If you’re sick of the nine to five, bored of dinner parties, and done with weekend DIY, then it’s time I let you in on a secret: there’s no better way to inject a big hit of adventure into your life than travelling by motorcycle in India.
In fact, exploring this magnificent country is guaranteed to change the way you look at the world for the better. And don’t worry, we’re not talking about indulging in any Ravi Shankar-style transcendental Meditation, we’ll leave that to the Beatles.
No, as the proud holder of a motorcycle licence, you get to immerse yourself in the splendour of India, its kaleidoscope of landscapes, vibrant cultures, and untamed wilderness in the best way possible, on two wheels.
From the majesty of the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan, you’ll return from your adventure having experienced humanity and the world it inhabits at its most diverse, unpredictable, and inspiring. It’ll certainly put the daily commute into perspective.
So, to help fuel your wanderlust, we caught up with Narendra from Indian Rides, a tour company that has specialised in leading unforgettable adventures in the country for more than 20 years.
Narendra gave us the inside scoop on what you can look forward to on your own motorcycle tour of India, and how the cultural and sensory overload you’ll experience will change your life for the better. Here’s what he had to say…
“You’ll leave your comfort zone and be capable of more than you ever imagined”
“On a motorcycle tour of India every mile unveils a mesmerising blend of colours, cultures, art, and architecture. The remarkable size and diversity of the country means you have a vast range of experiences to choose from.
You’ll be engulfed by the vivid hues of saris, the aromatic allure of incense, and the enchanting ambiance of temples. You’ll be taken out of your comfort zone from the very start, but the sense of achievement of overcoming the challenges you face will stay with your forever.
And while this is a good thing, the dazzling array of experiences to be had can also be overwhelming for some. This is why riding on an organised tour is such a great way to see the country, especially if time is short.
You can concentrate on squeezing every ounce of adventure from your journey while we handle all the organisation and logistics.”
“You’ll broaden your mind on a journey through India’s fascinating history”
“It’s said that travel broadens the mind, well prepare to have yours well and truly expanded by taking a journey through India’s rich and diverse history.
But we’re not talking about visiting dusty old museums, quite the opposite. On our Indian Rides tours we explore the forts and palaces of India, giving people the opportunity to stay in some of the world’s finest and most remarkable historical structures.
After all, there’s nothing wrong in indulging in a little luxury after a brilliant day on the road, and our Maharaja experiences let you do just that.”
“You’ll rediscover what it means to have fun at India’s vibrant festivals”
“When was the last time you had fun just for the sake of it? If it’s been a while, then an Indian festival is the place to rediscover your inner child while experiencing the pulse of the nation.
Immerse yourself in the chromatic splendour of the Holi Hindu festival where you’ll throw vibrant coloured powder and water at each other just for the sheer fun of it. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop laughing.
Alternatively, revel in the luminous spectacle of the Diwali festival as Indian homes radiate with the warm glow of candles, earthen lamps, and festive lights.
You’ll be able to enjoy these celebrations alongside locals and royal families alike, unlocking an extraordinary journey filled with cultural richness and shared moments of joy.”
“You’ll test your bravery on the highest mountain passes in the world”
“India offers thrilling motorcycle rides for adventure junkies to the loftiest mountain passes in the world, where each bend reveals breath-taking panoramas.
Conquer the imposing peaks of the Himalayas as you navigate through majestic landscapes that transcend the mundane, and where there is adventure to be had at every hairpin turn.
Beyond the thrills, riding these mountain roads is an expedition of self-discovery, an epic saga where determination dances with daring.”
“You’ll reconnect with the natural world (and see tigers!)”
“India, the enchanting realm of Kipling’s The Jungle Book and the iconic Bengal tiger, is a paradise for wildlife and adventure enthusiasts alike.
When we were planning our tours, we wanted our customers to experience India’s incredible wildlife on motorcycle safari tours. You can roam diverse landscapes, from the famed Ranthambore to the lush Kanha, encountering a tapestry of animals while staying in opulent safari camps on our Central India motorcycle tours.
There’s nothing quite like seeing a tiger in the wild to reconnect with nature, and help you feel better connected to this planet we call home.”
“Embrace the cultural richness of Indian villages”
“There’s no better way to expand your horizons than immersing yourself in different cultures communities and seeing the world through fresh eyes. This is why it’s important to venture off the tourist trail to experience the ‘real India’ by getting to know the locals.
On our tours, we travel through the likes of the Gujarat and the Spiti Valley to explore the cultural tapestry of Indian villages, delving into the heart of the country’s vibrant present and storied past.
We chat with Gujarat’s tribal communities, engage with India’s skilled weavers and artisans on a tour to Central India, and witness how different dynasties and rulers have shaped the way people live. From the land of Rajasthan’s Thar to the majestic Taj Mahal, and the aromatic temples of Tamil Nadu, India is the perfect place to embrace a culture that spans thousands of years.”
“Experience a little enlightenment”
“OK, so we said we weren’t going to get all hippy-dippy on our journey through India, but it is the birthplace of yoga after all, so it would be remiss not to learn something about it, and maybe experience some enlightenment along the way.
As we know, there’s no better way to clear your head than riding a motorbike, but the Indians also know a thing or two about enriching your mind, body, and soul.
This is why we offer our customers the opportunity to experience spiritual transcendence at the sacred temples of Tamil Nadu, or at least marvel at their complex architecture, ornate sculptures, and rich inscriptions.
We also give people the chance to connect with the Lamas of Ladakh on our Trans Himalayan Motorcycle tour, as well as learning about mindfulness in Auroville, and indulge in ancient Ayurvedic treatments like massage therapy, when you’re off the bike. You never know, you might ride away better connected to the universe.”
“You’ll become a better rider”
“If you want to improve your riding skill, then India is the place to do it. From navigating chaotic city streets bursting with energy, to testing your slow-speed control on remote, unpaved mountain passes, India has it all.
Your riding will be put to the test, but this isn’t a race. Take it all at your own pace and you’ll find yourself mastering the controls of your motorbike better than ever. And being India, there is no better bike to travel on than a Royal Enfield.”
Take a motorcycle tour of India with Indian Rides
So, there you have it, eight reasons why riding in India is a must for any adventure biker looking to enrich their life from Narendra, a man who knows more about riding in the country than most.
Whether you’re craving breath-taking landscapes, sublime roads, off-road challenges, or diverse cultures, India delivers. And with more hours of sunshine than most places on Earth, it’s the perfect antidote to a wet and windy UK.
If you’re ready to start your adventure in India, make sure you get in touch with the team at Indian Rides. As a local tour operator hailing from Jaipur, it offers meticulously crafted guided motorcycle tours perfected over 20 years.
The team handle all the organisation so you can jump on your bike and experience the trip of a lifetime.
Head over to www.indianrides.com to begin your adventure.
