India is a vast and diverse country, with a rich culture, history, and natural beauty. One of the best ways to experience the different facets of India is by taking a road trip, which allows you to explore the country at your own pace, enjoy the scenery, and discover new places.
Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, nature, or history, there is a road trip for you. In this blog, I will share some of the best road trips in India, along with some tips on how to plan and enjoy them.
Mumbai to Goa - The Coastal Route
One of the most popular road trips in India is the coastal route from Mumbai to Goa, which covers about 590 km along the Arabian Sea.
This road trip offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with stunning views of the beaches, the forts, and the villages. You can visit some of the famous places along the way, such as Alibaug, Murud, Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri, Malvan, and Tarkarli.
You can also indulge in some water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing, or relax in some of the best resorts and homestays.
Mumbai to Goa is best driven in a car or a bike, and you can complete it in two to four days, depending on how many stops you make.
Manali to Leh - The Himalayan Route
Another amazing road trip in India is the Himalayan route from Manali to Leh, which stretches for about 479 km across the mighty mountains. This road trip is a challenge for the adventurous, as it involves crossing some of the highest passes in the world, such as Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachung La, and Tanglang La.
The road is open for about five months a year, mostly during summers and mid-October. The road trip offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks, the valleys, and the lakes, as well as access to some of the most remote and beautiful places in India, such as Keylong, Jispa, Sarchu, Pang, and Upshi.
Manali to Leh is best driven in a bike or a 4x4 vehicle, and you can complete it in two days, with one stopover for rest and acclimatization.
Chennai to Pondicherry - The East Coast Road
If you are looking for a road trip that takes you along the east coast of India, the road trip from Chennai to Pondicherry is the one for you.
This road trip covers about 158 km along the Bay of Bengal, offering scenic views of the sea, the palm trees, and the fishing villages.
You can also visit some of the attractions along the way, such as Mahabalipuram, Crocodile Bank, Muttukadu, Auroville, and Serenity Beach. Chennai to Pondicherry is best driven in a car or a bike, and you can complete it in three to four hours, or extend it to explore more of the coastal region.
Tips for planning and enjoying a road trip in India
Do your research before you go. Find out the best time to visit, the weather conditions, the road conditions, the driving rules, the safety tips, and the attractions along the way.
Plan your route and your stops.
Use a map or a GPS to plot your route and decide where you want to stop for sightseeing, food, fuel, and accommodation. You can also use apps or websites to find the best deals, reviews, and recommendations.
Pack your essentials. Make sure you have everything you need for your road trip, such as your documents, your money, your phone, your charger, your camera, your snacks, your drinks, your clothes, your toiletries, your first aid kit, and your emergency kit.
Enjoy the journey. Don’t rush or stress yourself out. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, listen to music, talk to your companions, meet new people, try new things, and have fun.
