Avid motorcycle enthusiasts are generally season agnostic and would undertake a ride even if the weather conditions aren’t favourable. Even so, while summers and monsoons present many challenges, winters are known to be kinder to the riders. That does not mean there won’t be any challenges in the winners, but they are generally easier to deal with. If you are a motorcyclist, you will probably agree that winters are probably the best time to ride. Now India being a megadiverse nation, there’s no dearth of destinations to ride to through the year. There are, however, some destinations that lend themselves to be ridden to better in winter as compared to other seasons. So, for those of you who are itching to undertake a longish ride during the winter months, we have jotted down a list of the top 10 destinations you can ride to in India. Pull your winter gear out and get ready to saddle up.
Hampi
Visiting this South Indian destination in any other season would witness
you braving scorching heat or torrential rains, making winter the best
season to visit this UNESCO world heritage site. If you are based out of
central or southern parts of India, riding to Hampi will be a day’s work.
The ride will be pleasant throughout and you won’t have to go through
extreme temperatures or rains. It will be a manageable ride for non-experts
as well. Hampi's ruins are spread over 4,100 hectares and are home to
forts, riverside features, royal complexes, temples, shrines, pillared
halls, mandapas, memorial structures, water structures and others. Hampi
was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th Century,
making it a historical destination, so if you are a history buff, you would
absolutely relish your time here.
Goa
The party capital of India, Goa, as you know, is home to several beaches as
well as a whole bunch of architectural marvels. While the state has its own
charm during the rains when everything is lush green and wet, the
accompanying humidity isn’t to everyone's liking. Winters, therefore,
present themselves as the ideal time of the year if you want to visit Goa.
If you are riding in December, there are quite a few attractions that will
keep you entertained as well. India Bike Week, Sunburn and the Carnival are
just a few we can name. Like Hampi, Goa will be at most a day’s ride from
most of the Southern and Central parts of India. If you are not a party
animal, you can visit the calmer and serene beaches of South Goa. You can
also soak in the architectural beauty of the various churches and temples
surrounded by lush greenery.
Andaman & Nicobar
A bike to Andaman? Well, yes you can do that. All you need to do is ride to
Vizag, load your bike onto a boat and ferry down to the islands. This is a
unique experience and an adventure at a different level. Not only that, but
you will also get to ride on the beautiful island roads running parallel to
the crystal-clear sea. Winters make the island pleasant and the humidity
bearable. Andaman is one of the crown jewels of India and you will find
some of the best white sand beaches here. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands
are home to some of the best coral reefs and marine life in the world.
Also, if underwater diving is on your bucket list, you get to tick that off
as well. Two for one!
Munnar
Munnar is another South Indian destination best visited in winters.
Situated in God’s Own Country – Kerala, Munnar is a haven for nature
lovers. After a long day’s ride, one can unwind right in the lap of nature.
Plenty of greenery, serene lakes and calm backwaters is what Munnar has in
store for you. Along with its picturesque, sprawling tea estates, Munnar
has quite a few sightseeing locations as well. Blossom Park, Attukad
Waterfalls, Pothamedu Viewpoint, spice plantations, Headworks Dam are just
some of the numerous highlights this gem has in store for you. The natural
and calm landscapes will leave one’s soul refreshed and rejuvenated.
Rann of Kutch
Well, you obviously can’t ride to the deserts in the scorching heat of the
summers and the monsoons make it impossible to enjoy the white sands. In
the winters, though, there is no excuse for one to ignore this beautiful
destination. Besides offering enjoyable weather, the winters also bring
with them the Rann Utsav. This iconic festival spans from October to
February every year. The whole desert turns into a tent city where one can
enjoy the delightful experience of glamping. One can experience the rich
tradition and culture of Gujarat along with some magical music and
authentic cuisine. It’s a perfect way to end the year on a positive,
musical, and colourful note.
Jaipur
This one’s the last “warm” place to visit during the winters on this list
and is best visited during the winters. The weather during the winter
months in Jaipur is beautiful and can get even chilly as the sun disappears
in the horizon. The Pink City has a whole bunch of delicacies to quench
your appetite for history, art, culture, and architecture. The heritage
forts will teach you a lesson or two about the kingdoms of Rajasthan, and
the iconic monuments will give you a deeper understanding of the rich
Rajasthani culture. Jaipur is also pretty accessible and is just a day’s
ride away from most Northern and Central states of India. The roads
approaching the city are well laid out and a delight to ride on.
Nainital
Riding to Nainital is one exhilarating experience. As you make your
progress towards Nainital, wide highways will turn into narrow roads
flanked by tall, lush green trees. The excitement of arriving at a
destination with the cool wind blowing against your visor and tickling you
on the neck is a one-of-a-kind feeling. One of Uttarakhand’s crown jewels,
Nainital is home to majestic mountains and the enchanting Nainital lake.
Once you have soaked in the mystical scenery, you can unwind on a boat
ride. If you like the cold but cannot tolerate the snow, Nainital is a
great place for you. There are numerous activities that you can carry out
in and around this town, including cafe hopping, safaris, ropeways and much
more!
Another charming destination from Uttarakhand, and another journey that will be very memorable. Auli is home to Apple orchards, Oak trees, and tall Pines. The snow-covered trees and rooftops of the old houses in Auli make it a picture-perfect winter town. It offers views of the majestic Nanda Devi – the second highest peak in India. Besides being a natural beauty, Auli is also the skiing capital of India. Once you reach this beautiful town, you will have the option to replace your two-wheels with a pair of skis to slide down the slopes of the magnificent hill city. If you are not feeling adventurous enough, you can take a ride on the Auli Ropeway which is one of the highest and longest ropeways in India. The ropeway covers 4 km through snow-capped mountains, dense oak forests and mind-blowing views of the Garhwal mountains
Manali
Manali is a popular destination among tourists. You can ride here with
friends, or solo as well. If you reside in the Central and Southern parts
of India, visiting Manali is going to be a magical experience for you.
Doing it on a motorcycle, even more so. If you are feeling even more
adventurous after your long ride, you can indulge yourself in skiing and
whip past the snow like you breezed past the highways. If you are feeling
lazy, take the cable car ride and immerse yourself in the picturesque views
of the Himachal landscapes.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg might be one of the reasons why Kashmir is known as the paradise on
earth. Riding to Gulmarg is an experience of its own which cannot be
expressed in words. The scenic beauty of this place is surreal. With its
snow-clad forests, and the views of the mighty Himalayas, Gulmarg has some
exotic views to offer to the avid traveller. What’s more, where you cannot
ride your two-wheelers, you can ride a snowmobile. Now, that’s something
that should be on your bucket list. You can indulge in a lot of winter
adventure activities too, including skiing. The Maharani Temple, Maharaja
Palace and St. Mary’s Church are some of the architectural points of
interest you can visit. If you are still not satisfied, take the Gondola
ride to the Apharwat Peak which is approximately. 13,000 feet high.
Which one interests you the most? Do let us know in the comments section. Also, whichever of the above destinations you decide to ride to ensure that you are fully geared before you swing a leg around your bike, and always, always, ride safe!
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