Top 7 Road Trips in India You Should Experience

        

       

Rumbling over India's many roads and terrains is an incredible way to experience this amazing country, whether you've rented your own motorcycle to travel alone or leased a car and driver.

You can become fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the most colorful country in the world just by traveling from point A to point B. While there are many ways to get around by bus and train, going on a road trip provides you with more control over your schedule and the flexibility to stop wherever and whenever you want to explore further.

The good news is that you don't have to battle the traffic yourself because you can easily hire a car or 4WD with a driver practically anywhere in India. This allows you to focus on the landscape while your driver handles the occasionally difficult road conditions.

Renting a motorcycle is a great way to see the subcontinent if you want to be in charge, especially if you stick to the backroads. Although renting a self-drive car is more difficult, some daring individuals drive their own vehicles throughout India; some tough travelers have even traveled the country in a customized autorickshaw!

With our selection of the top road excursions in India, grab your spirit of adventure and get ready to travel.

1. India’s Golden Triangle

A Delhi to Delhi road trip is ideal for exploring Mughal monuments, spanning 1,120 km (696 miles) and taking approximately five days.

The trip from Delhi to Agra and Jaipur is quick and enjoyable, offering many marvels in just a few days of travel. Your journey starts in Delhi, where the tale of India's great Islamic empires is revealed through the remains of eight cities. Visit the city's top attractions, such as the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, the Jama Masjid, and the Chandni Chowk bazaars, which have barely changed since the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

The holy cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna played with milkmaids in the Hindu epics, are easily accessible with a chartered car or hired motorcycle. 

Visit adjacent Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city that Emperor Akbar the Great constructed but subsequently abandoned, to witness more Mughal grandeur. Before visiting the Pink City's palaces and bazaars, think about taking the occasional diversion. 

Diversion: Take a diversion south to Gwalior, whose stunning fort is less crowded than other destinations on this circuit, before speeding west from Fatehpur Sikri to Jaipur. Take one more excursion to see tigers hunting abandoned battlements in Ranthambhore National Park before finishing the third half of the triangle and returning to the city.

2. Manali to Ladakh across the Himalaya

The most peaceful and tranquil road trip

Manali to Srinagar: 800 km (497 miles); give yourself ten days.

Many people use chartered 4WDs to travel the mountain circuit from Manali to Ladakh and then to Kashmir; we highly advise hiring an Enfield Bullet.

It's a two-day trek across the 3978-meter (13,051-foot) Rohtang La from the hippie hill town of Manali to Leh, passing through scenery straight out of the Silk Road's prime. The cold and altitude will hit you like a sledgehammer, and there is very little flora and even less shade.

After resting with visits to Buddhist monasteries and yoga studios in Leh, return to the road for a new perspective of the Himalayas in Kashmir.

The route leading west to Srinagar winds through historic villages, but before the minarets of Srinagar come into view, the culture changes from Buddhism to Islam as the hills change from dust-yellow to lush green. 

Planning advice: It's critical to respect the mountain climate, whether you drive yourself or let someone else. In winter, road travel is often only feasible from June until late September or early October, as snow blocks the high routes into Ladakh.

3. Kolkata to Darjeeling

The best road trip to see the Himalayas and go on side trips is from Kolkata to Yuksom, which is 808 km (502 miles) long and takes eight days.

The throngs that rush north from Delhi sometimes ignore the east of India, yet the trip across West Bengal to the foothills of 8586m (28,169ft) Mt. Khangchendzonga has an epic feeling of duty. Visit ashrams, temples, and eye-catching civic structures that were reclaimed from British colonization as you begin in the bustling yet sophisticated city of Kolkata. 

Intriguing Shantiniketan, a university town with a rich history of dance, theater, and poetry, is reached by traveling north past little-known rural communities. From here, you'll head north to Darjeeling's emerald-green tea estates and charmingly old-fashioned stately hotels, where you'll probably get your first close-up look at the Himalayas.

Walk the Singalila Ridge trekking trail to get up close and personal with the snow peaks, or seek a permit to enter high Sikkim to get even closer to Mt. Khangchendzonga. A path that passes via Kalimpong, Gangtok, and Pelling offers vistas that would make mountain climbers reach for their ice axes. To top it all off, the hike from Yuksom to the Goecha La brings you within touching distance of the snow.

Planning advice: To enter Sikkim, you'll need a Restricted Areas Permit, which is simple to get in Kolkata, Siliguri, or Darjeeling, or when entering Sikkim at Melli or Rangpo.

4. Mumbai to Goa

The greatest road trip to the beach

Palolem to Mumbai: 650 km (404 miles); allow one week

In India, short trips don't have to mean sacrificing fun. Travel south on NH66 from bold and intelligent Mumbai, taking a diversion to the coast to discover intriguing forts like Murud-Janjira, a remnant of centuries of coastal invasion. Before visiting Goa's bustling beaches, stop in the quiet coastal resorts of Ganpatipule and Malvan.

Visit the well-known market in Anjuna and the exciting beach towns of Baga and Calangute as you travel through northern Goa.

As you head south to the relaxed Agonda, the epicenter of Goa's emerging surfing scene, the atmosphere shifts. As you travel inland through verdant hills covered with spice plantations to catch a glimpse of India's second-highest cascade, the thundering Dudhsagar Falls, it changes once more. 

5. Bangalore to Coorg (Madikeri) – A Scenic Journey

Coorg is 254 kilometers away from Bangalore.

October through March is the ideal time to travel.

Must-See Locations: Raja's Seat, Abbey Falls, and Nagarhole National Park

Accommodations: After your trip, StayVista's cozy and opulent homestays in Coorg are ideal for relaxing. These homestays, which are surrounded by verdant coffee fields, provide a peaceful haven with contemporary amenities.

Do you want to get away from Bangalore's urban chaos? Consider taking a road trip from Bangalore to Coorg (also known as Madikeri). Coorg, a hill station in the Western Ghats, is referred to as the Scotland of India. It provides misty scenery, an abundance of vegetation, and a peaceful ambiance that is difficult to find anywhere. There are several picturesque vistas along the way, including coffee plantations and thick woodlands. 

6. Darjeeling to Pelling (Sikkim) – Across the Eastern Himalayas

Pelling is 67.7 kilometers away from Darjeeling.

March through June and September through December are the best times to travel.

Important Locations: Sangachoeling Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Kanchenjunga View Point

Accommodations: Stunning views of the Himalayas may be found at StayVista homestays in Sikkim and Darjeeling. After touring the picturesque landscapes and cultural attractions, these luxurious homestays are perfect for unwinding.

A road trip from Darjeeling to Pelling provides the ideal balance of breathtaking scenery and spiritual encounters. You will go through the verdant hills of West Bengal and into the tranquil surroundings of Sikkim on this brief but picturesque trip. Enjoy expansive views of the Kanchenjunga range along the route, particularly from Pelling's Kanchenjunga View Point.

Don't miss the serene Sangachoeling Monastery and the historic Rabdentse Ruins, which provide a window into the rich history and culture of the area. 

7. Delhi to Rishikesh – A Spiritual Adventure

Rishikesh is 259 kilometers away from Delhi.

September through November and March through May are the best times to go.

Top Attractions: Lakshman Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev, and Haridwar

Accommodations: Before embarking on an exciting journey to Rishikesh, StayVista offers luxurious villas in Delhi where you can unwind. Relax and revitalize at the riverside villas in Rishikesh.

The road drive from Delhi to Rishikesh provides both beautiful and spiritual experiences. The road leads you through the stunning scenery of Uttarakhand, leaving behind the bustle of Delhi. You can observe the evening Ganga Aarti, a serene and uplifting spiritual experience, by making a stop at Haridwar. When you arrive at Rishikesh, you can relax in the tranquil surroundings next to the Lakshman Jhula or partake in adventurous activities like river rafting. This is one of the greatest road trips from Delhi, whether you're looking for adventure or tranquility.

Conclusion

In India, road journeys are often more about the experience of the journey than the final destination. Whether you crave adventure, nature, or cultural experiences, hitting the open road promises memories that will last a lifetime. Plan your trip, stay safe, and explore the beauty of India on wheels! For the best travel experience, connect with The Travelit, the Best Tour and Travel agency in Dehradun, and let them handle your itinerary while you enjoy the ride.