Gurgaon to Dholavira (Road to Heaven) on Two Wheels Versys 650

ROUTE and RIDER.com >  Featuring Motorcycle Rider Shivanshu Aggarwal and his motorcycle trip to the edge of the Rann of Kutch on a Versys 650.

Get the ultimate rider’s blueprint for Dholavira, covering everything from two-up suspension tuning and gear management to the best sunrise photography spots on the "Road to Heaven." This guide breaks down essential costs, fuel efficiency, and local culinary secrets to ensure your salt flat expedition is as smooth as the Kutch tarmac.

Some rides test your machine. Some tests your patience. And a few quietly test your planning skills.
Our January ride from Gurgaon to Dholavira—my wife and I on our Kawasaki Versys 650—was all three. If you’re planning this route, here’s a rider-first breakdown: routes, stays, what to avoid, and how to enjoy the legendary Road to Heaven without burning yourself out.

Why Dholavira?

Dholavira sits on the edge of the Great Rann of Kutch, famous for surreal white landscapes, vast skies, and roads that seem designed for motorcyclists. Winter (Dec–Feb) is peak season thanks to pleasant daytime temperatures and the Rann Utsav—great vibes, but also crowded if you don’t plan ahead.

Day-by-Day Route Breakdown

Day 1 – Gurgaon to Pali (23 Jan)

Distance: ~575 km
Ride time: ~11 hours
Start: 8:00 AM | End: 7:10 PM

We rolled out of Gurgaon and immediately rode into rain and cold—classic North India winter surprise. Light rain followed us till Neemrana, where we stopped at a dhaba (restaurant).

Why we chose X that works for riders:

• Barista coffee ☕

• Clean washrooms

• Easy parking

• Perfect warm-up stop in cold weather

From there, it was smooth sailing via Jaipur bypass → Ajmer bypass, with short stretches and hydration breaks. We skipped lunch to maintain momentum and checked into Hotel Mount Pleasant, Pali by evening—simple, rider-friendly, and well-timed for a long day.

Day 2 – Pali to Dholavira (24 Jan)

Distance: ~500 km
Ride time: ~10 hours
Start: 6:45 AM

The roads after Ajmer were a pure joy—open highways, flowing curves, and that relaxed Rajasthan rhythm.

Route lesson (important):
At Sirohi, Google Maps pushed us onto State Highway 27 instead of the Abu Road (NH). Big mistake.

• Speed breakers every 2–3 km

• Villages throughout

• Mentally exhausting

Pro tip: Take the Abu Road (National Highway) even if it shows a few extra kilometers. Same ETA, far better ride.

We reached the outskirts of Dholavira around 3:30 PM, touching the first stretch of the iconic Road to Heaven.

Accommodation challenge:
Because of the long weekend + Rann of Kutch festival, finding a room without prior booking was tough. After some hunting, we found a decent stay at ~₹5,000/night.

After unloading and resting for an hour, we headed back out around 5 PM to ride the main stretch of Road to Heaven and catch the sunset—an unforgettable moment with endless salt flats glowing gold.

Day 3 – Dholavira to Beawar (25 Jan)

Distance: ~630 km
Ride time: ~9 hours
Start: 11:00 AM

Two consecutive long days catch up fast. We slept in and planned a realistic exit day.

This time, we stuck to the Abu Road (NH) all the way to Beawar:

• Longer on paper

• No breakers

• No constant village slow-downs

• Much less fatigue

We reached Beawar by 8 PM and called it a night.

Day 4 – Beawar to Gurgaon (26 Jan)

Distance: ~450 km
Ride time: ~9 hours
Start: 8:00 AM

Republic Day threw a curveball. Near Kotputli, trucks were barred from entering Delhi, causing a massive jam. We lost nearly an hour, crawling between trucks and sometimes riding the gravel shoulder.

Patience (and balance) paid off—we rolled into Gurgaon by 5 PM, tired but smiling.

RIDER INSIGHTS

- - - 🛠 Technical & Gear Insights - - -

The Machine & Setup The Versys 650 handled the route with ease, proving why it's a premier mile-muncher. However, riding two-up with luggage requires a bit of math. I opted for a stiffer suspension setup to compensate for the pillion and gear weight, which significantly improved handling on the Rajasthan highways.

Luggage for Two Managing gear for two people for a 4-day trip is a space-management puzzle. We utilized:

• Brand X soft side bags and a Brand X top box for the bulk of our 4-day gear.
• A tank bag for miscellaneous "on-the-go" items.
• Brand X crash protector bags specifically for carrying our winter and rain liners.
  

Pillion Perspective Comfort is a forte for the V650, and my wife was comfortable throughout the journey. One minor tip for pillions: the repetitive climbing on and off the high back seat can cause leg fatigue/pain toward the end of a long trip. Pro Gear Tip: Winter and rain liners are absolute essentials. Don't leave home without them, as winter rain at highway speeds is brutal.

- - - The "ROAD to HEAVEN" Specifics - - -

Timing the Perfect Shot Everyone wants that "perfect" shot, but timing is everything. There are actually two distinct stretches of the Road to Heaven: one optimized for sunrise and one for sunset. Plan to ride both ends of the day for the best lighting.

The Terrain: While the road is pure tarmac, the edges offer some variety. There are wide shoulders along the road, making it safe to pull over and take pictures without obstructing traffic. For those feeling adventurous, there are small trails leading to higher points on Dholavira island, though they can be tricky. I attempted one with a solo rider on a 310GS, but we eventually had to turn back after losing the trail.

- - - 🍽 Cultural & Culinary Stops - - -

Local Flavor: Skip the commercial dhabas; the real magic is in the homestays. Most include home-cooked traditional vegetarian meals. Must try: Bajra roti and khichdi served with homemade cow-milk ghee. Caution: Avoid newer dhabas on this route. An upset stomach is the last thing you want on a long-distance ride.

- - - 💰 Budget & Planning (The "Value" Data) - - -

Category	Cost (Approx)	Notes
Fuel	₹10,000	For a 2200km total distance
Food & Lodging	₹16,000	Mid-range stays and meals
Total	₹26,000	For two people

Fuel Efficiency: The Versys 650 delivered a steady 22 kmpl while riding two-up. While fuel was available throughout the route, the Versys' 21-liter tank was a blessing, eliminating the need for frequent, time-consuming stops.

Pics Credits & Ride Inputs: Shivanshu on Instagram
 https://www.instagram.com/aggarwal_shivanshu/

Collaboration Author: Ted King

10 Motorcycle Riding Fitness Fundamentals That Improve Rider Speed, Control, and Endurance

 Whether you’re chasing a personal best on track days, navigating adventure bike trails, or carving up the local twisties, your bike is only as capable as its rider. Improving your motorcycle fitness isn't just about looking good in leathers—it’s about rider safety, sharper reflexes, and total bike control.

Here are the 10 foundations of fitness every rider needs to master. You can also find a "Moto-Fit 30-Minute Exercise" that can be helpful. Just a quick reminder: please check with a doctor or trainer before starting a new routine, especially if you’re managing an injury or health condition.

1. Cardio Endurance  (The Engine Room)

Motorcycling is a high-focus sport. When your heart rate climbs, your decision-making can tank.

• The Routine: Engage in aerobic exercise like running, cycling, or swimming. If that's strenuous, you can always do brisk walks and stretch exercises to still stay fit.

• The Benefit: Improved cardio endurance keeps you alert during long hauls and prevents that "brain fog" that leads to mistakes.

2. Core Strengthening (Your Stability Control)

Your core is the bridge between you and the machine. Your lower back and thighs. A weak core means you’re putting too much weight on the bars, which kills your handling.

• Planks: Build the stability needed to stay locked into the bike.

• Russian Twists: Prime your obliques for hanging off the bike and aggressive cornering.

• Leg Raises: Target the lower abs for better balance during long stints in the saddle.

3. Leg & Posterior Chain Strength (The Grip)

You don’t steer a bike with your hands; you steer it with your lower body.

• Squats: Essential for off-road riding, where you’re constantly transitioning from sitting to standing.

• Lunges: Perfect for evening out muscle imbalances and supporting the bike’s weight at a stop.

• Deadlifts: The ultimate "bike-up" move. Strengthening your back and hamstrings makes picking up a dropped motorcycle easier.

4. Upper Body Power (Handling the Weight)

While you want a light touch on the bars, you need the strength to manage the bike’s mass in low-speed maneuvers or heavy braking.

• Push-Ups: Build the chest and triceps strength needed for heavy braking zones.

• Dumbbell Rows: Counteract "biker slouch" by strengthening the upper back, improving your riding posture.

5. Flexibility and Mobility (The Fluid Motion)

Stiffness is the enemy of speed. If you can’t move freely, you can’t react to the terrain.

• Yoga/Stretching: Essential for track riders who need to get a knee down or for adventure riders navigating contorted positions on technical trails. 

6. Balance & Coordination

Riding is a constant dance of independent limb movement (clutch, throttle, front brake, rear brake).

• The Drill: Use a balance board or simply stand on one leg while brushing your teeth.

• The Goal: Sharpen your neuromuscular connection so your inputs become second nature.

7. Neck Strength (Helmet Support)

Your head is heavy; add a 1.5kg helmet and 100km/h wind blast, and your neck becomes a sail.

• The Fix: Gentle resistance training prevents fatigue, improves flexibility, and neck movement while riding.

8. Saddle Endurance

You can’t simulate a long ride in the gym; you have to put in the seat time.

• The Plan: Gradually increase your mileage. Start with day trips before tackling a motorcycle touring weekend. Don't forget to schedule rest stops to prevent fatigue.

9. Mental Focus & Awareness

The most important "muscle" is between your ears.

• Training: Practice meditation or situational awareness drills. High mental stamina allows you to spot hazards faster and maintain "The Zone" longer. Ride at safe speeds, always maintaining good control and applying the brakes when required.

10. Hydration & Nutrition (The Fuel)

You wouldn’t put low-grade fuel in your precious motorcycle, so don’t do it to yourself.

• The Tip: Dehydration leads to slow reaction times. Carry a hydration pack on adventure rides and eat slow-release carbs to avoid the mid-afternoon energy crash. You can get healthy trail mix and water for on-the-go.

Important Note: Please consult with a fitness professional or medical expert before starting any new exercise program. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or physical limitations.

The "Moto-Fit" 30-Minute Circuit 

Exercise	Focus	The "Rider Swap" (Customization)
1. Goblet Squats	Leg Power	Off-Road: Do these slowly on the way down and "explode" up to simulate standing up from a seat.
2. Plank with Reach	Core/Stability	Street: While in a plank, reach one arm forward at a time to simulate maintaining core tension while steering.
3. Alternating Lunges	Balance	All Riders: Keep your torso upright and "heavy" to simulate dabbing a foot down on uneven ground.
4. Push-Ups	Braking Strength	Track/Street: Keep your elbows tucked in (not flared) to build the triceps used for heavy braking support.
5. Superman Holds	Lower Back	Adventure: Hold for 3 seconds at the top to strengthen the muscles that keep you upright on long highway hauls.
6. Russian Twists	Obliques	Track: Focus on rotating your shoulders fully to simulate looking through a deep corner.
7. Mountain Climbers	Cardio/Agility	Enduro: Go as fast as possible to simulate the high-intensity burst of a hill climb or rock garden.
8. Isometric Neck Hold	Helmet Support	All Riders: Place your hand on your forehead and push against it (resist with your neck) for 5 seconds; repeat on all sides.

Train smart, ride strong, and you’ll feel the difference every time you swing a leg over the saddle.

Pics credits: Foto K. and Gabin-vallet @Unsplash