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7 incredible road trips that showcase the beauty of India

Whether you’ve hired a car and driver or are exploring on your motorcycle, traveling across India’s diverse roads…
7 Incredible Road Trips That Showcase The Beauty Of India

Whether you’ve hired a car and driver or are exploring on your motorcycle, traveling across India’s diverse roads and landscapes offers an unforgettable experience of this vibrant country.

Traveling from A to B will immerse you in the sights and sounds of the world’s most colorful country. While buses and trains are popular travel options, a road trip offers the freedom to set your schedule and stop wherever you want to explore further.

The good news is you don’t have to handle the traffic yourself. It’s easy to hire a car or 4WD with a driver almost everywhere in India, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while your driver manages the challenging road conditions.

If you prefer to drive yourself, renting a motorcycle is a great way to explore the subcontinent, especially if you stick to the backroads. Self-drive car rentals are harder to find, but some adventurous travelers bring their vehicles, and a few have even navigated India in a modified autorickshaw!

Get ready for an adventure with our selection of the best road trips in India.


1. India’s Golden Triangle 

7 Incredible Road Trips That Showcase The Beauty Of India

Best road trip for Mughal monuments

Delhi–Delhi; 1120km (696 miles); allow five days

Short and sweet, the loop from Delhi to Agra and Jaipur offers many wonders in just a few days of driving. Your adventure starts in Delhi, where the ruins of eight cities reveal the history of India’s great Islamic empires. Explore highlights like the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, the Jama Masjid, and the bustling bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which have remained largely unchanged since Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s era.

With a chartered vehicle or rented motorcycle, you can easily visit the sacred cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna is said to have played with milkmaids in Hindu epics. After these serene stops, prepare for a blend of the stressful and sublime in Agra, where the majestic Taj Mahal truly lives up to its fame.

Discover more Mughal grandeur near Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city established and later abandoned by Emperor Akbar the Great. As you drive along NH21 to Jaipur, be prepared to share each fort, palace, and mystical observatory with crowds. Consider taking a few detours before you reach the Pink City’s palaces and bazaars.

Detour: Before heading west from Fatehpur Sikri to Jaipur, consider a detour south to Gwalior, where the beautiful fort is less crowded than other stops. Before finishing the loop, add one more detour to Ranthambhore National Park to see tigers prowling the ruins, then return to urban life.


2. Manali to Ladakh across the Himalaya

7 Incredible Road Trips That Showcase The Beauty Of India

Best road trip for silence and serenity

Manali–Srinagar; 800km (497 miles); allow ten days

Many travelers take the mountain route from Manali to Ladakh and Kashmir in a chartered 4WD, but we recommend renting an Enfield Bullet motorcycle. This lets you enjoy the thrill of stopping by the roadside and experiencing the solitude of the high-altitude Himalayan deserts.

From the hippie hill resort of Manali, it’s a two-day journey over the 3,978-meter (13,051-foot) Rohtang La Pass to Leh through a landscape reminiscent of the Silk Road. The area has little vegetation and shade, and the cold and altitude can be intense. Once in Leh, recover with visits to Buddhist monasteries and yoga classes before continuing to Kashmir for a new perspective on the Himalayas.

The highway west to Srinagar passes through ancient villages, changing the landscape from dusty yellow to lush green. As you travel, the culture shifts from Buddhism to Islam, and the minarets of Srinagar come into view. Although the Kashmir valley can be troubled, when it’s peaceful, watching Dal Lake emerge through the morning mist from a houseboat is truly sublime.

Planning tip: Whether you drive yourself or have someone else behind the wheel, respecting the mountain climate is crucial. Snow can close the high passes into Ladakh during winter, making road travel typically possible only from June to late September or early October.


3. Rajasthan’s colored cities

7 Incredible Road Trips That Showcase The Beauty Of India

Best road trip for desert colors

Jaipur–Jaipur; 1630km (1012 miles); allow ten days

Driving through the deserts of Rajasthan is an incredible experience. Majestic fortresses rise dramatically from the landscape, and you’ll encounter camel carts and locals with colorful turbans and impressive mustaches on dusty roads. Start your journey in Jaipur, the Pink City, where you can explore pink sandstone palaces, lively bazaars, and the stunning Amber Fort.

Travel along NH48 to Ajmer, known for its Jain and Muslim pilgrimage sites, then head west to Pushkar. Pushkar is famous for its temple-surrounded lake and the legendary camel fair held in October or November. Return to NH48 for the drive to Udaipur, the White City, which elegantly sits on the shores of serene Lake Pichola. Enjoy the stunning white palaces, and then head west to the temple-filled hill station of Mount Abu.

Head north to Jodhpur, and you’ll see the city’s blue buildings, which give it the nickname “Blue City.” Visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, then drive west through rugged desert landscapes to Jaisalmer, where the sand-colored fortifications seem carved from the desert. Finish your loop in Bikaner, where you can escape the tourist crowds before returning to the bustle of Jaipur.

Detour: Having your transport lets you explore beyond the usual tourist spots in this popular state. Consider a side trip north from Jaipur to Shekhawati, known for its haveli mansions adorned with beautiful murals.


4. Hampi and the Hoysalas

7 Incredible Road Trips That Showcase The Beauty Of India

Best road trip for temples

Mysuru–Gokarna; 1060km (659 miles); allow ten days

For many travelers, exploring the ancient ruins of the Vijayanagar kingdom at Hampi is a highlight of their trip to India. Begin in Mysuru (formerly Mysore), known for its vibrant markets, spicy cuisine, and opulent palace. Head north on scenic backroads to Sravanabelagola, where you can see the impressive 17-meter (56-foot) statue of Gomateshvara, the first Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism.

Karnataka is filled with temples. Drive through Hassan to Belur and Halebid, where the temples of the Hoysala Empire showcase some of the finest Hindu temple architecture. A three-hour drive east will take you to Bengaluru, Karnataka’s capital, famous for its cosmopolitan dining, shopping, and nightlife. Enjoy the city’s comforts before driving to Hosapete, the gateway to the ancient ruins at Hampi.

Once you arrive in Hampi’s ancient bazaar, set aside at least two days to explore its collapsed temples and experience the centuries-old landscape of granite boulders. For more impressive temple architecture, take the backroads to Badami, where you’ll find cave temples carved into striking red cliffs.

Detour: To add variety, take a side trip to Aihole, known for its ancient Chalukya ruins. Then, wrap up your journey with a relaxing beach getaway in Gokarna, which combines a pilgrimage town with a serene beach retreat.


5. Kolkata to Darjeeling

7 Incredible Road Trips That Showcase The Beauty Of India

Best road trip for Himalayan views and side treks

Kolkata–Yuksom; 808km (502 miles); allow eight days

East India is often missed by those who travel north from Delhi, but the journey through West Bengal to the base of the 8,586-meter (28,169-foot) Mt. Khangchendzonga is truly epic. Begin in bustling Kolkata, exploring ashrams, temples, and impressive colonial-era buildings. Don’t miss a tour of the tiger-inhabited swamps of the Sunderbans before heading to the hills.

As you travel north, you’ll pass through quiet countryside towns before arriving at Shantiniketan, a university town known for its rich dance, theater, and poetry tradition. Continuing north, you’ll reach Darjeeling, famous for its lush green tea estates and charmingly old-fashioned grand hotels, where you’ll likely get your first breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

To experience the snow-capped peaks up close, hike along the Singalila Ridge or get a permit to explore the high-altitude region of Sikkim, near Mt Khangchendzonga. A journey through Kalimpong, Gangtok, and Pelling offers stunning views that excite any mountain lover. For a truly unforgettable adventure, trek to Goecha La from Yuksom, where you can get closer to the snow-covered summits.

Planning tip: To enter Sikkim, you’ll need a Restricted Areas Permit, which is easy to get in Kolkata, Siliguri, or Darjeeling or at the border crossings at Melli or Rangpo.


6. Mumbai to Goa 

7 Incredible Road Trips That Showcase The Beauty Of India

Best road trip for beaches

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

Short trips in India don’t mean missing out on excitement. Starting from the vibrant city of Mumbai, take NH66 and head south, making stops along the coast to discover intriguing forts like Murud-Janjira, a reminder of the region’s coastal history. Relax at the peaceful seaside towns of Ganpatipule and Malvan before reaching the lively beaches of Goa.

As you arrive in northern Goa, visit the popular market in Anjuna and the lively beach spots at Baga and Calangute. Then, head to Panaji, Goa’s quaint Portuguese-colonial capital, and explore the historic churches of Old Goa.

The atmosphere shifts as you travel south to the relaxed town of Agonda, the heart of Goa’s emerging surfing scene. It shifts again as you head inland through lush green hills, passing spice farms, to witness the breathtaking Dudhsagar Falls, India’s second-highest waterfall. End your journey at the picturesque beach of Palolem, and don’t forget to take a bird-watching hike at the nearby Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.


7. A drive through the northeast

7 Incredible Road Trips That Showcase The Beauty Of India

Best road trip for tribal encounters

Guwahati–Guwahati; 1700km (1056 miles); allow two weeks

With a rented 4WD and a driver who knows the local languages, you can embark on an exciting journey through the diverse cultures of the northeastern states of India. Begin in Guwahati, the often-overlooked capital of Assam, and travel along the majestic Brahmaputra River to Kaziranga National Park, where you can experience up-close encounters with the famous one-horned Indian rhinos.

Next, head north to Arunachal Pradesh and explore the breathtaking Buddhist monasteries in the Tawang Valley. Local travel agencies can help arrange the required permits for this scenic and spiritual journey.

Add a visit to the tribal communities of Ziro and Daporijo, then loop back through Upper Assam and continue east to the captivating Konyak Naga villages around Mon in northern Nagaland. Head to Kohima, and if you’re there in December, don’t miss the vibrant Hornbill Festival. Climb onto the high plateau of Meghalaya, where living tree bridges and markets selling bows and arrows as daily tools await. Finally, descend from Shillong to Guwahati to complete your journey.

Planning tip: You need a Protected Area Permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh, and in some areas, you may need to travel in a group of two or more. It’s a good idea to contact travel agencies in Guwahati beforehand to help arrange the necessary paperwork.


Conclusion

these 7 incredible road trips offer a glimpse into the diverse landscapes, cultures, and history that make India so captivating. From the majestic mountains of the north to the serene beaches of the south, each journey provides a unique experience, highlighting the country’s natural beauty and rich heritage. Whether you’re exploring the deserts of Rajasthan, the backwaters of Kerala, or the tea estates of Darjeeling, these road trips promise unforgettable adventures and a deeper connection to the heart of India.


FAQs

Q1: What is the best time to go on a road trip in India?

Ans: The best time depends on the region. The ideal months for Ladakh and the Himalayas are from June to September. Southern and coastal India is best visited between October and March to avoid the monsoon season. Rajasthan and central India are great for winter months (November to February).

Q2: Do I need special permits for certain road trips in India?

Ans: Yes, some regions require special permits. For instance, you need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). These can be arranged through local travel agencies or at border checkpoints.

Q3: Can I rent a car or motorcycle for road trips in India?

Ans: You can rent cars and motorcycles in most major cities. Self-drive cars are available in some areas, but hiring a vehicle with a driver is more common. Renting a Royal Enfield motorcycle is popular for mountain routes like Ladakh.

Q4: Is it safe to travel by road in India?

Ans: Road trips in India are generally safe, but conditions can vary. Stick to well-known routes, hire a local driver if possible, and be cautious on mountain roads or during the monsoon season when landslides are more common.

Q5: What should I pack for a road trip in India?

Ans: Essentials include valid identification, permits (if needed), a first-aid kit, snacks, water, comfortable clothing, and travel insurance. Warm layers and sun protection are necessary for mountain trips.

Q6: How long does it take to complete a road trip in India?

Ans: The length of a road trip depends on the route. Short trips, like Delhi-Agra-Jaipur (the Golden Triangle), take around 5-7 days, while longer trips like Manali to Ladakh or a complete Rajasthan tour can take 2 weeks or more.

Q7: Are there any tolls or fees on Indian highways?

Ans: Many highways have tolls, so it’s a good idea to carry cash. Some states also charge entry fees for vehicles at their borders.

Q8: Can I find accommodation easily on Indian road trips?

Ans: India has many accommodation options along popular road trip routes, from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. You may need to book in advance or opt for homestays in more remote areas.

Q9: Are road conditions in India suitable for long drives?

Ans: Road conditions in India can vary greatly. National highways are generally well-maintained, but roads in rural or mountainous areas can be rough. Planning your route and allowing extra time for slower travel in challenging terrains is essential.

Q10: What are the must-visit destinations on a road trip in India?

Ans: Some of the most incredible destinations include the Ladakh region, the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), Rajasthan’s forts and palaces, the tea estates of Darjeeling, and the coastal routes along Goa and Kerala.

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