Foldable Bikes Party: 5 amazing things to see along India's first cycle superhighway

Monday, 28 November 2016

5 amazing things to see along India's first cycle superhighway

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A new cycle superhighway has been opened in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, running 207km from a lion safari park all the way to the Taj Mahal's eastern gate in Agra. It runs mostly through rural areas, and it sounds amazing.

"It is a historical moment as a world-class cycling infrastructure is being made operational not only for locals but to the people of the state and the nation," state minister Abhishek Mishra at the official opening, according to the Times of India.

The cycle superhighway runs parallel to the main highway, is around 2m wide, and is completely separate from auto traffic, according to the Times of India. It connects 92 villages, and crosses the Chambal and Yamuna rivers, with breathtaking views of ravines along the way. And if you're lucky, you might spot a river crocodile or two.

1. Asiatic lions

Obviously, if you start your trip from the Etawah Lion Safari Park, you'll want to check out their kings of the jungle. Inspired by the UK's Longleat Safari Park, it's a drive-through experience that you should definitely do on four wheels, not two.

2. Awe-inspiring ravines

The Chambal river takes its name from the word 'Charmanvati', meaning the river on whose banks leather is dried. When you ride along it, you'll see some incredible deep-sided ravines, like this one.

3. River crocodiles

We love a snappy critter at BikeRadar, and spotting one of these is a possibility on the Yamuna river. The gharial – also known as the 'fish-eating crocodile' – has extremely long, thin jaws, and is rated as critically endangered. However, they are still to be found along the Chambal river, so keep your eyes peeled.

4. 101 temples of Bateshwar

You won't be short of temples to visit as you cycle along India's new cycle superhighway, and the village of Bateshwar in particular is worth exploring. It's located on the banks of the Yamuna river, and features the 101 Shiv Temple Complex (no relation to the Shiv bicycle).

5. The Taj Mahal

Saving the best for last, this magnificent mausoleum will greet you at journey's end. Built in the 17th century AD by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, it's an incredible sight that attracts 8m visitors a year. Top tip – for security reasons, only five portable items (water in transparent bottles, small video cameras, still cameras, mobile phones and small purses) are allowed inside the complex, so you'll have to leave the panniers outside.

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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