Road trips in India are the best way to enjoy the landscape and the astounding vistas of the country while travelling from one city to another. Whether you are planning a solo trip on your bike or are travelling with your family in a car, long drives let you relax and break free from your routine. Although long-weekend getaways within your state are fun, they cannot beat the charm of inter-state road trips! If you love long drives and are ready to challenge yourself with some must-do and offbeat road trips, today we will discuss about best south and north road trips in India.
10. Chennai to Pondicherry
If you love to hit the roads and are looking for a smooth journey on the highways, Chennai to Pondicherry is the best road trip in south India. The drive through the East Coast Road offers you an incredible view of the beaches and the rows of coconut trees keep you cool. It’s an absolute delight for amateur tripper or full-fledged travel enthusiast!
Distance: 158 Kilometres.
National Highway: NH 34.
9. Bangalore to Bandipur Forest
Although there are a number of exciting and adventurous road trips in India, a drive from Bangalore to Bandipur Forest definitely tops the list. Cruising through the silent, serene and green canopy of Bandipur forest reserve from Bangalore is absolute bliss and if you are lucky, you might also spot a deer or two on the go!
Distance: 213 Kilometres.
8. Vishakapatnam to Arakku Valley
Vizag or Visakhapatnam to Arakku Valley is one of the best road trips in India ever! While the magical Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal in the city of Visakhapatnam adds a beautiful charm to it, the drive to Arakku Valley, a small village, home to the famous Borra Caves is even more enthralling. The curvy roads amid lush greenery, the gentle elevation to the hill and the serenity of the valley is something you must experience.
Distance: 116 Kilometres.
7. Mangalore to Gokarna Road Trip
Mangalore to Goa is one of the best road trips you can ever take. Travelling from one of the most beautiful cities in Karnataka to the best party place in India, it is indeed an amazing vacation option one can choose. Driving on the highway listening to your favourite music is completely blissful while travelling to Goa and is sure to set your mood up to enjoy the Goa nightlife.
Distance: 365 Kilometres.
National Highway: NH66.
6. Hyderabad to Hampi
The road trip from the city of Nizams, Hyderabad, to the UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi is an exciting, exhausting and amazing experience. Hampi is the land of massive temples and was once the capital of the Vijayanagara empire which eventually lost its grandeur and is now home to the ruins of the rich past. There are more than 100 locations to explore in Hampi, which is also fondly called a backpacker’s delight. There are several routes that you can take for Hyderabad to Hampi road trip, most common ones being via Raichur or via Kurnool.
Distance: 385 Kilometres.
National Highway: NH167.
5. Amritsar to Dharamshala
Amritsar to Dharamshala is not a frequently chosen route but the drive to the beautiful hill station is worth your while. Commencing your journey early morning from Amritsar gives you a chance to enjoy the beautiful roads up till Pathankot, the entry point to the Himachal. Then take the route via Nurpur, crossing Rait and finally ending your journey at Dharamshala. Although a short drive compared to other places, it is one of the most exciting road trips in north India.
Distance: 202 Kilometres.
National Highway: NH54 and NH20.
4. Chandigarh to Kasol Road Trip
A scenic hamlet in Kullu, Kasol is a much-loved destination among nature lovers, adventure junkies and trekkers. Popularly called the “Amsterdam of India”, Kasol is also famous with foreigners and hippies from Israel who spend months together trekking and exploring the place. The Chandigarh to Kasol route is captivating and you’d love every bit of it. You can also enjoy the bewitching beauty of Parvati Valley and try the infamous Kheerganga Trek.
Distance: 273 Kilometres.
National Highway: NH154.
3. Jammu to Srinagar
Although a convenient and quick option to reach the capital of Kashmir is a 30-minute flight journey, the arduous journey via road is something you must experience once in your lifetime. Apart from the picturesque beauty of the snow-capped mountains keeping you company, you will also get a chance to interact with locals and the Army personnel. Also, riding through the 2.85km-long Jawahar Tunnel is worth experiencing during your Jammu to Srinagar road trip. Imagine traveling at an altitude of 4127 feet!
Distance: 300 Kilometres.
National Highway: NH 44 (formerly NH 1A).
2. Delhi to Spiti Valley
Delhi to Spiti Valley is another beautiful road trip that you will never want to miss. One of the best places to visit in North India, Spiti Valley, like Leh-Ladakh, is a dream destination for many. You can reach Spiti in 2 ways – Either the Delhi-Shimla-Spiti route or Delhi-Manali-Spiti route. This cold desert mountain valley is the land between Tibet and India and is famous for its breathtaking vistas, gorgeous Dhankar and Chandrataal Lakes, mesmerizing monasteries – Key, Tabo, Lhalung, and serene villages nearby.
Distance: 730 Kilometres.
National Highway: NH 3.
1. Delhi to Leh Via Manali
Travelling from Delhi to Leh via Manali is every biker and adventure lover’s dream! The journey, although tedious and exhausting, gives you goosebumps while you manoeuvre through the bumpy roads of Leh-Ladakh. The astounding beauty of the Himalayan ranges at the backdrop and the exciting stopovers keep you company while you ride to one of the best places in India.
Distance: 1091 Kilometres.
National Highway: NH1, NH 21.
