Real Rides by Rider Punkaj – Safar Sanskriti
Hello riders worldwide!
This is Punkaj from Delhi, the biker behind Safar Sanskriti – where Indian roads meet living culture.
Every winter, both Indian and international riders ask:
“Where should I ride right now from Delhi when the weather is perfect?”
Here are my 7 favourite winter motorcycle escapes, tried and tested on my Royal Enfield Meteor 350 — perfect roads, clear skies, cool breeze and pure Indian culture.
1. Lansdowne – Peaceful Garhwal Hills (Uttarakhand)
Distance: 260 km | Time: 6–7 hours
Temperature: 5–18 °C
A calm, Army-maintained hill station with pine forests and clean roads.
Highlights:
- Tip-In-Top viewpoint (snow peaks in Jan)
- Bhulla Lake
- War Memorial
- Smooth curves and zero traffic
- Perfect weekend ride: Sat morning → Sun night return
Best Local Food:
- Pahadi aloo tamatar
- Gharwali rajma-chawal
- Bhang ki chutney
- Fresh bun-omelette & pahadi chai stalls
2. Neemrana Fort Palace – Royal Rajasthan Getaway
Distance: 120 km | Time: 2.5 hours
A stunning 15th-century fort converted into a royal heritage stay.
Why Winter Is Perfect:
- Golden-hour views from fort terraces
- Ziplining over the Aravalli hills
- Folk music + bonfire evenings
- Short ride = perfect for beginners
Best Food:
- Laal Maas
- Gatte ki Sabzi
- Ker Sangri
- Authentic Rajasthani thali inside the fort
3. Pangot – Hidden Himalayan Village (Near Nainital)
Distance: 330 km | Time: 8 hours
A peaceful Himalayan village known for nature and wildlife.
Why Riders Love Pangot:
- 500+ bird species (woodpeckers, pheasants)
- Oak, pine & rhododendron forests
- Sunrise views of Nanda Devi
- No tourist crowd like Nainital
Must-Visit Spots:
- Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
- Pangot waterfall trail
Best Local Food:
- Bhatt ki churkani
- Pahadi dal-rice
- Homestay-grown vegetables
- Momos & thukpa (very popular here)
4. Rishikesh & Devprayag – Sacred Ganga Loop
Distance: Delhi → Rishikesh 240 km
Rishikesh → Devprayag 75 km
Ideal Trip: 2 days
Top Experiences:
- Triveni Ghat Aarti
- Riverside camping
- Ride along the Ganga valley
- Turquoise confluence at Devprayag
- Ancient temples & ashrams
Best Local Food:
- Aloo-puri (Rishikesh famous)
- Chole-kulche near Lakshman Jhula
- German Bakery (cheesecake + smoothies)
- Ganga-view cafés: Beatles Café, Pure Soul Café
5. Sariska Tiger Reserve – Jungle & Wildlife Ride
Distance: 200 km | Trip: Overnight
Perfect winter wildlife ride — cold weather = active animals.
What to Do:
- Morning tiger safari
- Visit Bhangarh Fort
- Ride to Siliserh Lake Palace
- Beautiful golden fields in winter
Wildlife: Tigers, leopards, sambars, peacocks, jackals.
Best Local Food:
- Dal Baati Churma
- Bajra roti + garlic chutney
- Rajasthani thali
- Lake-view lunch at Siliserh Palace
6. Shekhawati – World’s Largest Open-Air Art Gallery
Distance to Mandawa: 260 km
Route: Delhi → Mandawa → Nawalgarh → Fatehpur → Delhi
A heritage-rich region full of colourful painted havelis.
Must-Visit Places:
- Mandawa Havelis
- Poddar Haveli (Nawalgarh)
- Nadine Le Prince Haveli (Fatehpur)
Why Riders Enjoy This Route:
- Desert roads + sunrise views
- Traditional villages
- Photography heaven
Best Food:
- Bajra roti + ker sangri
- Rajasthani kadhi
- Kesar chai in kulhad
- Ghewar (Shekhawati specialty)
7. Jim Corbett National Park – Riverside Wilderness
Distance: 240 km
A peaceful forest escape with river views and wildlife.
Things to Do:
- Safari in Bijrani or Jhirna zone
- Ride along Kosi river
- Visit Garjiya Devi Temple
- Sunset at Dhikuli village
Best Local Food:
- Kumaoni aloo ke gutke
- Madua (ragi) roti
- Local chicken curry
- Trout fish (in Ramnagar restaurants)
My Winter Riding Essentials (Delhi Edition)
- Rynox Stealth Evo jacket + heated grips
- Thermal inners + wool socks
- Clear visor for fog
- One traditional shawl from every destination (my handlebar story collection!)
India’s Winter Roads Are Calling…
Cool breeze. Warm people. Empty highways.
Winter riding = pure happiness.
Which destination are you riding to first?
Comment your city/country — I reply to every rider!
Keep the rubber side down
Rider Punkaj
Delhi, India
Safar Sanskriti – Culture on Two Wheels
Blog: safarsanskriti.blogspot.com
Instagram: @safarsanskriti
YouTube: Safar-Sanskriti with Rider Punkaj
Happy winters & safe rides! 🏍️❄️