Bicycle tours in India are becoming increasingly popular as more and more travelers choose to get off the beaten track. It’s a novel and adventurous way of experiencing India. While short one or half-day city tours are possible in some places, multi-day trips will take you out into India’s unforgettable rural countryside. While some of the trips require a high degree of fitness, many of them are relaxed and suitable for most people. Here’s the pick of what’s available.

Rajasthan

If you enjoy being active, then jump on a bicycle and explore Rajasthan on an epic new 15-day tour! You won’t be cycling the whole journey; however, you’ll have fabulous opportunities to cycle in most destinations, including visits to some remote rural communities. The itinerary includes Delhi, Udaipur, Jhadol, Jodhpur, Chandelao Garh, Jaipur and Amber Fort, Sawarda, Tordi Garh, Ranthambore National Park, Karauli, and Agra.

Delhi

To experience a unique aspect of Delhi, take to the streets on a bicycle and immerse yourself in the colorful ambiance! Delhi By Cycle offers a range of bicycle tours throughout the city, including tours through vibrant areas of Old Delhi and New Delhi, allowing you to explore different corners of the city. Tours begin early to avoid traffic congestion.

Kochi, Kerala

Consider exploring Fort Kochi on a bicycle! The Art of Bicycle Trips offers early morning small group tours around Fort Kochi and the Old City. You’ll learn about the rich history of this 500-year-old city, see the Indo-Portuguese Museum to understand the colonial influence, and visit notable sites such as the Dutch Cemetery and the renowned Chinese fishing nets. The scenic route includes Kochi’s bustling fish market and the main bazaar, renowned for tea, nuts, and spices.

Kerala

For those wanting to enjoy more of Kerala, there are numerous longer duration casual and premium private bicycle tours provided by Kerala Bicycle Trips. Their 10-day Spice Trail Tour starts and ends at Kochi, spanning secluded villages, the tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations of Munnar, Periyar National Park, the Kerala backwaters, and pristine Marari beach. Expect numerous encounters with nature and wildlife along the way.

Mumbai

Experience iconic landmarks in Mumbai on a four-hour early morning small group bicycle tour. This tour begins in the historic 18th century Fort district, proceeding to the Victorian Gothic architecture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus), and continues to vibrant local markets such as Crawford Market, Kalbadevi, and Bhuleshwar. Along the way, you will visit Bombay Panjrapole cow shelter and Mumbadevi Temple, while enjoying Marine Drive on the route to Sassoon Dock.

Pondicherry

In partnership with My Vintage Bicyclette, Sita Cultural Center offers early morning bicycle tours of Pondicherry. This guided tour reveals insightful stories about the town and explores various districts, including the colorful houses of the Muslim quarter, Goubert Market, Kuruchikuppam (fishermen’s village), and Beach Road.

Rural Odisha

Grass Routes Journeys offers meaningful travel experiences in Odisha, providing tourists the opportunity to engage with local communities. Their easy bicycle tour leads you through rural roads, picturesque villages with traditional mud huts, and the renowned Raghurajpur handicraft village, where every resident is an artisan, many of whom have earned national awards for their crafts.

Rural Karnataka, around Bangalore

The Art of Bicycle Trips also offers fantastic bicycle journeys through the scenic rural countryside around Bangalore, catering to varying rider levels. The full-day Passage to India tour highlights sites like a 400-year-old Banyan tree and exquisite wooden toys crafted at Channapatna, including tasting local Kannadiga cuisine. The half-day Morning Raga tour features dusty village roads and past picturesque landscapes like vegetable gardens and mango orchards.

Sikkim and Darjeeling

Another fascinating tour from the Art of Bicycle Trips is designed for fit and active riders! Starting from Gangtok in Sikkim, you’ll experience riding from one mountain to another over 10 days, surrounded by terraced fields, dense forests, and echoing monastery chants. Notable highlights include Rumtek Monastery, Temi Tea Garden, Yuksom village, Pemayangtse Monastery, and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga Range at Pelling.

Jaipur

Cyclin’ Jaipur, started by two French women, offers casual bicycle tours along three scenic routes in the Pink City of Jaipur. You can choose to explore the Maharaja’s heritage, a mix of modern and traditional bazaars, and places of worship, or wander the narrow streets of the Old City, including a meal with a local family. Tours depart daily at 7 a.m. from the Karnot Mahal heritage hotel.