Road Trips in India is the best way to enjoy the astounding vistas and landscape of the country. With the pandemic in hand, road trips are the best and safest way to escape the monotony of working from home and satiate the adventurer in you. Whether you are going on a solo trip or a group trip with a couple of your friends or family, the scenic roads let you relax and break free from your everyday routine.
If you are looking for some off-beat rad road trips around the country here is a curated list of the best 10 off-beat road trips you can make irrespective of where you are residing at the moment.
Road Trips in North India
Delhi to Leh:
Let’s get the basic clear first. It cannot get better than this. This road trip is every adventure junky and bikers dream. The journey may be tedious and exhausting but the visual treat that you are provided with on every kilometre on this adventure will keep you wanting more. As you manoeuvre through the bumpy roads you are greeted with the majestic and astounding beauty of the Himalaya that is sure to leave you in awe. You are sure to cross various terrains and landscapes each of which is distinct, you can make a couple of stopovers to just take a break, relax, and appreciate one of the best landscapes in India.
- Distance: 1091kms
- Travel time: 25 hours
- National Highways: NH1, NH21
Best time to visit Leh: May – September
Jammu to Srinagar:
Although it is convenient to take an easy-peezy 30 minutes flight to the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir the arduous journey on the road is one of a lifetime experience. Apart from the snow-capped mountains and the picturesque beauty that will keep you company throughout the journey you will also get the chance to bump into many army officers and interact with the locals. The Jawahar Tunnel, which is 2.85 km long is a must-go when you take this journey. Keep in mind that you will be alleviating 4127 Feet above sea level and if that’s not thrilling then what is?
- Distance: 300kms
- Travel time: 7-8 hours
- National Highways: NH44 (formerly NH 1A)
- Best time to visit Srinagar: April – October
Chandigarh to Kasol:
The scenic and jaw-dropping hamlet of Kullu, Kasol is a much-loved destination among adventure junkies, trekkers, and nature lovers. Popularly called the Amsterdam of India, Kasol greets you with hippies and foreigners from around the globe who come to spend and explore this piece of paradise. The captivating route from Chandigarh to Kasol will keep you going. If you are up for more adventure you may also indulge in some adventure and try out the infamous Kheerganga Trek.
- Distance: 273kms
- Travel time: 8-9 hours
- National Highways: NH154
- Best time to visit Kasol: April – October
Road Trips in South India:
Hyderabad to Hampi:
From the City of Nizams to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hampi is an exciting, exhausting, but amazing experience. The home to the ruins of a rich past Hampi is a window to the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. Fondly called the backpackers delight Hampi is the destination that has something to offer to everyone. There are multiple routes from Hyderabad to Hampi, the most common being via Raichur.
- Distance: 385kms
- Travel time: 9-10 hours
- National Highways: NH167
- Best time to visit Hampi: October – February
Mangalore to Gokarna:
Everyone opts for Mangalore to Goa, why not choose the road not taken? Gokarna is a little beach town in Karnataka that will surprise you with its eerie charm and clean and beautiful beaches. It is indeed one of the best vacation options you can choose from. The drive includes the sound of waves, whining of the wind, and a lot of adventure.
- Distance: 365kms
- Travel time: 7-8 hours
- National Highways: NH66
- Best time to visit Goa: November – February
Bengaluru to Bandipur Forest:
There are a number of exciting road trips from this part of the country, a ride from Bangalore to Bandipur tops the list. Roads covered in the green canopy, cruise through the silence and serenity. Bandipur Reserve Forest is absolute bliss and if you are lucky you may spot a deer or two.
- Distance: 213kms
- Travel time: 4-5 hours
- Best time to visit Bandipur: December – February
Road Trips in Other Parts of India
Shillong to Cherrapunji:
Road trips from this unexplored paradise are the most beautiful you’d experience. Covered with scintillating views this short stretch gives you the chance to experience drizzle, misty clouds, caves, and beautiful waterfalls.
- Distance: 55kms
- Travel time: 1-2 hours
- Best time to visit Cherrapunji: October – February
Darjeeling to Pelling:
A refreshing road trip through the aromatic tea garden from Darjeeling to Pelling. It is a must go for any adventure junky, although the roads may take a toll on you the picturesque roads, the serendipity and snow-clad mountains will surely help you divert the strain and enjoy the scenic beauty of the route.
- Distance: 73kms
- Travel time: 2-3 hours
- National Highways: NA
- Best time to visit Pelling: March – June
Kolkata to Digha:
The road from Kolkata to Digha is perfect for revving your engines and a smooth ride. The best part of this route is you get to gorge on the local delicacies on the way and Viola! End up in a beautiful beach town.
- Distance: 183kms
- Travel time: 3-4 hours
- National Highways: NH 16 NH 116B
- Best time to visit Digha: October – February
Jaipur to Jaisalmer:
Experience a ride through the desert land from Jaipur to Jaisalmer. Embark on a journey from the Pink City to the Golden City and experience abundant sand dunes and explore the tradition and culture of Rajasthan up close. Occasionally a camel or two may also join you.
- Distance: 555kms
- Travel time: 9-10 hours
- National Highways: NH 15
- Best time to visit Jaisalmer: November – March
Here is our curated list of the Top 10 offbeat road trips in India. Take on a bike and explore the scenic road routes of the country. Do comment below if you have embarked on any of these journeys.
