India's Best Cycling Routes
When you want to take a really long ride, what are your options? We asked a couple of experts
Arun Katiyar and Manjula Sridhar give you the complete lowdown of India's best cycling routes.
NORTH
Manali to Leh
Medium to advanced
Over 500 km covering the range of the Himalayas, from Himachal’s valleys to Ladakh’s sparse mountain passes
“It’s is a brilliant route. Ulhas Joshi of Pune Cycle Prathishtan organises a Manali - Leh cycling trip every year. Though anyone can do the route on their own as well.” – Arun
“Probably the most beautiful route in India.” - Manjula
NORTH-EAST
Many parts of Sikkim
Advanced
“Lots of people do this route every year, though its meant for advanced cyclists and requires some training.” - Arun
WEST
"Many routes in Gujarat in and around Mount Abu" - Arun
Around the Alibag coast
Beginner
“Its very even territory to cycle on, though windy.” - Arun
Goa
Beginner
“Cycling is fabulous in Goa with its great streets. There is a Goa Cycling Group run by a Canadian woman which organizes regular weekly cycling events.” - Arun
Pune to Panshet Dam via Sinhagarh
Medium
About 100 km
“One of the best routes in India. The route is quite rolling as you have to climb Simhagarh fort. But it offers a great view of Panshet Dam throughout - at first just a blueish speck on the horizon which later on turns to blue waters on both sides of the route. On your final ascent you climb the hill leading to the dam with the backwaters of the dam all around you. The blueish green waters are almost New Zealand like. By the time the sun sets in the evening you are surrounded by rolling hills and clear waters all around you.” - Manjula
SOUTH
Tour of Nilgiris
Medium
A once in a year tour covering 900 km over 8 days (tourofnilgiris.com)
Ooty and thereabouts
Beginner
“The tea estates around Ooty, Coonoor, Craigmore, Palanniappa are a great place for anyone to cycle.” – Arun
“Ooty routes offer lots of hills, cool weather and lakes all around.” – Manjula
Irpu to Ooty
Medium
“All around you are the forests of Wayanad which offer great views. In addition you will also encounter wild animals many times.” - Manjula
“Take a break in Sulthan Bathaery to rest.” - Manjula
The East Coast Road from Chennai to Pondicherry
