“Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” – Ray Bradbury
What is your idea of a road trip? To dive into the unknown, follow a map, seek the thrill and soak up a culture of a completely new place. No matter what you seek, India awaits you with open arms. From the extreme adventure on the Himalayan terrain to a blissful drive along the East Coast Road, the are incredible roads trips around India are waiting to be ticked off your bucket list.
Here are some handpicked road trips around India for you. Explore. Every journey is a wonder!
1. Manali – Kaza – Recong Peo – Chitkul – Shimla
Explore the Himalayan desert and watch the magic unfold as you move ahead from the Lahaul-Spiti district to Kinnaur. Start the journey from Manali and stop over at Chandratal, Key, Kibber, Dhankar and Recong Peo. Take a detour and visit Chitkul, the last village on the Indo-Tibetan Border. The journey promises to be a soul-stirring chapter in your life.
2. Kolkata – Darjeeling – Gangtok – Zuluk – Alipurduar – Tawang
Explore the hidden Eastern borders of India. Begin this thrilling journey from Kolkata and reach Darjeeling, the gateway to the North East. Drive along the rolling greens and winding Zuluk loops and explore Tawang, the unexplored haven for thrill-seekers.
3. Srinagar – Kargil – Leh-Khardung La – Nubra Valley – Leh – Pangong Tso - Leh - Tanglang La- Manali
The Srinagar- Manali-Leh circuit in the stunning northernmost part of the Indian Himalayas has recently become a favourite for motorcyclists and road trip enthusiasts. Till recent times, this part of the country was a long forgotten secret but nothing escapes the curious eyes of hungry travellers. On this route, we now see bikers riding towards their mecca in the distant unknown following the army trucks.
4. Chennai – Kalpakkam – Chidambaram – Ramanathapuram – Thoothukudi
The Great East Coast Road along the Bay of Bengal, also known as the State Highway 49 said to be one of the most scenic routes in India. The blissful 690kms give a pure wind-in-your-face delight to the bikers who get lost in the enthralling views constantly unfolding before them in this journey.
5. Delhi – Ajmer – Pushkar – Jaipur – Delhi
For skilled riders this route is like a breeze. You can divide the route into three major stretches- Delhi to Behror, Behror- Jaipur Bypass and Jaipur Bypass to Pushkar. The last stretch known as the GKV expressway is one of the most scenic drives around India, drawing numerous travellers to Pushkar every year
6. Mumbai – Baroda – Diu – Somnath – Gir – Greater Rann Of Kutch
Explore the westernmost state of India, Gujarat, a state that promises a historically enriching experience to all its visitors. Stop over at Baroda, for an easy journey ahead. On this road trip from Mumbai to the Greater Rann of Kutch you will be enthralled by scenic routes along Gir, taking you to magical sight of the vast salt marsh.
7. Bangalore – Mysore – Alleppey – Munnar – Thekkady
Take a road trip to explore God's own country. Romance the road from Bangalore to Thekkady via Mysore, Guruvayur and Alleppey. Rightly called the 'Venice of the East', Alleppey is a world of floating scenic hamlets you'll cross on your way. At Thekaddady, explore the Periyar National Park to give a grand finale to your journey.
8. Aurangabad – Indore – Bhopal – Sagar – Khajuraho
Cross the Tropic of Cancer and take this journey into the heart of India. Explore the largest state of India and the enthralling cultural secrets of Madhya Pradesh. Aurangabad would be the last Maharashtrian town you would leave behind before you hit the Bhopal-Sagar-Khajuraho Road. What awaits you at Khajuraho is a dream discovery for any traveller.
9. Sonamarg – Zojila Pass – Dras – Tiger Hill – Kargil
The route is only accessible during summers and as you ride through the dreadful curves of Zojila Pass, you would know you have chosen an extreme adventure for yourself. Dras being one of the coldest inhabited place in the world would definitely be a test. Despite the harsh weather conditions, you would finally find yourself waving at the passing Indian Army trucks by the end of this journey.
10. Guwahati – Nameri – Ziro – Majuli – Sivasagar – Kaziranga – Shillong – Cherrapunjee – Guwahati
If you're curious about the untouched beauty of the northeast, take a plunge into the land of nature's perfection. Find yourself swaying to the music from the northeast all along the way. Bask in the sun at the magical rolling greens of Ziro, find the island of Majuli floating on a river and get lost in the wonders of Nature waiting in the eastern corner of India.
People don't take trips, trips take people.
Let the journey choose you and take a plunge into the winding roads around India taking you on a dream. If you have created a travel story following a road map, share the story with us.