Escape the Summer Heat: 5 Hill Station Rides to Book Now

Summary

Escape the summer heat with five unforgettable motorcycle rides to India’s coolest hill stations—from the dramatic Atal Tunnel route to Sissu, the Nilgiri hairpins, Coorg’s estate backroads, misty Cherrapunji, and serene Chopta—perfect routes to rediscover the joy of riding.

Escaping the summer heat with scenic hill station rides is one of the best ways to experience cool weather and breathtaking landscapes, especially when you plan your journey with a bike rental in Manali for an adventurous mountain ride.

Picture this- The road is heating and your shoes feel it. Your helmet feels like a convection oven while your protective gear feels like a sauna. The road isn’t moving while the engine overheats. Your wrist starts cramping from the constant use of the clutch while the vehicles nearby keep blasting smoke in your face shield.

We all must have witnessed this scene at least once in our life - a typical summer for most of our cities. Every rider knows- that for once in a while these moments will change when the city crashes and turns to white noise. The shimmer of heat disappears and the cool air of mighty mountains embraces the scene. The mountains are why summer is the best time to ride. They are not just an escape. They are a reminder of why you ride in the first place.

1. Manali to Sissu: Where The Tunnel Changes Everything

The Atal Tunnel is like a gateway to another world. Enter one side of the tunnel and enjoy the fresh deodar and the lovely moss. Suddenly, in 9.02 kilometers you are in a totally different world, the one known as Lahaul. This world is a high desert, meaning the air is thin, and the plants are too. It also has a unique landscape that looks like most of Mars is missing, but it does have some mountains.

You experience this change all in one instant. In one moment you are in the beautiful lush scenery of Himachal Pradesh and in the very next you are in a desolate landscape with the Chandra River cutting through the brown mountains with its silvery water. This is the high desert. Even the small township of Sissu is like the edge of civilization, with food and drink services that only offer lukewarm Chai and butter tea and the locals seem to still be in disbelief that the summer tourists are a thing. What makes the ride and the tunnel worth it is the silence of the mighty high mountains.

Must-See Landmarks:

South Portal Entrance: Capture your last moment of greenness before you step into the desert.

Sissu Waterfall: A roadside waterfall that is cold year-round, even in the month of June.

Gondhla Viewpoint: Get incredible photos of the valley before Sissu.

2. The Nilgiri Loop: 36 Hairpins and a Eucalyptus High

The road between Mettupalayam and Ooty is the epitome of honesty. 36 hairpins of increasing narrowness and increasing steepness. The tea estates surrounding you are a bright vibrant green and the pavement below you is an uneven mixture of grip and gravel.

This ride isn’t gonna be like the others. Don’t bother burning out the rear tires on the bike, instead, spend your time finding a good rhythm. Second then third, and back to second. Some lean then hit the throttle. Don’t forget to change the note of the engine either; it will be your best friend. Every 100 meters you will lose more and more heat so be sure to grab the jacket from your bags. Your destination shouldn’t be the `must-see tourist destination` of Ooty, instead go to more quiet Kotagiri or Coonoor. Some guesthouses here have fireplaces and their hosts know all the best backroads.

Must-See Landmarks:

Hairpin Bend #18: Offers the most visibility so you won't block traffic and can get a good picture.

Lamb's Rock (Coonoor): A steep and sheer drop overlook where the clouds roll in like a crashing and tumbling surf.

Catherine Falls: A Vertical-double waterfall still viewable from the road, Catherine Falls is situated a short drive away from Kotagiri.

3. Bangalore to Coorg: Malnad Twisties and Estate Backroads

The main road gets you to Madikeri, but the backroads get you to Coorg. The Malnad belt after the Bangalore-Mysore corridor allows for better riding. The Western Ghats are not straight. They are wavy and steep through areca plantations. Their cardamom groves are closed and the roads stay damp.

The back roads through the coffee estates are not on any maps and are covered in moss. They are lined with irrigation ditches, concrete stream crossings, and wild elephants. If you go in late March to early April, you will smell coffee blossoms. The rest of the year you will smell wet earth and beans. If you stay at a homestay in the estate you can see the mist from the coffee plantation.

Must-See Landmarks:

Mandalpatti Viewpoint: Off-roading at this spot is worth the panoramic view.

Nisargadhama: A river island with a hanging bridge and practically no traffic in the early mornings.

Bylakuppe: The monastery circuit roads have prayer wheels and stupas lining the path.

4.Shillong to Cherrapunji: Mist, Waterfalls, and Not Scotland

With its pine trees and 1100-foot waterfalls, Shillong is often referred to as the Scotland of the East. The 54km drives to Cherrapunji include a descent through thick mist.

Umiam Lake is the first stop. The shimmering blue water looks fake. Cherrapunji is a waterfall centre, and Nohkalikai, Dain Thlen and the Seven Sisters Falls are all easily accessible. The Meghalaya government may have paved the roads, but they can’t control the weather so expect rain and wear your least favourite waterproofs. The smell of ferns and the sound of water pounding rocks is better than your engine.

Must-See Landmarks:

Umiam Lake Viewpoint: An observation platform with a 270-degree view of water.

Nohkalikai Falls: The tallest plunge waterfall in India, viewable from the road.

Mawsmai Cave: Limestone caves with bat colonies that require a short walk from the bike parking.

5.Rishikesh to Chopta: Mini Switzerland For Less

Chopta is 8,790 feet above sea level, and to get there from Rishikesh, we follow the Alaknanda river and go through Rudraprayag. The sun gets concealed by the Deodar and Rhododendron forests, and the oxygen gets thin to the point where it is hard for your lungs to operate normally.

Chopta is known as mini Switzerland because of its Bugyals, high altitude meadows. These meadows, in comparison to the snow capped mountains, are neon green. Chopta is a peaceful place where you are in nature and can get lost in your thoughts. You can turn the engine off and then sit against a tree and take in the natural vibes and compare it to the fake vibes of the commercial yoga retreats. The vibes are a lot better here because of the Chaukhamba range that creates a horizon filled with peace.

Don't Miss:

Devprayag Confluence: Where the Alaknanda river and the Bhagirathi river meet and create the Ganges river.

Ukhimath: A diversion from the road to an ancient Shiva temple which has no tourist infrastructure.

Deoria Tal: An alpine lake which has the mountains in the background and is a 2km uphill walk from the parking area.

6.The Technical Gear Guide: Riding at Altitude

Traffic mesh jackets breathe easier during city riding, but hit 100kph and the airflow becomes wind chill. Better to choose a textile jacket with removable liners and zippered, adjustable vents.

In the survival gear category, hydration bladders are a must. At 10,000 feet, a little lapse in hydration is all it takes to find yourself in a world of hurt. Bring 2 pairs of gloves: leather is stylish, but opt for perforated summer gloves with armor. Always opt for the practical option. Also, bring a clear and a polarised visor and a pair of summer gloves with armor.

Rider's Logistics: The 1,000km Question

What makes it all worth it, is riding your own bike. But, needless to say, it is highway monotony for two days until you actually get to do the fun part. Instead of driving a couple days to get to the mountain, you can fly to a gateway city, rent a bike from ONN bikes, and ride the fun twisty roads fresh instead of drained from all those driving. That is great logistics. The mountains truly do not care how you got there, only that you went there.

The Call

The plains and roads will still be here once you return. The traffic, heat, and shimmering asphalt will always be there. But the mountains will be waiting to bring the soul back and welcome you back to the joy of motorcycling. Summer has started and the mountains are calling. Time to stop planning and start riding.

To make your trip more comfortable and well-planned, choosing the right route and travel strategy is essential, especially when you follow tips from a best biking routes in South India guide.