5 Must Take Self-Drive Road Trip Routes in India

Is there anything more refreshing and thrilling than hitting the road with your family or a bunch of friends? A road trip to unexplored places or major tourist destinations is the best way to take a much-needed break from the bustling cities. In a country like ours, a road trip will lead you to hidden places, diverse cultures, and help you explore cuisine; making it a once in a lifetime experience. So, get ready with your bags, fuel up your tank, turn the volume up to your favourite music, and get going to enjoy the shortest or the longest road trip in India.

Here are the 5 best road trips that should be on everyone’s bucket list. But before you hit the road, make sure to get a credit card with fuel benefits, which will help you earn a cashback every time you refuel your vehicle during the trip.

Mumbai to Goa - An Exquisite Journey

Goa is undoubtedly a traveller’s paradise. But what’s more exhilarating is the road trip from Mumbai to Goa. With scenic views, cool gushes of wind, and dozens of local eateries, Mumbai to Goa is a beautiful stretch that will allure your senses. Mumbai to Goa is one of the best road trips in India, taking approximately 10-12 hours.

There are several routes to Goa from Mumbai, offering different things to explore and enjoy on your way. Pune-Kolhapur route via NH48 is among the best roads to drive in India, with wide roads and multi-lane highways. It will take nearly 11 hours to reach your destination if you drive down. We recommend taking stops in between to explore some historic sites, including Kolhapur’s Panhala Fort and Shaniwarwada in Pune.

Another route that is preferred by many is the Mumbai-Chiplun-Sawantwadi Route. Start your holiday even before entering Goa by driving through the lush green ghats and scenic natural beauty. The mesmerising views of Ganpatipule beach and Sindhudurg fort will capture your heart at once. Don’t forget to binge on some delectable local cuisine and seafood to relish your taste buds.

Distance between Mumbai and Goa - 590 Km

Manali to Leh - Beauty at its best!

Finding the state with best roads in India? Your search ends here. The captivating beauty of the snow-clad mountains and pristine weather from Manali to Leh is truly unmatched. The 474 km long route is certainly the most beautiful highway in India. This highway, beginning from Manali, is open from June 1st and officially closes on September 15th. The magical journey will make your heart skip a beat. The adrenaline rush of driving between the towering mountains will keep you longing to come back. For this reason, Manali to Leh is an epicentre for bikers and adventure enthusiasts.

The journey on this India road trip might take 15 hours or more, with one or two stopovers in between. You can witness the charm of Rohtang Pass, Pangi, and Lahaul Spiti. With so much to experience and explore, the Manali-Leh highway is a must-visit highway of India. If you are looking for stunning long drive places in India, the route between Manali to Leh can be your choice.

Distance between Manali and Leh - 474 Km

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Guwahati to Tawang - An Expedition to Remember

Offering a perfect blend of adventure and magical views, the route between Guwahati to Tawang is one of the most beautiful roads in India. If you wish to relish the northeast’s beauty in its full glory, the Guwahati to Tawang highway provides an unwinding experience, but the total distance is around 510 km that can be a bit tiring. So, you will have to stopover for a night or two, but trust us, your experience will be even more exciting.

Please note that tourists have to obtain the Inner Line Permit to enter the state of Arunachal Pradesh. So, whether you want to enjoy the enchanting scenery on the way or visit the lesser-known tourist places, a road trip from Guwahati to Tawang will mesmerise you to the core.

Distance between Guwahati to Tawang - 510 km

Chennai to Yelagiri - A Trip to the Hidden Gem

With several sunset points and lush-green parks to pristine lakes, Yelagiri is an untouched paradise like no other. Though it is a lesser-known hill station, what makes it exciting is its scenic route from Chennai. Your search for a charming road trip in India ends at the Chennai-Yelagiri route. The road between the places is one of the most thrilling ones taking over 5 hours to cover the distance.

There are two popular routes, including the Chennai-Vellore-Yelagiri and the Chennai-Kanchipuram-Yelagir highways. If you take the first route, you will reach Vellore, one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the state. Here, you can stopover to explore the Vellore Fort, Jalakandeswarar Temple, Clock Tower and the Pearl Palace.

Finally, after reaching your destination, you can visit the various natural and man-made tourist spots scattered all around the area. A weekend in Yelagiri is a memorable experience.

Distance between Chennai and Yelagiri - 226 km

Delhi to Lansdowne - Less Commercialised, More Captivating

One of the most fascinating hill stations in North India, Lansdowne is a must-visit destination. But what’s more delightful is the road trip from Delhi to Lansdowne. Surrounded by majestic mountains and scenic valleys, this route is a sight to behold. After all, Delhi is the state with the best roads in India, leading to several hill stations. The journey takes around 5-6 hours and the roads are laden with verdant landscapes coupled with pleasant weather conditions. The route is lined with several restaurants and local tea stalls where you can enjoy a refreshing sip of tea and a sizzling bowl of Maggi to keep you going!

Once you reach your destination, you can visit various tourist attractions, including churches, museums, and serene parks. A holiday in Lansdowne will refresh your mind and body for sure.

Distance between Delhi and Lansdowne - 245 km

No matter where you are heading for your self-drive road trip, make sure to visit the attractions on the route while immersing in the scenic views and natural beauty. Don’t wait any further, and plan a memorable trip that will rejuvenate your senses.

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