Join our client, Matthew Duits, as he shares his epic 26-day motorcycle journey across India, from Delhi to Kochi, riding a Royal Enfield Himalayan!<\/em><\/p>\n Embarking on my first motorcycle journey across India was a dream come true. As a foreign traveler, the thought of exploring this vast and diverse country on two wheels was both exciting and a bit intimidating. After doing some research, I decided to rent a motorcycle in Delhi, the perfect starting point for my adventure. Over the next 26 days, I explored iconic cities and hidden gems, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene beaches of Kochi. Join me as I share my experience, tips, and recommendations along the way!<\/p>\n Day 1: Arrival in Delhi and Picking Up My Bike for Hire in Delhi<\/strong><\/p>\n Arriving in Delhi, I was filled with excitement and a little nervousness. The city is vibrant, full of life, and bustling with energy \u2014 the perfect place to start my journey. I had already arranged my motorcycle hire in Delhi<\/a><\/span> with Stoneheadbikes, who offer a variety of bikes, including the Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 \u2014 an ideal choice for my long ride.<\/p>\n Where I Stayed:<\/strong> Where I Ate:<\/strong> Day 2-3: Delhi to Agra<\/strong><\/p>\n The next day, I hit the road early, riding from Delhi to Agra. The route was straightforward, and I couldn\u2019t wait to catch my first glimpse of the Taj Mahal. The ride was smooth, and my Royal Enfield Himalayan made the journey even more enjoyable, handling the roads with ease.<\/p>\n Places Visited:<\/strong><\/p>\n Where I Stayed:<\/strong> Where I Ate:<\/strong> Day 4-6: Agra to Rajasthan (Jaipur & Udaipur)<\/strong><\/p>\n After enjoying Agra, I headed to Rajasthan. The drive to Jaipur was long but scenic, and my bike hire in Delhi made the journey comfortable. Rajasthan\u2019s rich culture and architecture were unlike anything I had seen before. The vibrant colors, lively people, and delicious food were unforgettable.<\/p>\n Places Visited:<\/strong><\/p>\n Where I Stayed:<\/strong> Where I Ate:<\/strong><\/p>\n Day 7-10: Rajasthan to Mumbai<\/strong><\/p>\n After Rajasthan, I set off for Mumbai, a city known for its energy and contrasts between the old and the new. The ride was long, but the Royal Enfield held up beautifully, even on the more rugged sections of the highway.<\/p>\n Places Visited:<\/strong><\/p>\n Where I Stayed:<\/strong> Where I Ate:<\/strong> Day 11-12: Mumbai to Surat \u2013 Starting the Coastal Ride<\/strong><\/p>\n After exploring Mumbai, I headed towards\u00a0Surat<\/strong>, a city in\u00a0Gujarat<\/strong>. This was the start of my coastal journey. The roads were busy at first, but once I got out of the city, the ride became smoother.<\/p>\n Places Visited:<\/strong> Where I Stayed:<\/strong> Where I Ate:<\/strong> Day 13-15: Surat to Daman & Diu \u2013 A Quiet Coastal Escape<\/strong><\/p>\n Next, I rode to\u00a0Daman and Diu<\/strong>, a peaceful area with beaches, forts, and colonial architecture. It was the perfect place to take a break before continuing my coastal journey.<\/p>\n Places Visited:<\/strong><\/p>\n Where I Stayed:<\/strong> Where I Ate:<\/strong> Day 16-18: Daman & Diu to Goa \u2013 The Heart of India\u2019s Beaches<\/strong><\/p>\n The next stop was\u00a0Goa<\/strong>, famous for its beaches and party atmosphere. The ride was beautiful, and the scenery kept getting better as I went south.<\/p>\n Places Visited:<\/strong><\/p>\n Where I Stayed:<\/strong> Where I Ate:<\/strong><\/p>\n Day 19-22: Goa to Mangalore \u2013 Exploring the South Coast<\/strong><\/p>\n From\u00a0Goa<\/strong>, I continued my journey south to\u00a0Mangalore<\/strong>, a peaceful city in\u00a0Karnataka<\/strong>. The roads were smooth, and I enjoyed the quiet beaches and tropical forests along the way.<\/p>\n Places Visited:<\/strong><\/p>\n Where I Stayed:<\/strong> Where I Ate:<\/strong> Day 23-26: Mangalore to Kochi \u2013 Reaching the Final Destination<\/strong><\/p>\n Finally, I made it to\u00a0Kochi<\/strong>, my last stop. This city is rich in history and culture, with beautiful beaches and colonial architecture.<\/p>\n Places Visited:<\/strong><\/p>\n Where I Stayed:<\/strong> Where I Ate:<\/strong><\/p>\n The Coastal Journey: A New Chapter<\/strong><\/p>\n As I traveled south, the coastal roads became a highlight of my trip. Picture yourself riding along a winding road, the sea breeze in your face, and the sound of waves crashing nearby. That\u2019s exactly how it felt as I passed through Daman & Diu, Goa, and Mangalore, before reaching Kochi. The combination of tranquil beaches, colonial architecture, and local flavors made this part of the trip unforgettable.<\/p>\n Fun Fact:<\/strong><\/p>\n India\u2019s coastline stretches over 25,000 kilometers,<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0offering diverse landscapes, from peaceful beaches to rugged cliffs. Riding along this coastline was one of the best experiences of my journey.<\/em><\/p>\n Renting a motorcycle in Delhi was the best decision I made for my trip across India. It gave me the freedom to explore at my own pace, connect with locals, and experience the vast diversity of this incredible country. Whether you’re looking for motorcycle hire in Delhi<\/span><\/a> for a few days or planning a longer adventure, India is a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable journey.<\/p>\n
\nI stayed at a cozy guesthouse near Connaught Place. It was a great spot for first-time visitors, with easy access to popular landmarks.<\/p>\n
\nFor lunch, I visited Saravana Bhavan for delicious South Indian dosas. In the evening, I explored Paranthas Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk for mouthwatering stuffed paranthas.<\/p>\n\n
\nI stayed at The Oberoi Amarvilas, located just a stone\u2019s throw from the Taj Mahal. The view from my room was incredible, and the service was impeccable.<\/p>\n
\nFor dinner, I tried Pinch of Spice, which offered a variety of North Indian dishes. Their butter chicken and dal makhani were exceptional!<\/p>\n\n
\nIn Jaipur, I stayed at the Trident Hotel, a perfect spot to unwind after a long ride. In Udaipur, I chose a more traditional experience at Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, right on Lake Pichola.<\/p>\n\n
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\nI stayed at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, an iconic hotel with an unforgettable view of the Arabian Sea.<\/p>\n
\nI couldn’t miss Bademiya for late-night kebabs. For a more upscale experience, I dined at The Bombay Canteen, which offers innovative takes on traditional Indian dishes.<\/p>\n
\nI visited\u00a0Dumas Beach<\/strong>\u00a0to relax after the long ride. Surat is also known for its silk weaving, so I checked out some local shops.<\/p>\n
\nI stayed at\u00a0The Gateway Hotel<\/strong>, a simple and comfortable hotel.<\/p>\n
\nFor dinner, I had a traditional\u00a0Gujarati thali<\/strong>\u00a0at\u00a0The Grand Thakar<\/strong>, a well-known restaurant in Surat.<\/p>\n\n
\nI stayed at\u00a0The Diu Hotel<\/strong>, which had a beautiful sea view.<\/p>\n
\nFor dinner, I had seafood at\u00a0Rashi\u2019s Seafood Restaurant<\/strong>, known for its fresh prawns.<\/p>\n\n
\nI stayed at\u00a0The Leela Goa<\/strong>, a luxury resort with an amazing view of the beach.<\/p>\n\n
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\nI stayed at\u00a0Goldfinch Mangalore<\/strong>, a comfortable hotel near the city\u2019s main attractions.<\/p>\n
\nAt\u00a0The Village Restaurant<\/strong>, I had delicious Mangalorean food, like\u00a0Neer Dosa<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Fish Curry<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
\nI stayed at\u00a0Brunton Boatyard<\/strong>, a hotel right on the water with stunning views.<\/p>\n\n
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\nRenting a motorcycle in Delhi<\/a><\/span> is easy. You can book online through rental platforms like Stoneheadbikes or visit local shops. Make sure to have a valid international driving permit and ID proof.<\/li>\n
\nThe Royal Enfield Himalayan is perfect for long-distance journeys, known for its comfort, reliability, and ability to handle rough terrains with ease.<\/li>\n
\nYes, but it\u2019s important to stay cautious and follow local traffic rules. Always wear protective gear, stay alert, and rent from reputable services like Stoneheadbikes for well-maintained bikes and support.<\/li>\n
\nPack light, breathable clothes for warm areas, a jacket for cooler evenings, and essential gear such as a helmet, gloves, and rain protection. Make sure to stay hydrated and carry sunscreen for sun protection.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n