Road Trips in India: Scenic Routes You Must Drive Through
Road trip is a paradise for India as it is a land of diverse landscapes. The country consists of beautiful scenic routes making it heavenly for the adventure seekers from the snow topped Himalayas to the tranquil and soothing coastal highways. While enjoying an Indian road trip, you will notice that you are either driving through green lush valleys or visiting historical towns or roaming along sun kissed beaches. Nevertheless, before venturing on your journey, it is important to be sure that yours travel documents are in place. If you are planning to visit from the UAE, then you need to secure your India Visa from Dubai or India Visa from Abu Dhabi before your trip and you will enjoy a hassle free trip.
A road trip is the best way to explore India’s natural beauty and cultural richness if you are looking for an exciting way. Be on your way from busy streets of Mumbai to calm hills of Himachal or on the scenic drive along Kerala’s backwaters, all routes have something to offer. You will be amazed by the breathtaking views and meet the warm locals through the roads you will travel along the way. Therefore, buckle your seat belt, prepare your travel permits here’s an encounter to travel through India’s most scenic roads.
Here are the top scenic road trips in India that you must experience.
1. Manali to Leh Highway
Manali-Leh Highway is one of the most thrilling road trips in India, which is approximately 480 km long and goes through the mighty Himalayas. The route is a high altitude route which offers you some very scenic mountain passes like Rohtang La and Baralacha La, from here you have an mesmerizing view of snow capped peaks, valleys and rivers. The weather is unpredictable and the terrains are rough, but the adventure and the beauty are worth every mile of the drive. Rest and soak in the breathtaking surroundings at Sarchu or Pang.
2. Mumbai to Goa
The journey from Mumbai to Goa is around 590 km and is a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. The Western Ghats, coastal villages and beautiful landscapes are all that this scenic route passes through. The NH66 coastal route and the Pune-Kolhapur highway are both ways to travel and they both have their own charm. You pass through and stop at quiet beaches and taste some of the most delicious local cuisine, all along the way to Goa’s more vibrant shores for a final coastal folly.
3. Chennai to Pondicherry
The East Coast Road (ECR) from Chennai to Pondicherry is a dream drive of 150 km along the Bay of Bengal coastline. The golden beaches, fishing villages and historic sites of Mahabalipuram are all on this well maintained route. The journey will be best experienced with stops along way at seaside cafes serving these fresh seafoods. This short road trip in South India is one of the most picturesque due to the scenic ocean views and the charming atmosphere of Pondicherry.
4. Delhi to Agra via Yamuna Expressway
The Yamuna Expressway is a smooth and easy drive from Delhi to Agra, about 230 km. The smooth roads and little traffic on this six lane expressway makes it a very good option for a quick getaway. It’s a perfect journey for those who would like to visit the iconic Taj Mahal without any stress. Travelers can enjoy the serene countryside landscapes with modern facilities along the way and arrive in Agra’s historic wonders.
5. Bangalore to Ooty
The road trip from Bangalore to Ooty is an exciting one of around 270 km through the Nilgiri Hills. You will pass through Bandipur National Park where you might see elephants, deer and other wildlife. On a drive to Ooty you are greeted with breathtaking views of misty mountains and misty tea gardens as you ascend the hairpin bends. Ooty is a refreshing escape from the city life and the cool climate and serene beauty of Ooty makes it even more so.
6. Jaipur to Jaisalmer
A 560 km drive through the wide expanse of Rajasthan’s desert, with its mesmerizing journey from Jaipur to Jaisalmer. On the way you will see golden sand dunes, magnificent forts and rajasthani villages. Jaipur’s pink hued architecture to Jaisalmer’s golden sandstone structures are really beautiful. The adventure continues with a stop in Jodhpur or Kumbhalgarh Fort to see the region’s history and culture before reaching Jaisalmer Fort.
7. Guwahati to Tawang
It’s a road trip of about 520 km from Guwahati to Tawang covering one of the most beautiful landscapes of Northeast India. It is a journey through lush valleys, waterfalls, screeching under the thunderous feet of hooves and dead weight, climbing the scabrous hills and descending past the snowline. The trip’s highlight is crossing Sela Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable roads. This drive has got the perfect blend of adventure, spirituality as it runs into ancient monasteries, serene lakes and the unique culture of Arunachal Pradesh.
8. Kolkata to Darjeeling
The Kolkata to Darjeeling road trip is a trip from the bustling city life to the tranquil hillscapes that span around 650 km. After you’ve got out of crowded streets of Kolkata the road leads you through lovely villages and green tea gardens. The last gravitational crunch, as the roads twist upwards through the mountains, culminates in the incredible dawn over the Himalayas. The drive from Darjeeling is a delight not only due to its scenic beauty, but also because of the famous tea estates and colonial charm of the place.
9. Ahmedabad to Kutch
It is a 400 km drive from Ahmedabad to Kutch and you enter the heart of Gujarat’s spectacular Rann of Kutch. It is complete with salt flats, rustic villages and fabulous desert treasures. During Rann Utsav you can see the vibrant cultural festivities, camel rides and moonlit views of the white desert. The drive also provides an opportunity to visit historic forts, local handicrafts and the nomadic culture of the region.
10. Shimla to Spiti Valley
Shimla to Spiti Valley via road trip, a distance of around 450 km, is one of the most adventurous drives in India. Its remote high altitude route takes in the remote villages and ancient monasteries that line this remote route. The journey is difficult as the rugged terrain and weather are not conducive but the untouched beauty of Spiti with serine lakes and Buddhist culture is reward enough. This road trip is ideal for those who wish to be alone and adventurous in the Himalayas.
Conclusion
India has some of the most scenic and adventurous road trips in the world and each of them is beautiful in their own way and have their own landscape. But whatever road you take, these road trips will be the one’s you will never forget. Every route it is a new story from the thrill of crossing high altitude passes to serenity of coastal highways.
If you are planning to drive to explore India’s beauty, make sure you have your travel documents in place. In case you are traveling for leisure or adventure, getting your India Visa from Abu Dhabi in advance, helps you to have a hassle free journey. Therefore, pack your bags, hit the road and start driving in the most beautiful routes of India.
