19 Incredible Road Trips in India That Every Passionate Traveller Must Experience

Road trips in India are the best way to enjoy the landscape and the astounding vistas of the country while travelling from one city to another. Whether you are planning a solo trip on your bike or are travelling with your family in a car, long drives let you relax and break free from your routine. Although long-weekend getaways within your state are fun, they cannot beat the charm of inter-state road trips! If you love long drives and are ready to challenge yourself with some must-do and offbeat road trips, check out our list below.

Best Road Trips in North India

1. Delhi to Leh Via Manali

Travelling from Delhi to Leh via Manali is every biker and adventure lover’s dream! The journey, although tedious and exhausting, gives you goosebumps while you manoeuvre through the bumpy roads of Leh-Ladakh. The astounding beauty of the Himalayan ranges at the backdrop and the exciting stopovers keep you company while you ride to one of the best places in India.

• Distance: 1091kms
• Travel time: 25 hours
• National Highways: NH1, NH21
• Best time to visit Leh: May to September

Must read: 9 Gorgeous Camping Places in Leh Ladakh

2. Delhi to Spiti Valley

Delhi to Spiti Valley is another beautiful road trip that you will never want to miss. One of the best places to visit in North India, Spiti Valley, like Leh-Ladakh, is a dream destination for many. You can reach Spiti in 2 ways – Either the Delhi-Shimla-Spiti route or Delhi-Manali-Spiti route. This cold desert mountain valley is the land between Tibet and India and is famous for its breathtaking vistas, gorgeous Dhankar and Chandrataal Lakes, mesmerizing monasteries – Key, Tabo, Lhalung, and serene villages nearby.

• Distance: 730kms
• Travel time: 17 hours
• National Highways: NH3
• Best time to visit Spiti Valley: March to June

Also Read: 16 Paragliding Sites in India to Fly High

3. Jammu to Srinagar

Although a convenient and quick option to reach the capital of Kashmir is a 30-minute flight journey, the arduous journey via road is something you must experience once in your lifetime. Apart from the picturesque beauty of the snow-capped mountains keeping you company, you will also get a chance to interact with locals and the Army personnel. Also, riding through the 2.85km-long Jawahar Tunnel is worth experiencing during your Jammu to Srinagar road trip. Imagine traveling at an altitude of 4127 feet!

• Distance: 300kms
• Travel time: 7-8 hours
• National Highways: NH44 (formerly NH 1A)
• Best time to visit Srinagar: April to October

Must Read: A Virtual Tour of the 16 Incredible Places to Visit in India in April

4. Chandigarh to Kasol Road Trip

A scenic hamlet in Kullu, Kasol is a much-loved destination among nature lovers, adventure junkies and trekkers. Popularly called the “Amsterdam of India”, Kasol is also famous with foreigners and hippies from Israel who spend months together trekking and exploring the place. The Chandigarh to Kasol route is captivating and you’d love every bit of it. You can also enjoy the bewitching beauty of Parvati Valley and try the infamous Kheerganga Trek.

• Distance: 273kms
• Travel time: 8-9 hours
• National Highways: NH154
• Best time to visit Kasol: April to October

Must Read: All the Popular 45 Vacation Places in India to Visit

5. Amritsar to Dharamshala

Amritsar to Dharamshala is not a frequently chosen route but the drive to the beautiful hill station is worth your while. Commencing your journey early morning from Amritsar gives you a chance to enjoy the beautiful roads up till Pathankot, the entry point to the Himachal. Then take the route via Nurpur, crossing Rait and finally ending your journey at Dharamshala. Although a short drive compared to other places, it is one of the most exciting road trips in north India.

• Distance: 202kms
• Travel time: 4-5 hours
• National Highways: NH54 and NH20
• Best time to visit Dharamshala: March to July

Must Read: 14 Best Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Top Road Trips in South India

1. Hyderabad to Hampi

The road trip from the city of Nizams, Hyderabad, to the UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi is an exciting, exhausting and amazing experience. Hampi is the land of massive temples and was once the capital of the Vijayanagara empire which eventually lost its grandeur and is now home to the ruins of the rich past. There are more than 100 locations to explore in Hampi, which is also fondly called a backpacker’s delight. There are several routes that you can take for Hyderabad to Hampi road trip, most common ones being via Raichur or via Kurnool.

• Distance: 385kms
• Travel time: 9-10 hours
• National Highways: NH167
• Best time to visit Hampi: October to February

Must Read: The 12 most Stunning Monuments in Hampi

2. Mangalore to Gokarna Road Trip

Mangalore to Goa is one of the best road trips you can ever take. Travelling from one of the most beautiful cities in Karnataka to the best party place in India, it is indeed an amazing vacation option one can choose. Driving on the highway listening to your favourite music is completely blissful while travelling to Goa and is sure to set your mood up to enjoy theGoa nightlife.

• Distance: 365kms
• Travel time: 7-8 hours
• National Highways: NH66
• Best time to visit Goa: November to February

Also read: 23 Beaches for the Perfect Honeymoon in Goa

3. Vishakapatnam to Arakku Valley

Vizag or Visakhapatnam to Arakku Valley is one of the best road trips in India ever! While the magical Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal in the city of Visakhapatnam adds a beautiful charm to it, the drive to Arakku Valley, a small village, home to the famous Borra Caves is even more enthralling. The curvy roads amid lush greenery, the gentle elevation to the hill and the serenity of the valley is something you must experience.

• Distance: 116kms
• Travel time: 3-4 hours
• National Highways: NA
• Best time to visit Arakku Valley: December to February

Must Read: Getaways from Vizag: 7 Amazing Places to Visit Near Vizag

4. Bangalore to Bandipur Forest

Although there are a number of exciting and adventurous road trips in India, a drive from Bangalore to Bandipur Forest definitely tops the list. Cruising through the silent, serene and green canopy of Bandipur forest reserve from Bangalore is absolute bliss and if you are lucky, you might also spot a deer or two on the go!

• Distance: 213kms
• Travel time: 4-5 hours
• National Highways: NA
• Best time to visit Bandipur: December to February

Must Read: 5 Incredible National Parks Near Bangalore

5. Chennai to Pondicherry

If you love to hit the roads and are looking for a smooth journey on the highways, Chennai to Pondicherry is the best road trip in south India. The drive through the East Coast Road offers you an incredible view of the beaches and the rows of coconut trees keep you cool. It’s an absolute delight for amateur tripper or full-fledged travel enthusiast!

• Distance: 158kms
• Travel time: 3-4 hours
• National Highways: NH 34
• Best time to visit Pondicherry: October to March

Must Read: 20 Excellent Destinations for Short Trips from Chennai

Best Road Trips in North East India

1. Shillong to Cherapunji

Road trips in northeast India are the most beautiful ones you’d ever experience. Although a short stretch, Shillong to Cherrapunji road trip gives you a chance to enjoy everything from drizzle, misty clouds, caves, waterfalls to scintillating views of the surrounding. Don’t forget to ride a bike or take a cab on this route for an incredible journey.

• Distance: 55kms
• Travel time: 1-2 hours
• National Highways: NA
• Best time to visit Cherrapunji: October to February

Must Read: 10 Highest Waterfalls in India

2. Gangtok to Nathula Pass via Lake Tsomgo

One of the tough road trips in India, a drive from Gangtok to Nathula Pass via Lake Tsomgo is a challenge that you’d never want to miss! The hairpin bends and the uncertainty of the terrain can be mind-numbing but the magnificent mountain ranges and the sheer beauty of the vistas outside will definitely keep you going, as you soak them all during this journey. The arresting allure of Lake Tsomgo will fill your hearts with inexplicable happiness!

• Distance: 55kms
• Travel time: 1-2 hours
• National Highways: NA
• Best time to visit Cherrapunji: October to February

Must Read: 15 Best Places to Visit in Sikkim for a Great Holiday

3. Guwahati to Tawang

Guwahati to Tawang is one of the most challenging yet astounding road trips in Northeast India. The harsh climatic conditions, rugged roads and sharp bends can get you nervous and thinking but this is undoubtedly the best journey you’ll undergo here. Drive uphill to high altitudes enjoying the company of the lofty, snow-clad mountains, breathtaking views, witnessing the Buddhist culture on the go.

• Distance: 566kms
• Travel time: 14-17 hours
• National Highways: NH 52 NH 229
• Best time to visit Tawang: March to October

Must Read: Top Places to Visit in Tawang: The Pristine Paradise of Arunachal Pradesh

4. Kalimpong to Zuluk

Among the various tough road trips in northeast India, Kalimpong to Zuluk is definitely not for the weak hearted! Skill and experience is a must if you wish to experience this road trip safely. There are 32 hairpin bends on the route which makes driving extremely slow and challenging, but the jaw-dropping scenery outside would keep you going till you reach Zuluk. Don’t miss stopping by River Reshi in Reshikhola before vrooming to Zuluk!

• Distance: 90kms
• Travel time: 4-5 hours
• National Highways: NH 10
• Best time to visit Zuluk: August – September

Must Read: 13 Fabulous Road Trips to Take from Kolkata

5. Darjeeling to Pelling

A refreshing road trip in northeast India through the aromatic tea gardens all around, Darjeeling to Pelling is a must-try for every biker or traveller visiting northeast. Although the roads may turn rough while entering Sikkim, the snow-clad mountains and the picturesque beauty of the place surely divert you from the strain and let you enjoy the journey.

• Distance: 73kms
• Travel time: 2-3 hours
• National Highways: NA
• Best time to visit Pelling: March to June

Must Read: 16 Gorgeous Places to Visit in Darjeeling

Other Amazing Road Trips To Experience

1. Kolkata to Digha

Kolkata to Digha is a popular road trip among people in Kolkata and is also a great option for tourists visiting this city. The road from Kolkata to Digha is amazing and is perfect for revving your engines and driving smooth until you hit Digha. What’s more? The route also offers you ample opportunities to gorge some delicious local delicacies, thanks to the numerous eating outlets located here!

• Distance: 183kms
• Travel time: 3-4 hours
• National Highways: NH 16 NH 116B
• Best time to visit Digha: October to February

2. Puri to Konark

Orissa is known for its impeccable roads and amazing road trips in India and the Puri-Konark highway route is no different. Every minute of the ride in this route is capture-worthy and you’d find it hard not to stop and click some really amazing pictures here. Don’t miss this road trip if you ever visit Puri. The cool breeze, the canopy of trees on either side of the highway will steal your heart away!

• Distance: 36kms
• Travel time: 1 hour
• National Highways: Puri-Konark Marine Drive
• Best time to visit Konark: October to February

Must Read: 20 Iconic Monuments to See in India in Your Next Visit

3. Pune to Goa Road Trip

Road trip to Goa with friends is something everyone looks forward to. The party hub of the country is a dream destination of many and travelling to Goa by road only makes the journey magical. Even though there are a number of amazing road trips in India that you can try, Pune to Goa road trip by car or bike is undoubtedly one of the best.

• Distance: 442kms
• Travel time: 9-10 hours
• National Highways: AH47
• Best time to visit Goa: October to February

Must Read: The Complete Guide to Mumbai to Goa Road Trip

4. Jaipur to Jaisalmer

If you want to experience a ride through the desert land, consider a road trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer. Your journey from the Pink City to the Golden City will include abundant sand dunes and also give you a chance to explore the culture and tradition of Rajasthan up close. Occasionally, you may also enjoy the company of a camel or two walking the roads.

• Distance: 555kms
• Travel time: 9-10 hours
• National Highways: NH 15
• Best time to visit Jaisalmer: November to March

Must Read: 3 Routes for a Great Delhi to Jaislamer Road Trip

Here’s our list of the incredible road trips in India that you must experience if you love travelling by car or bike and explore the road routes of the country. If you’ve already covered any of these routes, do let us know your experiences in the comments below!

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