There couldn’t be a better time for you to plan a road trip in India and while you’re looking for bikes in Pune and bikes in Bangalore, how about revving up the road trip planning, so you know where you’ll take your new wheels for a spin. With international travel, a distant reality, for now, make the most of this opportunity to rediscover the sprawling vistas of your homeland.
India offers scenic road trip routes for all kinds of adventure seekers. It doesn’t matter that you’re hunting for bikes in Pune or zoom your bikes in Bangalore, an exciting road trip awaits in any direction you choose. Whether you’re looking for smooth or unpredictable terrain, mountains or beaches, days-long rides or quick spins, high altitudes or the infinite horizon, India has it all.
Here are six of the best road trips in India, each of them is an experience that will enrich your 2021 that much more!
Spiti Valley
Head north to Spiti Valley, the middle land between India and Tibet, and succumb to the embrace of the mountains. After being holed up within four walls for most of 2020, if this is the first time you’re stepping out of your home city, the mountains are what you need. Road-tripping to Spiti Valley from Delhi is a popular route taken by many avid riders of bikes in Pune. The journey is about 17 hours long, so it’s a good option when you’re looking for a long time away from the city. If views of sky-kissing mountain peaks and magical valleys aren’t enough for you, Spiti Valley also treats you to peaceful lakes and an atmosphere that reverberates with chants from the nearby monasteries. March to June is the best time to visit Spiti Valley.
Pondicherry
Looking for something shorter and sandier? The ride along East Coast Road from Chennai to Pondicherry is one you don’t want to miss. The sound of lashing waves, scenes of sparkling blue waters and swaying coconut trees will accompany you on this road trip along the Bay of Bengal. Immediately after you’re done hunting for bikes in Bangalore, this road trip could be a sweet test spin. The ride is not longer than four hours and quaint little Pondicherry is a treat to city-worn eyes. Laze the afternoon away at any of the chic cafes, stroll along the promenade and ride back after sunset. While Pondicherry calls for a visit at any time of the year, October to March is when you’ll be treated to the best coastal weather.
Hampi
While we’re talking of road trips in the south, riding to Hampi is another must-do! Especially if you’re not just into bikes in Bangalore, but also a fan of history. Road-tripping to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great option for those looking for bikes in Pune too. You can ride in from any of the nearby cities but if you pick the more popular Hyderabad route, you’ll get the taste of history in two iconic locations. The ride from the city of Nizams to Hampi is about 10 hours long and don’t forget to make room in your itinerary for ample time in the city of ruins and ancient temples. There are over 100 locations to explore and each may captivate you for longer than you thought. Plan your trip to Hampi between October to February since it can get scorching hot at other times of the year.
Cherrapunji
If you’re the kind that misses the monsoon all through the year, you need to head to “the wettest place on planet earth” – Cherrapunji, locally known as Sohra, in Meghalaya. The scenic tribal town is famous for its all-time record for the most rainfall in a calendar month in a year. Whether you’re looking for bikes in Pune or bikes in Bangalore, Cherrapunji is a perfect break away from both cities. The ride from Shillong to Cherrapunji will barely take you a couple of hours but treats you to some of the most mesmerising views in the country. Treat your eyes to rolling greens, the massive blue sky dotted with mischievous white misty clouds and have waterfalls and caves along the way for the company. Cherrapunji is an all-year-round delight, but for the absolute best time, visit between October to February.
Zuluk
If these road trip suggestions seem amateur to you and you’re up for something more challenging in 2021, you should head to Zuluk. The road trip from Kalimpong in West Bengal to this small hamlet is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Zuluk sits at 9,400 feet in the lower Himalayas in the east of Sikkim. It’s known to be one of the toughest road trips in the country and usually chosen by those who have some experience being the road, especially rugged terrain. Expect 32 hairpin bends! Now doesn’t that have you on edge? Your courage and skill for this road trip will be rewarded with views of sprawling snow-carpeted mountains and deep valleys that will leave you in a trance. Even traders from ancient times have enjoyed these views as they passed the town that aided as a transit point on the Silk Route from Tibet to India. Finding the best bikes in Pune for this road trip won’t be a task, neither will it be challenging to find bikes in Bangalore. Between August and September, it is the best time to plan this road trip.
Mussoorie
For those in Delhi and nearby cities, all roads often lead to Mussoorie when the itch for a spin strikes. This road trip is a must-do for those with bikes in Pune and bikes in Bangalore especially, if you’ve been in the city for a bit too long. The never-ending roads of Mussoorie lined by lush green trees, that even the iconic Ruskin Bond is a fan of, will have you thanking for the break away from your concrete jungle. Lovingly called the queen of hills, the picturesque valley views from this hill station have been a favourite of many throughout history. It was won by the British from the Gorkhas in the early 19th century and the hill station’s colonial past is most apparent at Landour. Don’t miss the hustle and bustle of Mall Road while you’re there and definitely gorge down some steaming momos before you finally head back to the city.
