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Whether you choose to hire a car with a driver or embark on a motorcycle journey, traveling across India’s diverse landscapes is an unforgettable adventure.
A road trip immerses you in the vibrant sights and sounds of India. While buses and trains remain popular, driving offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, making spontaneous stops along the way.
The best part? You don’t have to tackle the traffic yourself! Renting a car or 4WD with a driver is easy in most places, allowing you to soak in the stunning scenery while leaving the road navigation to an expert.
For those who love the thrill of the open road, renting a motorcycle is a fantastic way to discover the subcontinent—especially along the scenic back roads. While self-drive car rentals are rare, some adventurous travelers bring their vehicles, and a few have even explored India in a modified auto-rickshaw!
Get ready for an incredible journey with our list of the best road trips in India!
1. India’s Golden Triangle
The Ultimate Road Trip to Explore Majestic Mughal Monuments
Delhi–Delhi: Distance 1,120 km (696 miles) | Recommended Duration: 5 Days
A Short and Enchanting Journey
The loop from Delhi to Agra and Jaipur is a perfect road trip, offering a glimpse into India’s rich history in just a few days. Your adventure begins in Delhi, where the ruins of eight historic cities tell the story of India’s great Islamic empires. Explore iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, and the bustling bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which have remained largely unchanged since the era of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Sacred Cities and the Timeless Taj Mahal
With a chartered vehicle or rented motorcycle, you can easily visit the sacred towns of Mathura and Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna is said to have played with milkmaids in Hindu mythology. After these serene stops, prepare for a mix of chaos and grandeur in Agra, home to the majestic Taj Mahal, which truly lives up to its global fame.
Mughal Heritage and Royal Detours
Just outside Agra, explore the abandoned red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar the Great. As you continue along NH21 towards Jaipur, be ready to witness a mesmerizing blend of forts, palaces, and mystical observatories, each bustling with visitors. A few detours can add more depth to your journey before you reach the Pink City.
Optional Detours for an Extended Adventure
Before heading west to Jaipur, consider a detour south to Gwalior, where its magnificent fort offers a quieter yet equally stunning experience. For a final adventure, stop at Ranthambhore National Park, where tigers roam among ancient ruins, before returning to urban life.
2. Manali to Ladakh across the Himalaya
Ultimate Road Trip for Silence and Serenity
Manali to Ladakh: Distance: 1,120 km (696 miles) | Recommended Duration: 5 Days
Many travelers take the scenic mountain route from Manali to Ladakh and Kashmir in a chartered 4WD, but for a truly immersive experience, we recommend renting an Enfield Bullet motorcycle. This allows you to pause along the roadside and embrace the solitude of the high-altitude Himalayan deserts.
Starting from the hippie hill retreat of Manali, the journey takes two days, crossing the breathtaking Rohtang La Pass (3,978 meters / 13,051 feet). As you traverse this route, the landscape transforms into a surreal expanse reminiscent of the Silk Road, with minimal vegetation and intense cold. Upon reaching Leh, take time to recover with Buddhist monastery visits and yoga sessions before continuing toward Kashmir for an entirely different Himalayan experience.
Heading west to Srinagar, the highway winds through ancient villages, where the terrain shifts from arid yellow deserts to lush green valleys. Along the way, the cultural landscape also changes—from Buddhism to Islam, as the towering minarets of Srinagar come into view. While the Kashmir Valley has its challenges, when peace prevails, the sight of Dal Lake emerging through the morning mist from a traditional houseboat is nothing short of magical.
Planning tip: Whether you drive yourself or have a driver behind the wheel, it’s essential to respect the mountain climate. During winter, heavy snowfall can close the high passes into Ladakh, making road travel only possible from June to late September or early October. Plan accordingly to ensure a safe and smooth adventure through the Himalayas.
3. Rajasthan’s colored cities
It’s the best road trip for desert colors
Jaipur–Jaipur: Distance: 1,630 km (1,012 miles) | Recommended Duration: 10 Days
Driving across Rajasthan is a mesmerizing experience, where majestic fortresses rise from the arid landscape, and camel carts share the road with locals donning colorful turbans and grand mustaches. Begin your adventure in Jaipur, the Pink City, exploring its vibrant bazaars, pink sandstone palaces, and the magnificent Amber Fort.
From Jaipur, follow NH48 to Ajmer, a spiritual hub renowned for Jain and Muslim pilgrimage sites. Then, make your way to Pushkar, where a sacred lake and the famous camel fair (held in October or November) offer a cultural spectacle like no other.
Continuing on NH48, reach Udaipur, the White City, where Lake Pichola shimmers beside stunning white palaces. From here, a scenic drive west takes you to Mount Abu, a serene hill station dotted with beautiful temples.
Next, head north to Jodhpur, the Blue City, where the impressive Mehrangarh Fort dominates the skyline. As you venture further west, the golden sands of Jaisalmer come into view, with its magnificent sand-colored fortifications that appear to rise from the desert itself.
Complete your journey in Bikaner, a city offering a more tranquil experience, before returning to the lively streets of Jaipur, completing an incredible road trip through Rajasthan’s timeless beauty.
Detour: Having your own transport opens up opportunities to explore hidden gems beyond the typical tourist trails. For a unique experience, take a side trip north from Jaipur to Shekhawati, a region famous for its ornate haveli mansions adorned with stunning murals and frescoes. This lesser-known destination offers a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich heritage and artistic grandeur, making it a must-visit for those seeking offbeat travel experiences.
4. Hampi and the Hoysalas
It’s the ultimate road trip for exploring magnificent temples!
Mysuru–Gokarna: Distance: 1,060 km (659 miles) | Recommended Duration: 10 Days
For many travelers, exploring the ancient ruins of the Vijayanagar kingdom in Hampi is a major highlight of their trip to India. Begin your journey in Mysuru (formerly Mysore), renowned for its vibrant markets, flavorful cuisine, and the grand Mysore Palace.
Head north along scenic backroads to Shravanabelagola, home to the awe-inspiring 17-meter (56-foot) statue of Gomateshwara, the first Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism.
Karnataka is a land of magnificent temples. Drive through Hassan to Belur and Halebid, where the Hoysala Empire’s temples display some of the finest Hindu temple architecture. From there, take a three-hour drive east to Bengaluru, Karnataka’s capital, celebrated for its cosmopolitan dining, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy the city’s modern comforts before continuing to Hosapete, the gateway to Hampi’s legendary ruins.
Upon reaching Hampi’s ancient bazaar, set aside at least two days to explore the collapsed temples, historical structures, and the surreal landscape of granite boulders. For more breathtaking temple architecture, take the scenic backroads to Badami, where you’ll discover magnificent cave temples carved into striking red cliffs.
Detour: For a touch of variety, take a side trip to Aihole, famous for its ancient Chalukya ruins and rich architectural heritage. Finally, conclude your journey with a relaxing beach escape in Gokarna, a destination that beautifully blends its spiritual significance as a pilgrimage town with the tranquility of a serene coastal retreat.
5. Kolkata to Darjeeling
This is the ultimate road trip for breathtaking Himalayan views and exciting side treks along the way.
Kolkata–Yuksom: Distance: 1,060 km (659 miles) | Recommended Duration: 10 Days
East India is often overlooked by travelers heading north from Delhi, but the journey through West Bengal to the base of the towering 8,586-meter (28,169-foot) Mt. Khangchendzonga is nothing short of epic.
Start your adventure in bustling Kolkata, where you can explore ashrams, temples, and grand colonial-era buildings. Before heading to the hills, don’t miss a wildlife tour of the Sunderbans, home to the elusive Bengal tiger.
As you travel north, pass through peaceful countryside towns before reaching Shantiniketan, a renowned university town celebrated for its vibrant traditions in dance, theater, and poetry. Continuing your journey, you’ll arrive in Darjeeling, famous for its lush tea estates and charming heritage hotels, where you’ll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of the Himalayas.
For a closer experience of the snow-capped peaks, hike along the Singalila Ridge or obtain a permit to explore Sikkim’s high-altitude wonders near Mt. Khangchendzonga. A journey through Kalimpong, Gangtok, and Pelling offers awe-inspiring mountain views, perfect for any adventure seeker. For an unforgettable trekking experience, embark on a trek to Goecha La from Yuksom, where you can witness the majestic snow-covered summits up close.
Planning tip: To enter Sikkim, a Restricted Areas Permit is required. Fortunately, it’s easy to obtain in Kolkata, Siliguri, Darjeeling, or at the border crossings of Melli and Rangpo.
6. Mumbai to Goa
Ultimate Road Trip for Stunning Beaches
Mumbai–Palolem: Distance: 650 km (404 miles) | Recommended Duration: 7 Days
Short trips in India don’t mean missing out on adventure! Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Mumbai, then take NH66 south, making stops along the coastal route to explore historic forts like Murud-Janjira, a striking reminder of the region’s maritime past. Unwind in the tranquil seaside towns of Ganpatipule and Malvan before reaching the lively beaches of Goa.
Upon arriving in northern Goa, explore the bustling Anjuna market and soak up the energy at the Baga and Calangute beaches. Then, head to Panaji, Goa’s charming Portuguese-colonial capital, and visit the historic churches of Old Goa.
As you travel south, the vibe shifts in Agonda, a laid-back town at the heart of Goa’s emerging surfing scene. Journey further inland through lush green hills, passing fragrant spice farms, until you reach the breathtaking Dudhsagar Falls, India’s second-highest waterfall. Wrap up your adventure at the picturesque Palolem Beach, and don’t miss a bird-watching hike at the nearby Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
7. A drive through the northeast
The Ultimate Road Trip for Immersive Tribal Encounters
Guwahati–Guwahati: Distance 1,700 km (1,056 miles) | Recommended Duration: 14 Days
With a rented 4WD and a local driver fluent in regional languages, embark on an unforgettable journey through the rich cultural landscapes of Northeast India.
Start in Guwahati, the often-overlooked capital of Assam, and follow the majestic Brahmaputra River to Kaziranga National Park, where you’ll witness up-close encounters with the iconic one-horned Indian rhinos.
Next, venture north to Arunachal Pradesh to explore the stunning Buddhist monasteries nestled in the serene Tawang Valley. Ensure your permits are arranged through local travel agencies for a hassle-free experience.
Continue your adventure with a visit to the tribal communities of Ziro and Daporijo, then loop back through Upper Assam before heading east to the fascinating Konyak Naga villages in Mon, Nagaland. From there, travel to Kohima, and if visiting in December, don’t miss the vibrant Hornbill Festival, a spectacular showcase of Naga heritage.
Ascend to the high plateau of Meghalaya, where you’ll find centuries-old living root bridges and local markets selling bows and arrows as everyday tools. Finally, descend from Shillong to Guwahati, completing a truly immersive and adventurous road trip.
Planning tip: A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required to enter Arunachal Pradesh, and in certain regions, travelers must be in a group of at least two. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s best to contact travel agencies in Guwahati in advance to assist with the necessary paperwork and permits.
Conclusion
These 7 incredible road trips offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse landscapes, cultures, and history that make India truly captivating. From the majestic mountains of the north to the tranquil beaches of the south, each journey presents a unique adventure, showcasing the country’s breathtaking beauty and rich heritage.
Whether you’re exploring the golden deserts of Rajasthan, cruising through the serene backwaters of Kerala, or wandering amidst the lush tea estates of Darjeeling, these road trips promise unforgettable experiences and a deeper connection to the soul of India.
