Have you ever thought how exciting it can be to explore India's dramatic terrain on your bike? Yes, the thought of it might just raise your hair stand on end, but since the beauty of travel lies more in your journey rather than just the destination, the idea just cannot go unnoticed. Traversing the Indian villages, cities, landscapes can be a terrific idea to raise that thrill in you. Get acquainted with some of the best roads and try to cover India's vast length on your bike. Defy the tradition of the security and put on the bike gear to make a journey from sparkling oceanic waves of Kanyakumari to the mountains and valleys of Kashmir with this Kanyakumari to Kashmir road trip.
1. Kanyakumari to Trivandrum
Image Source: Arul Jegadish/Flickr
Start your journey from the small town of Kanyakumari which is the meeting point of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The town is located on the farthest end of India from where you can start the upward journey for Trivandrum. The journey shall be replete with views of coconut groves and oceanic waters. Some of the best picturesque locations in India happen to be here!
Route: NH47
Distance: 90 Km
Where to Stay: Mascot Hotel, Hyacinth by Sparsa, Ideal Ayurvedic Resort
2. Trivandrum to Kochi
Image Source: Tim Moffatt/Flickr
Take a halt at Kochi, the vibrant city that is situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet "Queen of the Arabian Sea". The journey from Trivandrum to Kochi can offer you mesmerizing natural charms with all the colonial buildings making their presence felt in between.
Route: NH47
Distance: 200 km
Where to Stay: Hotel Pearl Palace, The International Hotel, Highway Garden Hotel
3. Kochi to Kannur
Image Source: Sandeep Gangadharan/Flickr
Surrounded by the Western Ghats in the east and the Lakshadweep Sea in the west, Kannur displays its remarkable history in the ancient forts, old shrines and august cultural and educational institutions that embellish its scenic landscape. The journey can introduce you to the best of South India and its natural beauty.
Route: NH17
Distance: 270 Km
Where to Stay: Costa Malabari, Kairali Heritage, Blue Mermaid Homestay
4. Kannur to Goa
Image Source: Vir Nakai/Flickr
With Goa, you enter the Western India leaving the shores of South Indian sea behind. Stay some at time at this Indian International destination that has claimed its fame with its beaches and Goan culture. Here, the roads might not be very friendly but then the views would be awesome!
Route: NH17
Distance: 600 km
Where to Stay: Coco Goa, Leela Kempinski, Resort De Coracao
5. Goa to Pune
Image Source: Ashwin Kumar/Flickr
Pune to Goa route is suffused with lush green Konkan vegetation. Your journey shall be comfortable and scenic. However, at times, there can be rainfalls to interrupt your bike journey. But the meandering roads bordered with dense trees shall compensate for it. In between the Satara highway is the best to travel. Although he journey will be long yet it will land you to the cultural and cosmopolitan city of Maharastra, Pune.
Route: NH4 and 17
Distance: 500 km
Where to stay: Sun and Sand Pune, The Corinthian Resorts and club, Hyatt
6. Pune to Nasik
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The road conditions are quite decent from Pune to Nashik. If you don't mind a few extra kilometers, the Pune-Kalyan-Nasik route is your best bet. Even though the route is longer, you reach nashik within 4.5 hours as compared to the usual 5-6 hours by the regular Pune-Narayangaon-Sagamner-Sinnar-Nashik route.
Route: NH50
Distance: 210 km
Where to stay: Express Inn, Rama Heritage, Ginger Hotel
7. Nasik to Vadodara
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hop over from Maharastra to Gujarat, the land of varied hues. Today, this state boasts of best routes and road conditions thanks to recent revamping. Whats more? The routes are safe and can put any European road views to shame. You will have to go via Saputara, Kharel Chowkdi, Navsari, Surat and ultimately reaching Vadodara. Check out the best places to visit in Gujarat!!
Route: NH 8
Distance: 365 km
Where to Stay: Rajvant Palace Resort, Royal Orchid Central, Surya Hotel
8. Vadodara to Udaipur
Image Source: Francisco Anzola/Flickr
With Udaipur you enter the terrain of Rajasthan that has always enticed people with its majestic palaces, golden sand dunes and red hue of the spices. The journey might be long so prepare thoroughly with your apps and bike gear. After all you are crossing two of the largest states in India.
Route: NH8
Distance: 370 km
Where to Stay: Trident Udaipur, The Aravali Tent Resort, Gold Leaf Hotel
9. Udaipur to Jaipur
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Explore further the land of Rajasthan where every palace, every structure preserves a story or an empire. In between the route, there are many dhabas that shall introduce to the local flavours and forms of food. And then stop at Jaipur to wonder at the pink hue that envelops the city and its architecture.
Route: NH 8, 79 & 76
Distance: 380 kms
Where to Stay: Savi Regency Hotel, Chokhi Dhani Jaipur, Hotel Mansagar
10. Jaipur to Delhi
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Jaipur- Agra - Delhi route is considered to be the golden triangle that introduces you to Indias most important historic cities. Reflecting the many colors and flavors of India's eclectic composition, contemporary Delhi is one place where you will be inspired, amazed, fascinated and impressed at every corner. There are many historic structures that you can visit while you make a stopover in the medieval city- The India Gate, Red Fort, Jam Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Kutub Minar, Jantar-Mantar, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Akshardham Temple and Bahai Temple. Agra, on the other hand will introduce you to what India is famous for- the Taj Mahal.
Route: NH8
Distance: 270 km
Where to Stay: Le Meridian New Delhi, The Oberoi, ITC Maurya Hotel
11. Delhi to Jalandhar
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get introduced to the best of North Indian cuisine at Delhi - Jalandhar route. The roads might be bumpy but then there will be lipsmacking food to compensate for it. This route boasts of some of the best highway dhabas you can find in India.
Route: NH1
Distance: 400km
Where to Stay: Grand Lilly Resorts, Ramada Jalandhar, Leo Fort Hotel
12. Jalandhar to Udhampur
Image Source: Wikipedia Commons
Enter the district of Udhampur that acts as a gateway to most of the mountainous Himalayan region in India. Its one of those places from where you can also go to the famous shrine of Vaishno Devi. Katra is situated at a distance of about 35 km from Udhampur and serves as the base camp to reach the sacred sanctum of the Vaishno Devi.
Route: NH 1A, 15
Distance: 275 km
Where to Stay: Hotel Devika, Pine Villa Guest House, Samrat Hotel
13. Udhampur to Srinagar
Image Source: McKay Savage/Flickr
This is one journey that can prove to be unforgettable for you. The beautiful narrow roads shall take you to the region of Kashmir, the ultimate paradise in India. Endowed with nature that does not need any phrases to immortalize it, Srinagar will welcome you with all its pristine charm.
Route: NH1A
Distance: 250 km
Where to Stay: Jamal Resorts, Hotel Kashmir Royale Resorts, Moonvalley Houseboat
14. Srinagar to Kargil
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Usually the Srinagar - Leh circuit is covered in the span of two days with a night stop at Kargil, however you can make it a three day journey with another night stop at either Alchi or Lamayuru. A few kms beyond Drass is the Drass war memorial, built in the memory of fallen soldiers in the 1999 Kargil war and a must visit for every traveler passing through this route. From here it is a straight run to Kargil and you will be there in less than an hours time. Kargil is the intended pit stop for the majority of travelers and thus has quite a few accommodation options.
Route: NH1D
Distance: 220km
Where to Stay: Hotel Siachen, Hotel Jan Palace, The Kargil Continental
15. Kargil to Leh
Image Source: Saad Faruque/Flickr
From Kargil, you shall have to take a road to Lamayuru and then to Hangro Loops, the 18 loops are fast yet sharp loops with steep gorges. You will have to drive carefully here. Next major attraction comes in the form of Gurudwara Patthar Sahib located in the town of Nimmu (55kms from Leh), beyond which its fast and straight forward drive/ride to Leh.
Route: Srinagar-Leh Highway
Distance: 270 km
Where to Stay: Ule Ethnic Resort, The Grand Dragon, Ladakh Sarai Resort
Well you won't believe that in this journey you would have covered atleast 6000 km! However, do keep in mind that there are certain bike gear essentials that you need to equip yourself with in this journey- Medicines, winter clothing, gloves, socks, rain capes, polythene sheets/bags, shoes, tool kit, petrol cans, engine oil, maps, torch, lighter, candles, scissor, knife, air pump, goggles, camera with extra memory cards, tissue paper, dry eatables and water.
"Miles to go before I sleep"- Do you want to take up this lifetime journey: Let us know!
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