Get ready for unforgettable road trips in India! Drive through the most stunning landscapes and must-visit routes in different parts of the country.
There is something special about exploring through cities and lights across the country, as each place has its own vibrant culture, and while travelling somehow, we become a part of those. Indian author Anita Desai said, “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.”
Wherever you travel to becomes a part of you, becomes a part of your experience. Travelling through India is like walking through a garden when it is in full bloom, with varieties of flowers with their vibrant colours and their scent, as every state has its own unique culture.
Hence, if you are looking to explore India for its culture and colours, but wondering where to begin? Here are some unforgettable road trips to take in your car that will blow your mind with the wind on your face.
Chennai to Kanyakumari via Pondicherry and Rameshwaram
Distance: 700+ KM
You must have watched many movies featuring Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. But have you wondered how it feels to feel that coastal wind on your face? Then, now would be the time to explore that feeling! Embarking on a journey from Chennai to Kanyakumari via Pondicherry and Rameshwaram is a unique blend of a scenic coastal drive and an authentic South Indian breakfast.
Definitely Stop Here Along the Way:
- Mahabalipuram: The architectural prowess of the Pallava dynasty.
- Pondicherry: Colonial architecture, French colony, and the renowned Auroville community.
- Pichavaram Mangrove Forest: One of the largest mangrove forests in India
- Rameshwaram: The iconic Pamban bridge and the Ramanathaswamy temple.
- Kanyakumari: Known place for the best sunrise in a coastal region. Kanyakumari is where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean converge.
Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar
Distance: Approx. 230 KM
If you want to feel like Ranbir Kapoor in Wake-Up Sid, embrace the beauty of Mumbai! You should definitely opt for a road trip from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar with a touch of scenery, culture, and cuisine. But when you leave the urban coastal land behind, you will fall in love with the route that unfolds itself into vibrant greenery.
Definitely Stop Here Along the Way:
- Lonavala and Khandala: These twins are renowned for their misty valleys, historic caves, and, of course, their famous chikki.
- Panchgani: Strawberry farms and Table Land Plateau offer everything you are looking for.
- Wai: The charming home to ancient temples on the banks of the Krishna River.
- Mapro Garden: Must have strawberry-based products.
Delhi to Rishikesh
Distance: 240 KM
Delhi is always the heart of the country, which offers a blend of cultural experiences. It is not just a city; Delhi is an emotion. There are a lot of diverse experiences waiting to be told here. A road trip from Delhi to Rishikesh might just be the experience you need right now.
Definitely Stop Here Along the Way:
- Haridwar: Har Ki Pauri Ghat – Mesmerising Ganga Aarti & The Mansa Devi Temple – Mesmerising top hill view of the city and river.
- Roorkee: Home to Solani Aqueduct and Reservoir. Take a break!
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, enhance your spiritual experience.
Jaipur to Ranthambore
Distance: 154 KM
This is like flipping through the vintage collections of Bollywood storyboards from the Pink City to the heart of Rajasthan, Ranthambore. Here, you might feel like you are in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali world. Wind in your hair, retro, chai, and your golden hour. Definitely cinematic!
Definitely Stop Here Along the Way:
- Hawa Mahal: The Palace of Winds, an iconic five-storey palace adorned with 953 small windows.
- Chand Baori, Abhaneri: The Architecture of an Ancient Stepwell.
- Jaigarh Fort: With a view of 500 feet above sea level
- Ranthambore National Park: The wildlife and tiger reserve.
Bangalore to Coorg
Distance: 275 KM
It is a journey that unfolds green. You leave behind the buzz of the city and lead to the path of greenery, where the wind grows cooler and the trees taller. This is where you put your phones down and pick your soul up with the breeze that carries the scent of rain, eucalyptus, and cardamom.
Definitely Stop Here Along the Way:
- Dubare Elephant Camp: There is your rare chance to interact with elephants.
- Namdroling Monastery: One of the stunningly beautiful and largest Tibetan settlements in India.
- Nisargadhama Forest Park: A tranquil island surrounded by the Cauvery River for a perfect peaceful break.
- Ramanagara Hills: Sholay was shot here! Filmy aesthetics!
And here it is, from the breezy groves with South Indian breakfast to the beauty of the North, every turn will have a new story, and every stop will be remembered. There is something about long drives, chai breaks, dinner at dhabas, a road trip playlist, and watching the scenery like watching a movie. India isn’t just any road trip destination; it is something that you feel through your windscreen. It is time to pack your bags because somewhere between the plains and the peaks, you just might find a little more of yourself.
Route images credits: Google Maps