By: Little Traveler
Many countries now offer citywide bike-sharing services, and slow cycling through urban areas has become a new trend. However, if you're not familiar with local traffic rules, it's better to stick to designated bike paths or routes popular with cyclists rather than navigating city streets blindly. CNN's travel website CNNGO recently unveiled a list of the world's top ten most beautiful cycling routes, spanning from Canada in the northern hemisphere to New Zealand in the southern hemisphere. In Asia, Udaipur City in India, the Karakoram Highway, and the scenic loop around Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan made the cut.
1. The Great Ocean Road – Victoria
?img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="//cdn01.dcfever.com/articles/news/2015/11/151130_bike_1.jpg" alt="" />
Stretching 243 kilometers along Australia’s southeastern coast, this bike path is undoubtedly a challenge to complete in one go. If you only have a day but still want to cycle, try the 60-kilometer route from Torquay to Bells Beach. Along the way, you’ll pass rural farmland and enjoy sea views from dramatic cliffs — no wonder it’s considered one of the most scenic rides.
2. Udaipur City Tour – Rajasthan
India might be known for its grand seascapes, but even narrow, ancient paths once trodden by goats or camels can be delightful. Cycling amidst ancient temples and palaces offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary and brings the old city to life, while also providing an alternative way to explore India’s rural charm.
3. The Karakoram Highway
Spanning China and Pakistan, the Karakoram Highway sits at an altitude of 4,700 meters, making it the highest international road in the world. With most sections remaining largely unrepaired and the entire route stretching 1,200 kilometers, it’s not for the average traveler. But those who make the journey are rewarded with breathtaking landscapes, including the Karakoram Mountains in the Hunza Valley.
4. Route of the Hiawatha – Idaho to Montana
The United States transformed an abandoned railway into a 24-kilometer bike path that takes riders across seven trestle bridges and through ten tunnels, the longest of which, the Taft Tunnel, stretches 2.7 kilometers. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Bitterroot Mountains.
5. Around the Sun Moon Lake – Taichung
?img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="//cdn01.dcfever.com/articles/news/2015/11/151130_bike_5.jpg" alt="" />
This 3-kilometer loop around Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County offers insight into the region’s ecological environment and the culture of the Thao indigenous people. Coupled with mirror-like lake views and picturesque mountain scenery, it draws countless visitors every year — myself included. If you visit during cherry blossom season, the explosion of pink blooms is absolutely worth the trip.
Other Travel Highlights
[Dogs on the Go] Sled Dogs Circumnavigate the Americas — A Grand Adventure Over Two Years
[Travel Fun Fact] One by One — The World’s Ten Most Dreamy Bridges (Part 1)
[Travel Fun Fact] One by One — The World’s Ten Most Dreamy Bridges (Part 2)
[Travel Fun Fact] Traveling with Cats ! Meet the Popular “Nyanko-san” from Kyushu !