So, you want to go for a bike trip in India? Following are ten of the best roads in India for a bike trip. You will not find smooth stretches everywhere, but that is a good thing. Smooth roads, after all, do not make a good biker. Roads in India are not finely constructed for drivers, but the same cannot be said with respect to what the bikers get to ride on. Riding a bike in India is a learning experience. No wonder, every year, several thousand bikers take a road trip along with their better halves, i.e., their bikes. Whether it is riding in the Himalayas, in the Northeast, in the desert, or along a coast, bike trips in India not only allows a rider to understand the countryas vibrant diversity in a better way, but also allows a rider to access remote locations which are off the tourist radar.

1. Manali to Ladakh -

Manali to Ladakh is the most popular bike trip in the country, without any doubt. Split between Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, the roads offer scintillating view of the gigantic mountains. But along with its breath-taking beauty, bikers are welcomed with a bevy of adventures. It is not just the roadway that imposes difficulties for bike riders, but also the unpredictable (bipolar?) weather and the risk of natural hazards. The best time for a bike trip from Manali to Ladakh is from June to September.

Best route: Manali - Rohtang La - Tandi/Keylong - Darcha - Sarchu - Tanglang La - Upshi - Ladakh

Distance - 473 kilometres approx.

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A bike parked in the tranquility of Rann of Kutch

2. Ahmedabad to Kutch -

For maverick bikers, a bike trip from Ahmedabad to Kutch is highly sought after. Filled with challenges and one of a kind beauty, the route will take you from a bustling city of Ahmedabad to the white salt desert in the Rann of Kutch. On your way, you will come across remote villages, salt marsh land, a wild ass sanctuary et cetera. The best time for a bike trip from Ahmedabad to Kutch is from November to February.

Best route: Ahmedabad - Surendranagar a Bhuj - Little Rann of Kutch - Great Rann of Kutch

Distance - 400 kilometres approx.

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One of the 70 continuous hairpin bends on the way to Kolli Hills

3. Bangalore to Kolli Hills -

Nestled in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, this route is bound to give any biker regular shots of adrenaline rush. A beautiful hill station in the Eastern coast of the state, Kolli Hills is an offbeat destination for a weekend getaway in the country. On the way, one gets to go through 70 hairpin bends on the trot, enough to make any biker exuberant. Upon reaching the destination, one is greeted by a waterfall and pineapple farms. The best time for a bike trip from Salem to Kolli Hills is anytime of the year.

Best route: Bangalore - Hosur - Dharmapuri - Salem - Rasipuram - Kolli Hills

Distance - 257 kilometres approx.

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A bike parked in the backdrop of the mountains, somewhere in Arunachal Pradesh

4. Tezpur to Tawang -

Albeit not as developed (in terms of infrastructure) as the rest of the country, Northeast India will surprise you with its well paved roads and its raw beauty a both at the same time. Starting from Tezpur in Assam to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, there will stretches of unpaved roads (vulnerable to landslides), but your thoughts would be somewhere else. With the presence of waterfalls, alpine forests, a bevy of small human settlements, and paddy fields make this route one of the best for any biker. The best time for a bike trip from Tezpur to Tawang is from October to November and from March to May.

Best route: Tezpur - Hosur - Dirang - Bomdila a Tawang

Distance - 323 kilometres approx.

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A biker witnessing sunset while riding in the desert region of Jaisalmer

5. Jaipur to Jaisalmer -

If a biker can endure the difficult and challenging roads on the way from Manali to Ladakh, a bike trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer would be relatively easy. Located in the stunning state of Rajasthan, the roadways (or the lack of it) can impose a surprising threat, making the trip a little risky. But what is life without a little bit of risk? Enjoy riding alongside camels in the desert, passing by villages and towns, and seeing Rajputana forts displaying rich heritage of Rajasthani Architecture.

The best time for a bike trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer is from November to February.

Best route: Jaipur - Ajmer - Beawar - Jodhpur - Pokhran - Jaisalmer

Distance - 560 kilometres approx.

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A turn at National Highway 66, showcasing the sheer beauty if the landscape

6. National Highway 66 -

Running parallel (metamorphically speaking) to the Westen Coast, National Highway 66 (formerly called National Highway 17) is quite possibly the best road trip for a biker to make. Starting from Panvel in Maharashtra to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, National Highway 66 covers five states - Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. But the most popular stretch is from Panvel to Goa. The best time for a bike trip through National Highway 66 is from October to February.

Best route: Just keep riding straight on National Highway 66

Distance a 1,622 kilometres approx.

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A biker taking some rest as he soaks in the beauty of the nature whilst riding towards East Khasi Hi

7. Guwahati to East Khasi Hills -

Quietly nestled in the Northeast - Guwahati in Assam and East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya - a bike trip from Guwahati to East Khasi Hills is a route that is extremely underrated. Beginning from Guwahati, the bike trip will take you through the stunning city of Shillong and the wettest place on the planet, Cherrapunji, until you reach the East Khasi Hills. If you have got some fuel and excitement, the road can take you to Mawlynnong - the cleanest village in India. The best time for a bike trip from Guwahati to East Khasi Hills is from October to February.

Best Route: Guwahati - Pahammawlein - Mawla Mawiong - Shillong - Mylliem a Mawjrong - Cherrapunji - East Khasi Hills

Distance - 150 kilometres approx.

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A ride through Jim Corbett National Park can surprise you

8. New Delhi to Nainital via Jim Corbett National Park -

This route will keep on becoming more scenic as soon as you enter Uttarakhand, until you reach Nainital. The fruit orchards and the lush green surrounding could make you feel like Alice in Wonderland. The meandering roads coupled with sharp turns at regular intervals are enough to give any maverick biker the adventure they seek. Taking a longer route via Jim Corbett National Park is advisable, for it will only make your trip more adventurous. The best time for a bike trip from New Delhi to Nainital is from October to April.

Best route: New Delhi - Meerut - Bijnor - Dhampur a Kashipur a Ramnagar a Nainital

Distance - 350 kilometres approx.

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Vazhachal Forest gives an eerie feeling

9. Pollachi to Vazhachal Forest or Chalakudy -

The southern part of India has developed some ethereal roads that could make any biker feel like they are in heaven. Split between the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the route is full of lush green tress on either side of the road. From Pollachi and Chalakudy, riders can ride along the tropical rainforests which comes to life during the monsoon season. The road passes through several waterfalls, reservoirs and dams. The best thing about this trip would be the sightings of wild animals, as one route is a part of Vazhachal Forest Reserve, and one part of the route is a part of Anaimalai Tiger Reserve. The best time for a bike trip from Valparai to Vazhachal Forest is throughout the year.

Best Route: Pollachi - Valparai - Vazhachal - Athirapally a Chalakudy

Distance a 135 to 165 kilometres approx.

We do not encourage riders (including pillion) to ride a bike without wearing a helmet.

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A group of bikers taking a breaking and posing for a picture in Sikkim

10. Darjeeling to Sikkim -

One of the most popular bike trips to make in India is from Darjeeling, located in West Bengal, to Sikkim. The steep roads are enough to give any biker adrenaline rushes. Whether you are a nature lover or an adventure freak, this bike trip will be a treat for your mind, body, and soul. Do not be surprised when you see Mt. Kanchenjunga on your way to Sikkim (unless the weather spoils the view). The best time for a bike trip from Darjeeling to Sikkim is from March to June.

Best Route: Darjeeling - Kalimpong - Gangtok - Pelling

Photo: Prabhu B Doss , Saurabh Chatterjee, Ashok s p, Sumit Bajaj, shymal nandy, abhinav bajaj, Hrishikesh Sharma, Ashish Gupta, Tachu Kochi, Rajib Bhattacharjee