The Top 25 Road Trips You Must Embark on in India

By Neelam Dimri
8.7 min read
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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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Neelam Dimri

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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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