POPULAR ROAD TRIPS ACROSS INDIA

Road trips have always been the favorites among all other modes of travel among the travelers since ages. Specially, for those who love to cherish the journey and experience more than the destinations. Nothing can beat the indomitable adrenalin rush of biking along the curves of Khardungla pass or cycling up the terrains of the Gnathula or driving your favorite car through the land of Rajputs…Rajasthan.

Some of the most popular road trips in India are:

Leh-Ladakh from Srinagar ( 418 Km )
Shimla to Manali ( 245.7 km )
Jaipur to Jaisamer ( 569 km )
Mumbai to Goa ( 595 Km )
Simla – Kalpa – Kaza – Manali ( 800 km )
Chennai to Munnar ( 600 km )
Kolkata to Varanasi ( 682 km )

Post-covid travel would expect to see more and more people opting for road trips compared to other modes of traveling where ever possible.

Leh-Ladakh from Srinagar (418 Km)

One of the most popular among the road trips in India is the beautiful –dangerous mountain drive to Ladakh. Bikers, motorists and even cyclists from all over the world are fascinated and attracted by the charm and the thrill of this journey that passes through the “heaven on-earth” Kashmir valley, the highest motorable road on the earth- Khardungla Pass at 17,600 feet , the mysterious kargil valley, the dangerous Zozila pass etc. Also, for various reasons, like health difficulties, tougher terrains, permit issues etc most travelers as well tour operators have preferred Srinangar –Leh road trips compared to alternative Manali route, since ages. The route is operational usually from June to September. Alternatively, many also prefer Manali-Leh highway ( 480 km) to reach the heaven called Leh. This route passes through Rohtang Pass (13,050 feet), Baralacha Pass (16,020 feet), Lachlungla Pass (16,620 feet) and Tanglangla (17,480 feet) etc.

Shimla to Manali ( 245.7 km )

It is said commonly that whether you are trekker , a hardcore nature photographer , solo traveler or love relaxing vacation with family Manali has something for everyone. Shimla to Manali road trips are thus, one of the most popular and frequently visited by all kind of travelers. The pleasure of driving down the mountain roads surrounded by deodars and by the banks of river Beas make every travelers come back again and again. There are many operators both state government and private, operating road trip facilities for this route.

Jaipur to Jaisamer ( 569 km )

The land of ‘Sonar Kella’ attracts visitors from all over the world . The driving from Jaipur to Jaisalmer is a heaven for the people who are passionate about long drive . One of the best highways in the country is also popular because of very less traffic and landscapes which is very unique and a beauty of its own. Imagine a drive through Jaipur> Ajmer>Pushkar>Jodhpur> Jaisalmer, one will literally experience both the sides of land of Kings…the ancient religious glory as well as the Forts of Rajasthan.

Mumbai to Goa ( 595 Km )

Many travelers often say a road trip is the best form of exercise for your brain and soul. And when it comes to road trips the most common names that come to any list is Mumbai to Goa, thanks to nostalgia and romanticism associated with the experience. The four lanes high speed highway via NH4 is the most popular option among travelers. The green surrounding and pleasant weather condition almost throughout the year make the drive always special. The smooth drive is also known as ‘very safe’ in case you are travelling with family. There are number of excellent stop overs that include lakes, forts, temples and even a wildlife sanctuary. Also, a number of road side dhabas and restaurants would offer a memory of gastronomical delight. The approximate travel time is 10 hours without major breaks.

Chennai to Munnar ( 600 km ) :

Munnar is the one of the most sought after destinations for travelers longing for a ideal vacation in the midst of green western Ghats of southern India. From forests teeming with exotic flora and fauna to plantations fragrant with spices, tea and paddy; from stunning mystic woods to villages and city vibrant with all the colours of life; and from marvelous temples offering a perfect example of Indian architecture to historical places that have stood the test of time and tide – the Chennai to Munnar road trip offers all these and many more things to do and explore.

The 600 km drive will have you passing by the heavenly landscape of green forest areas, water bodies, and small water falls . Imagine stopping your car in the middle of no where , sipping your favorite filter coffee listening to the sound of water in the nearby mountain, and you know what you have been missing so far! The distance can be covered in 11-12 hours .

Kolkata to Varanasi ( 682 km )

Ask any traveler in Kolkata and he/she will swear by the road trip from Kolkata to Varanasi. With every passing year the amazing highway is getting better and better, driving your car right up to the spiritual city of Varanasi is nothing less than a visual and spiritual experience in itself.

A true observer can easily find the unique topography of each state on the way from the lash green and kashful ( in spring season ) of Bengal , rustic countryside of Bihar-Jharkhand to the scent of river and sound of bells from the temples of Uttarpradesh. There are many great river crossings on this drive, but none was equal to the 3km crossing over the Sone river in Bihar’s Rohtas district over a bridge that has been standing since the 1960s. The 682 km journey from Kolkata to Varanasi follows this route: Kolkata-Durgapur-Dhanbad-Aurangabad-Sasaram-Varanasi.

Simla – Kalpa – Kaza – Manali ( 850)

High rocky hills kissing the sky, muddy water streams cutting furiously through the hills and small villages popping-up their beautiful face every now and then. Driving on those rough terrains through mighty Himalayas at days and looking at the innumerable stars at pitch dark nights will make some of the best experiences of your life and will leave you wondering about your tiny existence in this whole gamut of Universe. The beauty of these gigantic mountains, the immensity of the lands on which they look down, the simplicity of the people living there, all will work on your mind like a spell.

Journey to the Spiti Valley – a desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayan Mountains in north-east Himachal Pradesh, India, is one of the most beautiful drives in India. It isn’t a very smooth drive – bumpy roads, no petrol pumps for hundreds of kilometers, low oxygen levels due the high altitude – but it surely is worth all the effort. Quaint old monasteries, prayer flags fluttering in the wind and monks in their ochre robes, add to the mystic charm of Spiti. The scenic mountain villages perched on mountain crests, pristine rivers, the vast landscapes and harsh conditions are all a part of the package that constitute this adventurous Himalayan Journey. You must have a minimum week’s time to enjoy this road trip.