Summer is here! And what better way to beat the scorching heat than hitting the open, scenic roads for that exhilarating road drive with your friends.
In India, a country well-known for its improbable geographical diversity, there is no dearth of such spectacular drives.
From fairytale greenery in the Western Ghats to otherworldly vistas of snowy Himalayan mountains, and untamed roads through the lush, forested Northeast to breathtaking coastal drives – depending on what you yearn to explore, there are ample of captivating road trips you can take with your loved ones.
Here, we’ve handpicked 5 of the country’s most incredible drives and regions to discover by car.
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Manali to Leh
Punctuated every mile by ‘another vista to marvel at’, this famous mountainous trip promises you unforgettable memories galore. While passing through spectacular Himalayan peaks, at an elevation above 4000 meters, you’re sure to be spellbound by the breathtaking beauty of snow-clad mountains, steep gorges, gushing rivers, and hill-top monasteries. Breathtaking twists and turns throughout the drive add a pinch of adventure to this otherwise a refreshing and rejuvenating drive. The total distance from Manali to Leh is around 480kms and is typically covered in two days.
Best Time: June–September
Pro-Tip 1: Manali to Leh makes for one of the strangest and adventurous drives in India. Roads are narrow, broken, and slippery at stretches. Don’t be overconfident while passing through such tricky sections. Drive slowly, and cautiously.
Guwahati to Tawang
This 316-mile trip through snow-clad mountains and dense greenery of Northeast India is likely to be unforgettable. It won’t be hard to see why this drive is often described as being straight out of a fairy tale. The jaunt might be a tad too tough, as the roads are broken at points. But the breathtaking beauty it unfolds at every turn makes it worth all the risks. Since the journey is long, you better carry along some extra supply of water and food. A stopover at Dirang in West Kameng gives you an opportunity to bask in the region’s rich Buddhist culture.
Best Time – For this exciting excursion, the best time is between March and October.
Pro-Tip 2: Off-road adventures are not for every vehicle. So pick the right vehicle considering driving conditions, the rough patches and anticipated glitches to be faced on the drive. Google the fuel availability on the route, and prepare accordingly.
Mumbai to Goa
Surely one of the most famous road trips in India, this 600kms long journey takes you through the soul-soothing natural beauty of the Western Ghats. It is a big hit with Mumbaikars seeking a refreshing weekend escape. The curvy roads go past the lush paddy fields, nut and coconut plantations, and greenery-clad hills, promising you wonderful memories. En route are many small fishing towns as well as big cities like Satara, Kolhapur, and Belgaum for your night halt. Those who love nature and wildlife can stop to explore exotic flora & fauna of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and Karnala Bird Sanctuary.
Best Time:
Pro-Tip 3: Always carry essentials and spare parts. The basic toolkit with Jack and Spanner, Spare Tire, Coolant and Engine Oil, and a puncture repair kit would be handy.
Chennai to Munnar
Let the gorgeous scenery in the God’s Own Country mesmerize you! Let your eyes feast on unforgettable views of green hills, dense forests, gushing streams and picturesque waterfalls. Undoubtedly, this 600kms jaunt offers some of the most dramatic sights a road tripper can expect. End of the drive is marked by the captivating sights of Munnar’s world-famous tea plantations.
Pro-Tip 4: Allow yourself extra time if you drive on popular highways. Queuing at a toll booth is not unusual, and it could be longer on weekends and public holidays.
Dehradun to Nainital (approx. 275kms)
Dehradun to Nainital is a journey for those enthralled by nature photography and adventures. Breathtaking mountainous views and soothing serenity abound the winding route, which passes through the Himalayan mountain range. Before you reach the heavenly realm of lakes and waterfalls in Nainital, don’t miss to explore the historical forts and monuments in Najibabad.
Pro-Tip 5:??
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