The 2025 Hippie Trail Cycling Tour: Highlights Off the Bicycle

Benjamin Levin was the Content Creator on the 2025 Hippie Trail Cycling Adventure. He looks back at the non-cycling highlights of the tour.

When cycling the Hippie Trail, people will tell you there is no better way to see India. Biking 3,000 kilometres through the subcontinent isn’t just about the ride, it’s about immersing yourself in the cultural and emotional depth that India offers. There is no better way to experience the country and the genuine kindness of its wonderful people.

However, some travellers want to come to India simply as tourists, to sightsee. They want to sleep in palaces, visit the Taj Mahal, go on street food tours in Mumbai, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the next big Bollywood film. On the Hippie Trail, you don’t have to choose between adventure and sightseeing. You can experience India as authentically as possible while also visiting its most famous tourist highlights.

A Journey Through Royal Rajasthan

Relaxing in Udaipur

The trip begins in Agra and during the first leg of the journey, riders have rest days in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. These cities, along with Agra, form some of the most popular and frequently visited destinations in Rajasthan, India’s most tourist-friendly state.

• Jaipur: The Pink City and capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur offers a deep dive into North Central India’s history and culture. Riders can explore the magnificent Amber Fort and the City Palace, marvelling at the grandeur of Rajput architecture.
• Jodhpur: Known as the Blue City, Jodhpur is famous for its bustling markets, where stalls overflow with spices and vibrant Indian fabrics. Here, the Hippie Trail riders get a true taste of life in a dynamic Indian city.
• Udaipur: Renowned for its excellent restaurants and hotels, Udaipur offers a well-deserved break. Riders can indulge in top-tier cuisine and explore the City Palace Museum, soaking in the city’s royal heritage.

All of this is experienced in between exhilarating days of cycling—allowing riders to truly connect with India both on and off the bike.

Exploring Temples, Caves, and City Lights

Riders on a Mumbai street food tour

As the journey leaves Rajasthan and veers off the well-worn tourist track, riders encounter some of India’s most awe-inspiring yet lesser-visited wonders before a welcome return to the big city in legendary Mumbai.

• Ajanta Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 2nd century BCE, Ajanta is famous for its rock-cut architecture and ancient frescoes that depict Buddhist tales and traditions. The Ajanta caves are a unique archeological site to see in the heart of India.
• Ellora Caves: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Ellora is one of the most remarkable human-made structures on the planet. Its temples, carved directly from the rock face, showcase breathtaking Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain artistry. Riders stay at a hotel just minutes from the cave entrance, allowing them to beat the crowds and experience the site at sunrise, with golden light illuminating the ancient carvings.
• Mumbai: From Ellora, the tour heads to Mumbai, India’s wealthiest and most cosmopolitan city. After a month of cycling through India’s heartland, riders arrive in a place where they can enjoy Western comforts while still exploring the city’s unique culture. During the two-day rest stop, riders go on slum tours, behind the scenes Bollywood tours, food and transportation tours. Whatever you want to do, it is possible in Mumbai.

A Finale on the Konkan Coast

Riding the Konkan Coast

The final stretch follows the stunning Konkan Coast, leading to Goa, one of India’s most famous destinations for international travellers. While the weather heats up during this section, being near the beach creates a relaxing atmosphere after challenging days. Once the trip hits Goa proper, everyone gets to unwind after the adventure of a lifetime enjoying peaceful sunsets on the beach and relaxing by the pool. With Goa’s international airport offering easy departures, riders can choose to head home or extend their journey with a few extra days of beachside relaxation.

A Once in a Lifetime Experience

The Hippie Trail offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore India in a way that few travellers ever do. You’ll experience the country in its most raw and authentic form—the sights, the smells, the energy—but also have the chance to be a tourist, visiting some of its most iconic landmarks. If you want to see all that India has to offer, this is an adventure you simply cannot miss.

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