India is a great destination for amazing road trips. Mother Nature has designed different parts of this country with so much variety that you can explore only if you travel by road. The hilly terrain of North India offers a great view of the Himalayas while the roads of South India show beautiful nature with lush green forests, waterfalls, etc.
Today, we are presenting some of the outstanding places to enjoy wonderful and adventurous road trips in India.
There are 14 best places in India where you can go on a road trip:
1. Mumbai to Pune
If you want to enjoy a weekend gateway from Mumbai, take Mumbai to the Pune expressway and reach Lonavala. Not only the tourists, but the local people also take the journey to have a great weekend.
The picturesque surroundings are mind-blowing as the green foliage calms your nerves and soothes your eyes. There are roadside Dhabas that are perfect for enjoying wonderful food. It takes 2 to 3 hours to travel on a two-wheeler.
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Route: Mumbai – Lonavala – Khandala – Pune (NH 48)
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Lush green hills, picturesque valleys, and waterfalls.
- Attractions: Lonavala, Khandala, Karla Caves, and Pune city.
- Activities: Sightseeing, trekking, and enjoying local cuisine.
2. Mumbai to Goa
If you are a bike enthusiast, this road trip is awesome for you. The scenic beauty is mesmerizing. The soaring high Western Ghats on both sides of the road sets the view of your path. You will get several toll plazas on your way where you have to pay.
But, the natural beauty of the road with paddy fields, coconut plantations, and lots of roadside food stalls will make your journey happen. For the locals as well as for the tourists, this road trip is adventurous as well as romantic. September to March is the best time to have a road trip.
Read also: October Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit in India
Distance: Approximately 600 km
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Route: Mumbai – Kolhapur – Sawantwadi – Goa (NH 66)
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Coastal views, Western Ghats, and lush greenery.
- Attractions: Kolhapur, Tarkarli Beach, and Goa’s beaches.
- Activities: Beach activities, nightlife, and exploring Portuguese heritage.
3. Guwahati to Tawang
How about enjoying a road trip on hilly terrain? Yes, from Guwahati to Tawang, the road trip through the hills is outstanding. The snow-clad mountains on one side of the road set the view.
What you should have is the best driving skill to drive on hilly terrain. Avoid this road trip in winter as landslides and snowfall block many parts of the road. The best time to enjoy this road trip is from March to October.
Distance: Approximately 520 km
Best Time to Visit: March to October
Route: Guwahati – Tezpur – Bomdila – Tawang
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Verdant valleys, snow-capped peaks, and river views.
- Attractions: Kamakhya Temple, Bomdila Monastery, and Tawang Monastery.
- Activities: Trekking, exploring monasteries, and experiencing local culture.
4. Manali to Leh
This is the most desired road trip for road trip lovers. The ethereal beauty of this road trip is outstanding and you will never forget it once you have it. You can cross the road by jeeps, but riding a bullet and enjoying the scenic beauty around is a lifetime memory.
There is one stopover in between as the journey will take two days. The road is tricky and challenging and you must have enough control over your bike and speed to enjoy the journey. For every biker, it is the dream ride to have in life! Read Also: Fuel Availability in Ladakh: Petrol Pumps on Sri Nagar – Leh – Manali Highway.
Distance: Approximately 475 km
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Route: Manali – Rohtang Pass – Keylong – Sarchu – Leh
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: High mountain passes, barren landscapes, and turquoise lakes.
- Attractions: Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Pangong Lake, and Leh.
- Activities: Adventure sports, photography, and exploring Buddhist culture.
5. Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley
It will take 3 to 4 hours to make the journey from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley as the distance is around 114 km. But, the beauty of the road is stunning. The curvy road, lush green valleys, hilly terrain, and verdant canyons will make you stop in between and be engulfed in the surreal beauty of the trip.
The roaring Bay of Bengal, forest-covered hills, aromatic coffee plantations, and majestic waterfalls can wipe off all your tiredness from the journey. For the photographers, this journey is outstanding.
Distance: Approximately 120 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Route: Visakhapatnam – Simhachalam – Borra Caves – Araku Valley
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Coffee plantations, dense forests, and rolling hills.
- Attractions: Borra Caves, Tribal Museum, and Ananthagiri Hills.
- Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, and enjoying the valley’s natural beauty.
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6. Ahmedabad to Kutch
Have you ever imagined how exciting it will be to ride on a bike through the salt field? This dream can come true if you take the journey from Ahmedabad to Kutch by road. The driving will be super smooth as the condition of the road is superb and you won’t face any issues while driving.
But, the traffic jam is a matter to think about; so, you can start as early as possible to avoid it. Don’t forget to visit the Wild Ass Sanctuary in between your journey. Plan the trip on a full moon day as Kutch looks heavenly on such nights. For buying local handicrafts, you can visit the local Hodko village in between your journeys.
Distance: Approximately 400 km
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Route: Ahmedabad – Bhuj – Kutch
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Vast salt marshes, desert landscapes, and colorful local culture.
- Attractions: Rann of Kutch, Bhuj, and Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Activities: Rann Utsav, cultural performances, and exploring historical sites.
7. Delhi to Spiti Valley
To cross this 730km journey, you will need 17 hours. Not to worry as you can find lots of accommodations and food joints in between the road trip. There are two ways to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi. One is from Delhi to Spiti via Shimla and the other is from Delhi to Spiti via Manali.
Both the road trip is exciting and full of panoramic vistas to blow your mind. On your journey, you can witness lots of monasteries, Chandrataal Lakes, breathtaking scenery, and so on. Plan the trip from March to June and you can have an awesome trip.
Distance: Approximately 730 km
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Route: Delhi – Shimla – Narkanda – Kaza
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Rugged mountains, remote villages, and high-altitude desert.
- Attractions: Tabo Monastery, Key Monastery, and Chandratal Lake.
- Activities: Adventure sports, cultural exploration, and trekking.
Spiti Valley Package: 6 Nights 7 Days Spiti Valley Tour Itinerary
8. Shimla to Manali
This route goes through Mandi and the entire trip will present mesmerizing views that you won’t forget throughout your life. Arrange the road trip and the River Beas will be your beautiful companion throughout the journey.
Stop by and sit beside the banks of the river, freshen up with the icy-cold water of the river, and set on the journey. Your vacation will be wonderful if you take this Himalayan road trip between Shimla and Manali. Usually, it will take 5 to 6 hours, but due to the hilly region, it may take longer.
Distance: Approximately 250 km
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to October
Route: Shimla – Mandi – Kullu – Manali
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Forested hills, rivers, and apple orchards.
- Attractions: Kullu Valley, Solang Valley, and Rohtang Pass.
- Activities: Paragliding, river rafting, and exploring hill towns.
9. Jaipur to Ranthambore
This royal road trip is different than any road trip in India. On this trip, you will find a fantastic view of the mustard fields and stunning villages, like Balsi and Lalsot. This is also one of the most popular road trips where people visit the Ranthambore National Park to spot the Royal Bengal Tigers.
The road condition is a bit vulnerable, but if you reroute it through Tonk, you will get smooth riding or driving. The best time to take this road trip is from October to June as the park remains closed for the rest of the year. The trip requires around 3 to 4 hours. There are lots of Dhabas on the roadside where can taste the yummy foods and also get a break and freshen up.
Distance: Approximately 180 km
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Route: Jaipur – Tonk – Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Rural landscapes, fields, and wildlife.
- Attractions: Ranthambore National Park, Ranthambore Fort.
- Activities: Wildlife safaris, bird watching, and exploring historical sites.
10. Chennai to Pondicherry
If you take the East Coast Road, it will take not more than 3 to 4 hours to cover the 155km path, from Chennai to Pondicherry. The beautiful view of the sea on one side of the road will go along with you throughout and the reflection of the light on the water creates a perfect silhouette.
On your way, you will get to Mahabalipuram, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides, there are lots of other places you can explore throughout your journey. The picturesque view of the road trip will surely make you have the best time ever with friends. October to February is the best time to go on this road trip.
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Route: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (East Coast Road)
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Coastal views, temples, and French colonial architecture.
- Attractions: Mahabalipuram, Auroville, and Pondicherry beaches.
- Activities: Beach activities, exploring the French Quarter, and visiting Aurobindo Ashram.
11. Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo and Nathula Pass
North-East India is largely unexplored and therefore, the vibrant road trips give you the chance to explore things that will blow your mind. On your trip from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake, you can find untouched natural beauty throughout.
It is the hilly terrain that makes the trip a bit unpredictable and that attracts more bikers to have this trip. If you take a winter trip, riding through the snow-covered Lake Tsomgo will be a lifetime experience. It won’t take more than 2 hours to have this trip.
Distance: Approximately 55 km to Lake Tsomgo, 62 km to Nathula Pass
Best Time to Visit: April to June and October to November
Route: Gangtok – Lake Tsomgo – Nathula Pass
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Snow-clad mountains, glacial lakes, and rugged terrain.
- Attractions: Lake Tsomgo, Nathula Pass, and Baba Mandir.
- Activities: Sightseeing, photography, and experiencing high-altitude landscapes.
12. The Golden Triangle Road Trip
This trip begins from Delhi and you can reach Jaipur via Agra. This is one of the most popular road trips in India where you can visit historical monuments and culturally rich cities, including the Taj Mahal.
You drive along NH93 and enjoy smooth driving on clean roads. There are lots of eateries and restaurants on the road where you can taste authentic North-Indian dishes to make your trip even more happening.
Distance: Approximately 720 km (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Delhi)
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Route: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Delhi
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Historic cities, forts, and vibrant culture.
- Attractions: Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Amber Fort, and City Palace.
- Activities: Sightseeing, cultural exploration, and shopping.
13. Darjeeling to Pelling
A road trip through lush green forests, magnanimous mountains, beautiful tea gardens, and fantastic scenic beauties is something that you want for a vacation. Go for this road trip from Darjeeling to Pelling where you can get all these within four hours.
Stop by the tea gardens and enjoy the freshly brewed Darjeeling Tea to energize yourself in between the journey. The best time to have this road trip is from March to June and again from September to December. The road is studded with wonderful food joints to make your trip more eventful.
Distance: Approximately 73 km
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to December
Route: Darjeeling – Jorethang – Pelling
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Tea gardens, mountain views, and Buddhist monasteries.
- Attractions: Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, and Kanchenjunga views.
- Activities: Trekking, exploring monasteries, and enjoying local cuisine.
14. Bangalore to Bandipur Forest
A road trip in India won’t get completed if you don’t have a trip through dense forest. Bangalore to Bandipur Forest trip can introduce you to the adventurous trip.
You can arrange a car with a sunroof and have a memorable trip on this road with your friends. You may find deer on the road, crossing over. Stop by and enjoy the beauty of nature without disturbing them!
Distance: Approximately 220 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Route: Bangalore – Mysore – Bandipur
Travel Experience:
- Scenic Beauty: Forested landscapes, wildlife, and scenic highways.
- Attractions: Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Activities: Wildlife safaris, bird watching, and nature walks.
So, these are some of the happening destinations for road trips in India that you can enjoy with your friends and family or as a solo traveler. Make sure you have less luggage for such trips; a backpack will be enough.
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FAQs About the Best Road Trips in India:
1. What are the best road trips in India?
Some of the best road trips in India include Manali to Leh, Mumbai to Goa, and Bangalore to Coorg.
2. Which places are best for a long drive in Mumbai?
Popular long-drive destinations near Mumbai are Lonavala, Matheran, and Alibaug.
3. What are the top road trip destinations in India?
Top road trip destinations include Ladakh, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh.
4. Where can I go for a long drive near Bangalore?
You can go for a long drive to Nandi Hills, Mysore, and Chikmagalur from Bangalore.
5. Are there good road trip routes from Delhi?
Yes, you can take road trips to Agra, Jaipur, and Shimla from Delhi.
6. What is the best road trip in Karnataka?
The Bangalore to Coorg road trip is one of the best in Karnataka.
7. Where can I find scenic places for a long drive near Pune?
Scenic long-drive places near Pune include Lavasa, Mahabaleshwar, and Lonavala.
8. What are the best places for a road trip in India during May?
In May, you can visit places like Shimla, Manali, and Ooty for a refreshing road trip.
9. Can I plan an all-India trip by road?
Yes, an all-India road trip can include major destinations like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Goa, and Bangalore.
10. What are some good places to visit by car near Ahmedabad?
Near Ahmedabad, you can visit places like Mount Abu, Udaipur, and the Rann of Kutch by car.
