Road trip season is here, and India is home to some of the most beautiful roads for those long drives. While we have drawn some maps for you to explore and discover great places, all you have to do is get your bags packing for bike tours or a car journey. We will navigate you through winding valleys, sensational green scenes, great mountains and more. Thinking, “What are the drives near me that I can start with?”. Well, we have mapped various routes across all regions of India for you to unveil.
Long drives have always been fascinating for many, but it’s one of those things that need preparation, so you have a seamless trip. With navigation made easy, a number of hotels and eateries for your pitstops so easily available, you don’t have to worry about taking a nice long break. These destination guides mentioned below are what you need for your travel list of drives near me.
Let’s explore, shall we?
Long drives Part 1: Alleppey to Dhanushkodi
Take a journey from the serene backwaters of Alleppey in god’s own country – Kerala, to the echoing waves of Dhanushkodi at the edge of Tamil Nadu. This road trip will take you on an adventurous ride through various beaches, ghats, and gorgeous green valleys of the South.
The route: Alleppey – Thekkady – Megamalai – Thoothukudi – Rameswaram – Dhanushkodi
Start: Experience the coastal charm of Alappuzha. This land of backwaters and beaches has many places to see and enjoy some amazing local cuisine and culture.
Things to do:
- Boat house ride
- Alappuzha and Marari beaches
- Ayurvedic massage
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Best hotels in Alleppey picked for you.
Distance from Alleppey to Thekkady: 151kms approx.
Location 2: Explore the wild world of Thekkady. The great Periyar lake in this location houses many islands which are packed with rich flora and fauna. You get to experience nature in a very different way here.
Things to do:
- Boat safari in the Periyar Lake
- Local cultural performances
- Camping on the islands
Stay at the best hotels in Thekkady:
Distance from Thekkady to Megamalai: 94 kms approx.
Location 3: Megamalai is one of the most serene destinations you need to visit in the south. The rolling green meadows enhanced with soft white clouds, which let you peek into the panoramic valleys, is, just a breathtaking sight. This route will surely make you say that this is definitely one of the intriguing drives near me.
Things to do:
- Viewpoints
- Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chinna Suruli Falls
- Highwavy Dam
Distance from Megamalai to Thoothukudi: 219 kms approx.
Location 4: Relax in the quiet beauty of the port city of Thoothukudi, also known as Tuticorin. This land gives you the vibe of a buzzing coastal town that has so much to offer.
Things to do:
- Hare Island
- Manapad Beach
- Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearby amazing and budget-friendly hotels to relax in.
Distance from Thoothukudi Rameswaram: 189 kms approx.
Location 5: Rameswaram is renowned for being a place of legendary tales and endless scenic views. A known pilgrimage that is considered one of the must-see temples resides here. Don’t miss out on the mythological tales and historical facts of the place.
Things to do:
- Adam’s Bridge
- Pamban Bridge
- Ranganathaswamy Temple
- Water Bird Sanctuary
- Ariyaman Beach
Distance from Rameswaram to Dhanushkodii: 20 kms approx.
Last stop: Dhanushkodi, a fading beach town at the tip of Tamil Nadu, needs to be on your list of drives near me to experience. It is one of the most trending long drives that is considered by many. The stretch is famous for being a great trail for bike tours.
Things to do:
- Lose yourself on the beaches of blue waters and soothing breeze
- Walk the ghost town
Long drives Part 2: Jaipur to Bhuj
Explore the timeless Pink City – Jaipur in Rajasthan to the vast white desert of Bhuj in Gujarat. Explore this royal route of historical significance packed with majestic monuments, tranquil lakes and glorious palaces on this journey that will take your breath away. It is also lined with great terrains to enjoy your long drives and many forts to hike up to for amazing views. This route should be a must on your travel list of drives near me.
The route: Jaipur – Ajmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Dholavira – Bhuj
Start: Jaipur – The pink city will let you wander the cultural and historical marvel it holds. Enjoy an array of delicacies, handicrafts, and traditional with a touch of contemporary fashion while you unveil the stunning city. We suggest you keep this as a must on your list of long drives near me.
Things to do:
- Hawa Mahal
- Nahargarh and Jaigarh Fort
- Jantar Mantar
- City and Amber Palace
Top hotels in Jaipur for a relaxing time.
14 Places to visit in Jaipur while you are there.
Distance from Jaipur to Ajmer: 135 kms approx.
Location 1: Known as one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan, Ajmer has many timeless things to offer. A booming city that resonates the beauty of the past and present.
Things to do:
- Ajmer Fort
- Taragarh Fort
- Anasagar and Foy Sagar lakes
Distance from Ajmer to Jodhpur: 207 kms approx.
Location 2: Jodhpur – The Blue City that will leave you in wonder, has some exhilarating spots to visit, which will give you a hint at the regal charm the city held in its glory days.
Things to do:
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Bal Samand Lake
- Machia Biological Park
Distance from Jodhpur to Udaipur: 250 kms approx.
Location 3: Fall in love with the charming city of lakes and palaces – Udaipur. This extraordinary destination is perfect for falling in love with the royal side of Indian history.
Things to do:
- City palace
- Bagore ki haveli
- Ambrai Ghat
- Dudh Talai
Top hotels in Udaipur to relax at.
You can visit Mount Abu on your way to the next destination.
Distance from Udaipur to Dholavira: 503 kms approx.
Location 4: Dholavira is one of the roots of archaeological wonder, which was a prominent site of the Indus Valley Civilization, holding a great part of the ancient Harappan city.
Things to do:
- The sites of the Indus Valley Civilization
- Kutch Fossil Park and Safari
- Flamingo Lake
Distance from Dholavira to Bhuj: 221 kms approx.
Last stop: The city where history and art come to life, Bhuj is an exciting spot to view and wander for its unique beauty. It lies between the Gulf of Kutch and the Great Rann.
Things to do:
- Mandvi beach
- Hamirsar Lake
- The white desert
- Aina Mahal
- Pirotan Islands
Go on and add this to your winter vacation ideas of drives near me. Rajasthan and Gujarat are wonderful to uncover during this season.
Long drives Part 3: Chandigarh to Srinagar
Begin from the amazing city of Chandigarh and drive up to the great Himalayan foothill regions exploring beautiful roads while you go on long drives from destination to destination. The greens of the city will turn to winding ghats of the great mountains as you pass through Himachal Pradesh to the white-topped beauty of the tranquil land of Jammu and Kashmir, known as the ‘Paradise on Earth’.
The route: Chandigarh – Kufri – Kasol – Dharamshala – Chamba – Patnitop – Srinagar
Start: Chandigarh, the extraordinarily planned city, is home to gorgeous gardens and themed parks. It also houses temples and lakes.
Things to do:
- Rock Garden
- Japanese Garden
- Terraced Garden
- Sukhna Lake
- Karna Lake
- Butterfly and Topiary Park
- Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
Stay at these top hotels in Chandigarh.
Distance from Chandigarh to Kufri: 128 kms approx.
Location 1: Kufri is a breathtaking hill station in the district of Shimla. This resort town is known for its first peek into the beginning of the Himalayan ranges. Winter paints the town white making it magical and a wonderland to be in.
Things to do:
- Mahasu Peak
- Fagu
- Himalayan Nature Park
- Kufri Zoo
- Hanuman Mandir
- Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary
- Nagsons Amusement Park
Distance from Kufri to Kasol: 235 kms approx.
Stunning hotels in Shimla
Location 2: Kasol is a tranquil hamlet in the Parvati valley situated on the banks of the River Parvati. This spot is known to have many hiking trails, camping sites and is abundant with local culture’s essence. It’s often picked for solo travel to relax and rejuvenate.
Distance from Kasol to Dharamshala: 197 kms approx.
Location 3: Dharamshala, a spiritual and nature’s spectacle, is located at the edge of the Himalayan ranges. It is bedecked with scenic views, peaks, monasteries, waterfalls and more.
Things to do:
- Explore the monasteries
- Kangra Fort
- Naddi viewpoint
- Museums
- Triund
- Bhaagsu Nag Temple and Waterfall
- Kareri Lake
Distance from Dharamshala to Chamba: 127 kms approx.
Location 4: Chamba is a quaint hill town to relax in while you experience the views of valleys decorated with deodar, oak and pine forests. It also houses many ancient temples. We assure you that this location will be one of your favourites on your travel checklist of drives near me.
Things to do:
- Chamunda Devi Temple
- Laxmi Narayan Temple
- Chamera Dam
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
- Manimahesh Lake
- Khajjiar
- Bhuri Singh Museum
Distance from Chamba to Patnitop: 262 kms approx.
Location 5: Patnitop is a hill town whose name is derived from an age-old phrase ‘Patan Da Talab’ meaning ‘Pond of the princess’. This intriguing place in Jammu and Kashmir is a marvel bestowed with the glory of nature.
Things to do:
- Nathatop
- Baglihar Dam
- Paragliding
- Sanasar Lake
- Sudh Mahadev Temple
- Viewpoints
Distance from Patnitop to Srinagar: 171 kms approx.
9 Places to visit in Kashmir to get bewitched.
Last stop: Srinagar is renowned as the ‘City of lakes’ or ‘The crowning glory of India’, and it continues to carry many more names dedicated to its captivity as a destination and what it offers for its visitors. It is considered one of the most romantic places in India. We suggest you select this route as your drive near me for a getaway with your loved one or a honeymoon vacation.
Things to do:
- Dal Lake
- Sonmarg
- Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
- Shankaracharya Temple
- Pari Mahal
- Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden
- Nigeen Lake
- Doodhpathri
Stay at these beautiful hotels in Jammu
How was that for a long and intriguing winter getaway to the Himalayas? Ready to make this the top of your list of drives near me for the coming year?
Long drives Part 4: Hosapete to Aamby Valley
Get started with a little adventure by going back in time to the glory of the Vijayanagar empire that spread across the twin cities of Hosapete and Hampi. Then wander on by taking the beautiful roads through the western ghats to the famous verdant Aamby Valley in Maharashtra, nestled in the Sahyadri ranges. You will get to experience some thrilling activities while covering the long drives between the many spectacular destinations we have listed below.
The route: Hosapete – Dandeli – Devgad – Mahabaleshwar – Raigad – Aamby Valley
Start: History comes to life in Hosapete, and its neighbouring city, Hampi, where you can dwell for a while, taking a tour of the glorious temples, monuments, and coracle rides on the river Tungabhadra. You get to cherish some soothing sunsets on the banks of the river or the rocky hillocks covering the city.
Things to do:
- Virupaksha temple
- Vijaya Vitthala temple
- The ruins of Hampi
- Lotus Mahal
- Hazaara Raama temple
- Tungabhadra Dam and Lighthouse
Distance from Hosapete to Dandeli: 226 kms approx.
Location 1: The wild wild land in Karnataka, Dandeli, is home to some of the most magnificent beats like the black panther, Malabar giant squirrels, elephants, an array of birds and much much more. Get your adrenaline pumping here by doing the below activities.
Things to do:
- Jeep safari – Day and night at Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
- White water rafting – Get more details here.
- Jungle camping
- Syntheri Rocks
- Magod Falls
- Kavala Caves
Distance from Dandeli to Devgad: 287 kms approx.
Location 2: Devgad is a coastal sensation known to have secluded beaches overlooking the Arabian Sea. Known for many things, from picturesque spots to its homegrown mango variety, this taluk attracts a great number of tourists.
Things to do:
- Devgad Beach
- Devgad Fort
- Mithmumbari and Taramumbari beaches
- Backwaters
- Trek to local hidden beaches – Dream beach
- Try Ziplining
Distance from Devgad to Mahabaleshwar: 294 kms approx.
Location 3: The mellow hill station of Mahabaleshwar is a popular spot that has been an eye candy for people who love nature. The land of strawberries and sights just as sweet as them is home to rolling meadow valleys, lush hills, cascading waterfalls, forts and countless scenic viewpoints.
Things to do:
- Venna Lake
- Arthur’s Seat
- Mahabaleshwar temple
- Krishnabai Mandir
- Connaught Peak
- Pratapgad Fort
- Lingmala Waterfall
Stay at some of the most beautiful hotels in Mahabaleshwar.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar to Raigad: 128 kms approx.
Location 4: Raigad is a monumental extravaganza one shouldn’t miss. From gushing waterfalls and ancient architecturally splendid temples to marvellous forts, it is laden with an array of sites for you to have an adventurous time.
Things to do:
- Raigad Fort
- Prabalgad Fort
- Jagadishwar temple
- Murud Janjira Fort
- Kondana Caves
- Karnala Bird Sanctuary
- Varsoli Beach
- Nagaon Beach
Distance from Raigad to Aamby Valley: 84 kms approx.
Last stop: Aamby Valley is a place that will leave you mesmerised with its natural charm and will keep you up and going with the many activities one can try here. It is one of the rides that is loved by bikers across the country.
Things to do:
- Sky diving
- Zorbing
- Lion’s point
- Lohagad Fort
- Mulshi Dam
- Adventure parks
Other sites to see near Aamby Valley if you love to explore more are Lonavala and Matheran. You can start at some of the top hotels in the region. This will be one of the wild rides to plan for your next travel idea of drives near me.
Here, you have some of the most fascinating long drives to take that will lead you to experience beautiful roads for bike tours or car journeys. These are what we give you this season to add to your list of drives near me. Each map will ensure some great adventures packed with the best of everything. We hope you make the most of this season and get traveling.
P.S. We suggest you make your next bucket list by choosing from one of the above routes.
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