10 Best Road Trips in India

The best road trip destinations in the Himalayas have to be my favorite road trip in India. I remember tucking in a shawl in the car’s back seat at 4 am, heading from Chandrataal towards Delhi in -7C temperatures.

Trust me: there is no better way to explore this land of vibrant culture, delicious food, rich culture, and welcoming people than by hitting the road. Fasten your seat belts and start planning for these unmissable best road trip destinations in India road trips.

1. Golden Triangle Circuit-

Starting from Delhi – the national capital and home to some of the best road trip destinations. India’s most mouthwatering food – the first leg of the trip takes you to a bona fide icon: the Taj Mahal at Agra. Then turn and drive west towards Jaipur to witness the golden deserts and unique culture of Rajasthan. The final side of the triangle is the road back to Delhi: leave time for a luxurious stop-off amid the royal surroundings of Neemrana Fort Palace.

• Distance: 447 miles

2. Rajasthan Circuit-

From a desert safari under the moonlight to a puppet show performed to Rajasthani folk music, there’s a tonne to experience on this best road trip destinations circuit touching the four major cities of the state: Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.

• Distance: 1,087 miles

3. Shimla to Spiti Valley-

If you are a mountain child or a fan of off-roading, you cannot miss out on the best road trip destinations on the drive from Shimla to Spiti. The trip takes you along the bumpy yet beautiful dirt roads of Himachal Pradesh, surrounded by apple-laden trees. Keep your camera app open to capture the snow-capped peaks, blue skies, and crystal-clear rivers.

• Distance: 263 miles

4. Guwahati to Tawang-

Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, the northeastern part of India is still an underrated gem. From lush green valleys to the serenity of Buddhist monasteries, the best road trip destinations are the perfect choice to unwind and escape the crowd. It’s also a chance to witness the Indigenous cultures of tribes such as the Monpa, Takpa, Karbi, and Miri, including traditional local festivals and dance forms like Bihu.

• Distance: 318 miles

5. Mumbai to Goa-

Famous for being featured in one of the best Bollywood movies, ’Dil Chahta Hai’, this road trip takes you along India’s beautiful west coast. The roads from Mumbai to Goa are super-smooth and surrounded by tall, lush palm trees. There are frequent beaches to stop for sunbathing, and plenty of incredible local food in the small villages and towns along the Konkan coast.

• Distance: 365 miles

6. Chennai to Pondicherry-

India has its very own French town: Pondicherry. If you are in the southern part of the country, do not miss out on the road trip there from Chennai.

• Distance: 93 miles

7. Ahmedabad to Kutch-

This road trip is all about meeting people: the friendly locals of Ahmedabad, the skilled artisans in the villages of Kutch, and the nomadic tribes roaming the desert. 

• Distance: 248m

8. Mysore to Hampi-

Drive through the heart of Karnataka state and soak up the rich culture and history along your way. The road runs by a plethora of ancient heritage and architectural marvels: Chitradurga Fort,
Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, Dariya Daulat Palace… Give in to the cliché of posing for selfies: your future self will thank you for the memories.

• Distance: 265 miles

9. Bengaluru to Ooty-

. The route will best road trip destinations take you through the lush green Western Ghats, where you can slurp some tea fresh out of the plantation. Leave time to admire the enormous and beautiful waterfalls of Chunchi and Shivanasamudra.

• Distance: 168 miles

10. Chennai to Munnar-

Sprawling across a wide area, the tea plantations on the route out of Chennai will leave you awestruck. The route takes you through wildlife sanctuaries and serene backwaters: you might be caught off-guard by the diverse range of flora and fauna in this region. From scenic surroundings to cultural diversity, this drive has something in store no matter what you’re looking for in a road trip.

• Distance: 395 miles