27
May
Escape the British Winter on Two Wheels: Why November to March Is Prime Time to Ride Rajasthan and Kerala
Picture this. It is January. Back home, you have road salt eating through your wheel arches, darkness setting in by half past three, and your bike wrapped up in the garage under a dust sheet. Meanwhile, somewhere in the Thar Desert, a rider is cruising a golden highway toward Jaisalmer Fort as the sun drops low and warm over the dunes.
That rider could be you.
The UK motorcycle market registered just 93,922 new machines in 2025, according to MCIA data. Its worst performance in years. Many analysts point not just to economics, but to the simple reality that British winters make riding miserable. Salt, ice, short days, and zero visibility are not exactly inspiring. Riders are not giving up the sport. A growing number of them are simply taking it somewhere else.
Why UK Riders Are Skipping Winter and Booking Motorcycle Tours in India
India sits high on the bucket list for adventure riders globally, and for good reason. Motorcycle tours in India offer some of the world’s most diverse riding terrain: desert highways, mountain passes, coastal roads, and jungle tracks. The best part is that while Britain sits under grey skies from November through March, the two most popular riding regions, Rajasthan in the north-west and Kerala in the south, are right in their prime season.
Temperatures in Rajasthan during this window sit between 15°C and 25°C during the day. In Kerala, you are looking at 24°C to 30°C with low humidity and clear roads. Compare that to a damp Tuesday morning commute on the M25, and the choice starts to make itself.
Motorcycle tours in India have also become far more accessible to UK riders over the last five years. Better roads, reliable machines, and experienced operators mean you no longer need to be an expedition veteran to ride through Rajasthan or Kerala. Beginners and experienced tourers alike are now making the trip and coming back wanting more.
Many British riders are now choosing Himalayan motorcycle tour from UK packages to escape cold winters and experience India on two wheels.
Rajasthan: Desert Roads, Forts, and Winter Sun
If there is one region that captures why motorcycle tours in India appeal so strongly to UK riders, it is Rajasthan. The state stretches across desert landscapes, scrubland, Aravalli hills, and centuries-old trading routes. Riding through it in winter is genuinely one of the best experiences you can have on two wheels.
The Classic Rajasthan Route
Most Rajasthan itineraries begin in Delhi before heading through cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur.
Jaipur, known as the Pink City, opens with wide boulevards, forts, and historic palaces. The ride toward Jodhpur brings quieter desert roads with Mehrangarh Fort appearing dramatically above the skyline. From there, the route pushes toward Jaisalmer, where golden sandstone architecture rises directly from the desert itself.
One of the most memorable moments for riders is watching the sunset over the dunes with a cup of traditional Indian tea after a full day on the road. It is difficult to explain properly until you experience it yourself.
What the Roads Are Actually Like
Road conditions vary depending on the region. National highways between major cities are generally smooth and easy to ride. Smaller state roads and village sections can be rougher, with occasional potholes and livestock crossings requiring attention.
Traffic in Indian cities feels chaotic at first for UK riders, but after the first day or two, most adapt surprisingly quickly. It becomes part of the experience rather than something intimidating.
Kerala: Coastal Roads, Tea Hills, and Backwaters
If Rajasthan is all about desert drama, Kerala offers a completely different atmosphere. Kerala sits between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, creating one of the most scenic riding regions in India.
Riding Through Munnar
Munnar sits around 1,600 metres above sea level and is famous for its endless tea plantations. The roads climbing from Kochi toward Munnar twist through mountains, waterfalls, forests, and mist-covered valleys.
The cool air, winding roads, and green landscapes make it feel entirely different from the dry desert riding of Rajasthan.
Stopping at local tea factories and tasting fresh tea directly where it is processed becomes one of the standout moments of the journey for many riders.
Enjoying the rich cultural shows where the traditional dance form Kathakali mesmerises the traveler while the traditional martial art Kalaripattu leaves them spellbound. Traditional Kerala meal- “Sadya” is something that you can’t miss during the trip.
Riders looking for coastal roads, tea plantations, and tropical scenery often choose a Kerala motorcycle tour during the UK winter season.
The Backwaters of Alleppey
Further south, Alappuzha, often called Alleppey, offers a slower and calmer side of Kerala. Famous for its backwaters and traditional houseboats, the region feels almost designed for recovery after long riding days.
The roads here pass through fishing villages, palm-lined canals, and coastal towns where life moves at an entirely different pace. Riders spend a night onboard a traditional houseboat drifting through the waterways, which becomes one of the most memorable parts of the Kerala route.
November till February are especially ideal here, with clear skies, cooler evenings, and comfortable humidity levels.
Royal Bikers: Motorcycle Tours Designed for International Riders
For UK riders travelling to India for the first time, the choice of operator matters enormously.
Royal Bikers specialises in guided motorcycle tours across Rajasthan and Kerala using well-maintained Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles.
What stands out is that the tours are personally led by the founders rather than outsourced to freelance guides. Riders travel with people who know every route, stop, and riding condition firsthand.
Destinations Covered
Rajasthan Tour Destinations
- Mandawa
- Bikaner
- Jaisalmer
- Jodhpur
- Udaipur
- Jaipur
Kerala Tour Destinations
- Kochi
- Munnar
- Thekkady
- Alleppey
- Thiruvananthapuram
What’s Included in the Tour Packages
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles
- Premium accommodation
- Fuel and support vehicles
- Mechanical assistance
- Medical kits
- Airport transfers
- Still & Drone photography
- Small riding groups
For solo travellers especially, having everything organised before arrival removes most of the stress from riding in a completely new country.
Practical Things UK Riders Should Know
Do I Need an International Driving Permit?
Yes. UK riders need an International Driving Permit alongside their full UK licence while riding in India.
What Bike Will I Be Riding?
Most guided tours use the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 because it suits Indian roads extremely well and remains comfortable for long touring days.
Visas and Insurance
UK citizens can apply for an Indian e-visa online before travel. Travel insurance should specifically cover motorcycle riding abroad, especially for larger engine motorcycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to ride a motorcycle in India as a UK tourist?
Yes, especially on guided tours with experienced operators, support vehicles, and lead riders. The key is riding at a steady pace and avoiding unnecessary risks like night riding.
What is the best time of year for motorcycle tours in India?
November through March is considered the best riding season for both Rajasthan and Kerala due to comfortable temperatures and clear weather.
Do I need to be an experienced rider?
Not necessarily. Most riders with normal road touring experience adapt quickly to Indian riding conditions within the first couple of days.
How long do these tours usually last?
Rajasthan tours generally run between 10 and 14 days. Kerala tours are usually between 6 and 10 days.
Can Rajasthan and Kerala be combined into one trip?
Yes, both of them can be done one after another, starting with Rajasthan. November to February are the ideal months to travel to these destinations. It would be ideal for UK riders to explore the tropical region during the months when the UK weather is avoidable.
For mature touring enthusiasts, these are considered some of the best motorcycle tours in India for UK riders over 45 thanks to their relaxed pace, support teams, and cultural experiences.