10 Most Exciting Things To Do On Your Motorcycle Trip to India
As you may already know, we are India-based motorcycle touring experts and are practically unbeatable when it comes to discovering unexplored regions and experiences in this land that are well worth indulging in.
Not to forget, that we have been doing this for quite some time now – and during our journeys we have explored pretty much all the places of this beautiful country.
This is why we decided to share with you some of the most amazing things you can experience on a motorcycle tour of India. So, whether you are a local rider from India or an international rider planning to visit India in the near future, make sure you include at least a few of the mentioned “must-do” things on your motorcycle road trip.
10 Things To Do On A Motorcycle Tour Of India
Visit Indian Temples
Faith and religion play an important role in the day-to-day life of Indians. This is why you can find a lot of temples and religious shrines throughout this country.
In fact, the history of “Sanātana Dharma” or Eternal Truth, goes back to more than 5,000 years in the history of Hinduism.
Indian temples are all magnificently built and exhibit a remarkable amount of intricate workmanship. But among the most significant temples, for which no permit or entrance fee is required, is the dazzling Golden Temple of Amritsar.
This Golden Temple is considered by many travelers to be the most beautiful temple in India. Being the main shrine of the Sikhs, more than 100,000 people visit this magnificent shrine every day.
The main temple is encompassed by a magnificent castle like building with a central gate on each of the four sides that is devoid of any doors, symbolizing the openness of Sikhs to all people and religions. These gateways lead to the main worship hall, Sri Harimandir Sahib, which is surrounded by a lake called Amrit Sarovar (Sacred Pond). All visitors – not just Sikhs – are welcome in the temple.
However, please note that you must cover your head with a cloth and enter the shrine barefoot.
Enjoy Indian Festivals
In India, you can witness a never-ending succession of festivals throughout the Indian calendar. And if you are in the right place at the right time during your motorcycle trip to India, chances are you will see an ongoing festival.
Be it the Pongal festival or the harvest festival in the south, Chariot festival associated with Lord Jagannath in the east, or the Holi festival in the north, every part of this immense land has something to celebrate.
One of the biggest Hindu festivals, Diwali, for instance, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy throughout India. This festival lasts for a total of five days, of which the third day is considered the main day of Diwali and is celebrated as the “Festival of Lights”. During this festive day, Diyas (homemade mud lamps) are lit all around the house and prayers are offered to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of good fortune, wealth, and prosperity. Family and friends exchange gifts, and crackers are burnt to celebrate goodness over evil.
But do note while planning your trip that the dates for religious festivals are not fixed. These dates are determined by lunar timings, and are subject to changes.
Witness Architectural Diversity
Due to the sheer vastness of the country, the diverse cultures, and the countless ruling dynasties that established their fortresses on this subcontinent, it is impossible to describe the architectural diversity in brief.
Nevertheless, make sure you do include a visit to the Taj Mahal in case you are planning to embark on a motorcycle tour of northern India.
The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan to be built for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal and is the most admired and widely photographed monument in the world.
The architectural design of Taj Mahal is characterized by immaculate geometry – Minarets are located at all four corners of the structure, and the entire mausoleum is reflected in a basin of water. As for the walls, they are decorated with precious stones and beautiful Mosaics. In fact, there are 28 types of precious and semi-precious stones that have been artfully carved onto its white marble.
So, make sure to complement your motorcycle trip to India with a detour to India’s most famous architectural landmark, the majestic Taj Mahal. And while you are at it, why not visit the Red Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, and the abandoned 16th-century city of Fatehpur Sikri?
Relax on the Beach
Colorful festivals and distinct religions make India a magical tourist destination. Enjoying Indian music while sipping a delicious cup of Darjeeling tea or Madras coffee is simply the best thing you can do while taking a refreshment break on your motorcycle expedition. However, spending a day at one of the beaches in the country is yet another experience that you will definitely enjoy.
There are plenty of beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and relaxing – Majority of India’s beaches are located in the southern part of the country. And in comparison, to the other parts of India, the weather is much more comfortable in these regions.
Talking about beaches, the most popular destination not just for motorcycle riders but also for vacationers is Goa. And while the state of Goa boasts numerous beaches, Palolem in southern Goa is our top choice.
With its coconut and palm trees, powder-white sandy shores, and sparkling ocean water, this place will surely charm anyone who visits it.
But the best part of your visit will largely depend on where you go on Palolem Beach. To be honest, the northern end of the beach is quieter and ideal for fellow motorcyclists.
Marvel Indian Landmarks
If you have opted for a motorcycle tour of Rajasthan, then a visit to the stunning Hawa Mahal is a must. Located in the old city of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is situated on the outskirts of the City Palace and extends to the Zenana, the women’s chambers.
Dating back to 1799, the palace was built by the then King Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and is believed to be a reflection of the opulent lifestyle of the Rajputana kingdom.
Constructed out of pink sandstone, Hawa Mahal is a five-storey structure featuring countless Jharokas – a term used in Indian architecture to describe enclosed balcony.
As a matter of fact, the palace of Hawa Mahal was built to allow the women of the court observe the hustle and bustle of the streets without being seen themselves. A total of 953 windows covering the palace’s front were specifically constructed for this purpose.
In addition, these 953 window panes display excellent craftmanship while allowing the air to circulate throughout the palace, thereby bestowing the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) with its name – an attraction not to be missed on a trip to India.
Savor Indian Cuisines
India is a vast nation, and as vast the subcontinent itself is, so is its range of exquisite dishes.
The diversity in spices, tangy sauces and traditional delicacies is enormous. However, there is one Indian dish that you should definitely order – Biryani!
Biryani is one of the most popular dishes of India and can be found on the menu of every Indian restaurant be it north or south of the country. However, there is no “one and only biryani” as almost every region present their own recipe.
The history of Biryani goes back a long way; The Persian traders first brought their traditional rice dish to northern India, where it was adopted by the Mughal cooks and later blended with local spices. It then moved on to southern India, where Biryani is more prominently available in different variations.
The main ingredient of Biryani is rice, usually Basmati rice or other regional long grain varieties. This rice is fried in Ghee commonly known as Indian clarified butter along with meat, usually chicken, lamb or mutton, or even goat and buffalo meat. In short, a dish that you should definitely try on your motorcycle trip to India.
Admire Indian Art
From the crafts of Rajasthan to the regal beauty of the Taj Mahal, a motorcycle tour of India is a photographer’s delight and an excellent way of exploring the country. That said, by no means your expedition would be complete without seeing some of India’s famous artwork and paintings.
Kolkata, for instance, is considered the cultural capital of India. Art lovers will be fascinated by visiting the Academy of Fine Arts on Cathedral Road.
The same goes for the village of Tabo located in the Spiti Valley region of Himachal Pradesh, which surrounds a Buddhist monastery that is believed to be over a thousand years old and houses some of the most breathtaking paintings.
The city of Mumbai also has its own art district called Kala Ghoda (Black Horse), which is a crescent-shaped art district that houses numerous art galleries, the most famous being the Jehangir Art Gallery.
And if you are in Rajasthan, remember to visit Mukesh Art Gallery of Jaipur to browse artworks from contemporary Rajasthani artists. That said, our list would be incomplete if we failed to mention the most famous art gallery of the capital – the Delhi Art Gallery in the village of Hauz Khas!
Shop at Asia’s No.1 Spice Market
A maze of narrow passages with small stores stretches through the heart of Delhi’s old city. Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest markets in the subcontinent, is home to Asia’s largest wholesale spice market – Khari Baoli.
This market is famous for its wide variety of spices, nuts and aromatic herbs, while the streets bustle with the aromas of deliciously prepared pakoras and chaat.
The origin of the market dates back to the 17th century, when the then Mughal emperor Shah Jahan – the man who built Taj Mahal in Agra – laid the foundation stone for a new and a more opulent capital for his empire.
This Chandni Chowk market is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the busiest markets of India. Positioned near the Old Delhi Railway Station and the world-famous Red Fort, not only is this a local market for Indians to buy household supplies, but it is also a special destination for international travelers who want to experience India’s traditional spice culture.
Ride in the Himalayas
When you think of India, you probably think of the Taj Mahal, the “Golden City” of Jaisalmer, or a weekend getaway to the beaches of Goa. Indeed, pictures of these places clearly dominate any other regions of India in any travel magazine or Hollywood movie scenes.
However, there is much more to India than these world-famous destinations!
Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts will find a wonderful, untouched paradise of serenity far from the hustle, bustle and noise of mass tourism in the Indian foothills of the Himalayas.
This sparsely populated region is known for its Tibetan Buddhist culture and beautiful landscapes with its countless mountain peaks, which in some cases are extremely tall.
As a matter of fact, there is no better way to discover the magnificence of Himalayas than by motorcycle. While riding in the Himalayas, you will have the opportunity to explore the most beautiful and exciting routes on the highest motorable roads in the world. Plus, you can experience the culture of the Tibetan Buddhists and enjoy the peace and the calmness in the monasteries and untouched valleys.
Simply put, if you are planning a trip to India, a motorcycle tour of the Himalayas is the best possible way to do so.
Enjoy The Night Life
One of the best moments of motorcycle touring is the post-ride discussion over a glass of wine with fellow members of the group.
And although you might not associate India with parties, as the land is known all over the world for its rich culture and heritage, there is one more side to this beautiful country as well.
From cozy cafés and pubs to multistorey nightclubs, you will find it all in India. And if you are interested in something more authentic, you will find no shortage of cultural performances either.
Almost all the bars and clubs in the metro cities are elegant, stylish, comfortable, and furnished with great attention to detail. So, after a long and breathtaking road trip with your group, make sure to head there in the evening.
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