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BEST PLACES FOR BIKE RIDING IN INDIA

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BEST PLACES FOR BIKE RIDING IN INDIA

Bikers get their share of wisdom while they embark on a journey with their sweethearts AND by that I mean their beloved bikes. Bike ride duration is the time to unleash the explorer in them and mend roads to self discovery. For such passionate bike riders, India seems to be the perfect match as it can offer such experience that practically has no match. Whether it is the highest snow-clad peaks of the Himalaya, the dense forests of North East or the most deserted places of Rajasthan; motorbike tours in India not only provide easy access to remote places but also helps in understanding the country’s diversity better.

LADDAKH, JAMMY & KASHMIR

Ladakh can be the dream bike riding destination in India. Blessed with such mesmerizing beauty this region of Jammu & Kashmir state is a challenge that any crazy-adventurous bike rider would like to take. The trail being rugged, the weather being rough and unpredictable and cherry on top the continuous risk of landslides and other hazards keep the riders on their toes. Ladakh is the land of beautiful lakes, high mountain passes, Buddhist monasteries and meandering roads that are mostly unpaved. Therefore while planning a ride here, one is spoilt for choices but what you must know that you can never make a bad choice as each trail has its perks and thrills.

Ideal Route: Manali – Rohtang La – Tandi/Keylong – Darcha – Sarchu – Tanglang La – Upshi – Leh (from Leh one can take separate routes to Khardungla and Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri and Hemis) – Lamayuru – Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Srinagar – Patnitop – Chandigarh

Best Riding Season: Mid June to Mid October

SPITI VALLEY, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Another challenging and similar trail for bike riding in India can be found in Spiti Valley. Part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti has a lot of resemblance to Ladakh. So, if you could not plan a bike ride trip to Ladakh, you can conveniently settle for Spiti Valley as it allows the almost the same kind of adrenaline rush. In fact, the Hindustan-Tibet highway that leads into Spiti valley ensures that doze of thrill remain consistence all through for a rider. It is on this ride that you can approach the highest villages of the Asia. Kibber, Kaza, Tabo, Spiti and Pin valley make up for some visually attractive remote places and the Baspa and Kinnaur regions act as great destinations for nature lovers who can enjoy the beauty of apricot and apple orchards, Satluj river views and snow capped monasteries.

Ideal Route: Shimla – Sarhan – Sangla – Chitkul – Baspa – Kinnaur – Recong Peo – Kalpa – Kaza – Tabo – Spiti – Keylong – Manali

Best Riding Season: Mid June to Mid October

WESTERN ARUNACHAL PRADESH

With its most humbling landscape, Western Arunachal Pradesh is one of the best places for bike ride in India. Yes, there are high chances that you would find unpaved roads and landslides all through the journey but the nature’s beauty compensates for everything here. Waterfalls, terraced paddy fields, alpine forests, mountain streams, small human settlements, now covered roads (in winter) and the opportunity to witness unique tribal culture makes this high altitude route an irresistible one  for an adventurist. Bomdila, Dirang, Tawang, Gorshem Chorten, Ziro, Parsuram Kund and Namdapha National Park are the part of this paradise called Western Arunachal Pradesh.

Ideal Route: Bhalupkong – Dirang – Bomdila – Tawang

Best Riding Season: March to May or October to November

JAIPUR - JAISALMER

If you can endure some harsh and challenging roads, this one should be an easy-peasy for you. However, the desert can be tricky sometime but what is life without a couple of risks and challenges, right? During the bike ride enjoy the rich culture of Rajasthan and the hospitality of the people of the state. The roads are paved, a few pits here and there is a part of any bike trip in India. However, what will catch your eyes the most is landscape that has the mix of brown and green hues. While passing through the rural Rajasthan, one has the opportunity to learn about living life without the modern amenities, also the local cuisine taste the best in these rural settlements. Of course the Rajputana architecture will follow you everywhere.

Ideal Route: Jaipur – Nagaur – Jodhpur – Ramdevra – Jaisalmer

Best Riding Season: October to February

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BEST CARRY ALONG TRAVEL FOOD FOR VEGETARIANS

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In the good old childhood days, when we made long journeys by train, we carried our food for the whole journey. Yes, the food, fruits, and chai vendors popped up at every station. If there was Agra petha at Agra station, there was Sweet Milk at Bhopal Station, and Mathura Peda at Mathura Junction. Travel food for vegetarians was never a problem.

We used to love observing the size of Bananas going shorter as you move south. Picking up oranges at Nagpur, Jhalmuri at Bengal stations, or eating Dosas at Manmad station are some of my fondest travel memories.

dry potato sabzi and poori were my favorite travel foods. Neatly packed in old cardboard sweet boxes that could be disposed of once used, Poori and aloo sabzi survived easily for 2-3 days depending upon the weather.

Water was always from the public taps in railway stations. Bottled water was yet to become mainstream and food delivery apps were in the realm of science fiction.

Switch to the third decade of the 21st century, we are flooded with food options while traveling. There are more outlets than we can explore at airports and railway stations. Add to it the food delivery apps that deliver you anything you wish to eat. But, the quality of food is deteriorating so fast that I have again started carrying my own food. I discovered that I am not alone, many people have started doing it again – going back to their childhood ways.

Best Travel Food For Vegetarians

As usual, I asked my Twitter family, what is their favorite food to carry along. Here is a list that came up:

Theplas and Khakharas

Bless the vegetarian Gujjus for inventing these absolutely travel-friendly dishes. I knew Theplas but discovered them as travel food when I was based in Goa. Gujarati ladies in our neighborhood used to sell a pack of 5-6 Theplas with a bite of pickle inside them. It was perfect to pack one such pack per person. Theplas easily last for 4-5 days. Just pull out one, roll it, and eat it. A complete food that requires no paraphernalia.

Khakharas are even easier to find now. Every supermarket has them. Earlier, they used to be larger in size, breaking easily. Now, you can find them in small shapes that are easy to consume on the move. They are dry in comparison to Theplas, but if you are a vegetarian traveling to primarily non-vegetarian countries, they are a must-pack in your luggage.

Aalu Puri with Pickle – Travel food for Vegetarians

As I already mentioned, this is an easy-to-make and long-lasting food. Like Theplas, you can just eat them out of the box you carry them in. Fried puris taste as good when they are cold as they do when they come out piping hot from the frying pan.

As a North Indian, my favorite go-to pickle with this combo is Mango.

You can have your own variations of this combo like you can have Gobhi or Peas or Matar added to the sabzi. Ajwain Puri tastes very good. You can have Palak or Pumpkin puri if you have enough time to prepare them before travel.

Sattu

I discovered Sattu on a road trip in Bihar. Sattu is nothing but finely ground-roasted chana. Just add water, salt, sugar, or jaggery as per your choice and you have a fulfilling healthy drink in your hands.

If you have access, you can add lemon juice, finely chopped onions, and fresh green chilies.

Feel free to try your own version of Sattu. It is easy to carry, and a healthy and comfortable drink, especially in summer. Epic Mahabharat also mentions Sattu and Malpua as the two foods that travelers used to carry with them. So, this is an age-old living tradition.

Nuts – Travel food for Vegetarians

For snacking, just carry a box of nuts – almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts. You can add your seeds if you like. Easy to eat and they keep you charged for a long time.

Remember, many combat professionals carry only nuts with them.