You could spend a lifetime exploring the nuances that make each place – and each day – on cycling holidays in India distinctly different from the last. Each area is marked by its own food, festivals and traditions. But it’s the ever-changing landscape that makes the country such a diverse place for cyclists, with something to suit all levels of ability.
Famous for the glittering big hitters that include the Taj Mahal, you’ll also find sleepy, agricultural India, the rolling Aravalli hills and flat, arid desert in Rajasthan . On a bike you’re able to head off the beaten track. Villages spread out along the roads, so you really get an insight into local life.
Head south, and it’s all change again. Here, Exodus India cycling trips can take you from the extravagant palaces of Mysore to the sandy beaches of Goa, along the tropical coast of Kerala, or on a journey through the Western Ghats, a luscious tangle of trees and waterfalls that are UNESCO protected. British influence – and the eccentricity that seems to go with it – lingers a little stronger here and the climate is cool.
Pedal your way through the diverse landscapes of Kerala. Along the coastline, let yourself be swept into the laid-back atmosphere and witness the topography change before your eyes. You’ll also venture deep into the sleepy Keralan backwaters, as you weave among paddy fields and coconut trees on a traditional rice barge to Varkala.
In the forested reserve of Bandipur National Park, set off on a 4×4 wildlife adventure, keeping your eyes peeled for elephants, bison and monkeys. Listen out for the distant roar of tigers as you immerse yourself in the vibrant flora and fauna of the protected bioreserve.
Stay on a Traditional Houseboat in Kerala Often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala is home to serene backwaters, which are made up of a tangle of lagoons and canals. The best way to explore its natural beauty is by houseboat. These traditional vessels, known as kettuvallams, glide through the tranquil waters to local villages. Enjoy authentic Keralan cuisine, watch the sun set over the water and fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the boat.
4×4 Safari at Bandipur National Park Embark on an exhilarating 4×4 safari through Bandipur National Park in Karnataka to discover India’s rich biodiversity. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll learn about the diverse habitats and go in search of a vast array of wildlife, including elephants, deer, monkeys and a variety of bird species. As you head deeper into the park, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger, which inhabit the wetlands and forests.
Watching the Sunset Over the Taj Mahal Playing host to the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra is a must-visit site when cycling in India. The ivory mausoleum is filled with history and romance and was built between 1631 and 1648 by Mogul emperor Shah Jahan for his wife. As the sun sets, its marble exterior glistens with warm, golden shades, adding to its romantic setting on the Yamuna River. You can also stroll among the tree-fringed gardens and soak up the Persian history.
Search for Leopards at Sariska National Park Nestled in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, Sariska is one of the most spectacular national parks in India. The park is renowned for its significant population of leopards, and an evening 4×4 game drive across its rugged terrain adds an extra element of adventure to your wildlife experience. As you head through dense forests and open grasslands with your professional guide, look out for jackals, antelopes, hyenas and wild boar. This guided safari will also increase your chances of spotting the elusive leopard, an experience that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
Exploring Amber Fort and the Pink City of Jaipur Rajasthan’s vibrant capital, Jaipur is referred to as the Pink City owing to its distinctive terracotta-coloured buildings. Soak up the colourful mix of culture, history and architecture as you ride through the meandering lanes and visit one of the bustling bazaars. Perched on the hilltop, Amber Fort is a magnificent site that looms above the city and boasts views that will take your breath away. Its Rajput architecture combines both Hindu and Mughal styles and the building dates back to the 16th century. Stroll through the ornate Sun Gate that opens onto the grand courtyard, Jaleb Chowk, and discover the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal past.
This was my first time to India and I decided I wanted to start in the south because I heard it was a bit more beginner friendly and I was traveling with my daughter in her late teens for our first time just the two of us. I was blown away by the warm hospitality, the scenery, the food and how well organized this trip was. The itinerary is varied and really includes a bit of everything you need to see in Kerala and Tamil Nadu: verdant tea plantations, historical architecture and incredible access to temples, welcoming and warm connection with local people and guides, spice gardens, wildlife preserves, drifting down the backwaters in a houseboat with your own cook and captain, I still can’t believe we did and saw so much. We ate a huge meal one night with a local family and then toured a village and learned about traditional crafts with another family, we got beach and pool time and watched thunderstorms out over the Arabian Sea as we enjoyed dinner as a group. Just truly an unforgettable experience every step of the way.
I recently returned from the trip- December 2025. Everything about the trip was terrific. Wonderful scenery, great places to stay, interesting towns and cities to visit and a terrific guide. I enjoyed every minute.
This was my first trip to India, and Kerala was the ideal place to start – relatively compact, affluent, clean, and accessible, with incredibly friendly, helpful locals, and a wide variety of sights to see.
The pace of the trip was perfect, moving on to a new destination every other day, normally on the road for 3-4 hours, with plenty of comfort breaks and additional sights along the way. I feel like we saw as much as was comfortably possible in 12 days.
The one area for improvement would be a little more free time to explore independently. In Cochin, in particular, we had a very busy morning visiting several churches, a palace and a synagogue, only stopping for a late lunch, and it seemed a missed opportunity to spend some time wandering through the narrow streets of the old quarter for tea, chats with locals, and a bit of shopping. This would have helped with orientation too, as it was our first full day after the long journey from the UK.
