October 18, 2013Read time - 2 minutesDiscovering a new destination by bike is a liberating experience, often taking you to places inaccessible to vehicles and truly immersing you in the country's culture. Temples you can Visit by BikeTemples of Bagan, MyanmarBagan temples by bikeArriving in Bagan by boat is exquisite, gliding along the Irrawaddy River towards a forest topped with thousands of gleaming golden crowns.The Bagan temple complex is home to over 4,000 temples and pagodas where Buddhism, Hinduism and Nat worship converge amongst the glittering shrines.We dedicate a whole day to weaving our way on two wheels between these phenomenal structures, visiting both the buildings photographed in National Geographic, such as Ananda Pahto with its bejewelled hti (umbrella) and the smaller hidden gems.As the sun sheds its dying rays across the golden rooftops we head to Shwe Sandaw Temple for an incomparable 360 degree view across all of Bagan. Angkor Wat Temple, CambodiaCycling at Angkor WatRising early, take to two wheels before the crowds begin to surge. The various temples are linked by a network of shady avenues perfect for biking, and being on wheels speeds up the process so you can capitalise on the time spent at each historic site.From the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, with the amazing roots of the Fromagier trees clinging to the ancient stones to the famous Bayon temple topped with the four faces of the king.The day ends at the incredible Angkor Wat, largest temple complex in Asia, with its huge moat, long causeway and massive towers.Find out more: Trips to CambodiaThe Golden Temple of Dambulla, Sri LankaBuddha in Sri Lanka Emerging dramatically from the lush plains of Sri Lanka’s ‘Cultural Triangle’, one cannot miss the entrance to the Dambulla Cave Temple as you ride along the Old King’s Route.Crowned by a gaudy, gigantic golden Buddha, the largest and best-preserved cave complex on the 'Teardrop Isle' rises to over 1,000 feet above sea level. Leaving the bikes at the base of complex, look beyond the kitsch exterior as you make your way up the stairs and along the gentle slope of Dambulla Rock from where you can access the five cave shrines.These UNESCO protected cave temples are decorated with intricate rock paintings and carvings and house some 157 Buddhist statues. The complex, a sacred pilgrimage site for more than 22 centuries, is one of the most outstanding examples of religious art anywhere on the island.Find out more: Sri Lanka tripsMeenakshi Amman Temple, IndiaMeenakshi Amman Temple, India Meenakshi is one of the largest temple complexes in India and certainly one of the highlights of Tamil Nadu. Thousands of huge stone pillars line the hallways, each adorned with different deities, which are said to represent the 3,333,333 gods of the Hindu cosmos.A constant flow of worshipers, offering pujas, (rituals performed by the temple priests to the various deities) add to the heady atmosphere of incense and camphor smoke, and make this an unforgettable experience of Hindu culture. Find out more: Trips to IndiaPetra Great Temple, JordanPetra Nobody forgets their first glimpse of Petra. Everyone arrives on foot or by donkey to the main Treasury, passing through the narrow siq (entrance) with its towering rose-coloured walls.But saddle up for something truly special as we visit parts of Petra by bike, arriving on two wheels outside the temple of Siq Al Baida (Little Petra) – a smaller, lesser-known part of the ancient city where the remains of painted frescoes have decorated these red rocks since the 1st century AD.Pause for a spot of energy-boosting baklava and admire the incredible architecture before heading out into the desert on two wheels.Find out more: Jordan tripsTake a look at our temple trips by bike below and plan your adventure.
Petra & Wadi Rum by Bike 121 reviews Cycle through the spectacular desert scenery of Jordan and visit the most impressive historical UNESCO sites. Cycling Activity level: Moderate Ages: 16+ 9 Days from $2,349 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Cycle Indochina & Angkor 160 reviews Cycle through 3 countries from Thailand to Vietnam Cycling Activity level: Moderate Ages: 16+ 14 Days from $3,679 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Cycle Indochina & Angkor - Premium 3 reviews Cycle through 3 countries from Thailand to Vietnam Cycling Activity level: Moderate Ages: 16+ Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka 163 reviews Explore rich Sri Lankan history and culture by bike Cycling Activity level: Moderate / Challenging Ages: 16+ 14 Days from $3,279 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details
Southern India Coast to Coast Ride 35 reviews Cycle through two distinctively different Indian states Cycling Activity level: Moderate / Challenging Ages: 16+ 14 Days from $3,849 USD Guided (Incl. Taxes) View More Details