Nothing can beat the excitement of taking the road trip with the volume up, windows down and lip-smacking snacks with a bunch of friends. In a diverse and colossal country like India, the beauty of a road trip is truly relieving and full of adventures.
Here are the best places to take a road trip in India which could prove the perfect destination for your 2020 vacations.
1. Mumbai to Goa
There is nothing wrong with saying this road trip is an absolute Mecca for bike and car enthusiasts. Mumbai to Goa Road trip brings an array of picturesque magnificence, with end to end – Western Ghats.
This is one of the top choices of road trips for Mumbaikars. Mostly, this road trip is considered as the Father of Indian road trips.The Pune-Kolhapur distance through NH4 can be completed in around 10 hours non-stop more than 590 kilometers.
With the smooth four lanes, this is the safest and most preferred route, however, it brings several toll booths en route lead you paying again and again. Adventure seekers may take the Chiplun to Ratnagiri route via NH66, which takes around nonstop 12 hours to cover 577 kilometers (358 miles). With narrow curves, winding roads and fewer toll booths, this route brings the view of past paddy fields and coconut manors.
Both these routes have abundant scrumptious gastronomic choices en route to keep your stomach and heart satiated.
So, leave Mumbai early in the morning experience the sea, the sun and the sand on an incredible road and reach Goa before the rocking parties begin!
Best Time for The Trip: Between September and March
- Approximate Distance: 604 kilometers
- Estimated Driving Time– Non-Stop 12 Hours
2. Manali to Leh Highway
The mesmerizing Beauty of the Manali to Leh road trip in India cannot be described in words. It reminds us the film Jab We Met, in which Kareena Kapoor dancing at song ‘Yeh Ishq Haye’. Don’t you think? It would be a great fun to cruise along that beautiful and best state with best roads in India with all its creamy, snowy glory. And, if that trip will be with a bullet or an open jeep, then, it will be like a cherry on the cake!
The snow-capped mountains, some adventurous turns and twists, distinct valleys, picturesque landscapes and spectacular monasteries will boost up your excitement in this journey. The distance of Manali to Leh is approx. 478 kilometres (297 miles) and 3 to 4 km above sea level.
This trip can be covered in around two days. Most of its destinations are above 4,000m (13,123 feet), so, you must have to take a break. Try to make a stopover at Keylong and next stopover at Sarchu to take rest and energize you to acclaim the high altitude.
- Best Time for The Trip- This road trip is open for about 5 months in a year which is mostly during summers to mid of October.
- Approximate Distance: 279.2 kilometers
- Estimated Driving Time: 2 days (With Stopovers)
3. Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley
The graceful union of the magical Bay of Bengal and majestic Eastern Ghats in Visakhapatnam is a beautiful sight to behold. The first time visitor to this city could be easily mesmerized by the pristine beauty of this collaboration in the city. And the same traveler when takes a trip to Araku Valley, he is yet again absolutely mystified by the scenic beauty of the road.
The moderate elevation, the curvy roads and the spectacular serenity of the beautiful hills make it an unforgettable road trip in India and will create amazing memories in your heart for a lifetime.
The road trip from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley is approx. 116 kilometres and can be covered in 3 to 4 hours. Things to do in Araku Valley- visit Tatipudi Reservoir and Borra Caves.
- Best Time for The Trip Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley- Between October and March
- Approximate Distance: 114.2 kilometers
- Estimated Driving Time: 3-4 hours
4. Shimla to Manali Via Mandi
When it comes to choosing a destination for trip, it always makes us feeling confused. But, the Shimla-Manali via Mandi road trip, with the Beas River trudging alongside, is a mesmerizing road trip to unwind and relax in India. So, take a break from usual busy schedules and plan this road trip to have fun in the chilled water of the river.
Nothing can compare Himachal vacations like playing in the ice-cold water while riding between Shimla and Manali!
Those who are passionate about photography will quickly fall in love with this camera worthy road trip. The distance of Manali is merely about 247 kilometres (153 miles) from Shimla and can be covered in around 7 hours drive via NH3 and NH205. With serene mountains on one side and verdant greenery & deep valley on the other side, this is one of the Best Places to Take a Road trip in India and will definitely leave riders spellbound for eternity.
- Best Time for The Trip Shimla to Manali via Mandi: Outside monsoon season which is mid of September to mid July.
- Estimated Driving Time: 6-7 hours
5. Chennai to Pondicherry
Cruiser motorbike is all you need to experience this Most Beautiful Road Trip. Chetan Bhagat also mentioned the beauty of this road in “2 States” so rightfully.
The Sea view from the roadside is truly an incredible sight to behold as the day advances. The changing reflections of the Sun on the sea water makes it more beautiful road around Chennai in India. So, get ready for the heavy dose of Photography sessions while on this pleasurable road trip!
The distance from Chennai to Pondicherry is over 155 kilometres (96 miles), a trip from Chennai to Pondicherry and you can cover it in only 3 to four hours through East Coast Road.
This road trip goes through Mahabalipuram, where you can make a short stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site to adore its beautiful beaches, Idaikkazhinadu, where you can explore Alambara Fort, Marakkanam, where you can view its large salt pans, Mudaliarkuppam, where you can indulge in Water Sports and relax in a cool boat house and Kalpakkam which is best known as a centre for nuclear facility.
Almost every mile on this trip will leave you spellbound with a picture-perfect photography session.
- Best Time to Go Chennai to Pondicherry: October–February
- Approximate Distance: 151.2 kilometers
- Estimated Driving Time: 3 hours (Non-Stop)
6. Guwahati to Tawang
Perhaps Guwahati to Tawang is one of the Best Road trips to Take in North-east India. The distance of this road trip is approx. 520 kilometers and can be achieved in around 14 hours to 2 days. However, the roads are rough, but, they are worth visiting to experience the mesmerizing scenery which is unfolding at every turn.
The lush greenery, extremely beautiful terrain and snow-clad mountains make it more appealing.
As it’s an extensively long road trip, so you should make a stopover in between to reach there more conveniently. You can make a stop at Dirang in West Kameng and can witness the Buddhist culture at Ngingmapa and Kalchakra Monastery.
You can choose Tezpur in Assam for your stopover and can experience its historical and cultural attractions. And, most importantly, don’t forget to relish the scrumptious momos at one of the many roadside stalls en route.
- Best Time to Go Guwahati to Tawang: Between March and October
- Estimated Driving Time: 14 hours to 2 days
7. Puri to Konark
A road trip from Puri to Konark is so perfect for those scenic roads and artistic tree-lined pictures. The adorable canopy crafted on either side of the sleek road leads up to the classical town is truly a worth watching sight. The Puri-Konark highway is considered one of the Most Beautiful Roads for Photography and we are sure this will drain all the battery from your camera.
The obvious idyllic beauty and the soft misty breeze coming from the nearby ocean perfectly blended with the woody smell of the evergreen forest will make an ideal road trip experience with the perfect romantic environ.
This route is quite short of only around 36 km and can be achieved in only one hour. This trip is quite short, yet you would want to experience it and desire it to span a little longer.
- Best Time for The Trip: October till February
- Approximate Distance: 35.8 kilometers
- Trip Duration: Around 1 hour.
8. Bangalore to Ooty via Mysore
The best south India road trip from Bangalore to Ooty encourages all nature lovers to experience miles of nature on both sides of the road. Ooty is known as the queen of hill stations in India, settled amidst the evergreen Nilgiri Hills.
The picturesque marvel route, adorned with scenic landscapes and lush green mountains will leave you spellbind. Any nature lover must take this road trip whether on a car or a motorbike to witness the dense, soul-refreshing and calm forests of Bandipur as well as the historical palaces of the classic city Mysore.
Be embraced the acres of verdant greenery of tea plantations, clear lakes, majestic waterfalls and sun-kissed beauty that transforms with every mile you pass over.
The route distance is around 278 kilometers (172 miles) via along NH275 which can be achieved in between 6 hours, and it’s filled with many eating stalls en-route to satisfy your belly.
- Best Time to Go Bangalore to Ooty: October to June
- Approximate Distance: 159.1 kilometers
- Trip Duration: Within 6 Hours
9. Mumbai to Mount-Abu
Those who are looking for some tranquil and peaceful getaway from the crowded hustle-bustle of the city life, Mumbai to Mount-Abu road trip is a must to take for them. The best place to visit for Mumbaikars to relax and unwind is Mount Abu.
Start Driving through the NH-48 to reach the hilly terrain Mount Abu while passing from urban towns through Ahmedabad, and Vadodara along the long stretch of 758 km. It will take an extensive 13-hour long drive or more than that, but, if you are not in a hurry, then the plenty of options en route lets you take rest, eat and enjoy short getaways.
Go for this long journey and explore the three different cultures en route-Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The whole trip is as exciting and wonderful as its destinations. Range of dhabas, stalls line on the way, will not let you go hungry while driving.
- Best Time to Go Mumbai to Mount-Abu: July–October
- Approximate Distance: 755.9 kilometers
- Trip Duration: 13-14 hours
10. The Classic Golden Triangle: Delhi to Agra to Jaipur
This list of the best places to take a road trip in India would not be complete without the classic Golden Triangle road trip, which connects the three cultural and heritage-rich diverse cities, Delhi, Agra and Pink City of Jaipur via the NH8 and Yamuna Expressway.
This road trip is both picturesque and remarkable. The relishing food at dhabas and restaurants along the way make it the best-maintained roads to satisfy traveler’s hunger.
This trip spans over a distance of 449 kilometers (279 miles), which can be covered in around 7 hours or can stretch up to 2 to 3 days if you want to explore the places in between. You can start from witnessing the historical places in Delhi such as Mughal Red Fort, Jama Masjid and reach the historical and architectural marvels of Agra to adore the beauty of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
The next destination is the Pink City- Jaipur, where you can check out the marvel at the architecture of Hawa Mahal, City Palace and historic Amer Fort. The traditional Rajasthani clothes and jewellery shopping at famous local markets like Chandpole Bazar and Tripoli Bazaar is also a great option.
- Best Time to Cover Golden Triangle (Delhi to Agra to Jaipur): August to March
- Approximate Distance: 449 kilometers
Final Thoughts!!
India is a diverse country of many attitudes, culture, terrain and varying experiences of mesmerizing beauty. So, the best way to explore the diversity of India is to always try to experience new road trips as much as you can. After all, nothing can beat the excitement of taking the road trip, Right?
Now you have all covered with the information about the best places to take a road trip, so, gear up and go for your favorite Adventurous Road trip in India. If, you have some more ideas on road trips in India and solo bike trip India with us to share. Let us know in the comments below. We would be glad to hear.
