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Best Road Trips in India That You Must Take

Best road trips in india, here is the list of 25 best road trips in india that you must take, 1. mumbai to pune expressway.

Distance: 94 Kms An easy weekend getaway from Pune/Mumbai, a road trip to Lonavala is something that almost all local residents will swear by. Dont forget to savor 'chikki' in Lonavala. The picturesque surroundings and lush green foliage are great at calming those jittery nerves. So if you are in the region and planning to take a road trip look no further. Put the medal on the pedal, and get cracking! Duration: 2 to 3 hours Road Trip Guide: The expressway is 94 Kms long and considered one of the best road trips in India. Two-wheelers are allowed on old Mumbai-Pune Highway (which is in really good shape) while cabs and buses ply on the Mumbai-Pune expressway. Sunny Da Dhaba and The Kinara Village Dhaba are good eating options on the Pune-Lonavala stretch.

2. Manali to Leh Highway

Distance: 479 Kms The beauty of the road trip in India from Manali to Leh cannot be captured in words. Remember Kareena Kapoor dancing to 'Yeh Ishq Hai' from Jab We Met? Wouldn't it be fun to cruise along that road in all its snowy glory on an open jeep or a Bullet? Ah! So Pretty! Duration: 2 days Road Trip Guide: It spans a length of 479 km with a mean altitude in between 3 to 4 km above sea level. The road is open for about 5 months a year mostly during summers and mid-October. The journey takes about 2 days with one stopover for rest and acclimatisation.

3. Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley

Distance: 116 Kms The graceful marriage of the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats in Visakhapatnam are a sight to behold. Any first time visitor to the city is taken away by the pristine beauty of this union in the city. When the same traveller takes a trip to Araku, he's completely mystified by the beauty of the road. The curly roads, the gentle elevation and the sweet serenity of the hills make it an amazing road trip in India and will etch a permanent place in your heart for an eternity. Duration: 3 hours Road Trip Guide: The road spans about 116 kms. There are interesting places like Borra caves and Tatipudi Reservoir on the way. The best time to visit the region is between October and March.

4. Shimla to Manali via Mandi

Distance: 250 Kms Clichés, when it comes to choosing a travel destination, should never be steered clear of! The Shimla-Manali road trip, with the River Beas trudging alongside, is a beautiful road trip to relax and unwind in India. Take a break from and play in the ice-cold water of the river. Nothing says Himachal vacation like playing in the water during the ride between Shimla and Manali! Duration: 5 to 6 hours Road Trip Guide: This 250 Kms stretch requires a little longer than usual due to hilly terrain. All the more reason to be one of the best road trips in India.

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Distance: 151 Kms This is one of the most beautiful roads for travelling on a cruiser motorbike. Chetan Bhagat wrote about it, and rightfully so. The Sea on one side of the road is a sight to behold as the day grows. The changing reflections of the Sun on the water as the day advances makes it most beautiful road around Chennai and probably India will leave you feeling thoroughly satisfied. Be prepared for a lot of Photography sessions while on the road! Duration: 3 hours Road Trip Guide: This stretch of road is known as the East Coast road. This route passes through Mahabalipuram (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kalpakkam (nuclear facility), Idaikkazhinadu (Alamparai Fort aka Alambara Fort), Mudaliarkuppam (with a cool boathouse and water sports facility), Marakkanam (famous for large salt pans) etc.

6. Guwahati to Tawang

Distance: 520 Kms Two absolute essentials from Northeast and a trip just like its two ends- challenging, yet spread across an extremely beautiful terrain. A few stops in between, and you should be able to pull it off more conveniently. Duration: 2 days Road Trip Guide: The distance requires a stopover or two.

7. Puri to Konark via NH 203

Distance: 36 Kms While scenic roads in Orissa would very well put most of the Eastern states of India to shame, the Puri-Konark highway is one of those beautiful roads to do Photography that when undertaken, will force you to drain the battery on your camera. The canopy formed by the trees on either side of the road, the soft misty breeze and the obvious idyllic beauty will leave you mesmerised, now and forever! Duration: Under 1 hour. Road Trip Guide: This short stretch can be covered in about an hour and makes for a memorable road trip.

8. Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo and Nathu La Pass

Distance: 56 Kms The North-East, largely unexplored is home to some of the best destinations for road trips in India. This is one of those road trips of North-East that you should undertake at once without thinking much. The hilly terrain might make it a challenging ride, but the beauty of the road lies in the uncertainty of the terrain. The awesome sight along the roads on mountain ranges will totally make up for everything else! Take a road trip in winters to Lake Tsomgo (also known as Changu Lake) from Gangtok and know happiness like never before! Duration: 2 hours Road Trip Guide:  With Lake Tsomgo falling on the route at around 39 Kms from Gangtok, you are bound to have an unmatched road trip experience.

9. Bangalore to Bandipur Forest

Distance: 220 Kms One cannot put forward a list of awesome road trips in India without accounting for one that is taken along a forest. The Bandipur Forest route to Bangalore is one of the most beautiful trips through forests in India, that you'll ever take. One can take the same road to Ooty from Mysore passing though Bandipur National Park. Have a road trip with friends in a car with a sunroof, singing all the way. You might spot deer nonchalantly crossing the road. There's no better manner of paying your respects to this charming highway! Duration: 4 hours to 5 hours Road Trip Guide: Running along the scenic Mysore Road, there are various places for stopovers and eating along the route including McDonalds and Cafe Coffee Day.

10. Shimla to Manali via Kinnaur and Spiti

Distance: 645 Kms A more recommended route to Shimla than the Mandi one, this is the road trip in India you should take instead if you are looking forward to the road trip being the highlight of your trip. Cover Kalpa, Sangla valley and even higher bits of the valley like Nako, Chango, Ropa if you wish. Duration : 4 to 5 days (stopovers included) Road trip Guide: The stretch is longish and you can cover it in 3-4 days time (unlike shown in Google Maps). You can stopover at Rampur as the first stop. Shimla to Rampur is around 130 km and the roads are decent till this point. Rampur to Nako is around 180km and it almost takes an entire day to cover this part. The road is very bad but equally scenic. Nako to Kaza is another 110 km and it is really beautiful as it is completely in Spiti region, but the roads are still bad. The stretch from Nako to Kaza could take more than half a day and you can stopover at Kaza. The last part of the trip is from Kaza to Manali via Kunzum La and Rohtang La and this stretch is better than the previous two parts, but still quite bad. This will also take an entire day easily.

11. Chennai to Munnar

Distance: 585 Kms If you've got a weekend and Chennai's weather just doesn't cut it, Munnar is your escape. Even better, is that it can come with a though longish but refreshing road trip that might just be what you need to kick start your stay at Munnar. Duration: 10 to 12 hours (not including stopovers) Road Trip Guide: There are three different routes which you can take from Chennai to Munnar. All three routes comprise of amazing attractions to make your road trip more memorable.

12. Delhi to Agra via Mathura on Yamuna Expressway

Distance: 233 Kms The Yamuna expressway is probably the best road in the country at present and an absolute must-do for all road trip enthusiasts in Delhi. If you have enough driving stamina, you can visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and come back to Delhi by the end of the night. Duration: 4 hours Road Trip Guide: You can cover this stretch on the Yamuna Expressway in less than 2 hours as the road is just amazing. However, getting to Yamuna Expressway from Delhi itself is around 70km, so add another hour or two to the total journey. Take care of the air pressure in your tires. Too much heat while driving at a fast speed have caused tires of some vehicles to burst, so remember to maintain a lower than normal air pressure.

13. Jaipur to Jaisalmer

Distance: 558 Kms Known as the 'golden city' due to its bounteous golden dunes and castles clad in golden honey sandstone, Jaisalmer is adorned with lakes, ornate Jain temples and havelis. Climb on to the camel saddle and make your way through this desert or camp under the night sky in this golden land for an unforgettable experience. Duration : 9 to 10 hours Road Trip Guide: The roads are in top-notch condition and a pleasure to drive on! Go along the RJ SH 19 which is the best option as far as routes are concerned. Make a refueling stop at Jodhpur, both for your car and your tummy. Authentic Rajasthani cuisine can be found anywhere along this route in India.

14. Shillong to Cherrapunjee

Distance: 59 Kms For a 53 km stretch, this one has a lot to offer from drizzles, waterfalls, caves, villages and a beautiful view from your window. You will find stops for food along the way. Duration: 2 hours Road Trip Guide: The trip will take you about 1-2 hours without any traffic or stops. This is a popular stretch, often covered by car only.

15. Mumbai to Goa

Distance: 556 Kms This can probably be called the Father of Indian road trips. Drive towards the sun, the sea and the sand on a gorgeous road that will inspire and gear you up for the upcoming fun. Duration: 12 hours (without stopovers) Road Trip Guide: The road from Mumbai to Goa along the NH 17 is as smooth as creamed butter and utilizes about 10 hours of travel time. Leave Mumbai early in the morning and reach Goa before the parties begin! There are several food joints along the drive to keep your heart and stomach full.

16. Delhi to Jaipur

Distance: 281 Kms Watch the Aravallis bounce off as you drive along one of the most well-maintained highways for a road trip in India into one of the most colourful cultures of our land. Duration: 5 to 6 hours Road Trip Guide: The roads were in excellent condition until the last few years, but it has deteriorated in the recent past and the course is marked by many restaurants along the way. Take a pit stop at any one of them, refuel and move!

17. Mumbai to Mount Abu

Distance: 758 Kms Is the metropolitan life sucking the life force out of you? Do you want some peace and quiet, if even for a day? Perhaps, my dear Mumbaikars, its time to seek that solace in Mount Abu. Unwind! Duration: 12 hours Road Trip Guide: Take the NH 8 from Mumbai to Mount Abu via Vadodara and Ahmedabad. It stretches on for over 750 Kms. If you're in for a longer holiday, explore the two towns for their authentic culture and Gandhian history respectively. The road is kissed all over with plenty of dhabas, so eat away!

18. Kolkata to Digha

Distance: 183 Kms Any Kolkatan will swear by this road journey, claiming that they have taken it at least 4 times in their lifetime. Why? The road is basic and pleasing, great for revving up your vehicles, lined with green patches all throughout. Digha is a favourite weekend trip option for many East Indians for its short and sweet appeal. Walk along the beach or ride a pony in the shallow waters, two days here will take your mind off things and let you relax. Duration: 4 hours Road Trip Guide: This route in India is dotted with plenty of Dhabas, so eating along the route isn't a problem. The road stretches for over 180 kilometres and travel time is almost 3 hours. Enjoy the delightful drive, clicking snaps all the way!

19. Jaipur to Ranthambore

Distance: 155 Kms Take State Highway 24 to check off 3 essentials of your list Jaipur, Ranthambore and the beautiful stretch in between. There is also a certain Bassi Wildlife sanctuary in between you can make a stop at. Duration : 3 hours Road Trip Guide: The route taken is via NH52 and should take you about 3 hours of an afternoon well spent.

20. Bangalore to Ooty via Mysore

Distance: 273 Kms The road from Bangalore to Ooty, nestled in the lap of the Nilgiri hills, is one of those journeys every road fanatic should undertake once in his lifetime. The roads are the perfect combination of green leafy and asphalt, and the drive is a great idea to soothe your jittery nerves! Duration: 6 to 7 hours Road Trip Guide: The SH 17 is in great condition and dotted with plenty of eateries. For a sumptuous dining experience, try Kamath's near Channapatna. However, if you're one who doesn't like too many surprises for your belly, you can find a McDonald's and Cafe Coffee Day along the way. Stopover at Mysore and enjoy the history of the ancient city before gearing to sit in the lap of nature.

21. Delhi to Shimla

Distance: 342 Kms Somewhere in my heart, behind vertigo and nausea, there is a train of thought that feels that nothing beats the beauty of a road trip on the hills. The great expanse of the Himalayas and the soft cottony clouds blend in the most endearing route and the chilly winds in your hair make for the most sublime of experiences.  Duration: 7 hours Road Trip Guide: Take the Grand Trunk Road from Delhi and trudge along for a long weekend away from the cacophony of the city. The journey takes about 6 hours and 40 minutes. Eating on the drive is not a problem on this route. Give your stomach a treat at Sukhdev ka Dhaba at Murthal for their sumptuous paranthas!

22. Bangalore to Goa

Distance: 556 Kms Ask students and IT professionals in this part of India about their mantra of chilling in the weekend, and they will swear by the bike road trip between Bangalore and Goa. The road is alluring, calm and serene, with several Punjabi dhabas lining the course serving delicious food. Food for your stomach and for your soul, isn't it? Duration: 10 to 11 hours Road Trip Guide: The road stretches for 556 kilometres, and is in good condition. Many would say that a car is the better option to hit the road between Bangalore and Goa, but you can trust your preferences while deciding. Rent-a-cab facilities are available from Bangalore ranging from Rs. 9 to Rs. 48, in addition to toll taxes. Pack a pair of flip flops, dribble sunscreen all over and have fun!

23. Kolkata to Puri

Distance: 498 Kms The drive between Kolkata and Puri is full of surprises. The green drive and the pretty roads will leave you awed, while the idyllic beauty of both the journey and the destination will calm your soul. Duration: 10 hours Road Trip Guide: The best way is to go to Kharagpur and march along to Balasore from there, followed by Pipli, Cuttack and Bhadrak. The distance can be covered in about 10 hours of travel time. Hit the road before dawn from Kolkata and you'll reach in time for Puri's lovely beach-side sunset and succulent crab fries from local vendors!

24. Ahmedabad to Kutch

Distance: 400 Kms Go away for a short weekend holiday to Kutch and enjoy it thoroughly. Soak up the culture and the white beauty of the Rann, enjoying yourself completely. Duration: 10 to 11 hours Road Trip Guide: The stretch takes 11 hours to cover. Some parts of the road are a little untamed, so make sure you start very early in the day from Ahmedabad.

25. Pamban Bridge to Rameshwaram

Distance: 13 Kms Ever pictured driving on a road with vast expanses of water everywhere you look? Precisely why Pamban made it to our list! Sometimes, the infinite ocean under your feet and the moist breeze in your hair is all the therapy you need. It makes for a memorable road trip in India.  Duration: 15 to 20 minutes Road Trip Guide: This stretch can be easily covered in about 20 minutes.

India is a country of many facets, attitudes and varying definitions of beauty. The best idea is always to explore as much as you can, yourself. After all, nothing can beat the thrill of being on the road, right? Got more ideas for us to share? Let us know in comments and we'd be glad to hear :)

This post was published by Pallavi Siddhanta

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The 9 most spectacular road trips in India

Dec 12, 2023 • 12 min read

From self-drive motorbike adventures to tips on hiring a car and driver, here are the best road trips in India © Solovyova / Getty Images

In India, every journey is an experience, whether you rumble across the subcontinent on a classic Enfield motorcycle or rattle through the hills in a chartered 4WD.

The simple act of traveling from A to B will immerse you in the sights , sounds and sensations of the world’s most colorful country. Plenty of people get around  by bus and train, but taking a road trip will give you extra control over your itinerary, letting you choose where to stop and which route to follow.

The good news is that you don’t need to drive yourself – it’s easy to hire a car or 4WD with a driver almost everywhere in India , meaning you can concentrate on the scenery while your driver deals with the sometimes challenging road conditions. 

If you prefer to take the driving seat, renting a motorcycle is a wonderful way to explore the subcontinent, particularly if you stick to the backroads. Self-drive car rental is harder to arrange, but some adventurous souls travel around India with their own vehicles – a few hardy travelers have even navigated India in a modified autorickshaw!

Grab your sense of adventure and get ready to hit the road with this guide to the best road trips in India. 

1. India’s Golden Triangle 

Best road trip for Mughal monuments Delhi–Delhi; 1120km (696 miles); allow five days

Short and sweet, the loop from  Delhi to  Agra and  Jaipur packs a lot of wonders into a few days of driving. Your adventure begins in Delhi, where the ruins of eight cities tell the story of India’s great Islamic empires. Hit  the city's highlights , including Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, the Jama Masjid and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which have changed only superficially since Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s time.

With a chartered vehicle or rented motorcycle, it’s easy to swing by the sacred cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna frolicked with milkmaids in the Hindu epics. After these peaceful stops, steel yourself for a mix of the stressful and sublime in Agra, where the glorious  Taj Mahal more than lives up to its reputation.

Find more Mughal magnificence at nearby  Fatehpur Sikri , the red sandstone city founded and later abandoned by emperor Akbar the Great. Once you follow the NH21 to Jaipur, you’ll share every fort, palace and mystical observatory with a crowd, so consider making the odd detour before you hit the Pink City’s palaces and bazaars. 

Detour: Before zooming west from Fatehpur Sikri to Jaipur, consider a detour south to  Gwalior , whose beautiful fort is less mobbed than other stops on this circuit. Before you complete the third side of the triangle, tack on one more detour to spot tigers stalking ruined battlements in  Ranthambhore National Park before diving back into urban life.

2. Manali to Ladakh across the Himalaya

Best road trip for silence and serenity Manali–Srinagar; 800km (497 miles); allow ten days

Many people follow the mountain circuit from  Manali to  Ladakh and on to  Kashmir in a chartered 4WD, but we strongly recommend traveling by rented Enfield Bullet motorcycle. This allows you the life-affirming thrill of pulling over by the roadside to find yourself alone in the silence of these high-altitude deserts in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.

From the hippie hill resort of Manali, it’s a two-day slog over the 3978m (13,051ft)  Rohtang La to  Leh , through a landscape plucked straight from the heyday of the Silk Road. There’s little vegetation and even less shade, and the cold and altitude will hit you like a sledgehammer. Recuperate with trips to Buddhist monasteries and yoga classes in Leh, then hit the road again for a different take on the Himalayas in Kashmir.

The highway west to  Srinagar weaves between ancient villages, but as the hills turn from dust-yellow to lush green, the culture shifts from Buddhism to Islam before the minarets of Srinagar loom into view. The Kashmir valley is sometimes troubled, but when it’s calm, the experience of watching  Dal Lake appearing slowly through the morning mist from the deck of a houseboat is simply sublime. 

Planning tip: Whether you drive yourself or let someone else take the wheel, it's imperative to respect the mountain climate. Snow closes the high passes into Ladakh in winter, and road travel is usually only possible from June to late September or early October.

3. Rajasthan’s colored cities 

Best road trip for desert colors Jaipur–Jaipur; 1630km (1012 miles); allow ten days

Desert driving in  Rajasthan is an incredible experience. Mighty fortresses loom dramatically out of the landscape, and you’ll share the dusty highways with camel carts and old-timers, some with vividly colored turbans and handsome mustaches. Kick-off in  Jaipur – the pink city – touring pink-sandstone palaces, bustling bazaars and the awe-inspiring fortress at  Amber .

Follow NH48 to the Jain and Muslim pilgrimage center of  Ajmer , and duck west to reach the famous  Pushkar , with its temple-circled lake and  legendary camel fair in October or November. Return to NH48 for the rumbling ride to  Udaipur , the white city – draped like a silk scarf on the shores of tranquil Lake Pichola. Dose up on ice-white palaces, then deviate west to the temple-strewn hill station of  Mt Abu . 

Veering north to  Jodhpur , you’ll immediately spot the lapis-colored buildings that earned the Blue City its name. Get another blast of military might at  Mehrangarh Fort , then drive west through serious desert country to the sand-yellow city of  Jaisalmer , whose fortified walls look almost carved from the desert itself. Close off the loop via  Bikaner , where you’ll leave the tourist crowds behind before diving back into the thick of things in Jaipur.

Detour: Having your own transport opens up the opportunity to get off the tourist track in this heavily visited state. Consider tacking on a side-trip north from Jaipur to Shekhawati, famed for its mural-filled haveli mansions. 

4. Hampi and the Hoysalas

Best road trip for temples Mysuru–Gokarna; 1060km (659 miles); allow ten days

For many travelers, visiting the time-tumbled ruins of the Vijayanagar kingdom at  Hampi is the  most memorable experience  during a trip to India. Start off in  Mysuru (formerly Mysore), with its mesmerizing markets, fiery vegetarian cuisine and famously extravagant  palace . Rumble north on the backroads to fascinating Sravanabelagola with its naked 17m (56ft) statue of  Gomateshvara , the first tirthankara  (spiritual teacher) of the Jain religion.

The temples just keep on coming in Karnataka. Slingshot through Hassan to Belur and Halebid, where the  temples of the Hoysala Empire represent perhaps the zenith of the Hindu temple-building art. A three-hour drive east will drop you in Karnataka’s capital,  Bengaluru , known for its cosmopolitan dining, shopping and nightlife. Enjoy its comforts; it’s a long drive to reach Hosapete, the leaping-off point for the ruins at Hampi.

Once you roll into Hampi’s centuries-old bazaar, allow at least two days to explore toppled temples and time travel across centuries in a landscape of stacked granite boulders. For more timeless temple architecture, duck onto the backroads to reach Badami, where blood-colored cliffs are pock-marked with  cave temples .

Detour: To mix things up, consider taking a side trip to Aihole, dotted with dusty ruins from the ancient Chalukya kingdom, then finish on the beach with some well-earned R&R in  Gokarna  – part pilgrim-town, part beach retreat. 

5. Kolkata to Darjeeling

Best road trip for Himalayan views and side treks Kolkata–Yuksom; 808km (502 miles); allow eight days

The east of India is often overlooked by the crowds who surge north from Delhi, but the journey through West Bengal to the foothills of 8586m (28,169ft) Mt Khangchendzonga has an epic sense of mission. Start in crowded but cultured  Kolkata , visiting ashrams, temples and striking civic buildings reclaimed from British rule. Fit in a tour of the tiger-stalked swamps of the  Sunderbans before you head for the hills. 

The journey north takes you past little-visited country towns to intriguing  Shantiniketan , a university town with a long history of dance, theater and poetry. From here, you’ll break north to reach the emerald-green tea plantations and delightfully dated grand hotels of  Darjeeling , where you’ll likely catch your first up-close views of the Himalayas.

To get intimate with the snow peaks, walk the Singalila Ridge trekking route or edge even closer to Mt Khangchendzonga by picking up a permit to enter lofty  Sikkim . A route through  Kalimpong ,  Gangtok and Pelling will reveal views that would make mountaineers itch for their ice axes. To cap it all off, you can get within touching distance of the snow on the trek to the Goecha La from Yuksom.

Planning tip: You’ll need a Restricted Areas Permit to enter Sikkim, but this is easily obtained in Kolkata, Siliguri or Darjeeling, or when crossing into Sikkim at Melli or Rangpo.

6. Mumbai to Goa 

Best road trip for beaches Mumbai–Palolem; 650km (404 miles); allow one week

Short journeys don’t mean scrimping on excitement in India. From brash and brilliant  Mumbai , pick up NH66 and head south, detouring down to the coast to explore fascinating forts such as  Murud-Janjira , a legacy of centuries of coastal conquest. Pull into the low-key seaside resorts at Ganpatipule and Malvan before you hit the busy beaches of  Goa . 

As you roll into northern Goa, swing by the famous market in  Anjuna and the fun-filled beach hubs at  Baga and Calangute . Head onward to  Panaji , Goa’s charming Portuguese-colonial capital, and the timeworn basilicas of  Old Goa .

The mood changes as you roll south to laid-back  Agonda , the center of Goa’s nascent surfing scene. It changes again as you head inland through green hills dotted with spice farms for a peek at thundering  Dudhsagar Falls , India’s second-highest cascade. Finish up on the sand-sprinkled shore at lovely  Palolem (making time for a bird-spotting  hike at the nearby  Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary ).  

7. A drive through the northeast

Best road trip for tribal encounters Guwahati–Guwahati; 1700km (1056 miles); allow two weeks

With a hired 4WD and a driver who can speak local languages, a fascinating journey through the varied cultures of the northeast states awaits. Start in  Guwahati , the under-explored capital of Assam, and follow the mighty Brahmaputra River northeast to  Kaziranga National Park for close encounters with one-horned Indian rhinos.

Next, aim your sights north towards  Arunachal Pradesh and the awesome  Buddhist monasteries of the Tawang Valley (local travel agencies can arrange a permit).

Add on a wander through the tribal communities of Ziro and Daporijo, and loop back through Upper Assam, continuing east to the fascinating Konyak Naga villages around Mon in northern  Nagaland . Slip back to the plains via Kohima (ideally in December to catch the  Hornbill Festival ), then climb up onto the high plateau of  Meghalaya , where trees are woven into living bridges and markets sell bows and arrows as day-to-day essentials, before barrelling downhill from  Shillong to Guwahati.

Planning tip: A Protected Area Permit is required to enter Arunachal Pradesh, and you may need to be in a group of two or more to visit some areas; contact travel agencies in Guwahati in advance to get the paperwork in place.

8. Around the tip of India

Best road trip in the south Kochi–Kochi; 807km (501 miles); allow 7 days

The bottom end of India feels like a different country. Start the journey through India’s steamy south in historic  Kochi , whose ancient streets tell a timeless tale of seafaring, trade and Keralan spices. As you roam south to  Alappuzha , park up for a day or two to explore the fascinating, waterlogged backwaters by boat.

As you pass through Amrithapuri, you can pause for a hug from a living guru before soaking up some rays on  Kerala ’s loveliest beaches at  Varkala . Next, whoosh through  Thiruvananthapuram (pause just long enough for some incendiary Keralan curries) to the southern tip of India. From here, you’ll head inland, through drier, rockier Tamil Nadu, to reach  Madurai , whose temple towers are encrusted with brightly colored deities and demons.

The trip back to Kochi will take you through the Palani Hills, a side spur of the Western Ghats, where the landscape surges upwards to  Kodaikanal , perhaps the most charming of India’s southern hill stations. Grab a cuppa amidst swirling tea plantations in  Munnar , South India’s top tea-growing center, before you return to the coast. 

Planning tip: The monsoon obscures the views from the Western Ghats from June to September, but waterfalls run at full force, so this is still a rewarding time to come.

9. Chennai to Puducherry (Pondicherry)

Best road trip for cultural variety Chennai–Puducherry; 232km (144 miles); allow 3 to 4 days

For a short, sweet and spicy trip along India’s southeast coast, consider the three-day trip from  Chennai south to  Puducherry (Pondicherry) . Start in Chennai, with its vast beach, famous-name ashrams and  delicious vegetarian cuisine , then track south along the coast, wedged between the sea and the salt lake.

Stop one is the surprising surf resort at Kovalam (Covelong), a worthy stop en route to  Mamallapuram , where you can view a riot of carvings and temples created by the Pallava dynasty. Duck inland to see the ancient Pallava capital at  Kanchipuram , then return to the coast to close out the trip at charming Puducherry, formerly Pondicherry.

A Gallic air pervades this seaside town – best experienced in heritage hotels in the old French Quarter. Just be warned: some spiritually-minded travelers pull into the famous ashram at  Auroville just north of "Pondy" and never leave! 

Top tips for hiring a car and driver in India

You’ll find drivers-for-hire offering their services at taxi and 4WD stands all over India, or you can make arrangements through hotels and travel agencies. Check that the driver speaks enough English to understand where you want to go and where you want to stop, and confirm that the driver is able to cross state lines – some vehicles are only licensed to operate in certain areas. 

You’ll need to agree on a price for the trip before you start, and the cost should include fuel, accommodation and food for the driver for multi-day trips. Prices start at around US$40 per day, rising for 4WD vehicles. Be clear with your driver about what you want from your journey; if you want to avoid stops at tourist shops and commission-paying venues, make this clear from the outset.

Exploring India by motorcycle or bike is for experienced riders

India’s roads are not for fair-weather motorcyclists, but if you have a few miles under your belt and fancy a challenge, it’s a fabulous way to explore this enormous country. Veteran hire companies such as  Lalli Singh Tours in  Delhi have sent hundreds of travelers off on journeys across India, from the steamy southern jungles to the high passes of the Himalayas.  

The best advice we can give is to ride slowly and defensively, always give way to larger vehicles, and carry a full repair kit and spares – and know how to use them! The nostalgic British-designed Enfield Bullet is the vehicle of choice for many travelers, but it’s a heavy brute; newer machines from the likes of Bajaj are lighter and easier to handle.

If you plan to pedal your way around India by bicycle, carry plenty of puncture repair kits and bring lights and high visibility gear. If you don’t want to transport your own bike into the country, consider flying into Delhi and buying a bike at the Jhandewalan Cycle Market.

This article was first published Apr 7, 2022 and updated Dec 12, 2023.

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• 35 Road Trips from Delhi

Road Trips near Delhi

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Most Famous Road Trips from Delhi

Delhi to ladakh (1011 km).

Top Experiences To Do in Ladakh

Delhi to Rishikesh (270 km)

Your road trip is absolutely incomplete if you haven’t visited Rishikesh. The pleasing city of Rishikesh packs a punch with serene surroundings and thrilling activities. Visit between October and May to get the best out of rafting and temple tourism. Things to do: Go river rafting , trekking, camping or indulge in bonfires, Rishikesh has quite a lot to serve on its plate. Rishikesh is not just a temple abode, it has officially become a popular white water rafting destination, a backpacker's paradise and a Himalayan trekking zone. Distance from Delhi: Ride 270 km from Delhi to experience the spirituality of the Ganges and the ghats.   Best Route: NH334. Where to Stay:  1.  20 Best Resorts in Rishikesh                           2.  10 Best Homestays in Rishikesh Also Read:  17 Best Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

Top Experiences To Do in Rishikesh

Delhi to Spiti (1021 km)

Celibate beauty is the perfect destination for nature lovers and trekkers. Get hypnotised by visions of stunning valleys, imposing mountains and glaciers. Spiti offers some breathtaking routes, passes for treks and Buddhist monasteries that captivate us to this restrained beauty. It is the best place to enjoy trekking near Delhi . Spiti or the ‘Land of the Lamas' is popular for Tabo Monastery, a UNESCO heritage site that has some painting marvels on display. Suraj Tal Lake and a plunge into the wild at the Pin valley national park are prime attractions best visited in summers and winters. Things to do: You can go trekking, skiing and river rafting in this pure concealed beauty Distance from Delhi: 1021 km from Delhi Best Route: NH44.

Top Experiences To Do in Spiti Valley

• Spiti Valley

Delhi to Jaipur (280 km)

The pink city of Jaipur presents galore sightseeing activities coupled with great food to make your break worth it. Valiant battles and resplendent palaces, Jaipur is the union of old historic world and contemporary. The prime attraction is Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. The local bazaars are full of Jaipuri attraction including shibori and chunari with meticulously etched handicrafts. Things to do:   Jaipur offers activities like elephant and camel rides, jungle safaris, Zorbing, and a bite into the moto sports park. Distance from Delhi: Come ride from Delhi only 280 km in the months between October and March to enjoy the most. Best Route: NH48. Also Read:  25 Best 2 Days Trip near Delhi

Top Experiences To Do in Jaipur

Best of Jaipur

Delhi to Manali (540 km)

The snow-capped beauty of a hill station Manali will offer you visions of great magnificence. With beautiful flora, lush greens, and exuberant sapphire streams, Manali has been blessed with tremendous scenic beauty. Tourists every year flock to this wonder to experience snowfall. There are mesmerizing places to visit in Manali, our recommended locations are the Beas Kund trek, Rohtang pass, Hadimba temple, and Solang valley to be visited between October and February which is considered the best period. Things to do: Adding to the unruffled surroundings there is a splurge of activities like rafting , paragliding, camping and trekking . Distance from Delhi: From Delhi, you will have to ride 540 km to experience the best road trips from Delhi Best Route: NH44. Where to Stay:   Best Resorts in Manali for an amazing stay Check Out:   20 Best Adventure Sports in Manali

Top Experiences To Do in Manali

Delhi to Agra (235 km)

Ride your way to Agra to see the majestic wonder Taj Mahal with a splendid display of architecture and old world history. But, there is more to Agra than just Taj Mahal. The historical city can be visited between October and March when you can see all the historical monuments in the pleasant weather. Things to do: While you are there you can take joy in visiting the Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort and the grand tomb of Akbar. You can also go shopping in the old markets where you can get hold of ethereal charms as well as a contemporary artefact. Distance from Delhi: With just 235 km from Delhi, experience the historic wonder. Best Route: Taj expresses highway/ Yamuna Expressway. Also Read:  15 Best Places to Visit in Delhi for Couples

Top Experiences To Do in Agra

Delhi to Shimla (350 km)

Famous for Mall road, toy train and the ridge Shimla poses as the most popular hill stations. Enriched with colonial history, you will be taken aback with the impeccable city full of natural marvels. The toy train takes you through the beautiful valleys and gigantic hills. For religious seekers visit the numerous shrines or visit the heritage museum to experience old world charm. For the snow, visit here in the winters as it is the best time to visit Shimla but summers too are pleasant enough to plan your trip Things to do: mall road shopping,  trekking , toy train adventure and exploration ice skating and rafting are the best entertainment here. Distance from Delhi: From Delhi enjoy the joyful road trip on the circling roads is positioned just 350 km away. Best route: NH44/NH5. Where to Stay:   20 Best Resorts in Shimla Check Out: 20 Best Hill Stations Near Shimla

Top Experiences To Do in Shimla

Road Trips Near Delhi within 100 km

Delhi to surajkund (42 km).

Also known as the “Lake of the Sun”, the artificial basin created along with circular embankment is an ideal picnic spot for fun and frolic. The remnants of the sun temple are found around the sun pool along with a beautifully crafted garden. Road hitters can devour their trip to this place between the months of December and February. Come surrender to the beauty and uniqueness of what is considered as the best road trips from Delhi  Things to do: Every year in the first week of February, the popular Surajkund international crafts Mela is organised here to showcase some of the best works of craftsmen with pastoral folk dances and musical nights which you can become a part of. Distance from Delhi:  It is located at a mere 42 km from Delhi. Best route: Mahatma Gandhi Marg – outer ring road – Suraj Kund road. You may also like:  30 Places to Visit near Delhi within 100 Km

Best of Manali

Delhi to Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (48 km)

A photographer’s paradise and a bird watcher’s secret cloak, this is unquestionably the ideal getaway for the weekend near Delhi . From the melodious tunes sung by vivacious birds, the recently declared national park presents itself as the idyllic destination for road trips near Delhi. Winters are considered the best time to visit the aviary owing to the presence of a large number of migratory and rare bird species. Things to do: The entire day can be devoted to the haven while you take long walks amongst the luxuriant jade beauty and bird watching Distance from Delhi: The home of some of the most atypical birds is just 48 km away from Delhi. Best Route: NH9 or Dabri Gurgaon road. Also Read:  45 Best Things to Do in Delhi

Delhi to Manesar (49 km)

The sleepy village of Manesar and the towering industrial town also has its bag of surprises with lush green sceneries inviting you. The town gives you a rustic feeling and if you are up for an offbeat experience then driving down to Manesar will be a good change from the usual city life. Things to do: Damdama Lake is the perfect spot for camping near Delhi . For those birdwatchers who love to hear the chirps of birds, the Sultanpur bird sanctuary is a must visit. The richly designed temple beckons its devotees in full swing. Distance from Delhi : Manesar is 49 km away from Delhi Best route : Gurgaon highway.

Top Experiences To Do in Manesar

Delhi to Damdama Lake (50 km)

The Damdama lakes pose as the perfect picnic spot near Delhi for those bike lovers who like quick trips. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli range, there are gamuts of activities to do here. Things to do: The nature lovers can indulge their mind and body into boat paddling, rock climbing, hot air ballooning, parasailing and trekking. The site presents a confluence of adventure and natural beauty. It is a haven for thrill seekers and camp mongers who love to spend their twilights like a hermit. Distance from Delhi: Located just about 50 km from Delhi, the heaven on earth will rejuvenate your core. Best Route: Delhi-Alwar highway. You may also like:  55 Best Places to Visit in Delhi

Delhi to Camp Wild Dhauj (50 km)

Set in the valleys of the gigantic Aravalli range, camp wild Dhauj offers an exhilarating ride into the most thrilling adventures. The highlight of the camp is its very own forest surrounded by the Kikar trees where activities are organised. October to March is considered the best time to visit here. Things to do: Passionate bike riders can also take a forest trek along with enjoying a host of activities like rappelling, wall climbing, flying fox; hill hikes, Burma Bridge and monkey crawling. Die-hard adventure lovers can also participate in mountain biking and zorbing.  Distance from Delhi: It is only 50 km from Delhi. Best route: NH 44 or Mathura road (Chennai – Delhi highway). Check Out:   25 Best Adventure Sports in Delhi

Best of Ladakh

Delhi to Badkhal Lake (52 km)

Come visit the paradise of bird lovers on your scramblers this winter. The Badkhal Lake is the fortress of contentment bordered with hills. It is surely positioned as an exemplary spot for water laden sports.  If you seek peace, then ride your way here between October and March to enjoy the birds, the stillness of the lakes and the abundant thrills. Things to do: If you are looking for a gratifying boat ride then hire a private jetty or indulge in the adventure facilities of canoeing, Kayaking, rock climbing and trekking. Distance from Delhi: It is a mere 52 km from Delhi Best route: NH 44 & Chennai – Delhi highway.

Delhi to Botanix Nature Resort (62 km)

The eco-friendly Botanix Nature resort near Delhi , nestled at the base of Aravalli range and at the edge of the Damdama Lake offers an array of flora collection and themed gardens for you to enjoy. The unique exposition of beautifully styled gardens running into each other. Since this is predominantly a day outing activity, winters between October and February is considered the best time to visit this magnificence. Things to do: Get set with your squad of bikers to this blissful spot and enjoy numerous activities like meditation, cliff jump, Nature walk, Trust fall and Rappelling. Distance from Delhi: The destination is 62 km from Delhi Best route: NH8.

Road Trips Near Delhi within 200km

Delhi to karnal (118 km).

The rice bowl of India occupies an important place in Hindu Mythology. Visit the beautiful Karnal Lake that tricks the busy city life, or opt for some religious rumination at the Cantonment church tower. September to March is a great time to come here. Things to do: The city also has its fair share of forts among which the Karnal fort and Qualander Shah’s tomb stand tall. If you are looking for your share of architectural charm and fanfare come here to experience the Hariyali Teej festival held in the months of September and October. Distance from Delhi:  it is just 118 km from Delhi Best Route: NH44.

Delhi to Kuchesar (130 km)

The trip to Kuchesar will be a rewarding experience for those who seek calm. The key attraction here is the famous mud fort that stands above the village. When in Kuchesar you can also drive down to Brigat, hailed as a wonderful picnic spot by the Ganges.  Winters are the best time to visit here. Things to do: The mud fort will be the most fulfilling experience for the range of activities for its visitors. So while you leave our bikes for an enjoyable bullock ride or the village walk, you can see the splendid mango orchids or just explore the village market on a tractor. Distance From Delhi: It is placed 130 km from Delhi. Best Route: Eastern Peripheral expressway / NH 9. Also Read:  50 Best Hill Stations Near Delhi

Best of Shimla

Delhi to Garhmukteshwar (140 km)

The holy town of Garhmukteshwar located in Uttar Pradesh is only 5 km from the holy Ganges. The place is extremely famous for its 80 sati pillars where wives in the ancient times were believed to commit Sati. Its divinity lies in the temples and ancient palaces lined for your eyes best visited between October and March Things to do: The month of Kartik is also worth a visit for the bathing fair takes place in full grandiose. The most famous temples are the Mukteshwar Mahadev temple, Ganga temple and the Vedanta temple which you can visit. Distance from Delhi: The sacred site is located 140 km from Delhi Best Route: Eastern Peripheral expressway / NH 9. Suggested Read:  30 Best Places to Visit in Delhi with Friends

Delhi to Barsana (150 km)

Ride to the absolute divinity of Barsana considered being the birthplace of Krishna's gopi Radha. Barsana is famous for the celebration of Holi festival known as lath mar holi. October to April is the best time to visit Barsana where you can become a part of the Holi festival. One of the least discovered places, it is a rare place to enjoy one day trip from Delhi . Things to do: Sightseeing is the best activity here. The Shriji temple, Radha Kushal Bihari temple, Maan Mandir, Sankari Khor and the Prem Sarovar pond are considered the best places here to take a look at. Distance from Delhi: Barsana located about 150 km from Delhi Best Route:  Mathura road / NH 19 & 44.

Delhi to Kurukshetra (160 km)

This is a city of extreme historical significance best visited between October and March. Things to do: The site has many temples and landmarks like the Krishna Museum, Sheikh Chilli tomb and the Mahadev temple being amongst the prime attractions. You can reroute to the Brahma Sarovar especially in the evening for calm. Do not also forget to see the Bhishma Kund Narkatari where the legendary Bhishm Pitamah rests in peace.  If you want to see the amalgamation of science and religion then devote some time to visit the Panorama and science centre to get blown away. Distance from Delhi: Kurukshetra is about 160 km from Delhi Best Route: NH44. Suggested Read:  30 Best Museums in Delhi

Delhi to Neemrana (162 km)

Snuggled in the Aravalli ranges, Neemrana is an enchanting historical beauty famous of forts and palaces. The most sought after getaway, the journey to Neemrana presents the most aesthetic ride from Delhi. The location is celebrated for Neemrana fort which has now been converted into a heritage hotel known for its folk music, camel rides, dry sand and architectural marvel located atop the hill and is most visited between July and March. Things to do: For photo fanatics and nature lovers, the Siliserh Lake will summon you to experience your walk to remember a moment. You can also participate in the colourful festival to get to know the real Rajasthan. Distance from Delhi: Neemrana is positioned 162 km from Delhi Best Route: NH48. Check Out:   25 Best Historical Places in Delhi

Best of Rishikesh

Delhi to Alwar (167 km)

The pride of Rajputs, Alwar is encompassed with beautiful palaces and ancient forts to take your breath away. Alwar is popular mainly due to its vicinity to the Sariska tiger reserve where you can go aboard on a safari tour and it is also one of the best places to visit near Delhi in December . Things to do: The vibrant city of Alwar is the perfect escape to gaze at places like the city palace, Moosi Rani ki Chatri and tomb of Fateh Jang. Wildlife take-off or a camel safari, this place never ceases to enchant you with its ethnicity and colours. Distance from Delhi: From Delhi, the one road distance would be 167 km. Best Route: NH 48.

Top Experiences To Do in Alwar

Delhi to Mathura (180 km)

The birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura is known for its narrow lanes and crumbling edifices. Situated in the banks of Yamuna experience nirvana amidst the rich history of Indian culture. Come riding here to experience peace and harmony at the Krishna Janam Bhoomi temple where Lord was born. The best time to visit Mathura would be between November and March Things to do: The city is famous for its street food in the constricted lanes served with love. You can also visit the Dwarkadheesh temple and the Gita Mandir or opt for a boat ride at the immaculate Vishram Ghat. Distance from Delhi: It is situated 180 km from Delhi. Best Route: Taj expresses highway/ Yamuna Expressway. Also Read: 50 Best Places to Visit near Delhi within 200 Km

Delhi to Vrindavan (182 km)

Located on the banks of Yamuna is one of the oldest cities of India. Touted as the place where Lord Krishna served his childhood, it is full of temples dedicated to the mischievous Lord. Every year lakhs of devotees come and visit the scattered temples of this sacred city. It was in this city that the love story of Lord and Radha bloomed. The best time to visit here are the months of winters. Things to do: Lined with ghats, the best spots of the city are Govind hills, ISKCON Vrindavan, Radha Damodar temple and the Madan Mohan temple for you to explore. Distance from Delhi: Separated by 182 km from Delhi Best Route: Taj express highway/ Yamuna Expressway. Check Out: Delhi Tour Packages

Road Trips Near Delhi beyond 300km

Delhi to haridwar (250 km).

If you want to go aboard on a spiritual and cultural journey then Haridwar is your next destination. The city is always overflowing with innumerable tourists yet the best time to explore it is between October and December and between February and May. Things to do: While you take a dip in the holy waters, you can also opt to go temple hopping or get daring with rafting in the white waters. For those interested in peace, can visit ashrams and go trekking in the woods. Distance from Delhi: To attend the Ganga Aarti or explore the wild, visit Haridwar located 250 km from Delhi Best Route: NH334.

Top Experiences To Do in Haridwar

Best of Kullu

Delhi to Dehradun (255 km)

Top Experiences To Do in Dehradun

Delhi to Corbett (260 km)

Features as the best places for road trips from Delhi, Corbett offers many types of safaris including Elephant Safari, Canter Safari and the Jeep safari to take you into the deep wilderness. You will enjoy the dense jungles bundled with Flora and Fauna, rough hills and grassland. Things to do: Spot the deadliest of animals including the handsome Royal Bengal Tiger, enjoy jeep safari , explore the paradise for photographers and wildlife freaks with camping options at various buffer zones in the premise. Distance from Delhi: Only 260 km from Delhi visit here between November and June to explore the wilds. Best Route: Upper Ganga Canal road. Where to Stay: 30 Best Resorts in Jim Corbett Check Out: J im Corbett National Park Tour Packages

Top Experiences To Do in Corbett

Delhi to Mussoorie (320 km)

The queen of hill stations is nuzzled at the foothills of the Himalayas. If your idea of a holiday is tranquil hills and unscathed nature then ride your way to the most sought after road trips from Delhi. The undulating green gradients juxtaposed with the snow-capped beauty are sure to make your jaws drop. The city offers a distinct colonial vibe with traces of archaic surroundings. Mussoorie can be best explored during winters and summers. Things to do: Envision heavenly bliss at Cloud’s end, calm at the Lake Mist, Lal tibba and the Mall standing tall amongst the best places to visit. Distance from Delhi:  The perfect retreat is 320 km from Delhi. Best Route: Saharanpur Road. Where to stay: 1.   14 Best Resorts in Mussoorie                           2.  10 Best Homestays in Mussoorie Also Read:  20 Best Places to Visit in Mussoorie

Top Experiences To Do in Mussoorie

Delhi to Landour (320 km)

Away from noise, into the mystic lays the cantonment town of Landour. Inhale fresh air with deodar forests lined up for you to take a glance at the thick. Landour is peaceful all year round but April to June is the best to visit  Things to do: The sleepy town will give you the best experiences especially when you have a chance meeting with Mr Ruskin Bond at the Ivy Cottage. You can also taste some delectable meals at the Char Dukan near Sister's bazaar when you can shop non-stop. To experience the wonders of gothic architecture you can go to the Kellogg’s church located amidst wilderness. Distance from Delhi: It is located only 320 km from Delhi.   Best Route: Saharanpur road. Suggested Read:  20 Best Amusement Parks in Delhi

Best of Gurgaon

Delhi to Nainital (350 km)

There are amazing places to visit in Nainital and the valley envelopes the captivating Naini Lake best visited throughout the year but the best in March till June. Things to do: Go boating in the freshwater lakes or trekking  or opt for nature walks and discovering wildlife. Come with your friends and enjoy camping by the lake or just go on a shopping spree at the Tibetan market for great deals. The ropeway ride gives a holistic view of the town that makes this place a must experience for road trips from Delhi. Distance from Delhi: Located at about 350 km from Delhi Best route: NH9. Where to Stay:   16 Best Resorts in Nainital Check Out:  15 Best Places to Visit near Nainital

Top Experiences To Do in Nainital

Delhi to Ranikhet (400 km)

The queen’s farm is a British developed hill station surrounded with colourful temples and the heaving Himalayas. There are amazing tourist attractions in Ranikhet like Kumaon regimental museum, Nanda Devi peak, vast trekking ranges, and arduous climbs to the mountains, orchards and golf courses. Ranikhet is outstandingly beautiful in winters when you unravel the beauty of Ranikhet this coming winter. Things to do: Fishing and Paragliding are the most popular activities here with tall conifers and delectable wildlife that swathes you. You will be swayed by the hilly ranges and verdant greenery for your nature walk and aggressive treks. Distance from Delhi:  located around 400 km from Delhi. Best Route: NH9.

Top Experiences To Do in Ranikhet

Delhi to McLeodganj (470 km)

Move ahead from Delhi and as your bike or car slowly begin to hike up in ranges of Himalayas, it will bring you closer to serene and cool environ of Mcleodganj. An ultimate road trip from Delhi has Mcleodganj within its ambit due to a distance of 480 km. It is one of the best  tourist places to visit near Delhi within 500 Kms .  Pass through the crowded city, tiny villages, hamlets of plains to scattered areas of Himalayas! While you move ahead, enjoy the views and reach. Things to do: Trekking , Head Out to Dal Lake, Camping , Boat Ride, Shop at the Local Markets etc. Distance from Delhi: The destination is  470 kilometers from Delhi Best Route:  NH503 Where to Stay:  1. 20 Best Resorts in Mcleodgan                           2.  10 Best Homestays in Mcleodganj Popular Reads:  24 Best Places to Visit in Mcleodganj

Top Experiences To Do in Mcleodganj

Delhi to Dharamshala (475 km)

Wishing to take an ultimate weekend road trip from Delhi? Then your perfect destination has the shining name of Dharamshala, indeed! A distance of 475 km, which requires an approximately one-night journey, will let you land at Dharamshala. From plain landscape to hills while rivers and dams crisscross the path become your partner all through the way. As one enters this yoga capital from Delhi, calm yet tall trees, Tibetan flags and lovely cafes in local style welcome each of the travellers. A road trip to Dharamshala with a group of friends is worth to cherish! Things to do:   Sightseeing, shopping, camping , heritage walk, trekking , mountain biking, etc are the main activities that can be done in Dharamshala. Distance from Delhi: Located at about 475 kilometers km from Delhi. Best Route:  NH44. Where to Stay:  14 Best Resorts in Dharamshala Suggested Read:  15 Best Places to Visit near Dharamshala

Top Experiences To Do in Dharamshala

• Dharamshala

Best of Kasol

Delhi to Udaipur (665 km)

Top Experiences To Do in Udaipur

Delhi to Bhopal (775 km)

The city of lakes, Bhopal is the historic beauty with architecture to hanker after. Enveloped between hills and two wondrous lakes, Bhopal is a worthy destination for road trips from Delhi. Awarded the second cleanest city in India there is a plethora of lakes and rich heritage to watch out here to be seen in Winters. Things to do: Bhopal surprisingly offers a host of water sports activities in its water bodies like Upper lake and Bhojtal. You can also do street shopping in Chowk bazaar and market Haat. A tour of the Van Vihar national park is the most popular things to do. Distance from Delhi: 775 km from Delhi by road. Best Route: Taj Express Highway. You may also like:  30 Fun Places in Delhi for Youngsters

Top Experiences To Do in Bhopal

Delhi to Jaisalmer (830 km)

The Golden City of Rajasthan invites you to take a tour of the golden sand dunes of the Thar Desert on the Camel. The city is embellished with lakes, and castles with golden hues. The prime attractions are Jaisalmer Fort, Badal palace and the very many beautifully adorned Jain temples.  October to March is inarguably the best months to visit here in order to become a part of the unique desert festival full of festive colours and folklore. Things to do: Jaisalmer offers Paramotoring, quad biking. Dune bashing and a patriotic visit to the India Pakistan border. Distance from Delhi: The city is only 830 km from Delhi. Best Route: NH11.

Top Experiences To Do in Jaisalmer

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Rising gracefully from lush gardens and surrounded by a symmetrical charbagh (four-part garden), Humayun's Tomb exudes an air of tranquility and grandeur. The use of red sandstone and white marble in its construction adds a captivating contrast to the monument's façade, making it a visual delight for visitors and photographers alike.Interestingly, Humayun's Tomb served as an architectural inspiration for the world-famous Taj Mahal, which was built later by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife. The intricate geometric patterns, arched entrances, and delicate lattice work seen in Humayun's Tomb can be traced in the design of the Taj Mahal.Today, the tomb complex houses the graves of several other members of the Mughal dynasty, making it a cherished historical site and a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, marvel at the detailed calligraphy adorning the walls, and immerse themselves in the captivating history that surrounds this majestic monument.

Home to the President of the world’s largest democracy, Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi stands as a symbol of national strength. The nation’s most important democratic functions like the swearing-in ceremony of its elected leaders are carried out in these very grounds. The Rashtrapati Bhavan has been witness to honour giving ceremonies of the country’s bravehearts and achievers, signing of historic pacts between India and other nations, of India’s independence and republic day ceremonies, and the hosting of many world leaders.The Rashtrapati Bhavan is a true architectural masterpiece in its own right. The magnificent building spreads across 320 acres, including the splendid ‘Mughal Garden’ and the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum. The design of the Rashtrapati Bhavan mainly imparts the Mughal architectural styles blended with classical and grand European signatures, credited to the British architects- Edwin Lutyen and Hebert Baker.The building is also diversified with a number of other typically Indian motifs such as ornate Elephant statues on the outer wall or the main gate of the building with the ‘Jaipur column’. All in all, it is quite a visual treat to behold!The building is open to visitors by three different segments or tour circuits. The first circuit comprises of the Main building and the Central Lawn. The second circuit houses the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex. In the same circuit, you can get a tour of the Clock Tower, the Stables, and the Garages. The third circuit has the magnificent Mughal Garden and other ancillary gardens of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Tourists can request a trip of each of the circuits separately on the days assigned for each segment respectively for daytime visits from 9 AM to 4 PM. There is much to take in and marvel at around the complex-- the intricate craftsmanship of carved marble statues, the sprawling Mughal Gardens featuring masterful landscaping concepts, the Clock Tower, and a myriad of presidential mementos preserved inside the Museum. Upon exit, you can explore the premier surroundings of this important historical site, often called as the ‘Lutyens Delhi’.

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The 12 best road trips in India

From the rugged north to the lush, green hills of the south, India has an epic road trip for everyone

Photograph: Shutterstock

For me, off-roading in the Himalayas has to be my favourite road trip in India . I remember tucking in a shawl in the back seat of the car at 4am, heading from Chandrataal towards Delhi in -7C temperatures. The shivering cold, missing out on sleep, and every other compromise was all worth it for the experience of road-tripping through the narrow serpentine roads that make their way through the world’s highest mountains.

But that’s not the only unforgettable road trip that India has in store. From the rugged northern terrain of Ladakh to the lush hills of Kerala in the south, this vast country has something for every kind of traveller. Trust me: there is no better way to explore this land of vibrant culture, delicious food, rich culture and welcoming people than by hitting the road. Fasten your seat belts and start planning for these unmissable Indian road trips.

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Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The best road trips in India

1.  golden triangle circuit.

Starting from Delhi – the national capital and home to some of India’s most mouthwatering food – the first leg of the trip takes you to a bona fide icon: the Taj Mahal at Agra. Then turn and drive west towards  Jaipur to witness the golden deserts and unique culture of Rajasthan. The final side of the triangle is the road back to Delhi: leave time for a luxurious stop-off amid the royal surroundings of Neemrana Fort Palace .

Distance:   447 miles

2.  Rajasthan Circuit

From a desert safari under the moonlight to a puppet show performed to Rajasthani folk music, there’s a tonne to experience on this road trip circuit touching the four major cities of the state: Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. You can also call it a gastronomical road trip for the variety of food you can consume across the state: ghewar, kachori, dal baati choorma and more.

Distance : 1,087 miles

3.  Shimla to Spiti Valley

If you are a mountain child or a fan of off-roading, you cannot miss out on the drive from   Shimla   to Spiti. The trip takes you along the bumpy-yet-beautiful dirt roads of Himachal Pradesh, surrounded with apple-laden trees. Keep your camera app open to capture the snow-capped peaks, blue skies and crystal-clear rivers.

Distance:  263 miles

4.  Guwahati to Tawang

Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, the north-eastern part of India is still an underrated gem. From lush green valleys to the serenity of Buddhist monasteries, this road trip is the perfect choice to unwind and escape the crowd. It’s also a chance to witness the Indigenous cultures of tribes such as the Monpa, Takpa, Karbi and Miri, including traditional local festivals and dance forms like bihu.

Distance :  318 miles

5.  Mumbai to Goa

Famous for being featured in one of the best Bollywood movies , ’Dil Chahta Hai’, this road trip takes you along India’s beautiful west coast. The roads from Mumbai to Goa are super- smooth and surrounded by tall, lush palm trees. There are frequent beaches to stop for sunbathing, and plenty of incredible local food in the small villages and towns along the Konkan coast.

Distance : 365 miles

6.  Chennai to Pondicherry

India has its very own French town: Pondicherry . If you are in the southern part of the country, do not miss out on the road trip there from Chennai . You’ll travel through not just French-inspired architecture but also many quaint fishing villages and pristine beaches, feasting on delicious seafood and fresh coconut water along the way.

Distance: 93 miles

7.  Ahmedabad to Kutch

This road trip is all about meeting people: the friendly locals of Ahmedabad, the skilled artisans in the villages of Kutch and the nomadic tribes roaming the desert. Time your journey between October and February to experience the lively Rann Utsav festival in the white-sand Kutch desert – the kite-flying event in February is particularly spectacular.

Distance : 248m

8.  Mysore to Hampi

Drive through the heart of   Karnataka  state  and soak up the rich culture and history along your way. The road runs by a plethora of ancient heritage and architectural marvels: Chitradurga Fort,  Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, Dariya Daulat Palace… Give in to the cliché of posing for selfies: your future self will thank you for the memories.

Distance :  265 miles

9.  Bengaluru to Ooty

If you fancy a cup of tea and a blast of fresh air, then hop in the driver’s seat and get set on a Bengaluru to Ooty road trip. The route will take you through the lush green Western Ghats, where you can slurp some tea fresh out of the plantation. Leave time to admire the enormous and beautiful waterfalls of Chunchi and Shivanasamudra.

Distance:  168 miles

10.  Chennai to Munnar

Sprawling across a wide area, the tea plantations on the route out of Chennai will leave you awestruck. The route takes you through wildlife sanctuaries and serene backwaters: you might be caught off-guard by the diverse range of flora and fauna in this region. From scenic surroundings to cultural diversity, this drive has something in store no matter what you’re looking for in a road trip.

Distance:   395 miles

11.  Chilpi to Kanha

Bypassing through lush and dense Sal forest of Madhya Pradesh, this road trip is one of the best to explore the centre of India. The starting point, Chilpi, is located right at the border of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, while Kanha is home to one of India’s biggest national parks. Along the road there are high chances of coming across a herd of deer or bison, a troop of monkeys or other wild animals strolling around.

Distance: 59 miles

12.  Bagdogra to Darjeeling

This exhilarating journey takes you along winding roads that ascend towards lush green hills. Along the way you can stop by small villages or pop inside the tea plantations. The occasional hairpin turns might leave you gasping, so don’t let the stunning views of the mighty Himalayas and Victorian architecture distract you from fastening your seat belt.

Distance:  43 miles

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6 Best Road Trips in India You Must Take Before You Regret It

More often than not, we get consumed by that peculiar comfort, provided ever so quietly, by the everyday routine of our humdrum lives. But we all have those few long minutes of irrationality, scattered across that eight-hour work day, when we long to be out in the open, with the sun on our face and the wind in our hair. So, the next time you sit down to plan a trip, cater to this urge and don't just think about where you'll go and the sights you will devour once you reach your destination, but also about the mode of transportation, that holds in itself, the ability to completely alter your experience, the memories you make on the trip and the stories you come back with. And while there's no denying the hassle-free planning that goes into booking a flight, it can never match the epic sense of adventure that comes with witnessing open roads as far as the eye can see or the charm of the best road trips in India.

So skip the flight, grab your camera and your luggage, and hop aboard the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga for a drive through panoramic countrysides, emerald forests and golden deserts, spanning hundreds of miles or simply, for a quick weekend getaway.

Listing out the best road trips in India that'll leave you speechless:

On the trail of magnificent views: delhi – mussoorie.

The magnificent Himalayas boast some of the most breathtaking routes in the country and this happens to be one of its best. While the road till Roorkee is quite narrow and punctuated with traffic, the second you step into Dehradun, you will be greeted by wide open blacktop roads winding through the Garhwal mountains. So roll the windows down, let the chilly sunshine flood the car and as you stick your head out, watch the landscapes transform from lonely countrysides to green hills, as you start approaching the 'Queen of Hill Stations' on one of the best road trips in India.

Route : Starting from Delhi, cruise down the NH58 till Roorkee, via Meerut and Muzaffarnagar and then take NH72-A till Dehradun. Thereafter, follow the state highway or New Mussoorie Road, up to Mussoorie.

Pit stop : Cheetal Grand, on the Saharanpur Rd. Cheetal is loved for its fluffy omelettes, cheese pakoras , rajma chawal and their masala tea.

Top Experiences : Hike up to Mussoorie's highest hill of Lal Tibba; visit the Lake Mist for those quintessential family pictures; drive up to the shimmering Kempty Falls and relish a plateful of steaming maggi noodles; head to the Tibetan Buddhist Temple to start your morning with the mellifluous monastic hymns; scour through Mall Road for trinkets and souvenirs; for lunch, go to Kalsang Restaurant for authentic Tibetan fare.

Duration : 7 hours

Distance : 284 kilometers via Saharanpur-Delhi Road

When to go : April to June

Cruising through rolling hills: Bangalore – Munnar

This trip through the evergreen Western Ghats is one of the most picturesque journeys you can ever take across India. Intermittent with rows of windmills, dense mists, tea plantations and shimmering waterfalls, this drive from Bangalore to Munnar will be replete with dry deciduous forests giving way to tropical jungles, a sighting or two of the rare Nilgiri tahr and beautiful, broad roads.

Route : From Bangalore, reach Salem via Hosur and Krishnagiri. On your way from Salem, you'll cross the towns of Bhavani, Avinashi and Marayoor, to finally approach Munnar.

Pit stop : Adyar Ananda Bhavan, near Chinar, after Hosur for a typical South Indian thali heaped with rasam , sambhar , curd, beetroot chutney, payasam .

Top Experiences : An elephant safari through the Munnar Carmelagiri Park; a visit to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate for dizzying views of the Western Ghats; head to the Christ Church for its charming architecture; take back some tea from the Kannimallay Estate; for dinner, feast on the spicy fish curry at Bamboo Hut on GH Road.

Duration : 9 hours 16 minutes

Distance : 476 kilometers via NH 44

When to go : June to September

Unwind by the sea: Mumbai – Goa

This trip will take you down smooth roads, fringed by jungles that keep altering colours as you drive through Pune and Belgaum. The sun glints through forests and the breeze changes from balmy to salty as we start approaching India's sunshine state. So as you start from Mumbai, plug in your favourite playlist and belt it out on Maruti Suzuki Ertiga's Smart Infotainment System, to set the mood for the trip.

Route : Drive to Pune via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Head to Belgaum, as you cross the cities of Satara and Kolhapur. It will take you a little over two hours to reach Goa, from Belgaum.

Pit stop : There are numerous eateries in both Satara and Kohlapur, which have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Top Experiences : Unwind, or dance way into the night at any one of the plethora of beaches; make a visit to the Bom Jesus Basilica; engage in kitesurfing and diving; go on a shopping spree at the Anjuna Flea Market; feast on the Vindaloo and Xacuti curries at any beach shack.

Duration : 10 hours 20 minutes

Distance : 591 kilometers via NH48

When to go : October to January

For that perfect cup of tea: Kolkata – Darjeeling

The route to Darjeeling from Kolkata is peppered with glistening rivers, 'blue mountains' and the most cinematic sunsets. If you make a stopover in the sleepy city of Siliguri, you get a glimpse into the simple, rustic way of life with a side of sumptuous Bengali food. On reaching Darjeeling, you'll be assailed by 'emerald hills' and the best cup of tea you can ever get in the nation.

Route : On your way from Kolkata, you will cross Dalkhola and Siliguri and on the last leg of your journey, get on the Hill Cart Road that will take you all the way up to Darjeeling.

Pit stop : Stop at Bolpur and Siliguri if you want to take any food breaks. Try the Bengali thalis and the sweets, at any eatery.

Top Experiences : Plan a visit to the Japanese Peace Pagoda; catch the sunrise at the Tiger Hill; ride the Toy Train up to Ghum; take a ride on the Darjeeling Ropeway across rolling tea gardens; take home tea, from Nathmulls; have your fill of the variety of cakes and pastries at Glenary's.

Duration : 14 hours 29 minutes

Distance : 614 kilometers via Badshahi Road and NH12

When to go : October to March

This one's for the history buffs: Hyderabad – Hampi

As you leave behind the Telangana capital, the trip down to Hampi will be akin to travelling back in time through the medieval ages. Dotted with stunning panoramas of the wide-open landscapes, the vistas transform to somewhat unearthly as Hampi comes to view, thus making this one of the best road trips in India.

Route : The drive down to the city of Raichur from Hyderabad is mostly through well-maintained roads. The second stretch from Gangavati to Hampi might be a little tedious to begin with, but your trusted companion, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga makes the experience much more comfortable.

Pit stop : There are numerous eateries in Raichur that have good vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for all budgets.

Top Experiences : Make a visit to the Virupaksha and the Lakshmi Narasimha Temples; go shopping at the Hampi Bazaar; marvel at the Monolith Bull effigy; go to the Laughing Buddha Restaurant for delectable continental food.

Duration : 8 hours

Distance : 372 kilometers via Raichur Rd

For that laid-back beach holiday: Pune – Gokarna

One of the most popular trips among holidaymakers, the drive down to Gokarna is interspersed with small hills, dense jungles and unknown lakes that you can easily navigate through, using the state-of-art GPS system that the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga boasts of. With empty beaches dissecting the coastline, the trip will be teeming with sceneries that will evoke a sense of meditative silence.

Route : The first part of the journey will take you across Kolhapur and Hubli. From Hubli, you can reach Gokarna via Ankola.

Pit stop : Stop for food at Hotel Rajpurush, at Kolhapur.

Top Experiences : Visit the Mahabaleshvara and the Maha Ganapati temples; go to the Mirjan Fort for a glimpse into Gokarna's past; visit the multitude of beaches Gokarna has to offer; buy psychedelic T-shirts from local markets; go to Namaste Cafe on Om beach for Mexican and Israeli cuisine.

Duration : 9 hours 37 minutes

Distance : 563 kilometers via NH48

So keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and hop on to the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, to take the best road trips in India with stunning views, scenic routes, glorious memories and an effortless journey!

In association with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.

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Experience India Like Never Before : 35 Best Road Trips In India

The varied terrain and the diverse cultures that this country has been blessed with makes it ideal for undertaking a road trip, as it is only through this means that an avid traveler can experience the vivaciousness of the country first hand.

Nothing beats the thrill and the excitement of a road trip, and when it is from the list of best road trips in India, there is nothing that the expedition stands second to. The varied terrain and the diverse cultures that this country has been blessed with makes it ideal for undertaking a road trip, as it is only through this means that an avid traveler can experience the vivaciousness of the country first hand. To ease out the ambiguous choice of road trip in India, some of the best have been listed below.

Best Road Trips In India

1. manali-leh.

On the way:  Stopover at Keylong, Sarchu, and Pang.

Route to take : Leh – Manali Highway

Best time for the trip:  June-September

2. Mumbai- Goa

The much-renowned route from the famous Indian movie Dil Chahta Hai, this route has become an absolute pilgrim for car and bike enthusiasts. Combined With the sheer scenic views and impeccable road conditions, this route is the top choice of rejuvenation for the busy bees of Mumbai.

On the way:  Several eateries are available on the route like Kamath Govinda and Like a Million Lights which good options for a stopover.

Route to take : Chiplun-Ratnagiri route via NH66

Best time for the trip : September-March

3. Dehradun- Nainital

Scenic views, impeccable roads and astounding pit stops, the road trip from Dehradun to Nainital promises it all. The perfection of this route lays in the fact that this route is not only beautiful because it has been bestowed well by nature but also because it has some of the most commendable shrines built along the route.

On the way:  Stopover at Rishikesh for adventure and religious collaborations and at the Jim Corbett National Park to enhance the adventure.

Route to take:  Via Ambala-Dehradun-Haridwar Road/Haridwar Road

Best time for the trip:  October – February

4. Vishakapatnam- Araku Valley

Fill your eyes with the wonder of the green once again, when you opt to undertake this road trip in India. The perfection of the route is enhanced by the amalgamation of the serene hills, majestic waterfalls, and astounding coffee plantations.

On the way:  Several resorts at Tyda and a number of old temples and viewpoints.

Route to take:  Via NH5

Best time for the trip:  October – March

5. Guwahati – Tawang

One of the best road trips in India, this route is sure to surprise you with exceptionally picturesque views with each turn. The approximately 14-hour journey is among one of the must take road trips in the northeastern part of the country which introduces you to the vibrant cultures and the exceptional landscapes of the area all at once.

On the way:  Stopover at Dirang in West Kameng for the monasteries and Tezpur in Assam for the cultural attractions. Enjoy Momos at stalls.

Route to take:  Via Chariduar – Tawang Road

Best time for the trip:  March – October

6. Chennai- Pondicherry

Another one of the spectacular sights combined with impeccable drives, the road trip from Chennai to Pondicherry takes about three to four hours. But it is not the comfortable time span that puts it on this list, rather it is the commendable views along the road that make it distinguished. The sun, sand, and the sea running along with the fantabulous roads make this road trip one of the best in the country.

On the way:  Stop at Mahabalipuram (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Idaikkazhinadu, Marakkanam for salt pans, Madaliarkuppam for water sports and houseboat and Kalpakkam.

Route to take:  Via East Coast Road

7. Shimla –Manali via Mandi

If it is the stunning views of the river flowing alongside the road which mesmerizes you, then this trip is your haven. The road trip from Shimla to Manali via Mandi is one of the trips that combine the spectacle of the flowing water with the evergreen mountains and fresh air to provide you with a soulful experience.

On the way:  Eat out at a number of restaurants and dhabas along the way at Bilaspur, haribagand Aut

Route to take:  Via NH205 and NH3

Best time for the trip : Mid- September- Mid July

8. Ahmedabad- Kutch

Ideal rejuvenation plan for a weekend, the road trip from Ahmedabad to Kutch is distinguished and exceptional on many grounds. The beautiful landscapes, display of vivacious cultures and the delectable food, make the trip one of the most memorable experiences of life. And finally, the Land of White Salt Desert or Kutch makes for the cherry on the cake.

On the way:  Stopover at Dholavira and Bhuj and Mandavi Beach

Route to take:  Via NH947

Best time for the trip:  October-March

9. Delhi –Agra

Looking for a quaint drive away from the hustle bustle of the busy city life? The road trip from Delhi to Agra is just what you need. Being one of the recently developed roads in India, this route is sure to charm to you with its impeccable maintenance and quality.

On the way:  No stopovers along the way, but the journey it topped off with the view of the Taj Mahal.

Route to take:  Via Mathura on Yamuna Expressway

Best time for the trip: August – March.

10. Delhi- Jaipur

Another one of the exceptional routes which help you witness the vivacious cultures of this amazing country is the route from Delhi to Jaipur.As you reach the latter along the way, you are an audience to the astounding views of the Aravali Which are then transformed into the vivid cultural sightings of the colorful state.

On the way:  Stopover at Gurgaon, Neemrana, Shahpura, and Amer.

Route to take:  Via NH8

Best time for the trip:  August – March

11. Darjeeling- Pelling

If it is the views that you look for when planning a road trip, then this route is definitely a good choice. Offering a plethora of sights, the route from Darjeeling to Pelling is studded with lush green tea gardens, mountains, river, old bridges and colorful villages.

On the way:  Several food joints and petrol pumps can be opted for a stopover.you can also stopover at a Pattabong tea estate or the Tukvar tea garden for a cup of refreshing tea.

Route to take:  Via Darjeeling – Jorethang Road and Nayabazar – Legship – Reshi Road

Best time for the trip:  March – June, and September – December

12. Mumbai-Mount Abu

One of the most beautiful road trips in India, the trip from Mumbai to Mount Abu drives you through the cultural rollercoaster of three states namely, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. These varieties of states come with their exceptional variety of landscapes and cultures making for worthwhile sights.

On the way:  Savor your taste buds at with the lip-smacking food at the dhabas at Vadodara and Ahmedabad

Route to take:  Via NH48

Best time for the trip:  July – October

13. Bangalore-Ooty

The six-hour long trip from Bangalore to Ooty is sure to hypnotize you with its scenic display of a spectrum of landscapes in addition to offering you a drive through the soulful forests of Bandipur. Nestled in the Nilgiris, the hill station of Ooty Proves to be the apt destination to a trip as beautiful as this.

On the way:  Stopover at Mysore for a visit to the Mysore Palace and explore the rich history and culture of the city.

Route to take:  Via NH275 and NH181

Best time for the trip:  October – June

14. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur

Also called the Golden Triangle, this route is what suits the needs of a car fanatic at its best. In addition to taking you through the cultures of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in a single trip the quaint and picturesque surrounding make for the ideal trip.

On the way:  Stopover at Agra to witness archeological marvels like Taj Mahal and Agar Fort and then at Jaipur for Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, and local bazaars.

Route to take:  Via Yamuna Expressway and NH8

15. Jaipur-Jaisalmer

Nothing beats the combination of the flashing Rajasthani colors and the impeccable roads that you witness along this beautiful road trip in India. If this wasn’t enough the sand dunes and the untamed nature in this part of the country makes sure you treat your eyes to the best views.

On the way:  Refuel stop at Jodhpur which also offers authentic Rajasthani Cuisine for your taste buds.

Route to take:  Via Nagaur (SH19) or via Ajmer and Jodhpur

Best time for the trip:  November- March

16. Chennai-Munnar

Right out of a fairytale, this route displays the picturesque side of nature with the accompaniment of well-kept roads and highways of the country. The winding roads ensure that you are surprised at each turn with a view to behold and the maintenance of the roads ensures you with the smoothest drive through the same.

On the way:  Pit stop at Viluppuram and Palani.

Route to take:  Chennai-Trichy-Dindigul-Udumalai-Munnar

Best time for the trip:  October- March

17. Pamban Bridge (Rameshwaram)

Vast expanses of water on either side of the drive and the astounding marvel of engineering, these two things are guaranteed when you are visiting the Pamban Bridges in Rameshwaram. Spanning over 13.5 km, a dive over the bridge is one of the most spectacular experiences in India with the moist air, brushing your face and unending blues in sight.

On the way:  No pit stops along the way

Route to take:  Pamban Bridge also called the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge

18. Bangalore- Bandipur Forest

Lined with dense forests on either side, this road trip is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The common sighting of wild animals along the road makes this route furthermore enticing. The greenery and the simplicity of the route make it exceptional in many ways.

On the way:  Relaxation at several points like Café Coffee Day and McDonald’s and wildlife safari in Bandipur National Park.

Route to take:  Via NH275

19. Gangtok– Lake Tsomgo and Nathu La Pass

One of the best, unexplored trips from northeast India, this route rates quite high on the road trips in India list. Though a little challenging, this trip is sure to satiate your need for the views along the roads. The mountain ranges along the drive provide for an exceptional experience which is completed with the spectacular view of Lake Tsomgo in the end.

On the way:  Visit the border trade market at Sherathang and the Baba Mandir along the way.

Route to take:  Via Jawaharlal Nehru Rd

20. Mumbai- Pune Expressway

Scenic views of the Western Ghats and a high speed transcend towards the destination, both of these are to be surely found along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The scrupulously long tunnels add to the fun fair along this road trip in India.

On the way:  Long tunnels add adventure, trekking around Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, a pit stop at Neelkantheshwar temple.

Route to take:  Mumbai- Pune Expressway

21. Shimla-Manali via Kinnaur and Spiti

An alternate route to Shimla, this route is to pamper the adventure-seeking side of the travelers. Not only is the route long enough to help you acclimatize, but it also is one of the most beautiful road trips in India. Though the roads in the latter phase of the journey aren’t as spectacular, yet the scenic views are a sight to behold.

On the way:  Mandatory stopover at Rampur, Nak, and Kaza.

Route to take:  Via NH22

Best time for the trip:  March – September

22. Shillong-Cherapunjee

Charismatic waterfalls, lush green grounds, colorful villages and spooky caves, all come along the way on a road trip from Shillong to Cherapunjee. One of the best road trips in India, this route is sure to make you feel blessed by the unbound gifts nature has bestowed on this little country.

On the way:  Several eateries along the way serving exceptional north-eastern food.

Route to take : Via SH 5

Best time for the trip:  October – May

23. Kolkata-Digha

One of the favorite weekend trips of the people of Kolkata, this road trip rejuvenates one from the busy city life. The pleasant views of the green stretches accompanied with the mild breeze make for memorable drives along this route.

On the way:  Stop at Sher-e-Punjab, Kolaghat for scrumptious Punjabi food.

Route to take:  Via NH116B

Best time for the trip:  July – March

24. Jaipur- Ranthambore

One of the typical drives of Rajasthan embellished with scenic views of the vibrant countryside is the apt description of this route. This road trip not only ensures to be one of the most enjoyable among the road trips in India but is definitely among the most beautiful too.

On the way:  Stopover to see the various forts along the way and at the dhabas to satiate the hunger

Route to take:  Via NH21

25. Delhi-Shimla

The building of the latest track along this route has made it rank high in the best road trips in India. The scenic views were always something that attracted tourists but the impeccable road conditions have now made this road trip a must experience trips in India.

On the way:  Several dhabas like the Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba and Haveli in Murthal are good options for satiating the appetite.

Route to take:  NH1 and NH44

26. Puri- Konark

A route exploring the exceptional beauty of the northeast, this road trip on NH 203 is the one that ensures you with memorable sights along the drive. The ever famous canopy of the trees along this road is one of the most sought-after experiences by travelers.

On the way:  Short trip, no stopovers along the way, except stops for taking pictures

Route to take:  Via NH203

27. Bangalore-Goa

One for the nature lovers, this road trip is serene and lined with amazing trees, through and through. The perfection of this road trip is enhanced by the fact that it takes you to Goa, the all-time favorite rejuvenation destination which treats the mind, body and the soul.

On the way:  Treat yourself to the scrumptious Punjabi dhabas along the route.

28. Kolkata-Puri

If there is one thing that this road trip ensures, it is the serenity and tranquility to help you rejuvenate from the busy city life. The well-maintained roads act as the cherry on the top ensuring one of a kind experience to the travelers.

On the way:  Taste the delectable food from the food joints like Appayan Hotel and the Subhodeep hotel in Kolaghat along the way.

Route to take:  Via NH16

29. Delhi- Dehradun

One of the most traversed road trips in India, this road trip surprises the travelers with some of the most scenic views of the Garhwal region. The combination of fun, adventure, and enthrallment make this trip one of the best road trips in India.

On the way:  Pit stop at several food joints like Cheetal resort and Jain Shikanji for quenching your culinary instincts. Route to take:  Via NH1 and Saharanpur Road

Best time for the trip:  Throughout the year

30. Delhi-Manali

One of the memorable trips from the very own capital of the country, this trip is sure to delight the travelers with varied landscapes and exceptional views. To further add grace to the trip, it begins with one of the best-kept highways, i.e. NH1

On the way:  Several eating joints in Murthal like Amrik Sukhdev and Haveli right as you lose Delhi and then a number of refueling pit stops along the way.

Route to take:  Via NH1 and NH44

Best time for the trip:  October- June

31. Bengaluru- Nandi hills

The perfect escapade from the busy life in one the metropolitan towns of the country, Nandi hills road trip is both relaxing and adventurous. The ideal time to reach the place is sunrise and therefore most travelers delve in for an overnight drive making the experience exceptional in many ways.

On the way:  Enjoy the roadside coconut water and refuel at various petrol stations.

Route to take:  Via Bellary Road and NH 44

Best time for the trip:  Around the year, preferably a night trip.

32. Bengaluru-Coorg

The pristine beauty of Coorg prefixed with an experience which makes it even more memorable is what the road trip from Bengaluru to Coorg promises to be. The exceptional views along the route are awarded well with the destination such as this.

On the way:  Stopover at Mysore to witness the ancient history, several eateries along the way to soothe your appetite.

33. Mumbai-Tarkarli

Along the coastlines of the Arabian Sea, a road trip to Tarkarli proves to be relaxing and rejuvenating. The twists and turns along the drive at this route make it furthermore alluring, as with each turn the travelers witness a new spectacle.

On the way:  Eat out at any of the many options along the route like the Dhaba and Sri Balaji Snack Centre.

34. Chandigarh-Chail

A summer treat, the road trip from Chandigarh to Chail acquaints you with the variety of landscapes in the mountains. Even though this road trip is highly revealed by the nature lovers, yet the trip has things in store for the adventure seekers too.

On the way:  A number of Punjabi dhabas and resorts like the Timber trail and the Food Mistri along the route are suitable to soothe your taste buds and Shimla a desirable stopover.

35. Delhi-Rishikesh

The trip to Rishikesh from the capital city of the country is all but boring. The different landscapes, picturesque views and an astounding destination, the trip has it all. And top it all off, the maintenance of roads along the route proves to be the touch of perfection.

On the way:  Several eat out options like Cheetal, Jain Shikanji and Apna Punjabi Dhaba are good. Petrol stations are the other favorable pit stop for attending the nature’s call.

Route to take:  Via NH334

Driving being one the biggest stress busters is an exceptional way for recreation. And when the thrill of the speed is coupled with scenic views and impeccable roads, the journey becomes complete bliss. Hence the road trips in India are nothing less than bliss itself. It is only through experiencing it yourself, can you understand the depth of the above statement. So, gear up and reach for the nearest road trip from the above-mentioned list to experience it for yourself.

Written By Neha Kulshreshtha, Source – treebo.

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Best Road Trips in India: Scenic Routes & Adventures

Did you know that India has a road network exceeding 5.5 million kilometers, creating a labyrinth of journeys waiting to be discovered? India’s vast network makes it a haven for road trip enthusiasts, offering some of the best road trips in India that will lead you through scenic routes to must-visit destinations . Imagine yourself navigating through mountain passes, alongside tranquil coastlines, and into heart-stirring countrysides. Each road trip adventure promises a kaleidoscope of cultures, landscapes, and histories, making every mile a story in itself.

As you chart your course, you will find that road trip adventures in India are not just about the destination but the journey itself. From the spiraling roads leading to the majestic Himalayas to the smooth highways nestling against the golden coasts, you’re in for an odyssey of epic proportions. Embark on these expressive journeys where every turn introduces a new panorama, every mile brings a diverse cultural encounter, and every stop is a chance to create memories that last a lifetime.

Key Takeaways:

• India’s road network offers myriad opportunities for road trip exploration.
• The country’s diverse geography makes for highly varied and scenic driving experiences.
• A road trip in India can be an adventure, cultural exploration, and scenic journey all rolled into one.
• Prepare to be enamored by the vastness and beauty of India’s landscapes on these must-visit road trips.
• Embarking on the best road trips in India allows you to immerse in unique regional cultures and stories.
• Every Indian road trip adventure is an opportunity to gather unforgettable experiences.

Embracing India’s Diverse Landscapes: From Mountains to Beaches

India’s variegated terrains beckon the spirited traveler with the allure of road trips in India that traverse through rugged mountains, serene coastlines, and enchanting eastern trails. Whether you’re yearning for a journey at soaring altitudes or the calming whispers of the sea, India’s vast landscape offers a unique spectacle at every twist and turn.

Scaling the Heights: Manali to Ladakh

Embark on one of the most exhilarating mountain road trips as you drive from the verdant valleys of Manali to the stark ethereal beauty of Ladakh. This journey is not just a trip but a passage through the high-altitude corridors of India, wrapping you in panoramas of snow-clad peaks and stunning vistas.

Coastal Escapades: Mumbai to Goa

Leave behind the hustle of city life and take a breezy ride on one of the scenic coastal road trips from Mumbai to Goa. The route unwinds along the Konkan coast, with the Arabian Sea teasing you on one side and the Western Ghats looming on the other. It’s a perfect blend of sun, sand, and surf.

The Enchantment of the East: Kolkata to Darjeeling

Discover the soul-stirring part of east India road trips as you travel from the cultural hub of Kolkata to the misty heights of Darjeeling. This voyage promises encounters with lush tea gardens, colonial charm, and the majestic Kanchenjunga overseeing your passage through the eastern Himalayas.

Each stretch of road is a story waiting to unfold, every mile a new chapter in the chronicles of your travel diaries. The symphony of varied landscapes that constitute road trips in India is an experience of a lifetime. So, get behind the wheel and let the adventure begin.

The Cultural Richness of the Golden Triangle

Embarking on a golden triangle road trip is a journey through India’s historical heartbeat, uniting the country’s grandiosity and its deep-rooted cultural essence. You’re about to delve into an adventure that’s as colorful as it is unforgettable, exploring the formidable cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, each with its unique splendor and heritage.

Architectural Wonders of Delhi

In the capital city, Delhi, the delhi agra jaipur road trip introduces you to an era of the Mughal empire through imposing structures that have stood the test of time. The regal Red Fort with its red sandstone walls stands as a testament to bygone imperial power, while the sprawling courtyard of Jama Masjid invites you to experience tranquility amidst the urban hustle.

Romantic Splendor: Agra’s Taj Mahal

Your next stop, Agra, is home to the symphony of marble, the Taj Mahal. This emblem of love is more than just a monument; it’s a timeless chapter in India’s extensive romance anthology. As part of cultural road trips in India , witnessing the sunrise over the Taj Mahal’s ivory-white dome is a poetic experience you’ll cherish forever.

The Pink City: Exploring Jaipur

Jaipur, the Pink City, is a theatrical showcase of Rajput valor and the artistic traditions of Rajasthan. On your golden triangle road trip , meander through the magnificent City Palace, marvel at the intricate facade of Hawa Mahal, and immerse yourself in the local folklore at Amber Fort. Jaipur’s bustling bazaars are kaleidoscopes of handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles, inviting you to take a piece of Rajasthani culture home with you.

As you conclude your delhi agra jaipur road trip , reflect on the splendor, stories, and the vibrant cultural tapestry that you’ve woven into your travel memories, promising you an indelible connection to India’s rich heritage.

Unveiling the South: Temple Towns & Dravidian Delights

Embark on South India road trips and discover a realm where ancient traditions flourish amidst the modern rhythms of life. Venturing through the temple towns of South India offers a mosaic of vibrant sounds, sights, and fragrances, as you encounter the true essence of Dravidian culture.

Begin your journey with a Dravidian road trip that weaves through mesmerizing towns brimming with history and spirituality. Madurai, with its Meenakshi Amman Temple’s towering gopurams, will leave you in awe. The town’s bustling streets reveal the intimate relationship between the sacred and the everyday life of the locals.

Further along, Tiruchirappalli’s Rockfort Temple, perched on a massive outcrop, presents not just a test of endurance as you climb its 400 steps, but also a window into the past with inscriptions dating back to over a millennium. Here, faith and history intertwine, creating an atmosphere of timeless devotion.

Concluding the temple circuit, Thanjavur, once the heart of the Chola empire, brings forth the grand Brihadeeswarar Temple. Its architectural complexity commands respect, emphasizing why this region is a fulcrum of dravidian architecture.

On your road trip through the south, remember to pause, breathe in the jasmine-scented air, and engage with the local artisans for whom these temple towns of South India are home.

Your journey doesn’t end with stunning edifices; the feast for senses continues as you indulge in South India’s rich culinary traditions. From the fragrant masala-laden dishes to the synergetic dance of colors and textures in every meal, satisfy your palate with flavors as complex and profound as the places you explore.

• Relish the multifaceted cuisines
• Soak in the intricate temple artistry
• Embrace the warm-hearted hospitality of the locals

South India road trips seamlessly blend exploration with inspiration, history with harmony, and adventure with tranquility. With every town telling its own story, every temple showcasing its own splendor, this Dravidian road trip is an immersion into a cultural legacy still vibrant and alive in the fast-paced world of today.

Best Road Trips in India: Traversing the Road Less Traveled

If your spirit of adventure beckons you towards paths untrodden, the offbeat road trips in India present the perfect answer. These lesser-known road trip routes offer a unique blend of wildlife encounters and cultural immersion, far from the tourist throng. As you set out on these journeys, you’ll find that the true essence of travel lies in the discovery of hidden locales and the stories they hold.

Offbeat Trails: Chilpi to Kanha Wildlife Adventure

Embrace the wild call of nature with the Chilpi to Kanha wildlife road trip . Meandering through the dense foliage of Central India, this expedition provides you with a rare opportunity to experience India’s rich biodiversity. Keep your cameras ready for those spontaneous sightings of exotic fauna as you traverse through one of the finest wildlife reserves in Asia.

Heritage Highway: Mysore to Hampi

The route from Mysore to Hampi, often referred to as the Heritage Highway, is a treasure trove for anyone interested in delving into India’s rich past. This heritage road trip takes you back in time to an era of grandeur and opulence, punctuated by the magnificence of palaces and the ruins of ancient empires. It’s a path filled with stories etched in stone, waiting to be rediscovered.

Discover the enchanting mix of scenic beauty and cultural heritage with these offbeat road trips in India . As you venture beyond the familiar, prepare yourself for an array of experiences that will redefine your notion of a road trip. Whether it’s the call of the wild or a rendezvous with the past, these journeys are bound to leave you with tales worth a lifetime.

Conclusion:

Embarking on a road trip across the vast Indian subcontinent is nothing short of an epic journey that taps into the soul of this richly diverse nation. Where else could you begin your travels amidst the towering majesty of the Himalayas and end with the tranquility of golden beaches? India’s landscape is not just a backdrop for photographs; it’s a character in your travel story that converses with you at every turn.

Your wanderlust is matched only by the sheer variety of experiences that Indian roads offer. Traverse the iconic Golden Triangle and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of architectural masterpieces that narrate tales of love, valor, and grandeur. Meander through the temple towns of the South, with each stone and deity echoing the resilience of Dravidian culture. Or take the road less traveled, seeking out the unspoiled beauty of India’s heartland and the forgotten chapters of its history.

So pack your bags, charge your cameras, and prepare your senses for an overload of beauty, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re seeking thrills, a touch of history, or a peaceful escapade, the roads of India await to lead you on an adventure that will etch itself into the fabric of your memories. Your road trip adventure in India is not just a journey; it’s a vibrant saga waiting to unfold. Are you ready to write your chapter?

Q: What are the best road trips in India?

A: India offers a wide range of incredible road trip experiences. Some of the best road trips include Manali to Ladakh, Mumbai to Goa, and Kolkata to Darjeeling.

Q: What are some scenic routes for road trips in India?

A: India is home to many scenic routes for road trips. Some popular ones include the Manali to Ladakh route, the coastal route from Mumbai to Goa, and the road trip from Kolkata to Darjeeling.

Q: What kind of road trip adventures can I experience in India?

A: India offers a variety of road trip adventures . You can explore the towering mountains of the Himalayas, relax on pristine beaches in the south, or immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Golden Triangle.

Q: Which are the must-visit destinations for road trips in India?

A: Some of the must-visit destinations for road trips in India include Ladakh, Goa, Darjeeling, and the Golden Triangle cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

Q: Are there any road trips that take you off the beaten path in India?

A: Yes, India offers offbeat road trips that take you through hidden gems and lesser-known routes. Examples include the Chilpi to Kanha Wildlife Adventure and the Heritage Highway from Mysore to Hampi.

Q: Can I go on a solo road trip in India?

A: Absolutely! India is a popular destination for solo road trips. However, it is important to plan your trip carefully and ensure your safety by taking necessary precautions.

Other Links:

• https://www.timeout.com/india/travel/best-road-trips-in-india
• https://traveltriangle.com/blog/road-trips-in-india/
• https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-road-trips-in-india

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50 best Road Trips in India

Are you an adventure seeker looking to explore the diverse beauty and cultural richness of India? Well, look no further! India offers an array of stunning road trips that will take you through landscapes that range from lush valleys and serene beaches to towering mountains and historic towns. Here’s a list of 50 best road trips in India that are bound to leave you awe-inspired:

• Manali to Leh Highway, Himachal Pradesh: An epic journey through the Himalayas, crossing high-altitude passes and pristine lakes.
• Mumbai to Goa Coastal Drive, Maharashtra: Drive along the picturesque Western Ghats, overlooking the Arabian Sea.
• Bangalore to Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Wind through tea plantations and enjoy the Nilgiri Hills’ pleasant climate.
• Delhi to Ajmer via Jaipur, Rajasthan: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Rajasthan, passing through historical towns and forts.
• Guwahati to Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: Embark on an adventure through Northeast India’s breathtaking landscapes and remote villages.
• Chennai to Pondicherry Coastal Route, Tamil Nadu: Experience coastal beauty and colonial charm on this scenic drive.
• Srinagar to Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir: A drive through valleys and meadows that lead to the stunning hill station of Gulmarg.
• Ahmedabad to Kutch, Gujarat: Witness the mesmerizing white desert of the Rann of Kutch during the Rann Utsav.
• Hyderabad to Hampi, Karnataka: Discover the architectural wonders of the ancient ruins of Hampi.
• Delhi to Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Drive through the spiritual city of Rishikesh along the scenic Ganges River.
• Kolkata to Digha, West Bengal: A short coastal drive to the charming seaside town of Digha.
• Mumbai to Pune Expressway, Maharashtra: A fast-paced journey offering stunning views of the Western Ghats.
• Jaipur to Udaipur, Rajasthan: Experience Rajasthan’s regal beauty as you pass through majestic forts and palaces.
• Chandigarh to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: Enjoy the serene beauty of the Himalayas as you drive to the Queen of Hills.
• Leh to Khardung La, Jammu and Kashmir: Conquer one of the world’s highest motorable passes on this daring drive.
• Bangalore to Coorg, Karnataka: Escape to the coffee plantations and misty hills of Coorg.
• Shillong to Cherrapunji, Meghalaya: Explore the lush landscapes and rainforests of Meghalaya’s breathtaking route.
• Delhi to Agra via Yamuna Expressway, Uttar Pradesh: Visit the iconic Taj Mahal and other historical wonders.
• Kolkata to Darjeeling, West Bengal: Journey to the “Queen of the Himalayas” and enjoy the famous Darjeeling tea.
• Mysore to Ooty via Bandipur, Karnataka: Drive through wildlife sanctuaries and forested hills in this unique journey.
• Goa to Gokarna Coastal Drive, Karnataka: Experience the beauty of the Konkan coast and its hidden beaches.
• Chennai to Yercaud, Tamil Nadu: Drive up the winding roads to the peaceful hill station of Yercaud.
• Mumbai to Alibaug, Maharashtra: A short road trip to the coastal haven of Alibaug, perfect for a weekend getaway.
• Delhi to Amritsar, Punjab: Witness the grandeur of the Golden Temple and experience Punjabi hospitality.
• Aizawl to Lunglei, Mizoram: Discover the untouched beauty of Mizoram’s landscapes and culture.
• Bangalore to Munnar, Kerala: Traverse through the picturesque Western Ghats to the tea gardens of Munnar.
• Vadodara to Mount Abu, Rajasthan: Experience Rajasthan’s only hill station, surrounded by scenic beauty.
• Bangalore to Wayanad, Kerala: Drive through lush forests and hills to reach the tranquil district of Wayanad.
• Chennai to Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: Explore ancient temples and beachside beauty on this short drive.
• Delhi to Mussoorie, Uttarakhand: Drive to the “Queen of the Hills” for a refreshing escape from the city.
• Pune to Lavasa, Maharashtra: Journey to the planned hill city of Lavasa and enjoy its architecture and surroundings.
• Kochi to Munnar, Kerala : Experience the charm of Kerala’s tea plantations and hill stations.
• Mumbai to Lonavala, Maharashtra : A quick drive to the popular hill station, known for its lush valleys and waterfalls.
• Ahmedabad to Udaipur, Rajasthan : Explore the stunning lakes and palaces of the “City of Lakes.”
• Bhubaneswar to Puri, Odisha: Drive to the spiritual city of Puri and relax on its pristine beaches.
• Shillong to Dawki, Meghalaya: Witness the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River in Dawki.
• Kolkata to Puri, West Bengal: Experience the coastal beauty and historical sites along this route.
• Bangalore to Chikmagalur, Karnataka: Discover the coffee plantations and lush forests of Chikmagalur.
• Chennai to Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: Escape to the misty hills and serene lakes of Kodaikanal.
• Mumbai to Daman, Maharashtra: Drive to the coastal town of Daman, known for its historic forts and beaches.
• Delhi to Haridwar and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Experience the spiritual aura of these holy cities along the Ganges.
• Chennai to Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh: Visit the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple on this spiritual journey.
• Jaipur to Bikaner, Rajasthan: Discover the desert beauty and historical treasures of Bikaner.
• Delhi to Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand: Combine adventure with wildlife on this road trip to the famous national park.
• Kolkata to Sundarbans, West Bengal: Explore the mangrove forests and diverse wildlife of the Sundarbans.
• Guwahati to Kaziranga National Park, Assam: Journey to the home of the one-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife.
• Pune to Shirdi, Maharashtra: Drive to the famous pilgrimage site of Shirdi and seek blessings.
• Chennai to Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu: Experience the spiritual journey to the southern tip of India.
• Mumbai to Shirdi, Maharashtra : Another route to the holy town of Shirdi, perfect for devotees.
• Delhi to Nainital, Uttarakhand : Drive to the picturesque hill station of Nainital, known for its scenic beauty and lakes.

Your ultimate checklist: Essential Items to Carry on 50 best Road Trips in India

Embarking on a road trip is an exciting adventure, but proper planning and packing are key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Whether you’re driving through scenic landscapes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, here’s a comprehensive checklist of items you should carry on your road trip:

1. Personal Documents:

• Driver’s license
• Vehicle registration and insurance
• Identification (passport, Aadhar card, etc.)
• Roadside assistance information

2. Navigation and Communication:

• GPS device or smartphone with navigation apps
• Car charger and USB cables
• Emergency contact list

3. Safety and Emergency Supplies:

• First aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Emergency contact numbers
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Basic tool kit
• Tire pressure gauge
• Jumper cables
• Reflective vests or warning triangles

4. Vehicle Essentials:

• Spare tire and jack
• Vehicle fluids (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid)

5. Snacks and Refreshments:

• Bottled water
• Non-perishable snacks (nuts, granola bars, trail mix)
• Sandwiches or wraps

6. Entertainment and Comfort:

• Music playlist or CDs
• Travel games or books
• Pillows and blankets

7. Clothing:

• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are recommended)
• Comfortable shoes or sneakers
• Raincoat or umbrella

8. Personal Items:

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, etc.)
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Personal hygiene products

9. Cash and Cards:

• Sufficient local currency
• Debit/credit cards
• Small change for tolls and parking

10. Miscellaneous:

• Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
• Trash bags for keeping the car tidy
• Cooler with refreshments if needed
• Blanket or towel for impromptu picnics or breaks

11. Entertainment for Passengers:

• Tablets, e-readers, or handheld gaming devices
• Magazines or books

12. Important Documents (if applicable):

• Hotel reservations
• Tourist attraction tickets or passes
• Permits for restricted areas

13. COVID-19 Essentials (as needed):

• Masks and face shields
• Hand sanitizers
• Disinfecting wipes

Before you hit the road, consider the specific requirements of your trip. Also, check the weather condition as well as weather forecast of the place you are traveling.  Keep your vehicle well-maintained by getting it serviced before the trip and performing a basic inspection before setting off. Lastly, pack your belongings strategically, keeping items you’ll need frequently easily accessible.

Remember, a well-prepared road trip can be a memorable and enjoyable experience. So, gather your essentials, buckle up, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime on the open road!

Useful Links

• Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 50 best Road Trips in India

• Q: Are road trips in India safe?
• A: Road trips in India can be safe if you take necessary precautions. Maintain your vehicle, follow traffic rules, and drive cautiously. Also, be cautious about road conditions and weather, especially in remote areas.
• Q: How do I plan my road trip route?
• A: Research your destinations, plan rest stops, and consider alternate routes. Use navigation apps or GPS devices for real-time guidance.
• Q: What documents do I need to carry on a road trip?
• A: Essential documents include your driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance, and identification. It’s also a good idea to carry your vehicle’s manual.
• Q: What should I pack for a road trip in India?
• A: Pack personal documents, navigation tools, emergency supplies, snacks, clothing, entertainment, cash/cards, and any special items you need.
• Q: How can I ensure my vehicle is road trip-ready?
• A: Get your vehicle serviced before the trip, check fluids, brakes, tires, and lights. Keep a spare tire, jack, and basic tool kit handy.
• Q: What safety precautions should I take during a road trip?
• A: Always wear seatbelts, avoid speeding, stay attentive, and follow traffic rules. Carry a first aid kit, emergency contact numbers, and tools for minor repairs.
• Q: Are there road trip options for families with kids?
• A: Yes, many routes cater to families. Plan rest stops, pack entertainment for kids, and keep them comfortable with pillows and blankets.
• Q: How do I find good places to eat during the road trip?
• A: Research restaurants along your route or ask locals for recommendations. Apps like Zomato and Google Maps can help you discover nearby eateries.
• Q: Can I take my pet on a road trip in India?
• A: Yes, you can take your pet on a road trip, but ensure their comfort, pack their essentials, and check if your accommodations are pet-friendly.
• Q: How can I find accommodation during a road trip?
• A: Plan accommodations in advance, especially in popular tourist destinations. Use hotel booking websites or apps to find suitable options.
• Q: What should I do if my vehicle breaks down during a road trip?
• A: Move your vehicle to a safe spot, turn on hazard lights, and use roadside assistance if available. If not, call for help and stay inside the vehicle.
• Q: Is it advisable to take a road trip during monsoon season?
• A: Monsoon can lead to slippery roads and landslides in certain areas. Before planning a trip, check the road conditions and also the weather. At some states weather is unpredictable especially in Mountains, costal areas.
• Q: Can I rent a vehicle for a road trip in India?
• A: Yes, you can rent vehicles for road trips. Make sure to choose a reliable rental service and read the terms and conditions.
• Q: What should I know about tolls and road charges on highways?
• A: Carry sufficient small change for toll booths. Some highways have electronic toll collection (FASTag) systems for quicker payments.
• Q: Are there any COVID-19 guidelines for road trips in India?
• A: Check the latest travel advisories and follow COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing masks, carrying sanitizers, and maintaining social distancing.

Remember that each road trip is unique, so tailor your preparations to the specific route and destinations you choose. Stay informed, be flexible, and enjoy the freedom of the open road as you explore the incredible landscapes and cultures India has to offer.

Sanjay Rai Sharma

Sanjay Rai Sharma is a Facilitator and a writer. He writes blogs, mostly on travelling while exploring the natural mystic capturing scenic beauty of nature into words, exploring unknown places and capturing memories in the form of photography. On a mission to inspire and share valuable insights to fellow explorers.

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• The Top 25 Road Trips You Must Embark On In India

The Top 25 Road Trips You Must Embark on in India

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India is a vast land with a variety in everything. After looking in every nook and corner these are the best twenty-five road trips in India everyone must do once in their life.

If you’re the person who wants to stay away from the madness of the crowd then this is your cup of tea!

 The 25 best road trips in India you must embark on:

1. Manali to Leh Highway:

Nobody can put into words what they experience on this route. Yes, that is the route you will traverse. With a jeep or an RE its picture perfect. The route covers 479 km at an altitude of approximately 3 to 4 km above sea level. The route passes through Rohtang and is open during summers and mid-October. It will take 2 days to complete the journey keeping pit stops and acclimatization in mind.

2. Mumbai to Pune Expressway:

Going to Lonavala as a weekend escape is something everyone who lives in Mumbai or Pune will certainly recommend. And another thing that they will ask you to do is to savor ‘chikki’ in Lonavala. The landscape and locations are as pristine as they can get and they soothe the nerves like yoga. If you probably happen to be there, don’t get back without doing this road trip!

3. Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley:

The lovely Bay of Bengal and the graceful Eastern Ghats meeting in a union at Visakhapatnam is a view to a kill. A person visiting the city for the first time will be breath taken by the immense beauty of this meeting from the city. And when travelers take a trip to Araku, they are sure to be swept off their feet by the beauty of the road. The curvaceous roads, the gentle elevation and the sweet serenity of the hills make it an amazing road trip in south India and will etch a permanent place in your heart for an eternity.

4. Shimla to Manali via Mandi:

It is not always advisable to stay off the beaten track whilst traveling! Clichés sometime are a good thing. Running parallel with the river Beas the Shimla-Manali road trip is an Indian wind that lets you unwind. And the best pit stops are here because you can take a break in the icy cold waters of the river. You haven’t had a vacation without getting your feet wet between en route Manali from Shimla.

5. Chennai to Pondicherry along the East Coast Road:

Chennai folks love this route. Chetan Bhagat nailed its description while he wrote about this. And cruising on this route is a gift. Down by the seaside, the view of the road gets better and better into the day. The image of the sun on the water changes by the hour and makes this the most beautiful road around Chennai and certainly one in India. And the road is photogenic and you need to match up to it.

6. Guwahati to Tawang

There are some places that are a must visit not just because they are beautiful, but also because of the challenge they pose. Guwahati and Tawang are essentials when it comes to the 7 sisters. The route is quite the challenge and takes more than a few stops to make sure you don’t push yourself over the edge.

7. Puri to Konark on the NH-203:

The scenic roads in Orissa are no match to what the Eastern states of India offer. And the Puri-Konark highway is one of the best roads to photograph, so much so that you will not have had enough. The vista of trees, the wind in your hair and the picturesque locations will hypnotize you and leave a lasting impression.

8. Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo and Nathu-La Pass:

The North East being the most unexplored part makes the best side of India to make a road trip. Though a challenge to plan a road trip to this region, the uncertainty of roads certainly keeps its beauty intact. You will forget all the pain and the trouble with the view that changes at every curve! And a winter trip to Lake Tsomgo (also known as Changu Lake) from Gangtok will teach you the art to happiness!

9. Bangalore to Bandipur Forest:

How can one make a travel listicle without listing a route along the forest? The forest route to Bandipur from Bangalore is a route you must take, being amongst the best forest routes in India. It is also accessible from Ooty to Mysore where the route passes through the Bandipur National Park. Karoke with your buddies in a car with a sunroof is a cherry on top of the cake. Spotting animals along the way walking like the road is theirs is a bonus. The charm of the highway will demand your humility and respect!

10. Shimla to Manali via Kinnaur and Spiti:

This route is referred to travelers by people Shimla over the Mandi one above. If you want to make the road trip the highlight of your journey than the destination then this is the. Cover Kalpa, Sangla valley and even higher bits of the valley like Nako, Chango, Ropa if you wish.

11. Pamban Bridge (Rameshwaram):

If you ever thought the only way you could be amidst water around in 360 degrees think again. This is the reason why Pamban made it to our list! Often, the infinity of the ocean below and the wind in your hair is therapeutic and will be a cherished moment.

12. Chennai to Munnar

Chennai’s weather just doesn’t cut it sometimes. And Munnar should be your Plan A, B, C if you have a free weekend at hand. And the long road trip which can get tiring will be worth it when you reach and stay at Munnar.

13. Delhi to Agra via Mathura on Yamuna Expressway

The best-laid road in the country as of today will be the Yamuna expressway. And no traveller who loves road trips must miss this being from Delhi.The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort can be checked off your list if you can push your journey and can drive through the night to arrive at Delhi late.

14. Jaipur to Jaisalmer:

If you want a taste of royalty while you travel and end with a beautiful view The Desert of Jaisalmer covers all your check boxes! The drive to Jaisalmer via the Pink City, Jodhpur will be a journey of color and vibrance.

15. Shillong to Cherrapunjee

Drizzles, waterfalls, caves, villages and a beautiful view from your window is what you will see in just a matter of 53 km's. There are enough places to make a stop for chai and snacks.

16. Mumbai to Goa:

This is the master to all road trips that are made in India. The beautiful route will take you to the sun, the sea and the sand with fun waiting at the end of the trip.

17. Delhi to Jaipur:

One of the best-maintained routes in India gives you the Aravallis for the travel company and lead you into the colors of this marvelous city.

18. Mumbai to Mount Abu:

Is the hustle and bustle of the city being a killjoy? Though it may be short lived would you like to escape from this? Oh, my Mumbaikars why don’t you go lose yourselves into the folds of Mount Abu and detox.

19. Kolkata to Digha:

Kolkata to Digha- tres bien! Any Bengali will stand by the journey 100 percent. Most of them repeat this multiple times during their life. And for good reason that too! Lined amongst lush greenery the road is simple and perfect for taking it up a notch. Digha is a favorite spot for a perfect weekend getaway for many East Indians because of its simplistic and sweet attractiveness. Pony rides and a long walk by the sea will make sure you forget every single ounce of stress in just a couple of days.

20. Jaipur to Ranthambore

If you want to hit 3 birds with a stone – Jaipur, Ranthambore and the beautiful stretch in between, wake up one morning and hit the SH 24. And don’t forget to stop on the Bassi Wildlife sanctuary on the way.

21. Bangalore to Ooty via Mysore:

From Bangalore to Ooty, is a lovely journey that is set deep in the heart of the Nilgiri hills.The climb up the hills are a natural anti-depressant with no side effects being a lovely combination of tarmac, the fresh smell of mud and the lush green Sholas!

22. Delhi to Shimla:

Deep inside amidst the realm of all my thoughts, there is only one thing that my heart yearns for and that is a road trip to the hills. The spellbinding Himalayas that nestle among the clouds as you are on the road make the trip all the more exciting. Travelling by bike is recommended.

23. Bangalore to Goa:

Biking between Bangalore and Goa is the solution for IT employees and college students to relax and chill. With a lot, many Punjabi Dhabas on the route which is picturesque, quiet and peaceful one can fill their hearts and stomachs. What more can one ask for?

24. Kolkata to Puri:

If you want Christmas to come early take a drive from Kolkata to Puri. The lush green spread and the curvaceous road will leave you lost for words while the magnificence of the place and the journey will fill you with peace.

25. Ahmedabad to Kutch:

Escape on the weekend by making a short trip to Kutch and have a ball. Take in the beauty of the white salt flats and enjoy the beautiful culture of the people.

What can be a better definition of diversity other than India? All it takes is a small trip from your town or city to experience a completely different lifestyle, culture, and people. And it's always a thrill to be a roadie. 

Eager to explore the beauty of these places? Do share your views on this.

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A post graduate and gold medalist in English literature with great passion for writing. I am an avid blogger and love to write e-books, the latest platform of global interest. I firmly believe in the healing power of writing and how it works fantastically to improve one's creativity as well as personality. Life is too short to express yourself so, keep writing and enjoying.

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• 35 Spectacular Road Trips In India For That Passionate Traveler In You

12 Jan 2023

Road trips are perhaps the best way to satiate your craving for adventure and escape monotony. To simply pack up your bags, start up your engines, and whiz away is the best kind of break you can get from stress and drama. Here’s a list of popular road trips in India that you strongly need to take in order to get a break from monotony.

35 Best Road Trips In India

We all crave for a road trip, quitting our daily routine. But we often just keep planning and never go. This is the list of 25 road trip that you can take from India and satisfy your wanderlust. 25 is a big number, so we hope that the abundance and variety of options will finally motivate you to leave your office desks and go wheeling.

• Delhi To Manali To Leh: 1,019 Kms
• Mumbai To Goa: 590 Kms
• Jaipur To Ranthambore: 158 Kms
• Guwahati To Tawang: 566 Kms
• Ahmedabad To Kutch : 454 Kms
• Delhi To Agra To Jaipur : 449 Kms
• Old Silk Route: 68.2 Kms
• Jaipur To Jaisalmer: 555 Kms
• Dehradun To Nainital: 278 Kms
• Chennai To Pondicherry: 158 Kms
• Bangalore To Coorg : 242 Kms
• Bangalore To Munnar: 477 Kms
• Darjeeling To Pelling : 72.8 Kms
• Mumbai To Mount Abu: 758 Kms
• Kolkata To Kumaon : 1,409 Kms
• Ahmedabad To Daman: 357 Kms
• Chennai To Yelagiri: 230 Kms
• Mumbai To Tarkarli: 488 Kms
• Delhi To Jaipur: 269 Kms
• Hyderabad To Kannur: 899 Kms
• Kolkata To Digha: 184 Kms
• Delhi To Mussoorie: 281 Kms
• Kolkata To Puri: 497 Kms
• Delhi To Rishikesh: 232 Kms
• Mumbai To Pune : 148 Kms
• Visakhapatnam To Araku Valley: 114 Kms
• Srinagar To Leh, Zoji La Pass: 418 Kms
• Mumbai To Rann Of Kutch: 936 Kms
• Bangalore To Pondicherry: 312 Kms
• Bagdogra To Darjeeling: 67 Kms
• Gangtok To Lake Tsomgo And Nathu-La Pass: 53.5 Kms
• Jaipur To Udaipur: 412 Kms
• Bangalore To Goa: 585 Kms
• Mangalore To Goa (Via Gokarna): 365 Kms
• Ahmedabad To Diu: 365 Kms

1. Delhi To Manali To Leh: Every Biker’s First Love

A road trip in the Himalayas will always be accompanied by gorgeous landscapes wherever you look. The Delhi-Manali-Leh road trip is one of the best road trips in India and an absolutely enthralling journey to take. Though the roads may get a little treacherous and tricky on your way to Leh, the awesome scenic beauty makes up for it. It is a road trip every daring traveler must take.

Time : 25 hours Distance : 1,019 kms National Highway : NH 1 & NH 21 Where To Eat : Have an early breakfast at Murthal. Eat at Sukhdev’s dhaba on the way for some butter loaded stuffed paranthas or you could stop by McDonald’s, Barista, Subway, or Haveli. Where To Stay : Take a stopover at Bilaspur while traveling from Delhi to Manali. From Manali to Leh, you could spend a night at Circuit houses in Lahaul Valley.

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2. Mumbai To Goa: Dil Chahta Hai Vibes

Image Source If you loved the reel road trip, you’ll love the real version even more! It is preferred you take the Pune-Kolhapur Route as it is a safer, the smoother road in case you’re traveling by car. For the more adventurous ones, traveling with friends on a bike seeking scenic beauty of the Western Ghats, & lesser toll booths along the way, take the Chiplun-Ratnagiri Route that gets rocky, tricky and narrow at many places. While on the Chiplun-Ratnagiri route, you can also check out the Karnal Bird Sanctuary. The best time to take this road trip is between December and January.

Time : 10 hours 41 minutes (via the Pune-Kolhapur Route) & 11 hours 52 minutes (via the Chiplun-Ratnagiri Konkan route) Distance : 590 kms (via the Pune-Kolhapur Route) & 577 kms (via the Chiplun-Ratnagiri Konkan route) National Highway : NH 4 or NH 66 Where To Eat : Various restaurants at Satara & Kolhapur if you’re on NH 4, and Chiplun Where To Stay : Hotels at Kolhapur and Chiplun

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3. Jaipur To Ranthambore: Royal Land To Royal Beast

Image Source One can enjoy beautiful views of the mustard fields and picturesque villages like Balsi & Lalsot on this road trip. It is one of the most popular road trips in India , as huge numbers of people flock to the Ranthambore National Park to spot a tiger or two. The roads are in a decent condition, though one might experience uneven roads for a mere stretch of 20-25 kms on the journey. One can take the route via Tonk to avoid the rough road. The best time to take this road trip is between October and June, as the Park is closed for the rest of the time.

Time : 3 hours 14 minutes Distance : 158 kms National Highway: Jaipur-Kota road highway Where To Eat : A number of shops and dhabas available on the way. Where To Stay:  NA

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4. Guwahati To Tawang: Monks, Mountains & Morning Prayer

Image Source The road trip offers breathtaking views of snow-clad mountains and lets you witness the marvels of the Buddhist culture in the North-East. Driving up the winding paths on the hills requires skill and experience. The best time to take this road trip is between March and October, like the rest of the time the roads may be blocked due to snow.

Time : 14 hours 27 minutes Distance : 566 kms National Highway : NH 52 & NH 229 Where To Eat : Shops and stalls offering momos, Maggi, and tea along the way. Where To Stay : Budget hotels at Tezpur

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5. Ahmedabad To Kutch: A Stretch Of White Horizons

Image Source The stunning white landscapes, the barren desert for miles and beyond, and the color contrasts of the local population over it would definitely make your road trip worthwhile. The roads are in a fine condition, though one must try and leave for Kutch early in the morning to avoid traffic-choked roads. One must surely visit the Wild Ass Sanctuary and the nearby Hodko village to buy local handicrafts. The best time to take this road trip is between October and March. Try to come at a time so that you can witness the full moon at Kutch.

Time : 7 hours 32 minutes Distance : 454 kms National Highway : NH 8A Where To Eat : A number of shops and dhabas available on the way. Where To Stay:  Regenta Resort, Click Hotel, and Hotel Raj Mahal

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6. Delhi To Agra To Jaipur: The Golden Triangle

Image Source The famous Golden Triangle road makes up for one of the best road trips in India. And not just the road, but the three culturally and historically rich cities offer a great many vistas for travelers, including the Taj Mahal at Agra and the numerous monuments at Jaipur. The Yamuna Expressway (NH 93) is a massive stretch of smooth, clean roads and one would find no hindrances as such. You may find the NH 8 to be a little rocky due to the recent construction work there.

Time : 6 hours 58 minutes Distance : 449 kms National Highway : NH 93 & NH 8 Where To Eat : The Food Court on Yamuna Expressway and a number of restaurants like Midway on NH 8. Where To Stay:  Radisson Hotel Agra, Hotel Atulyaa Taj Agra, ITC Rajputana Jaipur, and Pearl Palace Jaipur

Suggested Read: 37 Exciting Road Trips From Delhi To Take With Your BFFs

7. Old Silk Route: The Historical Lifeline Of Trade & Tradition

Image Source The Silk Route is a old network of trade that fostered the exchange of Oriental and Western civilizations. It connects Lhasa in Tibet to India through the Jelep La Pass in Sikkim. A ride up the motorable roads of this route provides some stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and beautiful landscapes of the hills and snow. You can start your journey from Gangtok in Sikkim and go up to the Nathang Valley. While on this route you can witness the splendid Menmecho Lake, Mandakini Waterfall, & view the entire winding route from Thambi View Point. The roads are in good condition, except from January to April, when the valley is covered in deep snow.

Time : 1 hour 50 minutes Distance : 68.2 kms National Highway : NH 31A Where To Eat : Local eateries at Sorethang (the China Market). Where To Stay:  Silk Route Resort, Ice Land Homestay, and Eco Nest Homestay

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8. Jaipur To Jaisalmer: From Pink To The Golden City

Image Source Witness the colors, culture & beauty of Rajasthan as you ride past the many villages lining the roads from Jaipur to Jaisalmer. Make a stopover at Jodhpur to indulge in the true Rajasthani heritage and flavours. One can also visit Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary on the way. The roads on this route are in a perfect condition, granting you a smooth ride.

Time : 9 hours Distance : 555 kms National Highway : NH 15 Where To Eat : Authentic Rajasthani cuisines at Jodhpur. Where To Stay:  Hotel Desert Winds and Harasar Haveli

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9. Dehradun To Nainital: Hills, Valleys, Streams & Lakes

Image Source Ride through Nature’s wonders while enjoying the refreshing weather from one gorgeous hill spot to the other. The roads are in great condition and the turns and twists provide an amazing experience to adventure seekers.

Time : 6 hours 33 minutes Distance : 278 km National Highway : NH 74 Where To Eat : A number of shops and dhabas available on the way. Where To Stay:  NA

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10. Chennai To Pondicherry: Surf & Sands Of The South

Image Source It is among the best road trips in India as it’s one where the journey will fetch you more memories and greater experience than the destination itself. On the way, one can enjoy magnificent views of the beaches of Southern India and stop by to have a coconut or two whenever they feel like. One will find that the East Coast Road is in perfect condition for driving or riding down. You can make a stopover at Mahabalipuram to enjoy the beaches and treat your tummy.

Time : 3 hours 31 minutes Distance : 158 kms National Highway:  NH 32 Where To Eat : The beach at Mahabalipuram and roadside dhabas & shops. Where To Stay:  NA

Suggested Read: 26 Places To Visit Near Salem For That Perfect Vacation To South India

11. Bangalore To Coorg: From Concrete Jungles To Pristine Hills

Image Source A road trip from Bangalore to Coorg is an absolute delight for nature lovers. Being one of the best hill stations in the South and surrounded by the Western Ghats, Coorg provides stunning scenic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. The roads on this route are pretty decent, except for a few patches here and there.

Time : 5 hours 26 minutes Distance : 242 kms National Highway : NH 275 Where To Eat : A lot of restaurants and drive-ins on the way. Where To Stay:  The Mansion 1907 and Grand Mercure Mysore

Suggested Read: 20 Dream Roads Across The Globe Fetched Right Out Of A Traveller’s Fantasy

12. Bangalore To Munnar: Through Waterfalls & Windmills

Image Source The route is a sea of windmills & gorgeous waterfalls on each side, with coconut trees lining each side of the roads. The surrounding landscapes are dotted with a number of forest patches, streams, tea gardens, & wooden bridges, making the entire journey magical. The roads are great and well maintained, providing for a smooth road trip throughout.

Time : 9 hours Distance : 477 kms National Highway : NH 7 Where To Eat : Authentic South Indian cuisines at many restaurants along the way. Where To Stay: Aranyaka Resorts, Windermere Estate, and Camelot Resort

Suggested Read: 30 Temples In South India: The Perfect Amalgamation Of Art And Divinity

13. Darjeeling To Pelling: Through The Kingdom Of Tea Gardens

Image Source This road trip takes you through lush tea gardens, where you can stop and sip on some refreshing tea, and through winding roads up lofty mountains with picturesque landscapes on all sides, giving you the feeling as if you’re riding through Heaven. The best time to take this road trip is between March and June & then between September and December, as the roads may get blocked during the winter and rainy seasons. The roads are in great condition and make up for a smooth ride.

Time : 2 hours Distance : 72.8 kms National Highway:  NA Where To Eat : A number of food joints for refreshments on the way. Where To Stay: NA

Suggested Read: 15 Terribly Underrated Destinations In India We Bet You Didn’t Know About!

14. Mumbai To Mount Abu: From Urban Glitter To Peace & Tranquility

Image Source An ecstatic journey that gives you the experiences of 3 different states and cultures- Maharashtra, Gujarat & Rajasthan. The journey would take one through urban towns, villages and then up the hills, letting them witness the transition from heavily populated urban centers to scantily occupied hilly terrains. The roads, including the internal ones, are considerably well-kept.

Time : 12 hours 33 minutes Distance : 758 kms National Highway : NH 8 Where T o Eat : A range of dhabas en route. Where To Stay : Hotels at Ahmedabad or Vadodara

Suggested Read: 29 Best Adventure Destinations In India You Must Set Sail For

15. Kolkata To Kumaon: The Metamorphosis Of Colours & Cultures

Image Source The best part of this road trip is the gradual yet incredible transition of the green plains and slopes to snow-clad mountain peaks. It is one of those trips that redefine the meaning of phrases like “It is the journey that matters, not the destination”. One can get down and enjoy the town of Varanasi on the way. Though the highway is rather congested due to heavy traffic most of the time, the roads are in quite good condition. The best time to take this road trip is between November to March.

Time : 24 hours Distance : 1,409 kms National Highway : NH 2 Where To Eat : A number of great restaurants at Varanasi and a range of dhabas on the entire route. Where To Stay : Hotels at Varanasi or Kanpur.

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16. Ahmedabad To Daman: Industrialisation To Beachification

Image Source An amazing journey from Gujarat’s largest city to its popular Union Territory. The trip will take you through Gujarat’s biggest metropolis, various religious centers, and Jain temples, to the sea-side town that is a favorite among beach lover Indians. All thanks to our Hon’ble Prime Minister, the roads are in an awesome condition.

Time : 6 hours 53 minutes Distance :  357 kms National Highway: GJ SH 236 Where To Eat : Dhabas on the way along with bhojanalayas near Bhavnagar and Mahuva. Where To Stay: Dream Vision Paying Guest House and Golden Paying Guest House

Suggested Read: Top 21 Shopping Destinations In India To Splurge In A Shopping Spree

17. Chennai To Yelagiri: Green Valleys, Rose Gardens & Fruit Orchards

Image Source Nature lovers would simply fall in love with this fairy-tale like road trip that takes them through the fascinating greens, hills, and water attractions of the South. Courtesy the numerous forested hills and dangerous-looking trekking trails, the road trip is very popular amongst bikers. What adds to the adventure-factor of this road trip is a large number of hairpin bends on the hills that test one’s driving skills. The best time to take this road trip is from October to February. One should avoid the route during monsoons as there is a heavy chance of landslides and road blockage.

Time : 4 hours 36 minutes Distance : 230 kms National Highway : NH 46 Where To Eat : A number of eateries on the highway. Where To Stay:  NA

Suggested Read: 18 Cycling Road Trips You Must Take In India

18. Mumbai To Tarkarli: From Noisy Cities To Undisturbed Beaches

Image Source This is the best kind of road trip for everyone looking for a quick escape from the urban noise and work stress. On this route, one can enjoy rejuvenating panoramas along the Konkan stretch. Besides, Tarkarli makes for a fabulous road trip destination with its clean, pristine beaches, water sports, mountains, waterfalls, & stunning views of the night sky. The road conditions on this route are excellent, adding to the awesomeness of the trip. The best time to take this road trip is between October & March.

Time : 9 hours 38 minutes Distance : 488 kms National Highway : NH 66 Where To Eat : Plenty of restaurants on the way. Where To Stay : Hotels at Ratnagiri

Suggested Read: 13 Treehouses In South India That’ll Bond You With Nature’s Mystique

19. Delhi To Jaipur: From Retro To Royalty

Image Source This provides for the perfect weekend getaway for people in and around Delhi. Delhiites looking for a relaxed weekend usually flock to the Pink City to experience a mix of culture, heritage and history. Also, the 6 lane highway that connects Delhi and Jaipur is perhaps the best road network in the country.

Time : 4 hours 45 minutes Distance : 269 kms National Highway : NH 8 Where To Eat : Endless array of dhabas and restaurants on NH 8. Where To Stay: NA

Suggested Read: 30 Best Places To Visit In August In India To Welcome Monsoons

20. Hyderabad To Kannur: Enroute The Passage To God’s Own Country

Image Source It’s a road trip that takes you through the land of historical influences and the Nizams to India’s most popular Nature’s Retreat in the south. There can’t be a better road trip that ends at the serene, private beaches of Kannur. The roads are in pretty much a good condition, except the bumpy ones at Virajpet.

Time : 14 hours 15 minutes Distance : 899 kms National Highway : NH 7 Where To Eat : Various food joints on NH 7 offering the best local cuisines of the South. Where To Stay : Hotels & holiday inns at Kurnool or Bangalore

Suggested Read: 60 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India To Have A Gala Time

21. Kolkata To Digha: The Bong Connection

Image Source It’s another marvelous road trip on the list of those that end on the seashores. The ride takes you through green patches and click-worthy landscapes, and finally gives you a pleasant dose of the sun, the sea, and the sand! The roads are safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy a smooth ride down to Digha.

Time : 4 hours 9 minutes Distance : 184 kms National Highway: NH 6 & NH 116B Where To Eat : Scores of dhabas along the way.

Suggested Read: 30 Unexplored Places In India That Will Totally Stump You

22. Delhi To Mussoorie: From Metropolis To The Hills

Image Source A road trip from Delhi to the prettiest hill station in the country is a must for every Delhiite. The entire journey through the hills, streams, and green pastures is simply mesmerizing, especially after Dehradun, placing it among the best road trips in India. The roads are not in a very good condition, but the awe-inspiring scenic beauty makes up for the bumpy ride.

Time : 6 hours 40 minutes Distance : 281 kms National Highway : NH 58 Where To Eat : Plenty of dhabas on the way serving everything from Maggi, momos, to chai. Where To Stay:  NA

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23. Kolkata To Puri: From The City Of Joy To The Land Of Spirituality

Image Source The empty, green spaces and beautiful villages lining the roads make this journey as delightful as the destination itself. The road trip is great for people wanting to relax and unwind on a weekend beach destination, and for pilgrims wanting to visit the Jagannath and Konark Sun temple. Leave well before dawn from Kolkata so that you’d get in time to witness the amazing sunset from the shores of Puri. The roads are great on AH 45 connecting Kolkata to Digha.

Time : 8 hours 14 minutes Distance : 497 kms National Highway:  Where To Eat : Various food joints on the way where you can gorge on some tempting seafood. Where To Stay:  Larica Group Of Hotel and Victoria Club Hotel

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24. Delhi To Rishikesh: Every Adventure Seeker’s Heaven

Image Source Rishikesh is a highly frequented destination for sacred tourism and adventure sports like river rafting and trekking. But the adventure begins way before you reach this stunning hill station. Rugged terrains, tricky passageways, & daring tracks make the roads a thrill for adrenaline junkies riding off to Rishikesh on their Avengers and Royal Enfields. The roads in a pretty bad shape starting from Muzaffarnagar, but isn’t that just the right kind of challenge for a thrill seeker!

Time : 5 hours 16 minutes Distance : 232 kms National Highway : NH 58 Where To Eat : Dhabas offering snacks and tea along the way, along with the popular restaurant chain Cheetal. Where To Stay:  NA

Suggested Read: Top 7 Adventure Camps In India To Take Your Thrilling Ventures In The Country Up A Notch!

25. Mumbai To Pune: Gallivanting To The ‘Oxford Of The East’

Image Source The four ultra long tunnels on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the magnificent views of the Western Ghats makes this road trip an unforgettable experience. People usually hop from Mumbai to Pune to escape Mumbai’s noise, pollution, chaos, & to enjoy the glitzy nightlife of the city. The best time to take this road trip for a once in a lifetime experience is between August & March. The 6-lane Mumbai-Pune Expressway is another of India’s most developed road networks apart from NH 8.

Time : 2 hours 35 minutes Distance : 148 kms National Highway : NH 58 Where To Eat : Dhabas offering snacks and tea along the way, along with the popular restaurant chain Cheetal. Where To Stay:  NA

Suggested Read: A Must Watch-5 Girls Ride On The Most Dangerous Roads In The World

26. Visakhapatnam To Araku Valley: All About Natural Bounty

Image Credits: Visakhapatnam To Araku Valley for Wikimedia Commons

One of the best places for road trip in India is certainly between Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley. This road is all about embracing the stash of natural bounty that one can witness on the way. From the alluring beauty of the several shades of green, the stunning hills, to the majestic mountains that can be seen on both sides of the road as you pass through it, this road trip is definitely one of its kind. The numerous exciting moments and the amazing spots to visit in between makes it a must-try for all.

Time: 3 hours 30 minutes Distance: 114 kms National Highway: NH 516-E Where To Eat: There are nice restaurants located inside the Jungle bells at Tyda on the way. Where To Stay: NA

Suggested Read: 25 Best Places To Visit In Madikeri For A Fascinating Time In South India

27. Srinagar To Leh, Zoji La Pass: The Kashmiri Escape

Image Credits: VinayakPhadatare for Wikimedia Commons

Srinagar and Leh are perhaps two of the best places for road trip in India individually. However, just imagine how these would turn out to be if we cover both the destinations in one. The next favorite on our list is the road that takes one from Srinagar all the way to Leh via Zoji La Pass. Unlike the other roads, you won’t be passing through the bushes or the jungles. Instead, the road between the two stops is all about mesmerizing hills, majestic mountains, and the picturesque valley of Frass. You can also pass the Kargil on the way. How thrilling is that?

Time: 10 hours Distance: 418 kms National Highway: NH 1D Where To Eat: There are several dhabas and small eateries on the way. Where To Stay: Hotel Greenland Kargil, Hotel PC Palace Kargil, Hotel D’Zojila, Panorama Guest House

Suggested Read: Scuba Diving In India: Explore The Breathtaking Underwater Universe At The 14 Best Spots

28. Mumbai To Rann Of Kutch: To The Middle Of Nowhere

Image Credits: wallpaperflare

Maharashtra to Gujarat are two destinations that offer the best paths for one to be a part of various best road trips in India by car . Just imagine passing through the narrow lanes and glittering locals of the city of dreams aka Mumbai, all the way to the middle of nowhere in Rann of Kutch. These two dramatically contrasting destinations can sometimes be all you need to escape the monotony of life and to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Time: 20 hours Distance: 936 kms National Highway: NH 48 Where To Eat: There are plenty of road side hotels and dhabas on the way to Kutch. Where To Stay: There are hotels in Ahmedabad where one can stay the night.

Suggested Read: Discover 6 Incredible Rain Forests In India For A Memorable Wildlife Adventure

29. Bangalore To Pondicherry: A French Affair

Image Credits: RajeshUnuppally for Wikimedia Commons

Another one of the rides that fall under the category of best road trips in India by car has to be the road that takes from Bangalore all the way to Pondicherry. Pondicherry is a destination like no other. The French colonial vibes, the yellow walls, and serenity that this destination has encircling all around combines to offer an experience of a lifetime. Upon reaching your destination by road, do stroll around the famous Auroville and spend some time by the beaches. They will take away all your fatigue from traveling this far.

Time: 6 hours 20 minutes Distance: 312 kms National Highway: NH 77 Where To Eat: There are a couple of cafes, restaurants, and shops on the way. Where To Stay: NA

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30. Bagdogra To Darjeeling: An Aromatic Experience

Image Credits: Rupam Dey for Wikimedia Commons

The eastern region of this country is blessed intensely by mother nature, and the destinations of Bagdogra and Darjeeling are no less. The road trip from Bagdogra to Darjeeling gives one a chance to pass along the lush tea gardens, cross the scenic meadows, and soak in the aroma of plantations that is spread all around. The curvy paths, narrow roads, several shaded pine forests, and the pristine waterfalls combine to offer the experience that this destination has to offer. It is a road trip that you can never forget.

Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Distance: 67 kms National Highway: NH 110 Where To Eat: NA Where To Stay: NA

Suggested Read: 31 Ideal Places To Visit In India In May For An Amazing Summer Vacay

31. Gangtok To Lake Tsomgo And Nathu-La Pass: The Hairpin Tales

Image Credits: Jailohana for Wikimedia Commons

Gangtok is a destination that has plenty of attractions and experiences to offer. One experience that one should not miss out on when traveling to Gangtok is taking a road trip to the ever so pristine Lake Tsomgo and the mystical Nathu-La Pass. Every turn that you take on this path has a different story, every hairpin turn calls for a different tale hidden in its lap. The excitement that one tends to feel when traveling around in Gangtok is something unmatchable. This magical and adventurous road trip is worth every penny spent!

Time: 1 hour 50 minutes Distance: 53.5 kms National Highway: NA Where To Eat: One can find Tea, coffee, hot Tibetan noodle soup etc. near the lake. Where To Stay: Chas Hotels Narayani Continental

Suggested Read: Manchester Of India: Know Which City Bagged This Title And Why!

32. Jaipur To Udaipur: A Royal Journey

Image Credits:

Rajasthan is a land of Royals and the road trip between two of the most luxuriant cities of this land is probably all you will ever need. A road trip from Jaipur to Udaipur is an experience that is far different from your usual roads. It is not about lush greens or snow-clad mountains. Instead, the roads in Rajasthan narrates the story of vast deserts, yellow grainy sands, and the sunny skies. The transition from the Pink City to the Venice of East is quite visible and is truly charming.

Time: 7 hours Distance: 412 kms National Highway: NH 58 Where To Eat: There are many roadside dhabas and restaurants on the way. Where To Stay: Sahapura bagh and Deogarh Mahal

Suggested Read: 20 Unbelievable Experiences In India That You Must Add On Your Bucket List To Enjoy An Offbeat Escape

33. Bangalore To Goa: The Beach Capital Awaits

Image Credits: pxfuel

Who doesn’t like spending their mornings strolling by a beach, afternoons in a cute cafe, evenings at a bookstore, and nights in a club? That is life in Goa for you. Taking a road trip from Bangalore to Goa is just the perfect way to escape the nagging bosses and piles of work, and embrace the tranquility to get that peace of mind back. The journey from Bangalore to Goa is a little long, and hence, is a perfect opportunity for couples to take that long due drive and spend their morning witnessing the sunrise by the beach!

Time: 12 hours Distance: 585 kms National Highway: NH 48 Where To Eat: There are a series of roadside halts that serve dosas and idlis on the way. Where To Stay: There are several stays in Palolem Beach that would be perfect for your overnight stay.

Suggested Read: Visit 14 Luxury Holiday Destinations In India For A Lavish Stay

34. Mangalore To Goa (Via Gokarna): Double The Fun

Image Credits: Rajaramraok for Wikimedia Commons

Another destination that gives one a chance to enjoy a road trip to the party capital of the country aka Goa is Mangalore. The best thing about the road trip from this destination is the compelling beauty of Malabar Coast that leaves the jaws dropped to the ground. Another amazing thing about the route that takes one to Goa from Mangalore is that it circulates around the town of Gokarna and one can also spend some time on the beaches of this temple town, soaking in its magical beauty.

Time: 7 hours 30 minutes Distance: 365 kms National Highway: NA Where To Eat: There are some amazing sea-food and other vegetarian options available in Karwar and Udupi. Where To Stay: NA

Suggested Read: These 10 Richest Cities In India Showcase A Modern World Charm

35. Ahmedabad To Diu: Glimpses Of The Arabian Sea

Image Credits: StockSnap for Pixabay

Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.

Ahmedabad and Diu are two of the destinations that are among the famous spots to visit in this country. Ahmedabad is the city of textiles while Diu is the beach territory of Gujarat. Taking a road trip from the bustling city means witnessing the stunning beauty of the massive Arabian Sea that is spread as far as the eye can see. The road trip is perhaps one of the most fun-filled and exciting ones that one has ever been a part of!

Time: 7 hours 30 minutes Distance: 365 kms National Highway: Amreli Highway Where To Eat: One can take a halt at the various restaurants that are available on the way. Where To Stay: NA

Further Read: 25 Best Shiva Temples In India For Soaking In The Blessed Vibes

Already restless? Don’t just keep sitting there now that you know of all the awesome road trips in India. Pack your bags and ride away from your angry boss when planning a vacation in India somewhere. But don’t forget to tell us in your comments below where you’re riding off to first. 

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, or photographer.

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• 12 Best Road Trips In...

The Top Road Trips in India Perfect for an Adventure

India Writer

There’s nothing more exciting than hitting the road with the windows down, volume up and a bunch of friends in tow. In a country like India , so colossal and diverse, the exhilaration of a road trip is amped up a notch. Here are the best road trips in this South Asian country.

1. mumbai to goa.

Natural Feature, Building

An absolute mecca for car and bike enthusiasts, a road trip from Mumbai to Goa is nothing short of mesmerizing – all scenic beauty, with Western Ghats from end to end – and a top choice among Mumbaikars. The Pune-Kolhapur route via NH4 can be covered in 10 hours non-stop over 590km (366mi); with four lanes, this is the preferred and safest route, but numerous toll booths along the way mean paying again and again. Thrill seekers may enjoy the Chiplun-Ratnagiri route via NH66, which covers 577km (358mi) in 12 hours non-stop; with winding roads, narrow curves and fewer toll booths, this route goes past paddy fields and coconut plantations. Both routes have ample and delicious gastronomic options along the way to stay satiated.

Best time to go : September to March

2. Manali to Leh

Natural Feature

This road trip is off-the-chart breathtaking and needs to be experienced for yourself. With some deadly twists and turns, the snow-capped mountains, distinct valleys, spectacular landscapes and stunning monasteries will spice up your journey. The distance between Manali and Leh is 478km (297mi), and should be spread out over two days. With an average elevation of 4,000m (13,000ft), make a stopover at Keylong and again at Sarchu to relax and acclimatise yourself to the high altitude. Best time to go : June to September

3. Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley

The journey from Visakhapatnam is 114km (70mi), which can be covered in three or four hours, and winds through curly roads, verdant canyons and serene hills. Overlooking the magical Bay of Bengal, majestic waterfalls, forested hillsides and coffee plantations can all be spotted along the way – all with a dose of camera-worthy beauty. When in Araku Valley , visit Borra Caves and Tatipudi Reservoir. Best time to go : October to March

4. Guwahati to Tawang

Bowling Alley, Natural Feature, Building

One of the absolute must-take road trips to take in northeast India is Guwahati to Tawang, which can be covered in approximately 14 hours across 509km (316mi). The roads are rough but well worth it for the mesmerizing scenery unfolding at every turn, both snow-clad mountains and lush greenery. As it’s an extensive road trip, make a stopover at Dirang in West Kameng to witness the Buddhist culture at Kalchakra and Ngingmapa Monastery, or stop at Tezpur in Assam and explore its cultural and historical attractions. Don’t forget to indulge in the lip-smacking momos at one of the many stalls on the way. Best time to go : March to October

5. Chennai to Pondicherry

Building, Natural Feature

Over just 155km (96mi), a trip from Chennai to Pondicherry (nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’) can be achieved in only three or four hours via East Coast Road. The beautiful sight of the sea on one side and the reflection of the sun on the water just add to the pleasure of the route, which goes through Mahabalipuram (make a pit stop at this Unesco World Heritage site to enjoy its beautiful beaches and fill up), Idaikkazhinadu (check out Alambara Fort), Marakkanam (known for large salt pans), Mudaliarkuppam (relax in the boat house and indulge in water sports) and Kalpakkam (a nuclear facility). Almost every mile presents a picture-perfect photo opportunity. Best time to go : October to February

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6. Shimla to Manali via Mandi

Those with a passion for photography will instantly fall in love with this camera-ready road trip. Manali is merely 247km (153mi) from Shimla , which can be covered in a seven-hour drive via NH205 and NH3. With beautiful mountains on one side and deep valleys and verdant greenery on the other, this road trip will definitely leave drivers spellbound. Best time to go : outside monsoon season (mid-September to mid-July)

7. Ahmedabad to Kutch

A trip from Ahmedabad to the Land of White Salt Desert (that is, Kutch) would take approximately seven hours, covering a distance of 400km (248mi). Admire the beautiful landscapes, gorge on lip-smacking food and witness the exquisite art and culture of Gujarat while riding past the unique huts lining the roads from Ahmedabad to Kutch. The roads are well-developed, but start early before they get crammed with traffic. When you reach Kutch, make sure to visit the Wild Ass Sanctuary in Kutch, home to over 3,000 wild donkeys, Chari-Dhand, which is a bird watcher’s heaven, and the nearby Hodko Village to buy exquisite handicrafts. Best time to go : October to March

8. Kolkata to Digha

Almost every Kolkatan will swear by this quick weekend beach getaway from Kolkata . This scenic stretch of 184km (114mi) is lined with verdant trees and picture-perfect landscapes that will leave drivers awestruck. Digha can be reached from Kolkata within four hours via NH16 and NH116B, and there are scores of dhabas along the way to stay fuelled. While in Digha, soak up some sun on the beach, gorge on delicious seafood, enjoy the spectacular sunset on the beach or go for a pony ride in the shallow waters. Best time to go : July to March

9. Darjeeling to Pelling

Lush tea gardens, majestic mountains and scenic landscapes on all sides are a sight to behold on this road trip. Darjeeling and Pelling are 72km (44mi) apart, and this distance can be covered within four hours. Stop at a tea garden and sip a refreshing brew for an energy boost. The roads are perfectly maintained, offering a smooth ride throughout, and they’re studded with numerous food joints. Best time to go : March to June, September to December

10. Mumbai to Mount Abu

The beautiful route from Mumbai to Mount Abu passes from urban towns to hilly terrain over a distance of 765km (475mi), which can be covered within 12 hours via NH48. Not in a hurry? Go all out and experience three different cultures along the way: Maharashtra , Gujarat and Rajasthan . But the trip is as wonderful as the destinations. Scores of dhabas and eateries line the route, such as at Vadodara or Ahmedabad, and driving into Mount Abu greets travellers with lush greenery and misty mountains. Best time to go : July to October

11. Bangalore to Ooty

This road trip calls out to nature lovers: pass miles of nature on both sides and marvel at the picturesque route, embellished with lush green mountains and scenic landscapes. Ride past the dense, calming and soul-refreshing forests of Bandipur as well as the historic palaces of the ancient city Mysore . Be greeted with untapped beauty: you’ll find acres of tea plantations, majestic waterfalls and clear lakes. The route stretches along NH275 for 278km (172mi), which can be covered within six hours, and it’s dotted with many eateries en route to fill your belly. Best time to go : October to June

12. The Golden Triangle (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur)

This list would be incomplete without mention of the classic Golden Triangle, which binds the three historically and culturally rich and diverse cities of Delhi , Agra and Jaipur via the Yamuna Expressway and NH8. This road trip is exceptionally picturesque, with dhabas and restaurants dotting the best-maintained roads to quench hunger. Though this trip covers a distance of 449km (279mi), which can be driven in seven hours, stretch it out to two or three days, and tick off the places in between: from the historic sites in Delhi (like Jama Masjid and Mughal Red Fort ) to architectural and historical marvels of Agra (like Taj Mahal and Agra Fort) and to Jaipur, the Pink City (check out City Palace, marvel at the architecture of Hawa Mahal and historic Amer Fort, and shop for traditional Rajasthan clothes and jewellery at popular local bazaars like Tripoli Bazaar and Chandpole Bazar). Best time to go : August to March

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50 Lovely Road Trips from Bangalore in 2024 with easy daily Itinerary!

Last updated on January 17th, 2024 at 11:14 am

Are you looking for Road Trips from Bangalore in 2024 with detailed maps and daily plans? Dont worry.  We are here to provide you with all the details for a memorable road trip from Bangalore!

If you are looking for details on

• 1-day road trip from Bangalore
• A short drive from Bangalore within 50 KMs
• One-day bike trip from Bangalore
• Short road trips from Bangalore
• 5 days road trip from Bangalore
• Weekend road trips from Bangalore
• Short road trips and One day Road trips from Bangalore
• Weekend getaways from Bangalore within 200 KMs
• Long road trips from Bangalore

You have come to the right place for the right answers! We make it easy for you with detailed itineraries for road trips from Bangalore suiting your choice with the easy daily plan!

Please make sure you have recharged/topped up your FASTag account before going on the road trip.

26 Short drives from Bangalore/One Day Road trip from Bangalore

Let us start with the easiest one. You get up in the morning feeling bored and just want to take your car or bike and drive to some place to relax!

We in Bangalore are blessed with some lovely places to explore. Small hills with awesome views. Serene riversides. Quiet lakes. Heritage temples. All of them can be visited with your family for a nice picnic.

We give you a list of 24 lovely options to explore with an hourly itinerary with pit stops for breakfast and lunch. This is a day-long trip which covers two places. If you want to do a half-day trip, then you can return after visiting the first place.

Here are a few examples……

Riverside picnic @ Mekedatu and Chunchi Falls

This is the quintessential picnic by the riverside. Plus you have a chance explore an awesome gorge through which Cauvery flows.

For more details of this one day trip from Bangalore, please click here  –  Riverside picnic @ Mekedatu & Chunchi falls

S h ivanasamudra Falls and Sandy beach at Talakadu

This one day road trip from Bangalore will take you to two lovely waterfalls on Cauvery River at Shivanasamudra. At Shivanasamudra, Cauvery river splits into two and jumps over rocks to create two spectacular falls. This day trip will also give you an opportunity to spend sometime by the river side, on a sandy beach at Talakadu!

For detailed plan and itinerary please click here –  Twin falls @ Shivanasaumdra & a Sandy beach!

Please Check out the list of all 26 lovely options for one-day road trips from Bangalore in this link. –   One day trips from Bangalore – 26 Lovely options with detailed itineraries!

8 weekend road trips from bangalore.

With most of us having Saturday and Sunday off, it gives us an opportunity to see places over the weekends. Fortunately, Bangalore has lovely places to go with your family for a lovely weekend trip. You will be spoilt for choices from lovely national parks to waterfalls to heritage centres!

We present a list of eight lovely options for your weekend road trips from Bangalore with a detailed itinerary!

Here are a few examples of Weekend road trips from Bangalore.

Sakleshpur Meadows and Waterfalls!

Click on this link for a detailed itinerary  –  Spectacular Meadows and Waterfalls of Sakleshpur

Charming Chikmagalur!

In this trip, you will get an opportunity to explore unknown wonder Devaramane, Spectacular valleys of  Mullayyana Giri  and  Bababudan Giri  hills. And of course few waterfalls too!

Click on this link for a detailed itinerary  –  Charming Chikmagalur!

Please click this link for all 8 weekend road trips from Bangalore with details  –   8 Lovely Weekend Road Trips from Bangalore with detailed itinerary!

15 week long road trips from bangalore/5 days road trip from bangalore, these 15 long road trips from bangalore here are the “best road trips from bangalore” we have done and loved it. we thought of putting all of them in one basket so that it will be easy for readers. if you are looking for 5 days road trip from bangalore and longer, we are here to give them with detailed itineraries .

Yes, as road trippers we love to drive to destinations. We love the freedom road trips provide us to stop, look and explore. You might have already read these posts on this blog separately.

In these itineraries, we are sharing on exploring heritage, western ghats, wild life, beaches etc driving in your own car of bike. Each of the road trip from Bangalore cover not more than 300 KMs in a day.

The plan is to provide you detailed itinerary for 5 days road trip from Bangalore and extendable for another 4 days. It also provide you an option to just plan for as many number of days you wish to.

One can return back to Bangalore depending upon the number of days you can spare as per the itinerary. We would strongly recommend you to keep at least 4 days to make good of this.

Here are the details……

Long Road trip from Bangalore 1 – Karnataka Heritage trails (Hampi, Badami, Bijapur)

Picturesque Bhoothanatha Temple, Badami

This long road trip from Bangalore will provide you an opportunity to explore rich architectural and sculptural heritage of Karnataka. It covers the UNESCO World heritage sites of Hampi and Pattadakal apart from lovely 6th century cave temples of Badami and Islamic heritage of Bijapur now known as Vijayapura

A ready made road trip itinerary beckons you to explore the golden era if Karnataka. Please click here –  Karnataka Heritage Trails 

Long Road trip from Bangalore 2 – Magical Malnad!

Majestic Jog Falls

Malnad is mesmerising. It is a road trippers dream. You drive over winding roads enjoying the lovely vistas of rolling hills with cascades, rivers and everything a road tripper can expect of.

A ready made road trip itinerary beckons you to and come back refreshed!

All details here in this post for you to explore Malnad –  Drive to Magical Malnad

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 3 – Jog Falls, Murudeshwar, Udupi and Sakleshpur 

This is a comfortable weeklong Bangalore to Murudeshwar, Jog Falls, Udupi, Mangalore and Sakleshpur  road trip from Bangalore. We call this Karavali and Koffee Kombo road trip!

Click this link for more details –   http://traveltwosome.com/bangalore-to-murudeshwar-road-trip-guide/

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 4 – Coastal Karnataka tour in 7 days!

A road trip in Coastal Karnataka is an invigorating experience. A Coastal Karnataka tour from Bangalore by road helps you experience gorgeous beaches, rivers, backwaters, temples and heritage spots. It is not as crowded by tourists as in neighbouring Kerala – which is good in a way – and is a captivating milieu of culture and relaxation for an itinerant traveler.

Click this link for a detailed itinerary – http://traveltwosome.com/coastal-karnataka-road-trip-guide/

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 5 – Hill Holiday in Wayanad, Coorg & Ooty!

This is a classic road trippers dream holiday. Similar to the one we had posted on Malnad and Karavali above. Distances are not much. Views are amazing. Food is great. Many options to stay. If you get bored of seeing the greenery throughout, a day is kept for just lazing on the beach. You can do Ooty first and Coorg last if you wish to.

For detailed itinerary of this long road trip from Bangalore please click here – http://traveltwosome.com/bangalore-to-wayanad-coorg-ooty-guide/

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 6 – All Hill stations in One Road Trip!

This is a classic road trippers dream holiday. Driving through lovely hills, Bangalore to Coorg, Ooty, Munnar & Kodaikanal road trip is a refreshing drive. Distances are not much. Views are amazing. Food is great. Many options to stay. Here we go…..

For detailed itinerary please click this –  http://traveltwosome.com/bangalore-coorg-ooty-munnar-kodaikanal/

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 7 – Bangalore to Goa by Road in 5 Spectacular Routes!

Bangalore to Goa gives many opportunities to experience the beauty of the western ghats in different hues.

All the five routes given here are spectacular drives. Here, the journey becomes more thrilling than the destination! Bangalore to Goa distance in all the routes are almost same. There may be a difference of 40 KMs between the routes.

For detailed itinerary please click this link – http://traveltwosome.com/bangalore-to-goa-5-spectacular-routes/

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 8 – Explore Kerala, the Gods own country!

Bangalore to Kerala road trip is a fascinating experience! We are inspiring you to explore Kerala, God’s own country! This road trip from Bangalore covers the lovely hills of Munnar, serene backwaters of Alleppey/Kumarakkom, pristine beaches at Varkala, the sights of Fort Kochi and temples in Kanyakumari and Madurai.

For detailed itinerary of this road trip from Bangalore, please click here – http://traveltwosome.com/bangalore-to-kerala-road-trip/

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 9 – Explore hidden gems of Rayalaseema!!

This road trip covers the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh & Telengana which is known for its dry and arid climate. At the same time, it also has some exciting places to explore.

The natural wonders Bellum (Caves), Gandikota (Canyon), Oravakallu (Natural stone formations) lovely forts at Chandragiri, Penukonda, temples at Lepakshi, Tadipatri, Alampur, Ahobilam, Vontimitta. And of course the famous temple town of Tirupati.

For detailed itinerary of this road trip from Bangalore please click here – http://traveltwosome.com/road-trip-bangalore-8-wonders-rayalaseema-andhra-pradesh-telengana/

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 10 – Charms of Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry!

The good thing about this circuit is that all the places are close-by giving one an opportunity to explore the French architecture and Auroville in Pondicherry, the UNESCO Heritage sites of great Chola temples in Thanjavur, the magnificent mansions of Chettinad and the lovely beach and 18th century Danish town of Tranquebar and magnificent temples at Madurai and Rameshwaram

For detailed itinerary please click this link –  http://traveltwosome.com/bangalore-to-pondicherry-chettinad-madurai-road-trip-guide/

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 11 – Munnar in three lovely routes!

If you are planning Bangalore to Munnar road trip, it can be reached by 3 spectacular routes. The Bangalore to Munnar distance can be easily covered in a day. We give you all details here in this step by step guide on how to reach from Bangalore to Munnar.

For detailed itinerary please click this link – http://traveltwosome.com/bangalore-to-munnar-road-trip-guide/

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 12 – Wonders of Dandeli, Gokarna & Sirsi!

This is an another gem of a road trip. A combination of forest, waterfalls and beaches.

Uttara Kannada is still unexplored. This road trip from Bangalore to Dandeli, Gokarna, Sirsi & Karwar is a great drive through western ghats with some awesome views of the mountains and valleys. An opportunity to taste the cuisine of Konkan both vegetarian and Non Vegetarian…….especially the sea food.

For detailed itinerary of this road trip please click here – http://traveltwosome.com/bangalore-to-dandeli-gokarna-sirsi-road-trip-guide/

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 13 – Mesmerising Monsoon destinations in Karnataka!

Monsoon road trip in Karnataka. Yes, this is the season to drive when the parched lands come back to life. Karnataka is mesmerising during this season. Rain creates magic all around. It turns the hills green. Cascades tumble-down from nowhere in the mountains. Streams hitherto dry get back their life. The roaring sea, Rain drenched beaches. It is green and beautiful all around!

For detailed itinerary please click this link – http://traveltwosome.com/monsoon-road-trip-in-karnataka-guide/

Long road trips from Bangalore 14 – Navagraha Temple tour in Tamil Nadu!

Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu in South India is considered very auspicious for Hindus. Each of these Navagraha temple dedicated to 9 planets in Indian mythology are thronged by devotees seeking their blessings.

As the name suggests there are nine temples dedicated to Navagrahas or nine planets. These are Surya, Chandra, Mangala or Angaraka, Bhudha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Kethu. One can visit all temples or may visit individual temples based on one’s requirements.

For complete and detailed itinerary of this road trip please click here – http://traveltwosome.com/navagraha-temples-tour-guide/

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 15 – Coastal Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry in 9 days! 

The coastal Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry tour is an experience to cherish. The coromandel coast is a fascinating stretch of beaches and heritage.

From early shore temple at Mahabalipuram to the grandest of temples at Madurai, Chidambaram and Rameshwaram and holy cathedral at Velankanni and famous Dargah at Nagore, you get an opportunity to see a kaleidoscope of cultures which flourished in this state.

Add to that lovely beaches at Taragambadi, Rameshwaram, the French city of Pondicherry and Portuguese town of Manapad you have a blast of a circuit!

Please click here for detailed itinerary of this road trip from Bangalore – http://traveltwosome.com/coastal-tamil-nadu-and-pondicherry-tour-in-9-days-a-detailed-guide/

Long Road Trip from Bangalore 16 – Karnataka Temple Tour of Dharmasthala, Kukke Subramanya, Udupi, Kollur and More

Here is a detailed itinerary from Bangalore to major temples in Karnataka. The easy 5-day itinerary covers Dharmasthala, Kukke Subramanya, Udupi, Kollur, Sringeri, and Horanadu with an option to extend to Murudeshwar and Gokarna.

Check out all the details here – https://traveltwosome.com/road-trip-itinerary-from-bangalore-to-dharmasthala-kukke-udupi-kollur/

We will continue to come up with more such road trips from Bangalore in future. Till then, safe driving…….

Let us know your story.

Here is another list of road trips to explore the Indian Monsoon in Western Ghats – 12 Road Trips to Experience monsoon in Western Ghats!

Lastly, the road conditions may change due to various factors. It will be good to join a road trip enthusiasts’ FB group  HVK Forum managed by H V Kumar, the doyen of road trip in India . You can get the latest updates on road conditions in this very active group.

Thank you for stopping by “Travel Twosome”. We hope you liked this post on road trips from Bangalore and enjoyed reading it. Please share it among your friends by clicking the buttons below. Our aim is to share our experiences to inspire you to travel more!

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An Itinerary for a lush road trip in Kerala, India

Brightly coloured houses, reticent but smiling locals, and low-lying clouds. Undulating Tea Estates spread out as far as the eye can see, mystic spice plantations and coffee farms spread over acres, walls covered with bright red hibiscus flowers, and roads lined with sunflowers. A road trip in Kerala is a delightful assault to the senses – the colours, the smiles, and the landscapes are bound to leave the traveller in you reeling with joy.

Suggested itinerary for a road trip in Kerala

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a road trip in Kerala before I divulge the route we took and provide tips and tricks to making the most of a road trip to Kerala in 2 weeks:

• Tea Estates and hills at Munnar or Wayanad (3-4 days)
• Spice Plantations and wildlife at Thekkady (3 days)
• Backwaters and houseboats at Kumarakom or Alleppey (3 days)
• Beaches at Varkala or Kovalam (3 days)
• City life in Kochi, with a day trip to Athirappilly (2 days)

Our itinerary for a road trip in Kerala

Of course the itinerary charted above is flexible. You can weed out places based on personal preferences and the amount of time at hand. We had just 10 days in Kerala, so we decided to skip the beaches of Varkala and Kovalam. Here’s the route we followed on our road trip in Kerala:

Budgeting for your road trip in Kerala

Let’s start with the logistics first – car rental and expenses. The overall cost of this road trip will depend on the city of departure and the hotels you choose. Kerala boasts of some stunning hotels and you can choose everything from bespoke hideaways to homestays, depending on your budget and personal preferences. Here’s a list of expenses other than accommodation

• Domestic flights to Coimbatore/Kochi cost under £100/INR 10,000 from most cities in India
• A rental car will set you back by approximately £20-£30/INR 2000-3000 per day depending on the car you choose.
• We spent £45/INR 4500 on fuel for a 10 day road trip. This amount will increase if you decide to drive down to Kovalam.
• It’s easy to eat for less than £5/INR 500 at little eateries across Kerala. They serve delectable food and have a variety of local delicacies on offer. There are also several fine-dining restaurants in the area and some of our favourites are mentioned in the article below.

Driving and Renting a car for your road trip in Kerala

You know just how much we love driving around in new places and this was no exception. Driving in Kerala is much easier than Ladakh (our last road trip in India). Roads are in good shape and drivers are not aggressive. However do beware than this route featured hilly drives and hairpin bends by the dozen, so drive yourself only if you have previous experience driving in hills. Having said that, we loved driving in Kerala. We would recommend it if you’re a seasoned driver who enjoys road trips.

We would definitely recommend renting with an Indian rental company while you are in India as they understand the nuances of the market well. We’ve rented with Myles Cars in India before and enjoyed their service, so we decided to stick to the same provider this time around too. We picked up our car –  Mahindra XUV 500 – from Coimbatore airport. It was

10 Essential Experiences on your road trip in Kerala

• Prance in the tea estates of Munnar
• Go for a wildlife safari at Periyar National Park
• Buy fragrant local spices and loose leaf tea for friends and family back home
• Visit a coffee farm
• Go canoeing in Vembanad Lake
• Stay in a houseboat as your explore the backwaters of Kerala
• Sample Toddy, an alcoholic drink made from the sap of the palm tree
• Try local delicacies such as Meen Pollichathu (fish wrapped in banana leaf), Meen Curry (spiced fish curry), Avial (vegetables in a coconut curry), dosas (savoury crépes), and Ulli Theeyal (shallot curry)
• Hunt down waterfalls at Chelarkovil or Athirappilly
• Make friends – locals in the area are friendly and helpful. Talk to them, pick their brains about scenic spots in the vicinity, and share a meal (or two) with them.

Best time to visit Kerala

The months between November and February are perfect to visit Kerala. Expect moderate temperatures and lush green estates. Of course these are peak months, so expected higher rates and crowds at popular places. We wanted to avoid the tourist hordes, so we visited during March, which is a shoulder month. It was perfect but some days did tend to get extremely hot and humid, especially in the backwaters.

July and August are popular with tourists too as this is peak monsoon season. Kerala’s monsoons are special – expect an abundance of greenery and beautiful waterfalls.

Day by day itinerary for a road trip in Kerala

Day 1: fly into coimbatore and drive to munnar.

This day is reserved for arriving in Munnar, the first stop on your road trip of Kerala. Fly into Kochi or Coimbatore. We chose Coimbatore International Airport because it is serviced by Myles.  We picked up are rental car at the airport and kick started our road trip.

Roads are in great shape and there are lots of supermarkets and restaurants on the way. Stock up on snacks, fruits for your road trip. There’s no need to go overboard as hot food is readily available during the length of this road trip in Kerala. Stop at Thoovanam Falls on the way  – the gurgling waterfall is worth a pitstop only if you’re visiting during monsoon months (July & August)

The scenery will begin to change dramatically as you inch closer to Munnar. The searing sun will give way to a nip in the air. Winding roads punctuated with undulating tea plantations and rolling hills will welcome you to the area.

Accommodation in Munnar

Munnar town is quite crowded and chaotic. We suggest staying in a hotel in a village called Chinnakanal. The village is a convenient forty minute drive from Munnar. Here it is possible to stay in a hotel or homestay in the midst of gorgeous tea plantations. Two hotels that boast of great views in the area are Terrace Greens and Club Mahindra. We chose the former for our stay in Munnar – rooms at Terrace Greens aren’t luxurious but they are spacious and well-equipped. Food is tasty. However the lack of wifi in the rooms lets it down.

The hotel is nestled in the countryside, so make sure you stock up on provisions beforehand. Munnar is twenty kilometres away and Surianelli village, which has a large bustling market, is just 5 kilometres away

Days 1-4: Explore Munnar and Chinnakanal

There are lots of things to do in the area but waking up to the sight of endless tea plantations would have to be one of my favourite experiences in Munnar. Low hanging clouds float over verdant tea estates, lending magic to the proceedings.

But we weren’t just exploring tea estates or photographing them. Here’s a list of other things to see and do in the area:

•  Anayirankal Dam and Lake: a picturesque boating and picnic spot, Anayirankal Dam and Lake provides photo opportunities by the dozen.
• Mattupetty Dam and Lake: one of the most popular sites in the area, it tends to get quite crowded. We didn’t love the viewing area but really enjoyed driving along the lake.
• Top Station and Echo Point: Combine your trip to Mattupetty Dam with a drive to Echo Point and Top Station. This makes for an incredibly scenic drive. Expect gorgeous views of the Western Ghats and magical low-lying clouds everywhere.
• Kolukkumalai tea estate: A bumpy ride gets you to the world’s highest tea plantation, where tea is picked and processed in a traditional fashion. Kolukkumalai is gorgeous and definitely worth a visit.
• A traditional tea factory: It should be illegal to leave Munnar without visiting a traditional tea factory. Watch tea leaves being painstakingly picked and processed into high-quality tea. Make sure you pick a bag or two for friends and family back home.

Day 5: Drive from Munnar to Thekkady

After luxuriating in the green environs of Munnar for a few days, it is time to continue with your road trip of Kerala. Start early as the drive from Munnar to Thekkady is one of the prettiest ones – you will want to stop for photographs every few kilometres.

The drive begins, quite predictably, with endless stretches of tea estates. Gradually these get replaced by spice plantations and coffee farms. Roads snaking through Kerala’s Cardamom Hills are lined with bright red hibiscus flowers and chrome sunflowers. Every once in a while, purple wild flowers make an appearance, as if to add even more colour to the landscape.  Check in to your hotel on reaching Thekkady.

Accommodation in Thekkady

Try to opt for an experiential hotel in the area. Choosing a hotel that in the midst of a spice plantation amplifies the experience manifold. We stayed in Shalimar Spice Garden . Shalimar Spice Garden is a rustic yet luxurious hideaway in Thekkady. The hotel is located in the middle of 30 acres of spice plantations. Rooms are well-equipped, spacious, and boast of huge balconies. The hotel boasts of a gorgeous pool area dotted with hammocks and swings. The in-house restaurant serves delectable food. We loved our stay at Shalimar Spice Garden and would recommend it wholeheartedly.

Days 5-8: Explore Thekkady and Periyar National Park

Spend your days in Thekkady exploring its rich spice plantations, the Periyar National Park, and its surroundings. Here are a few of our favourite things to do in Thekkady on your road trip of Kerala:

Visiting Periyar National Park

Boat tours are coveted at the park because tickets are limited. Apparently you can book tickets online but despite multiple attempts, we were unable to do that.  If you want to get on a boat safari at Periyar National Park, then plan on getting up early. Get to the entrance of Periyar National Reserve by 5.45 am, park your car, get your entrance tickets (INR 65 for Indian Nationals and £3.5/INR300 for foreign nationals) and board the bus operated by the Forest Reserve. If you get onboard the first bus, chances are you’ll get a ticket for the much coveted boat ride (£2/INR150) . This is what we did but to be honest, we didn’t see much (except for a couple of stray birds). The Periyar Lake is pretty early in the morning. But the boat safari at Periyar National Park is definitely not worth the effort, especially if you’ve been to other destinations rich in wildlife such as South Africa or Australia. If you want to visit the National Park, opt for a Jeep Safari at Gavi instead.

Other than visiting Periyar National Park, here are a few of our favourite things to do in the area.

• Chellarkovil: The area boasts of waterfalls and cascades during monsoon season. There was no water at the waterfalls when we visited. But the sleepy village of Chellarkovil makes for a great drive and offers sweeping views of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu too. It’s also a great picnic spot, so make sure you pack a snack or two.
• There are some great treks in Kurushmala Hills – it’s better to opt for guided treks in the area
• The bustling town of Kumily is the gateway to scenic drives in the Periyar Valley. Pandikuzhi is a great place to stop for a picnic or a few photographs.

Day 8: Drive from Thekkady to Kumarakom

This drive isn’t the most scenic of the lot as it passes through lots of busy towns and chaotic villages. If you enjoy hiking, make sure you go for a short hike to Eagle Eock in the village of Parunthumpara on the way to Peerumedu . It offers a vantage point from where one can drink in views of the neighbouring valleys, mountains, and villages. Also try stopping in one of the villages on the way for a meal or a cup of coffee – experience everyday life in a village, explore Kerala’s pastel churches, or photographs its brightly-coloured houses. Upon reaching Kumarakom, you will start spotting glimpses of Kerala’s iconic backwaters and lagoons. Check into your hotel and prepare to be smitten by this quaint village of canals.

Accommodation in Kumarakom

The backwaters of Kerala boast of some stunning hotels. On the recommendation of dozens of friends and readers, we booked a pool villa at CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon Resort . And we couldn’t be happier about it. It is definitely one of the prettiest hotels we’ve EVER stayed at (and we’ve stayed in thousands!). You can park your car at their private parking at Kumarakom Jetty and board their boat, which brings you to the hotel. We promise you will fall in love with the hotel almost as soon as you float into the reception area. The hotel complex resembles a traditional village, intersected by canals and lagoons. We chose a room overlooking the backwaters of Kerala – rooms are luxurious and boast of modern amenities. Can’t recommend this one enough!

Days 8-12: Explore the backwaters of Kerala and experience life on a houseboat

The backwaters of Kerala will seduce you in no time. Spend your days taking in the stunning scenery.

• Go for a languorous canoe ride on Vembanad Lake or a sunset cruise in the backwaters.
• Treat yourself to a traditional Ayurvedic massage, which is bound to leave you feeling rejuvenated.
• Savour local delicacies such as Meen Pollichathu (grilled fish) or Karimeen curry (spicy fish curry), and  Sadya (traditional vegetarian feast) at meal times.
• Go for a bird-watching walk – Kumarakom bird sanctuary is famous for hundreds of species of birds and attracts bird enthusiasts from all around the world.

Spend your last night in Kumarakom on a houseboat. This is an experience like no other. Make sure you choose a traditional houseboat fashioned out of reed, cork, and bamboo. We spent the night on a 1 bedroom houseboat by Spice Coast Cruises and loved the experience. The evening was spent sailing past duck farms, busy villages, and floating shops. We watched the sun set over the backwaters from the comfort of our houseboat. We devoured a three course meal as the day metamorphosed into night. Most of the evening was spent lounging on the boat while staring at the stars. Make the most of it as it will soon be time to drive out of Kumarakom.

Days 12-15: Fly back or continue to the beaches of Kerala

If you have a few more days in Kerala, you should drive from Kumarakom to the southern tip of the state to explore its beaches. Varkala is a perfect pit stop if you like beach destinations sprinkled with bohemia. If you enjoy classic luxury, then choose a decadent hotel in the coastal town of Kovalam .

We had just 12 days in Kerala, so we drove back to Coimbatore International Airport from Kumarkom and boarded our flight back to New Delhi. You can also spend a night or two in Kochi on your way back to Coimbatore. Make sure you drive to Athirappilly Waterfalls if you’re in Kochi.

That’s it – an idyllic 2 week road trip in Kerala, India. This road trip offers a plethora of panoramas, sights, and cultural experiences – it is bound to leave you rejuvenated! We loved our time in Kerala and can’t wait to go back!

Want to experience our road trip in Kerala with us? Check out our vlog from Kerala

Planning a trip to Kerala? Read about our favourite hotels in Kerala

Love road trips? Read about our 14 favourite road trips around the world

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81 thoughts on “ an itinerary for a lush road trip in kerala, india ”.

Wow,the pics… Perfect road trip amidst greens! Made me cast back my trip 🙂

So happy you enjoyed reading about our road trip in Kerala Indu 🙂 We loved every bit of it

Hey Hi guys. I am huge fan of your blog. The road trip itenary suggested by you for kerala is amazing. Can i go in the rainy season for the same road trip??

Hey Priyanka – thanks a ton. So happy you enjoyed reading about our road trip in Kerala 🙂 You can go during rainy season but do beware than some roads can get blocked due to heavy rain during that time of year

Beautiful description about my home state. Wayanad is also another beautiful place which is located in north Kerala. You can drive to Bandipur via Wayanad to Ooty- Coonnor and get back to Coimbatore.

Thanks a ton Remya – wish we had time for Wayanad and Ooty on this trip but that gives us a reason to be back soon 🙂

You people are doing a great job I have been seeing your videos and reading your blogs and they are really helpful. Planning vacations are now just reading one of your blog away. Savi and Vid I am a travel enthusiast and you both are my role models. Thank you

This itinerary looks so perfect. I LOVE kerala and keep going back for long weekends (I am from Bangalore). Now I want to visit again! The photos are just brilliant, couldn’t take my eyes off them! The houseboat looks so pretty and charming and cozy. 🙂 You guys should visit Coorg and Sakleshpur next. I am sure you would love both places!

Thanks Ramya 🙂 The houseboat made for quite the experience. We are contemplating going to Coorg next – hope it happens super soon

My native is on your way to Thekkady to Kumarakom, but I should say that I have not visited most places in this place. But your post and these beautiful pictures are inspiring me to explore more of Kerala as soon as I can.

Wow – that’s the greatest compliment EVER Elizabeth. So happy to hear we’ve encourage a Keralite to explore her own state – yay 🙂

I’ll be dreaming of gorgeous tea plantations and house boats tonight, that’s for sure! You guys are the reason my travel lustlist is growing at such a fast rate, haha! You guys have made Kerala sound perfect ??

Aww thanks Adele – hearing from you always makes our day. Travel lustlist growing too fast? That’s our work done then 😉

Beautiful description with jaw droppings pictures. I too had a road trip covering a few parts of Kerala. Must say Kerala is b’tful and need not say how it’s named ‘God’s Own country’. U guys have summed it up so well. My houseboat is dues and will be making it sometime soon. Thanks for reminding me of what I missed. ?? Also, I would second to Remya. Take a drive to Wayanad and go through the raw beauty it has. Staying at Bandipur jungle resort is another amazing experience. Looking forward to your next post. Much Love to U both. ??

Thanks Akanksha – so happy you enjoyed reading the article. Hope you make it to a houseboat soon 🙂 We’ll definitely take that drive to Wayanad sometime in the near future 🙂

I am planning a trip to Kerala, and I am sure I will be stealing most of this itinerary. Thank you. 🙂

Glad you enjoyed it Kaveri – have fun in Kerala 🙂

Kerala is beautiful place of India and it is full with beautiful things. Natural beauty is one of the best attraction. it have one of the biggest beaches of india and so stunning photos you shared.

We are happy to know that you enjoyed seeing the pictures we clicked in Kerala. It is a beautiful place and our trip there was nothing less than magical in the true sense.

Beautiful pictures and article AS ALWAYS! I’ve read quite a lot of travel blogs but this is the only one which does not have even one article which is anything short of amazing! Oh and don’t know why,but mention of my hometown Coimbatore made me super happy! 😀

Thank so much – so happy to know you feel that way. A lot of thought and time goes into putting together each article, so your comment is truly appeciated 🙂 Also, hi five for Coimbatore

The peppercorn picture is the best! Did you ask them to do something funny, or did they just do that on their own?

Thanks Lori – I didn’t. Just struck a conversation and captured it while talking to them 🙂

Perfect itinerary. Sunset from a houseboat picture looks so magical. I like the way you’ll write.

Hey Loreta – great to hear that. Thanks a ton 🙂

Beautiful pictures guys! I am planning a road trip to kerala from hyderabad. We have like 7 days in hand. Not possible to cover all of it I guess.Any itinerary suggestions??

Hey Ruhi – unfortunately we haven’t driven that route yet. Sorry about that 🙂

Hello Savi and Vid, so after reading your this blog post multiple times and checking google again and again, we went for Munnar last week 27th Aug 2017. And yeah we did cover main points you suggested at Munnar..It was raining for first two days but on the day of actual sight seeing, it was lovely sunny out.. Vid, I must tell you, I try to click pictures like you do, the locals, the lush green tea plants and all.. and output is always great. Big Thanks to you both.. Yeah we used public transport for Coimbatore to Munnar , Munnar to Alleppy..KSRTC buses..BOM to Coimbtore and Cochin to BOM flight. PS: We Skipped early morning Thekkady boat ride too 😛

Cheers, Ashay

Thanks a lot for the beautiful message. It’s amazing that you used public transport and covered so much – well done 😀

Do share your photos with us if you get the chance.

WOW I am going to India for the first time next week and have been reading your blog like crazy! Your photos are AMAZING, what kind of camera do you use? Would you say maxi dresses are ok for rajasthan if they are high on the neck but show shoulders? I am in love with all your oufits–such great style !

Hey Sierra – thanks a ton 🙂 Maxi Dresses are ok for Rajasthan but just carry a scarf along to cover your shoulders in busy marketplaces or near religious sites

A very detailed, inspiring and informative post 🙂

Thank you Jo- glad you liked it 🙂

Amazing pictures ..and a very detailed explanation ..next in my list …I have followed ur Slovenia iternary and Kerala in my next bucket list ..Thanks Savi and Vid

Thank you so much Kriti – hope you had a great time driving in Kerala

Very very helpful ! Thanks a ton 🙂

You’re welcome 🙂 Hope y ou enjoyed your road trip in Kerala

I’m coming to kerala with two friends next month! What was your favorite part of your trip? We are thinking about giving thekady a miss and concentrating on munnar and kumarakom/alleppey, curious to hear your opinion of it we only have a week, what would you cut out of your intinerary!

Hey Sierra,

Our favourite part has to be Kumarakom and the night we spent on the boat house. YEs, we’d give Thekaddy a miss and spend longer in Munnar/Kumarakom

For this whole trip which places did you need to take the inner permit for your vehicle? I am wondering as i am also planning the same roadtrip on this route with Myles. Thank you ?

From my recollection we did have to take permits in different places but don’t really remember how many places. But I do remember that it wasn’t difficult at all and we didn’t have to do anything in advance

Hi Can u guys suggest me best resort in kovalam i am travelling in june with 1 kid

Hey we stayed at CGH Coconut lagoon and can’t fault it 🙂

wow, these include a lot of information relating to Munnar, its very use full for every visitors. If you are looking for the best resorts and hotels in Munnar http://themunnarqueen.in/

Hey savi n vid.. I love to see yr post on insta.. they r amazing… V r planning for kerala trip.. n i have heard abt bamboo rafting in thekary.. any experiance of it..

Credibility of the post is highly appreciable with the benefits are fantastic. Can view the best work of budgeting trip for Kerala, within the single page of this blog. Not needed for guide at all !!

Hi Savi & Vid. I have been closely following you on Instagram and your posts on travel make me jealous. Wish I could go roam the country (leave aside the world) more frequently. I am mesmerized by every post of yours.

Anyways I have been planning a trip to Kerala in December (we shall start from Kochi) for 4 days/3 nights. My friends and family suggested Munnar-Takkady-Kumarkom (1 night stay at a boathouse). We would reach Munnar by afternoon as we would definitely stop for various waterfalls along kochi-munnar route. But we would stay only 1 night in munnar (I wanted to stay 2 days) and leave next day morning around 11 am for tekkady. Do you think this plan can get hectic? Or should we skip Tekkady/Periyar altogether for a more relaxed holiday? Any suggestions on an itinerary? Any places you feel we should not miss around Munnar (like chinna kanal) if we decide to stay there for 2 days?

Your suggestions could be of great help. Please help out!!

Definitely seems hectic – you won’t be able to enjoy at all 🙂 Best to spend 2 days in and around Munnar and then head to Kumarakom

Hi savi and vid

Loved your post so much that we ended up planning similar itinary for my 31st birthday. Everything u have written , have almost witnessed it. Love every details you put in your every pic. Keep sharing your amazing travel stories and keep inspiring us. Pls tell where we can share pictures with you guys.

Hey Ritika 🙂

Thank you so much – glad you had a great time 🙂 You can either email us the photos at bruisedpassports {at} gmail {dot} com or send us a message on our Instagram: @bruisedpassports 🙂

What a beautiful post and I love the pictures! Kerala is most beautiful place and top tourist destination in India. Munnar is my favorite place in Kerala, it is adorned with lofty mountains, lush greenery, misty clouds, waterfalls and much more. Thank you for sharing the wonderful travel guide for Kerala.

Happy to hear you enjoyed our experience in Kerala 🙂

You know the feeling you get when you stumble upon juuuuust the perfect itinerary , that resonates totally with how you would want your trip to be…this was it ! Thanks for sharing this, so, so helpful write up !

That’s MUSIC to our ears 🙂 Do share your photos whenever you visit 🙂

Hey guys, Thank you so much for sharing this information. I really like to visit munnar.

Happy to hear that!

I have plan to go for summer vacation and search for where to go and reached on your blog where I see Kerala is best place for holiday destination and I will plan for kerala in next week. Thanks for sharing amazing content and photos.

Happy to hear that 🙂

Hi Savi and Vid,

I discovered your Youtube channel a while back and was instantly impressed, inspired and not to mention, instantly subscribed. I’ve enjoyed the many trip reports there and so when I was “Googling” about itineraries for our upcoming Kerala trip and found a link to your blog, it definitely brought a smile and a feeling that this is going to be it. And after going through it and seeing the pictures, I’ll say I was not disappointed at all.

Anyway, to the subject. As I mentioned it’s going to be a Family Trip – 6 adults, Two kids (2 yr and 1 yr). The dates – 20th-27th September. Unfortunately, we don’t have many days. So my question is, can your itinerary be modified to 7 days and will the season be good? Also, I checked Myles but they don’t have availability on those days. Any other Car Rental recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks. Anticipating a reply, even though this blog post is quite old now.

Thanks for your message. Yes you can definitely fit this into 7 days – spend 2-3 days in and around Munnar, 2 days in Thekkady, and 2 nights in Coconut Lagoon 🙂

Haven’t really tried any other rental agency – perhaps you could try Zoomcar?

Have a great road trip in Kerala and share photos with us 🙂

Appreciate the response. We ended up going for 8 days and hiring an Innova. We did 2 days in Kovalam, 2 in Varkala, 1 in Alleppey, 2 in Munnar and 1 in Kochi. It was a great trip. I haven’t uploaded any photos because I’m too lazy for that, unlike you guys. Keep up the good work and happy travels! By the way, just saw your Arctic Cruise video…so awesome!

Nice content and pics especially the sceneries that you have captured are awesome.

Thanks Ram!

Your post is completely fantastic, fabulous and inspiring! Lovely one! Awesome captures. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks a ton Sarah – so happy you found our tips for a roadtrip in Kerala helpful 🙂

Hey guys! Loved the article and the pictures <3 I am planning a road trip to Kerala with my parents and I've included almost all the suggestions given in this itinerary. Also, can I get a suggestion on the kind of clothes I should carry for a comfortable trip in Kerala? I would be travelling there in mid-February. Thank you.

Carry breathable cotton fabrics 🙂

Thanks a lot , nice info, i had been around kerala many times, but planning with family by road from bangalore, your info is really great thanks again

You’re welcome Raji. Hope you have a great road trip to Kerala 🙂

It’s a very beautifully weaved post and very informative as well. Love the pictures.

Thanks for sharing a very nice blog post.

Heyy Savvi and Vid! I have a question: for Houseboats and backwaters, which is a better place to visit : Allepey or Kumarakom?

Hey both are great but we like Kumarakom better

Thanks for sharing nice post

Thanks for sharing a very nice blog post

Nice blog… Visit Oshin Hotels in Wayanad on your next trip to Kerala. https://oshinhotels.com/

Your vivid descriptions and beautiful photos transport readers to each destination, making it feel like we’re right there with you. I appreciate the personal touch you bring to your travel experiences, offering insights that go beyond the typical tourist spots. It’s evident that your passion for exploration shines through every post

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20 Best Road Trips in India

India is a massive country and through its annals lays several great venues that seduce the wanderlust souls with the promise of adventure and fun. Are you a biker who finds music in the hurl of the engine and the love the scene of long winding roads on serene countryside’s that are alluring?

Then you will definitely find your next destination for the best road trips in India in this post. So, start your engines…

1. Manali to Leh Highway

Distance : 479 KM

Time : 2 Days

National Highways : Leh Manali Higway

A stretch of road that has been immortalized on the silver screen by various Bollywood movies with famous actors and actresses dancing to their heart’s content on this beautiful road. Words fail to describe the beauty of the Manali to Leh highway drive and one must be there to witness its beauty in all its snowy glory. The image of the dark grey moist road against the snowy hill slopes and the azure blue backdrop is what road trip dream are made of. Hop on your trusty motorbike or an open roofed Jeep, so that the no glimpses of the sights are missed.

The road spans over a total of 479 km and has a mean altitude of 3 to 4 km above sea level. The road conditions are safe and remain open for 5 months during the summer up until mid of October . The total journey on road should take 2 days and has one stopover for acclimatization and rest.

Also Read : Complete Guidelines for Your Ladakh Road Trip

Suggested Tour : 9 Days - Road Trip to Leh Ladakh from Manali

2. Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley

Distance : 116 KM

Time : 3 hrs

What could be more picturesque than the meeting of the massive of seas of the Bay of Bengal with the majestic Eastern Ghats? This favorable meet of the ocean with the mountains creates for a wonderful experience of those wanting to take a weekend road trip. The union city of Visakhapatnam never fails to charm its guests with its unique beauty and then there is Araku Valley that is led up to by curving roads carved in between majestic green hills, under the grey sky with the smell of fresh flora in the air there to accompany you on your drive up.

The road is of 116 km and is dotted with interesting sights such as the Borra Caves and Tatipudi Reservoir on the way. The best time to take the trip would be from October to March .

3. Mumbai To Pune Expressway

Distance : 93 KM

Time : 2 Hrs

National Highways : Mumbai Pune Expressway

Many who live in the busy city of Mumbai think of Lonavala whenever they think of a road trip. And rightfully so, as it is a beautiful weekend spot for almost anyone who loves picturesque surrounding of mountains, soft breezes of the high altitude, a laid back vibe, lush green foliage all around and to bite the juicy chikki fruit which is a local favorite. The Mumbai to Pune expressway leads up to Lonavala which in 93 km long and allows for cabs and buses and private cars to ply, to and fro.

While two wheeler are only allowed on the old Mumbai Highway which is also a road in good shape with similar picturesque views leading up to the hills. But the relatively new expressway offers for a better driving experience. You also get stops at popular eateries to stuff your mouth with tasty north Indian food at places like Sunny Da Dhaba and The Kinara Village Dhaba, which have old school dhaba ambience to match with the food.

Also Read : Best Weekend Getaways from Mumbai

4. Manali to Shimla via Mandi

Distance : 250 KM

Time : 4 Hrs

Before, you claim this is too cliché, know that clichés are overly popularized for a reason. The Shimla to Manali road trip is one of the most relaxing long drives you will ever take amidst the hills along the curving roads leading up to the beautiful hill station. The River Beas accompanies throughout the stretch of the road as you drive through verdant greenery of the smooth road that bisects the mountains. If you are tired from all the driving then just get off any time and soak your feet in the ice-cold water of the river to wake from your drowsy drive and splash around to bring the inner child out. You haven’t taken a Himachal vacation unless you have at least a couple of selfies of you playing in the water during your ride between Shimla to Manali.

Recommended tour : 15 Days - Delhi Agra Jaipur with Himachal Tour

5. Tawang from Guwahati by Road

Distance : 520 KM

Time : 10 Hrs

These two are must visit spots when you are in the Northeast. While the drive is long and challenging, it is equally worth it for those who have a love for the roads and the hum of a bike or a car. The road trip is a long one needing 10 hours of drive, but there are several good places to stop and stretch and straighten your feet that makes it comfortably doable . Spread across a beautiful terrain of mountain roads, the 520 km journey makes it worth the time and effort.

6. Pondicherry from Chennai

Distance : 160 KM

Time : 3Hrs

National Highways : NH32

Take the route along the east coast road, which is ideal for those riding a bike. Even Chetan Bhagat the author speaks highly of the road as he has written about it in his book. This is one unique stretch that is accompanied by the sea alongside the long winding road to the beautiful city of Pondicherry. Make sure to keep your camera handy as the changing height of the sun and its reflections on the sea will make it a must to click photos to immortalize the beautiful memories that will be this trip.

This is surely one of the most beautiful roads in India perfect for a road trip around the year. The road stretches up to 160 km and passes through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mahabalipuram. It takes a total of 3 wonderful hours to map the road, with other interesting sites lining it like Idaikkazhinadu (Alamparai Fort aka Alambara Fort), Kalpakkam (nuclear plant), Mudaliarkuppam (boat house with sporting facility), Marakkanam (large salt pans) and more.

Also Read : About Pondicherry – A Little France in India

Suggested Tour

• Full Day - Pondicherry Trip from Chennai
• 12 Days - South India Temple Tour

7. Konark from Puri

Distance : 36 KM

Time : 1 Hr

National Highways : NH 203

A road trip perfect for those artistic tree lined photographs, the beautiful canopy formed over the slim road that leads up to the historic town is truly a sight to behold. The soft misty breeze from the nearby ocean mixed with the woody smell of the handsome forest that lines the road will make for a great road trip experience with the perfect romantic ambience. This stretch is quite short of only 36 km and can be covered in only an hour, but you would want to savor the journey and wish for it to stretch a little longer.

8. Bandipur Forest to Bangalore

Distance : 235 KM

Time : 5 Hrs

National Highways : NH766

No list of road trips would ever be complete without a mention of a road trip that goes along a forest path. The route to Bangalore via the Bandipur Forest is the most beautiful road trip you can have in India, when it comes to drives through the forest. You may also take up this road when travelling to Ooty from Mysore, passing through Bandipur National Park . You can have road trips in a car with an open sun roof, playing Antakshari or other fun road trip games while enjoying the enchanting views outside. This is perhaps the most charming highway in the whole country and it would be a mistake to miss out on this road trip.

The road is 235 km long in total and takes about 5 hours of drive . However, you can get off and stretch your legs and fill up on snacks along the way, like at McDonalds or other cafes.

Also : Top Places to Visit Near Bangalore within 200 Kms

Suggested Tour : 11 Days - Karnataka and Kerala Tour

9. Gangtok to Nathula Pass through Lake Tsomgo

Distance : 55 KM

While the north east still remains largely unexplored, if you are keen on visiting a land pristine and untouched by the humdrum of tourism, then this is it. The north east offers some of the most picturesque sites for road trips, where the main beauty of the road is the uncertainty of the terrain. The trip to Lake Tsomgo from Gangtok also called as Changu Lake is a trip of a lifetime. From Gangtok Nathu-La Pass is about 55 km long and Tsomgo Lake is on the way and falls at 39 km from Gangtok .

• 4 Days - Gangtok Tour Packages
• 7 Days - Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Packages

10. Shimla to Manali Via Spiti and Kinnaur

Distance : 640 KM

Time : 17 Hrs

While the drive through Mandi is great, this is the more recommended route to Manali from Shimla. You should totally take this trip if the road travel itself is the highlight of your journey. Go through the picturesque valleys and passes with green mountains surrounding you through Kalpa, Sangla valley and the higher altitude areas that have a unique beauty like Nako Valley, Chango, and Ropa.

Suggested Tour :

• 6 Days - Shimla Manali Tour Packages
• 15 Days - Golden Triangle with Himachal Tour

11. Chennai to Munnar

Distance : 600 KM

National Highways : NH79

Chennai is never cold, but if you want to spend a weekend chilling under a cozy blanket then your best bet would be to drive up to Munnar . The long road trip will definitely refresh you for your pleasant stay at the peaceful hill station . The trip can take 10 hours of driving to map the distance of 600 km from the city to Munnar , but there are several great stops to rest and the drive is equally exciting as scenes change from the car window from the busyness of the streets of the city to the verdant greenery that line the canopy on your uphill drive.

Munnar Travel Guide :

• How to Reach Munnar
• Best Time To Visit Munnar
• Tourist Attractions in Munnar

Suggested Tour : 10 Days - Best of Kerala Tour

12. Jaipur to Jaisalmer

Distance : 559 KM

Time : 9 Hrs

National Highways : NH11

Yet another classic that might seem cliché but is unmatchable is the road trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer, the desert city of Rajasthan. The road trip is the best opportunity to witness the changing colors of Rajasthan as you go through the various villages. The drive would also be a wonderful experience as the roads are in great conditions offering a smooth driving experience. We recommend taking the RJ SH 19, which is the best route to travel to Jaiselmer from the pink city of Jaipur. You can stop at Jodhpur for some refreshments as your car would need to fill up too. Authentic Rajasthani cuisine is available throughout the route in charming stalls with rustic ambience so, this is one stretch of a drive where would not be hungry.

Jaisalmer Travel Guide:

• Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer
• Shopping in Jaisalmer
• How To Reach Jaisalmer
• What to Eat in Jaisalmer

Suggested Tour : 8 Days - Rajasthan Tour from Delhi

13. Delhi to Agra through Yamuna Expressway

Distance : 233 KM

National Highways : Taj Express Highway

A seldom mentioned long drive from the heart of the capital city to the city of the Taj, Agra is definitely one of the best road trip stretches! The Yamuna Expressway is probably the best road in the entire country, its long and wide and in perfect conditions for that hassle free driving experience, a must visit for all lovers of the road. This is an easy day trip from the capital city, where you can visit the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort and other areas and still be back to your cozy bed by the night.

The good road conditions make it easy to cover the 165 km of the route in a couple of hours. However, getting to the expressway from the city itself takes a drive of 60 km which should easily add another hour to your trip or even more. A good tip to keep in mind is to check your tire air pressure, fast driving on the road can cause too much heat that often causes tires to burst and can be dangerous. So, it is ideal to keep the tire air pressure filled at less than normal levels.

Another point to note is to pack in as much food and snacks and beverages as necessary because there are no delicious dhabas lining the expressway. There are a few small eateries that sell snacks after the toll gate, but they are not comparable to the cozy atmosphere and the filling food available in the dhabas.

Best tours packages for Road trips:-

• 2 Days Agra Taj Mahal tour By Car From Delhi
• Same Day Taj Mahal Tour By Car From Delhi
• Overnight Agra Tour

Read More : Top 20 Places to Visit Near Delhi: Weekend Getaway

Suggested Tour : 4 Days - Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour

Golden Triangle Tour - Cover Delhi, Agra & Jaipur

Must read : What is Golden Triangle Tour India and Why its famous?

14. Pamban Bridge to Rameshwaram

Distance : 13 KM

Time : 20 Min

National Highways : NH87

Perhaps the most picturesque drive through in the country, the feeling of whooshing through the long bridge that travels over the vast expanse of the ocean, with the wind in your hair. Such a drive would definitely be one of the best on-road experiences to indulge in and refresh your spirit. A simple 20 minutes ride on the 13.5 km long stretch of the bridge is worth a million but comes for absolutely free. This is a must do if you are a roadster in search of fun.

Also Read : Travel from Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari

15. Shilong to Cherrapunjee

Distance : 54 KM

National Highways : SH5

A small yet exciting daytrip destination to drive from Shilong, with all the dazzles of drizzling rain on the mountain road, rainbows over massive waterfalls, some of the most exciting caves , a beautiful panoramic view of lush hill top greenery all around you, and even stops for food along the way. This usually takes 1-2 hours to just drive and come back, without any stops or traffic. Most people cover it by car only.

16. Mumbai to Goa

Distance : 609 KM

National Highways : NH66

Much revered as the Father of the Indian road trip, from the busy city streets of Mumbai, drive towards, sun, sand and fun on a smooth road with green scenic views outside the window lining the width of the stretch. It takes 10 hours of great driving experience to go to Goa from Mumbai; on the infamous NH66 highway which is as silky as creamed butter spread on the earth that just lures your car towards worry-free travels. Also there are several great eateries lining the stretch of the route so, you will never be hungry or bored.

Also Read : Best Weekend Getaways from Goa

• 5 Days - Mumbai With Goa Tour
• 9 day Golden Triangle Tour with Goa

17. Jaipur from Delhi

Distance : 281 KM

National Highways : NH48

Yet another classic when it comes to road trips in India , you can watch the majestic Aravallis approach as you drive through the lanes of the most colorful towns and villages of Rajasthan and land at its capital – the pink city of Jaipur . The drive will be a great experience undoubtedly as this route is one of the most well-maintained one in the country. There are also several restaurants lining the way that will make the journey great.

Also Read : Top 10 Weekend Gateways Near Delhi

Suggested Tour : 3 Days - Private Jaipur Tour From Delhi

18. Kolkata to Digha

Distance : 180 KM

Time : 3 Hrs

National Highways : NH16 and NH116B

Ask any Kolkatan and the first response from them about road trips would be to cover this iconic stretch. The roads are in good condition, lined by greenery of paddy fields and mustard fields all around. And what’s better is that a little farther from Digha lies several other beach villages where the only way to drive and reach is to drive along the beach watching the waves crash on the shores a few kilometers away.

The road stretches for 180 km and will usually take up to 3 hours to reach the destination. There are plenty of dhabas and Bengali sweet shops along the way, so, you won’t go hungry while driving.

Read More : 20 Exciting Places to Visit in Kolkata

19. Mumbai to Mount Abu

Distance : 758 KM

Time : 13 Hrs

For those looking for some peace and quiet away from the never ending hustle of the city life, and the deafening early morning alarms and bursts of short-lived caffeinated energy; this is the road trip to take. The best place for Mumbaikers to unwind and relax, is Mount Abu , which is a short drive away. Drive through the NH 48 to Mount Abu via Vadodara and Ahmedabad, along the long 758 km . It will take a tiring 13 hour long drive, but there are plenty of options to stretch your legs, eat and rest or take short breaks along the way.

Also Read : Weekend Destinations Near Mumbai

Suggested Tour : 11 Days - Rajasthan Tour from Mumbai

20. Bangalore to Ooty via Mysore

Distance : 278 KM

Time : 6 Hrs

National Highways : NH275

Ooty is the queen of hill stations in India , nestled amidst the green Nilgiri Hills. Any lover of the road must take this journey whether on car or a motor bike to witness the sun-kissed beauty and the verdant greenery that changes with every mile you cross. The combination of dark asphalt surrounded by the leafy green is one of the best, and it is best experienced along this stretch. Explore the forests of Bandipur along with the historic places of Mysore enroute.

Also Read :

• Best Weekend Getaways from Bangalore
• Complete Info about Ooty

Suggested Tour : 6 Days - Bangalore Mysore Ooty Karnataka Tour

India is blessed with diversity in its culture, terrain and definitions of beauty. So, the best way to experience this truly unique country is to explore as much as you can in the simplest ways to understand the honest charm of the land.

Craving to listen to the hum of your car or bike on the road, then put it to gear and off you go! Adventure waits…

Related Packages

5 Days - Rajasthan Tour - Jaipur Pushkar Mount Abu

4 Days - Madurai Rameshwaram Kanyakumari Temple Tour

10 Days - Nepal Tour Packages

7 Days - Lakshadweep Tour from Kerala

5 Days - Lakshadweep Honeymoon Tour

5 Days - Itinerary of Lakshadweep Tour

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6 Days - Tour Itinerary Lakshadweep

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Travel Guide: 5 Popular Road Trip Routes in Kerala

date_range 21 Jun 2024

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Every traveller yearns to travel back to the roots, where life sprouted and developed. Our tryst with nature is what will reflect our inner selves, our essence. At the lap of mother earth lie all the answers to our worries, troubles, and dilemmas. We can redefine ourselves; identify the true meaning of life, away from the concrete jungle and skyscrapers. To breathe the fragrance of tranquillity, plan your road trip to Kerala at the earliest.

Kerala is nature’s beauty metamorphosed. As the tagline of the state tourism says, it is ‘god’s own country.” The travel across the state has rendered us with moments to cherish for the years to come. The lush green locales, the enchanting tea estates, the silent estuaries, lagoons, and the tranquil atmosphere around the state elevated our soul to another plane. 

Hopefully, the Kerala road trip itinerary here will be helpful to you on planning the trip. You can travel by bike, or rent a taxi from established services if you want to visit the places scattered across the state.

Road Trip Options in Kerala

We are elaborating on road trip options in Kerala here. The best option may be chosen according to the availability of time, budget available, and the area you want to explore.

1. Trivandrum to Kollam (*2-3 days)

The capital of Kerala, Trivandrum, is located at the southern tip of the state. Sharing its border with Tamil Nadu, the city has beaches, greeneries, and other attractions to offer. One half-hour biking from Trivandrum will take you to Kanyakumari, one of the most beautiful beaches in India. You can return to the city after enjoying the sunset/ sunrise there. Go around and visit Kovalam beach, Ponmudi (the Golden Peak), Padmanabha Swamy temple, etc. 

On the way to Kollam, you can stop by Varkala and have a bath at the serene cliff beach. Never miss out on visiting Jatayu Earth Centre, where you will find the largest bird sculpture in the world. You can also go for a bike ride to Palaruvi waterfalls, Punalur suspension bridge, and Thenmala butterfly safari park.

2. Alappuzha to Changanassery (1-2 days)

The road from Alappuzha to Changanassery is adorned with beautiful greenery. The well-maintained road bifurcates paddy fields and other plantations. Being less crowded, you can breath-in fresh air and dip yourself into the calm surroundings. Stop at Kuttanad, renowned as the rice bowl of Kerala, and have a look at the wide paddy fields. 

Changanassery offers natural and beautiful locations to visit. Located approximately 30 kilometers away is Kumarakom bird sanctuary. 

3. Kottayam to Vagamon (2-3 days)

One of the most panoramic roads in Kerala, the Kottayam-Vagamon route will present you with hills slumbering on the lap of the sky. As you bike through the turns, twists, slopes, and climbs, cool breeze will caress your body, rejuvenating your soul. The feeling will be etched on your heart forever that it will rush into your mind whenever you think of Kerala in the future. 

Although Vagamon is an adventurer’s paradise, family and kids too will enjoy the trip to the place. Trekking expeditions on the pristine hills of the place will be one of a kind experience for you. 

4. Kochi to Munnar (3-4 days)

Initially, you can indulge yourself in the busy life of Kochi, the most happening city in the state. Other than the colours and cacophony of the city, it offers several attractions including Fort Kochi, Jew Street, Marine Drive, and Kadamakkudy. 

The trip from Kochi to Munnar will take 4-5 hours. You may not be able to ride fast as the natural beauty on the way, as if a magnificent painting, will ask you to slow down and imbibe it. Rent a room at one of the resorts, according to your budget, among the green-carpeted tea estates. Feel the solace seeping inside, get up in the morning, absorb the morning sun spreading through the greens, and realize that you are at one of the most beautiful locations on earth.

5. Munnar to Thekkady (2-3 days)

Travel from the tea plantations to the wildness of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Plan boating and contemplate the wild beauty spread in front of you. You may chance upon herds of elephants, Nilgiri Tahr, Deers, Wild Boar, monkeys, and other animals.

Budget for the Road Trip in Kerala

You can choose hotels to stay in depending upon your budget. Serving tourists from every spectrum of society, you will find hotels providing accommodation of varying range. Starting from five-star facilities to budget hotels and dormitories, you will find every kind of stay across the state.

Kerala could be considered as one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations. Finding your favourite food delicacy also won’t be any problem. You will find a plethora of food options at most of the places in Kerala. Therefore, you can plan the road trip in Kerala unconcerned about both stay and food.

It will not be an exaggeration if we say Kerala is the safest travel destination in India. With a 100% literacy rate and advanced medical and educational infrastructure, Kerala enjoys top spot in female education, male/female ratio, secularism, and lower crime rates. People are also friendly and hospitable. Here you will not find sellers pouncing upon tourists as though vultures, as found in many parts in India.   

Once you are in Kerala, you will understand that such diverse beauty cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Therefore, just prepare yourself, pack your bags, and get ready for the trip to Kerala. The land of Spices, Ayurveda, Kathakali, Snake Boat race, ethnic culture, and heritage is awaiting you. You can also find similar road trips and tourism features from genuine Indian travel blogs. 

Whatever kind of vehicle you choose, you must be comfortable with it. So before starting to ride, you need to know more about best motorcycles or bikes in India to ride comfortably. You can also hire two-wheeler on rent in Kochi or Munnar from Royal Brothers. Alternatively, you can buy an affordable used car in Kerala , in case you are planning to stay here for a while to explore the state to the optimum.

* Period including stay, the total days required will depend on your riding speed, the decision to spend more time in one place, and similar factors. 

• Adventure Travel

6 Best Road Trips In India For Adventure Seekers To Take

Road trips are for fun, exploration and adventure…..not destinations!

The most happening experience for a travel enthusiast is an adventurous road trip. If you are looking to slow down and make the most of your time away from home, just start off and see where the road takes you. Best road trips In India are one of the great ways to revitalize and it offers a completely different experience, there’s something magical about it. It’s all about exploring places and meeting new people.

Here’s A List Of Some Of The Best Road Trips In India

Bangalore to bandipur forest: into the wild.

Distance: 220 Km

National Highway: NH766 or NH948

Putting forward a list of the awesome best road trips in India, how can one miss out on a road trip that is taken along a forest? The Bangalore-Bandipur forest route is one of the most beautiful adventurous road trips in India. This route is a must-try for people in love with nature and wildlife and guarantees fun with adventure, excitement, and animal spotting. There are lots of local rental cars and vans to take you, but a self-driven car or bike is something you may love to experience if you love road trips. Monsoon is between July and September, the best time to enjoy the greenery. There’s no better way of paying your respects to mother earth, than by riding through its lush greenery and taking a deep breath that fills your lungs with brisk forest air.

MUMBAI TO GOA: HUSTLE OF THE CITY TO CALMNESS OF THE SEA

Distance: 590 Km

National Highway: NH48 or NH66

There are two routes to reach Goa from Mumbai. If you are travelling by car, suggest you take the Pune-Kolhapur route as the roads are good and safe too. The more adventurous ones traveling with friends on a bike can take the Chiplun-Ratnagiri Route which gets rocky and narrow at many places. The beautiful view of the Western Ghats will make this trip worthwhile. Generally, the best time to go on this Road Trip is between December and January. There are many amazing destinations to visit on the way, hence plan in advance so that you don’t miss out on anything and ensure that the journey is memorable. 

DEHRADUN TO NAINITAL: A DRIVE AMONG THE CLOUDS

Distance: 198 Km

National Highway: NH734

The picture-perfect combination of lakes, mountains, lush green forests, serene lakes, and the picturesque beauty of the hill makes it the perfect route for one of the best road trips in India. The roads are in great condition and the sharp bends and turns provide an amazing experience to adventure seekers. Nainital is surrounded by mountains on all three sides. View throughout the ride is mesmerizing and gives you a feel of heaven on earth. The best time to do a Dehradun-Nainital road trip is from April to June and then September to October.

MANALI TO LEH: JOURNEY ON THE CURVES OF THE HILLS

Distance: 473 Km

National Highway: NH3

The first thing that pops into your mind when it comes to an adventurous road trip is the most celebrated Manali to Leh which is a mountain highway. Its snow-capped mountains, distant valleys, and cool mountain breeze make it all the more exciting. Manali-Leh Highway runs through some of the world’s highest mountain passes through remote areas. Proper preparation is essential to have a safe, enjoyable trip on this road. Marvel at the dazzling beauty of the region while you hit the roads on this adventurous road trip. June to September is the best time to use this road for the scenic impressions of the mountains. Uncertain weather, extreme cold, high altitude, and no civilization for miles make this a very treacherous track.

DELHI TO MUSSOORIE: QUEEN OF HILLS

Distance: 281 Km

National Highway: NH58

Listed among the best road trips in India, this journey takes you through the hills, green pastures, and streams and is a must-try for all road trip enthusiasts. The ride is a little bumpy but the awe-inspiring scenic beauty and the mesmerizing view make up for it. If you simply want to drive through nature’s lap, this is the ideal option for you. As you pass Dehradun, the temperature starts to drop and the mountains start appearing nearer, undoubtedly the prettiest hill station in the country. As you drive there are a few breathtaking viewpoints where you can stop and take some amazing shots and not miss the stunning sunrises and sunsets. Food junkies can take frequent stops to indulge in some yummy food from the local dhabas on the roadside. The ideal time to take this trip is after the monsoon season.

MUNNAR TO KODAIKANAL: COOL DRIVE ON THE WESTERN GHATS

Distance: 163 Km

National Highway: NH85

When you say Munnar, the first thing that comes to your mind is the lush greenery, aromas of tea and coffee plantations, dense forests, and clean air. Driving on this route will give you some breathtaking views with vantage points. You will be welcomed with the sweet fragrance of the fresh tea leaves from innumerable tea plantations on both sides of the road and a panoramic view of the Western Ghats. The view is extremely beautiful during the foggy mornings. This is heaven for road trippers, trekkers, and adventure seekers as the roads are narrow with lots of bends and curves. On the way you can spot some small streams and rivulets and occasionally encounter wild animals. The best time would be between September to March because of the pleasant weather. 

Also Read: 22 Thrilling Weekend Road Trips from Chennai

What are you waiting for, pack your bags and hit the road, head to somewhere you’ve never been before! It’s all about the journey, the people, the stories, the adventure, and those unforgettable moments. A road trip gives you the freedom to choose where to go, when to stop, and the desire to live in the moment. Wherever you get to is better than where you started from.

Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info with us. It is so appreciated.

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