Note:?Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19.
There is nothing more thrilling than packing up your car and hitting the open road with family or friends. It's about a fascinating, spontaneous journey.
You can stop when and where you want, taking in as much of the scenery as you can, while cranking up that Bollywood music to match the landscape. Road trips have been immortalized in classic novels, essential movies and legendary songs. After all, it's an adventure unlike any other.?
Given India's diverse and stunning landscapes - it could be tempting to load up the car in the summer and build a trip around?awesome beaches?and stunning?national parks, or perhaps if you¡¯re more of a winter person, you can take into the beautiful?skiing and snowboarding destinations in the country.?
Regardless of the time of the year, we have a shortlisted a few routes that should be on your list whenever you hit the road.?
An absolutely gorgeous setting for car and bike enthusiasts, a road trip from?Mumbai?to?Goa?is nothing short of mesmerising. The route offers stunning views of the?Western Ghats and it's nothing short of gorgeous.?
There various?different routes one can travel through to reach?Goa. The safest road is through?Pune-Kolhapur road via NH4 and can be covered in 10 hours non-stop over 590km (366mi). With four lanes, this is the road which people take more often.?
But if you are a thrill seeker, then?Chiplun-Ratnagiri route via NH66, which covers 577km (358mi) in 12 hours non-stop; should be your preferred?option. This route goes past paddy fields and coconut plantations. Both routes have ample and delicious gastronomic options along the way to stay satiated.
Simply put, the beauty of the road trip from Manali To Leh can't be captured in words. There is magic to it and it captivates you in a way that the place knows best - through its breathtaking?vistas all around.?Who can ever forget Kareena Kapoor dancing to ¡®Yeh Ishq Haye¡¯ from Jab We Met! Needless to say, the route offers enthralling views.
The journey has it all - a treacherous and tricky road, the snow-capped mountains, distinct valleys, spectacular landscapes and stunning monasteries .
The distance between Manali and Leh is 478 km, and should be spread out over two days.?
As you continue your ride through the rugged terrain you will come across some of the most?well-known passes of Ladakh. Marvel at the sight of the amazing beauty of this region while you hit the roads on this adventurous road trip.??
Two absolute essentials from Northeast and a trip just like its two ends- challenging, yet spread across an extremely beautiful terrain. A?must-take road trip, a journey from Guwahati to Tawang will leave you asking for more.?
The journey can be covered in approximately 14 hours across 509 km. The roads are rough but well worth it for the mesmerizing scenery unfolding at every turn, both snow-clad mountains and lush greenery.?
The road trip lets you witness the marvels of the Buddhist culture. Make a stopover at Dirang in West Kameng to witness Buddhist culture at Kalachakra 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 and piping hot momos, Maggi and tea at one of the many shops and stalls along the way.? ?
Perhaps one of the most underrated routes in India, Bangalore to Ooty offers the pass to the picturesque lush green mountains and scenic landscapes. The?splendid views of the Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu will be on full display once you take the journey.?
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.
Though Ooty is an enticing destination ¨C the drive to and from Ooty is one of the best stretches to drive - a perfect circuit for a road trip! What makes it so special is the varying nature of the landscapes ¨C a limping highway that leads into a dense forest.? ?
The route stretches along NH275 for 278 km, which can be covered within six hours, and it¡¯s dotted with many eateries en route to fill your belly.??
From the hustle-bustle of?Chennai?to subtle and sedating?Munnar, this South India road trip should definitely be on your list.?
And if you want to get pampered by the love of the mother nature, then this indeed is a voyage where you should be on. While in Munnar, you can surely have an impeccable holiday time by either exploring the pristine beauty or by experiencing the adrenaline of adventure activities like trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and even paragliding.?
Passing through some of the most beautiful cities of Tamil Nadu ¨C Trichy, Dindigul and Udumalai, this Chennai to Munnar journey via National Highway 45 and 209 is filled with the beautiful sights of paddy fields, coconut trees, temples, and more.??
The Rann of Kutch is one of the most geographically unique and culturally incredible places in India. A road trip here would be less of an adventure, but it won't be short of solitude and visual amazement. Though the biggest highlight of the Rann of Kutch is its vast, white, salt flats, the region would also treat you to the regional wildlife, including the rare Indian wolf, if you are lucky.?
For the ultimate experience, choose a full moon night to explore the area on your vehicle, because the view of the salt marsh illuminated by moonlight is one you do not want to miss.??
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.?