6 Must Take Road Trips In India

"This day unfolds as a journey, each passing moment a thrilling adventure," articulates photographer and artist Rebecca Pavlenko, encapsulating the essence of a roadie's sentiments. There exists an intrinsic longing within us to set aside the burdens of daily life, embarking on extended journeys, perhaps in the hope of discovering answers to long-standing questions or reconnecting with a lost inner self. While travel serves as a means to unwind or reconcile the complexities of life for some, others grapple with an insatiable wanderlust, making it challenging to remain stationary for too long.

For those seeking adventure, a road trip emerges as an optimal solution to navigate through the intricacies troubling the mind or to explore places and landscapes in the most extraordinary manner. India, being a vast and diverse country, boasts authentically well-maintained roads that provide an ideal terrain for memorable treks. This blog introduces you to 25 of the best road trips in India, each an essential expedition to undertake at least once in a lifetime. Some routes trace ancient trade paths, unraveling fascinating histories, while others guide you through the most picturesque and enchanting locations, creating journeys that leave an indelible mark on your memory.

# Manali – Leh Highway

This road stands out as one of the country's most exquisite and scenic routes, captivating the imagination of many and serving as the backdrop for numerous Bollywood songs. Stretching across 474 kilometers, this route offers a spectacular drive that guides you through towering peaks, stunning landscapes, captivating valleys, and awe-inspiring terrains. The journey from Manali to Leh typically spans two days, allowing for stopovers with overnight accommodations available at Sarchu, Pang, and Keylong. Situated at an elevation of 3-4 kilometers above sea level, this road can only be traversed between June and September, as it closes after this period. The expedition along this route promises a thrilling adventure, breathtaking views, and a glimpse into ancient trade routes, making it a highlight of road treks in India.

# Mumbai to Pune Expressway

This remarkable 93-kilometer stretch winds through some of the most breathtaking scenery and lush green landscapes, offering an exhilarating experience. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway holds the distinction of being the country's first concrete, six-lane, high-speed, tolled expressway, significantly reducing the travel time between Mumbai and Pune to a mere two hours. The expressway features six interchanges at Shedung, Chowk, Khalapur, Lonavala, Kusgaon, and Talegaon. Essentially, this modern highway has alleviated the burden on the older route, which had recently become congested and accident-prone.

The road is immensely popular among the locals due to its scenic surroundings and the convenience it offers in connecting to other cities such as Bangalore. If you find yourself in the vicinity, don't miss the opportunity to embark on this incredible road trip in India.

# Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley

Araku Valley, positioned 120 km away from Visakhapatnam, is a small yet stunning valley renowned for its Borra Caves. Nestled along the Eastern Ghats, the road to Araku Valley is a marvel of incredible and mystifying beauty. Surrounded by the serene ambiance of hills, this winding 116 km stretch showcases gentle elevations and small streams crossing the road, rendering it one of the most unforgettable road trips in South India. The area enjoys a pleasant climate from October to March, making this period the optimal time to traverse this highway and relish the delightful weather.

# Shimla to Manali via Mandi

The road meanders in a series of curves around the hills, providing breathtaking views of the River Beas flowing alongside, never too far away. There's always the option to pause, take a dip in its refreshing waters, and relish the invigorating weather of Himachal. This remarkable 250 km journey from Shimla to Manali unfolds scenes of majestic mountains and verdant landscapes, creating a profoundly humbling experience. While the road is generally in good condition, the journey through the elevated hilly terrain may take a bit longer than the usual routes.

# Chennai to Pondicherry along the East Coast Road

Regarded as one of the most picturesque routes for cruising on a motorbike, this highway offers panoramic views that are truly captivating. Spanning a length of 116 km, the journey typically takes around 3 hours, as the road gracefully winds along the sea on one side. Enroute, it passes by some noteworthy sites, including the renowned locations of Mahabalipuram, Kalpakkam, Idaikkazhinadu, Mudaliarkuppam, and Marakkanama, providing travelers with ample opportunities to pause and appreciate these landmarks. The breathtaking spectacle of the sun either rising or setting as you drive, with its reflection shimmering on the sea, is truly a sight to behold.

# Guwahati to Tawang

The route traverses through cool and scenic destinations such as Kaziranga, Imphal, and Cherapunji. The Guwahati to Tawang highway spans a distance of 480 km and typically takes around 9 hours to complete. A recommended stopover along the journey is Dirang, an enchanting valley. Alternatively, Tezpur, often referred to as the cultural capital of Assam, offers another appealing option for a halt. Along the way, travelers can marvel at the waving Buddhist flags, the grandeur of snow-clad mountains, Indian Army camps, and the presence of yaks. Due to heavy snowfall, it is advisable to avoid this road during the peak winter season, while March stands out as the ideal month to embark on a trek along this route and witness the diverse spectrum of colors in its surroundings.