5 Road Trips You Must Explore In India

Would you like to fly? Surprised and baffled by our question? Well, did you know that travel freaks often say that “Road trips are the equivalent of human wings!” And indeed they are. Nothing can be more refreshing than the wide-open road and exploring places that you have never seen before.

With the new normal taking over lives and travelling on public transport such as planes and buses becoming risky, it is an ideal time to experience a road trip. And who knows, you may love this experience so much that you may want to set out on a road trip again and again.

So, without much ado, take a look at some of the best road trips in India and pick out your favourite destination.

# Mumbai To Goa

You may have heard a lot about Goa and its dreamy beaches. But have you heard about the road from Mumbai to Goa yet? Covering a distance of approximately 600 km, the drive from Mumbai to Goa is restricted to two national highways, NH 17 and NH 66. Each of these highways passes through some other landmark locations such as Chilun, Belgaum and Panaji which are in themselves famous as tourist destinations.

Simply passing by these places will gift you with many unforgettable views and sceneries. You can easily cover this distance in 10 days with stopovers and exploration of the sites that you like. The best time to take this trip is between December and January when Goa is steeped in the festive mood and has the best weather to enjoy on its beaches.

# Manali to Leh-Ladakh

There can be no second doubt to the fact that Leh-Ladakh is one of the sought-after destinations for bike and car trips on the road. Passing through picturesque valleys such as the Zaskar and the Numbra and innumerable tiny hamlets by cobalt-blue lakes, the road to Leh- Ladakh from Manali is sure to offer you a new surprise at every turn. What is more, as you reach your destination, you will be standing at the highest motorable road in the world.

The best time to take this trip is during the summer months of May and September when the temperature is considerably higher, and there are fewer chances of heavy snow. However, a word of caution that has to be kept in mind concerning this road is that the topography is rather rough, which demands an SUV or 200cc bike for smooth travel. Also, if you have recently learnt to ride or drive, taking this road may not be a very good idea. Keeping a basic tool kit with you will also come handy as there are barely any mechanics in this span of the road.

# Chennai To Puducherry

This road has already been romanticised in novels and true enough it is one of the best road trips in India for couples. With the smooth road in front of you and the sea on both sides, having your beloved by your side will indeed complete the picture. Keep your cameras charged and ready as this road is the best for those who enjoy nature photography or even those who love an aesthetic feed.

If you can time it right, watching the sunsets from this road is indeed going to be a treat to your eyes. You will also pass through several other sites of tourist interest such as Mahabalipuram, Alamparai Fort and the like. Do make sure you stop by at these places as they offer equally exciting views and sightseeing locations.

# Guwahati to Cherrapunjee

With twisting and turning roads that snake through hills, the road from Guwahati to Cherrapunjee is perfect for all those who are looking for an escapade among the hills. The road passes through the famous hill station Shillong, which is also known as the Scotland of the East owing to the striking resemblance between the two places.

Things to do here include visiting the Wards lake and the iconic churches of the city. Cherrapunjee is equally exciting as a destination with its secret caves and gorgeous waterfalls. Though the road is open throughout the year, it is best to avoid the monsoon months as the road condition may not be too good. Carrying warm clothes is also advisable for the winter months.

# Delhi to Agra

First, build during the era of the great kings and queens, the Delhi to Agra road is now a modern superhighway. However, somewhere beyond the modern infrastructure, the royal splendour of the olden days remain, making it an ideal choice for road trips in Northern India. Some of the most interesting places you can stop by on this road include Mathura and Vrindaban, which are the setting for many of the famous mythological stories in India.

There is also an old fort at some distance from Agra that gives you a superb view of the Yamuna River. Though taking the expressway can cut the distance shorter, the alternative road is always recommended for road trips owing to the numerous interesting destinations that fall on the way. January to April and September to November are taken as the best seasons for this span.