8 Cities to explore on your next bike riding adventure

The thrill of bike riding inspires motorcycle enthusiasts to continue looking for new destinations. From the popular biking circuits in Leh and Ladakh to the less-explored trails in Arunachal Pradesh, biking adventures promise discoveries every day.

To get to the stark deserts, breezy seaside roads or canopied forest roads, you must first select a suitable starting point. There are many cities spread across India that serve as ground zero for you to start your bike riding escapades.

Here is a look at some of the best cities to explore on your two-wheeler and to start your next bike tour. 

Top cities ideal for biking adventures
 

To make it suitable for bikers from different parts of India, here are the top biker-friendly cities from across the country -

• Srinagar – While in Srinagar, you can explore popular tourist spots like the picturesque Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. You can relish the beauty of its gardens, famously the Tulip Garden. You can sample Kashmiri pulao, kebabs, and an elaborate Wazwan. Refresh yourself with a sip of Kahwa and embark on bike riding trips to the Dachigam National Park or plan a long ride to the exotic cold deserts of Leh and Ladakh. April to October is best for sightseeing, while the remainder of the season is a treat for snow lovers.
  
  
• Dehradun – Apart from a quick ride to Mussoorie, you can also explore local spots like the Robber’s Cave, the numerous temples in the city, the war memorial, and the Shikhar Falls. You can extend your bike riding towards places like Devprayag, Dhanaulti, Rishikesh, and Rudraprayag. The peak tourist season is March to June, while a monsoon season is best avoided.
  
  
• Jaipur – You can ride around Jaipur enjoying the architectural marvels of its famous forts and palace or shop a little in its budget-friendly bazaars. It also serves as an ideal starting point for your long bike riding tours deeper into the state, towards Jaisalmer, Pushkar, and beyond. Plan a trip between November and March for favourable weather conditions.
  
  
• Mumbai – From Chowpatty to the Gateway of India, riding across Marine Drive, or a quick trip to Lonavala, there is no end to what you can do in Mumbai. Bike riding along the Arabian Sea can be an unmatched thrill, be it to Goa, Gokarna, or Ratnagiri. Alternatively, you can also go riding into the heartland towards Matheran or Mahabaleshwar. Mumbai is an option for bikers any time of the year, although the weather is best from October to February.
  
  
• Mysuru – While bike riding around Mysuru, the Mysuru Palace is a must-visit, as is a short ride to Srirangapatna. There are museums, temples, and galleries for you to ride around for a day or two. Riding from Mysuru can be in any direction. From an experience of the Western Ghats, rides to Coorg, Bandipur, or Bengaluru, or towards Kerala and Tamil Nadu. You can enjoy a pleasant tropical climate in Mysuru between October and February.
  
  
• Chennai – You can explore the bustling seaside metropolis of Chennai with rides to Marina and Elliot’s beach or visit the Ashtalakshmi temple and Thousand Lights Mosque. You can take a quick ride towards Guindy National Park or venture beyond Mahabalipuram or even Puducherry. You can avoid a hot and humid Chennai by visiting between October and February.
  
  
• Siliguri – Siliguri can be a busy place for a biker, with flea market shopping and bike riding towards the north. Proximity to hill stations like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong is an added advantage. For a longer haul, you can also venture out to the scenic beauty of the Sikkimese Himalayas. The winter months between October and February are ideal for bike riding in Siliguri and its vicinity.
  
  
• Guwahati – Guwahati serves as your gateway to the less-explored Northeast, a region that has plenty of bike riding opportunities. After exploring the Kamakhya Temple, Brahmaputra ghats, and the unique cuisine, you can venture towards Shillong and Cherrapunji for a short ride. For weeklong rides, you have the option of riding across Arunachal Pradesh, traversing places like Tawang, Anini, and Mechuka. Autumn and early spring are ideal for bike riding in Guwahati and its surrounding attractions.

Spend smart on bike rides with the FIRST Power Credit Card
 

Bike riding in cities also calls for all sorts of expenses along the way. From food and lodging and from shopping biking essentials to fuel costs, you will be spending frequently. Having the right credit card ensures that you have convenience as well as benefits while spending.

The FIRST Power Credit Card by IDFC FIRST Bank helps you save money and earn benefits on your bike riding expeditions. Here’s how –

• Welcome benefits – You get welcome benefits worth ₹2,250 on your FIRST Power Credit Card, including ₹250 cashback on your first HPCL fuel transaction of over ₹250, and much more.
• Spend anywhere with UPI – Its UPI compatibility ensures that you don’t need to look for a swiping machine for your RuPay fuel credit card.
• Interest-free cash withdrawals – Bike riding in remote locations is easy. You can withdraw cash at zero interest for up to 45 days.
• Save up to ₹7,000 on fuel – Enjoy savings of up to ₹7,000 every year by using this fuel credit card. That’s like getting more than 65 litres of fuel free! There are savings on FASTag recharges, grocery, utility purchases, and all retail transactions.

Besides, there are lifestyle benefits like roadside assistance, insurance coverage, an EMI option on repayment, and many more. With destinations selected and the preferred payment mode already in your wallet, let us look at a few bike riding tips.

Planning a bike-friendly itinerary
 

To make your bike riding experience tension-free, here are a few handy tips that will help you on the road –

• Basic tools – Carry the basic bike repair tools so that you are not stranded on the road. Spares like tubes, extra spark plugs, loose wire, tapes and fuses, and a battery-operated pump can be very handy.
• Planning the route – FIRST Power Credit Card will save your fuel costs and also on lodging and dining expenses. Nevertheless, plan your stops and book the hotels in advance. Research the food options so you don’t get disappointed or overspend.
• Don’t stretch – Don’t plan to cover too much too soon. This is not only unsafe but also takes the pleasure out of the trip. Keep a buffer time between stops so that you can enjoy the ride and the sights.
• Documentation – Keep your bike documents updated and readily available. Enquire about and obtain local documentation requirements (for instance, get an inner line permit before entering Northeastern states).

Safety first
 

Smart bike riding starts with safety. So, let’s not forget these safety tips too –

• Riding basics – Ensure the basics like avoiding overspeeding, maintaining a safe distance on the road, wearing a helmet, and following traffic rules.
• Keep the bike in top condition – Before embarking on the journey, get your bike serviced and obtain the mechanic’s assurance on its readiness.
• Weathering the storm – Check the weather conditions beforehand and avoid bad weather seasons altogether.
• Stay insured – Make sure that you and your bike are insured. FIRST Power Credit Card comes with a personal accident cover of ₹2 lakhs.

Ride on
 

For your next bike riding spell, choose a destination that excites you, plan the itinerary meticulously, and keep your safety standards high. To make your biking adventures more budget-friendly, apply for the FIRST Power Credit Card soon!