Alleppey
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Duration: 1-2 days

4. Mysore to Ooty

Mysore to Ooty | Cycling Routes in India

If you are craving adventure, you must take a bike ride from Mysore to Ooty. This amazing journey starts from the smooth and well-maintained roads of Mysore. After cycling for about 70 km, you will reach the lush green Bandipur National Park area. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you might get lucky enough to spot some endangered mammals, reptiles and birds here. The cycling route will also take you through Masinagudi and a few hairpin bends before you reach Ooty.

Masinagudi National Park is known for housing abundant flora and fauna and is worth exploring. On reaching Ooty, you can relax for a while and then visit the popular attractions, such as Government Botanical Garden, Government Rose Garden, Pykara Waterfalls, and Ooty Lake. The hill station has some revered temples, beautiful churches and scenic viewpoints as well, so make sure you plan the itinerary accordingly.

• Distance between Mysore and Ooty: 125 km
• Route: Mysore – Kadakola – Begur – Bandipur – Masinagudi – Ooty
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
• Duration: 2-3 days

Explore recommended places to stay in Ooty

5. Gangtok to Nathula Pass

Gangtok to Nathula Pass | Cycling Routes in India

Lush green hills, beautiful landscapes, plenty of flora and some beautiful monasteries – this is what a cycle trip from Gangtok to Nathula Pass or the Indo-China border looks like. If you are seeking adventure and have the strength and stamina to ride on a hilly terrain, this route is worth exploring. Gangtok to Nathula Pass is famed for being one of the most scenic and amazing cycling trails in India. The trip starts from Gangtok and takes you to an altitude of 14,140 feet above sea level.

The cycling route comprises many hairpin bends and exhilarating terrains, and there can be some delays as well due to landslides and roadblocks. Once you reach Nathula Pass, one of the highest accessible motorable passes in India, the stunning views of Tsomgo Lake, snow-capped mountains and clear blue skies will leave you awestruck. The place experiences frequent snowfall and occasional hailstorm showers as well, so keep protective gears handy. Some must-visit attractions here are Tsomgo Lake, Hangu Lake, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple and Elephant Lake.

• Distance between Gangtok and Nathula Pass: 54 km
• Route: Aritar – Padamchen – Gnathang – Zuluk Loops – Nathula Pass
• Difficulty Level: Tough
• Duration: 5-6 days
• Travel Tips:
  • The oxygen levels are low at Nathula Pass, and hence, people with pre-existing conditions should consult a doctor before planning a trip.
  • Nathula Pass is open for 5 days only, from Wednesdays to Sundays.
  • You must take a permit to visit Nathula Pass, so carry important ID cards and documents.

6. Shillong to Cherrapunji

Shillong to Cherrapunji | Cycling Routes in India

If you like cycling tours, this one in North-East India is worth your attention. Surrounded by majestic mountains and peppered with waterfalls, floating lakes, freshwater springs, small villages, beautiful monasteries and plenty of flora, the Shillong to Cherrapunji cycling route is a treat for nature lovers. Another amazing thing about the route is that it has mountains on one side and valleys on the other.

Although a hilly terrain, the road is mostly smooth and easy, with no sharp bends, zigzags or steep climbs. The journey is scenic as well, so shutterbugs can stop at different points for some amazing nature photography. And when you are in Cherrapunji, you can explore the popular attractions around, such as NohKaLikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Waterfall, Rainbow Falls and Arwah Caves, among others. Cherrapunji has some beautiful viewpoints as well that are perfect for spending some quiet time in the lap of nature.

• Distance between Shillong and Cherrapunji: 54 km
• Route: Shillong – Mawphlang – Mawsynram – Cherrapunji
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Duration: 5-6 days

7. Manali to Spiti Valley

Manali to Spiti Valley | Cycling Routes in India

If you are a cycling enthusiast, you ought to plan a trip from Manali to Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Manali is a beautiful town located in the lap of Himalayas, while Spiti Valley is a scenic mountainous cold desert at an altitude of 9000 feet above sea level. Hence, a bike or bicycle trip from Manali to Spiti means lots of scenic views, ever-changing vistas, beautiful monasteries and mesmerizing high-altitude views.

Once you reach Spiti Valley, you can explore the place for some amazing attractions. Spiti Valley is known for the highest post office in the world, so you can send a postcard to your loved ones and surprise them. What’s more, Asia’s highest suspended bridge – Chicham, and the world’s highest motorable village – Komic, are also in Spiti Valley. If you are a photography fanatic, make sure you keep your camera handy to capture different colours of the sun-kissed Kinner Kailash mountain peaks. And if you are seeking peace, the 1000-year-old Key Monastery is a must-visit.

• Distance between Manali and Spiti Valley: 177 km
• Route: Manali – Jibhi – Rampur – Chitkul – Kalpa – Kaza – Spiti Valley
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Tough
• Duration: 6-7 days

Explore recommended places to stay in Manali

8. Udaipur to Jodhpur

Udaipur to Jodhpur | Cycling Routes in India

Known for its rich cultural heritage and history, Rajasthan is a delight to explore on a bike. The state boasts a unique combination of a desert landscape with scenic beauty, making it a wonderful place for road trips. And when you opt for a cycling trip, you get to experience a lot more when compared to any other mode of transport. From vast expanses of sand and hidden villages to stunning forts and temples, there are so many things to see on the way.

So, if you are a cycling enthusiast planning a trip to Rajasthan, a bike trip from Udaipur to Jodhpur is a wonderful option. You can experience the rural Rajasthani life and culture up close and spot many camels, mules, deer and blackbucks on the way or in the shrubs. And when you’re tired or hungry, you can take a break and enjoy some delectable Rajasthani and other local cuisines at the dhabas and other eateries on the way. Once you reach the “Blue City” Jodhpur, you can explore the popular attractions around, like Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort Museum, Mandore Garden, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, and Surpura Dam, among others.

• Distance between Udaipur and Jodhpur: 244 km
• Route: Udaipur – Kumbhalgarh – Ranakpur – Ghanerao – Korta – Bhenswara – Rohet – Jodhpur
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Duration: 6-7 days

9. Kalimpong to Zuluk

Kalimpong to Zuluk | Cycling Routes in India

Keen to experience the thrill of riding on hilly terrain? A bicycle trip from Kalimpong to Zuluk is a great option too. The route is scenic and exciting at the same time, thanks to a combination of spectacular mountain passes, deep valleys, snow-capped mountains, hairpin bends and lush greenery. There are also some food stalls on the way, so you can take short breaks and enjoy piping hot momos, Maggi and other local delicacies whenever you are feeling peckish.

A bike ride from Kalimpong to Zuluk will take you through some small hamlets like Sisney and Lingtam, among others. You can also admire lush alpine forests near Zuluk and beautiful Buddhist monasteries with colourful prayer flags on the way, all adding a hint of serenity to the route. And once you are in Zuluk, you can visit different vantage points here for some enticing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The place looks especially beautiful during spring and summer with plenty of wildflowers and herbs around.

• Distance between Kalimpong and Zuluk: 90 km
• Route: Kalimpong – Rhenock – Rongli – Zuluk
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Duration: 6-7 days

10. Munnar to Anaimalai

Munnar to Anaimalai | Cycling Routes in India

A delight for nature lovers, this picturesque cycling route will take you through some of the best landscapes of Kerala to Tamil Nadu. From emerald green tea gardens and national parks to sandalwood forests and ancient temples, there are so many things that will catch your attention on the way. You will also cross some hidden towns on the way, where you will find eateries for short breaks and refreshments.

If you are a wildlife lover, keep an eye out for monkeys, peacocks, elephants, wild boars, and other birds and animals when you’re crossing Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Mannavan Shola National Park in Kerala. Anaimalai is also home to some wildlife sanctuaries and other attractions, such as Anaimalai Tiger Reserve (Top Slip), Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Monkey Waterfall, and Aaliyar Dam Park, which are worth visiting. Anaimalai Tiger Reserve, an evergreen area and a popular vantage point in the Western Ghats, is a must-visit for nature and wildlife buffs.

• Distance between Munnar and Anaimalai: 111 km
• Route: Munnar – Gundumalai – Marayoor – Manupatti – Arasur – Anaimalai
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Duration: 4-5 days

So, what are you waiting for? Pick your favorite routes and get ready to go on a cycling tour anytime you are craving fun and adventure. After all, there’s nothing better than exploring the unexplored landscapes and hamlets in the country on a bicycle. Just make sure you pack some essentials like a change of clothes, adventure and protective gear, medicines, important papers, dry food items, water, and such so that you are never in a tough spot.