India offers road trips unlike anywhere else in the world. Snow-covered passes, endless coastlines, royal deserts, dense forests, and cultural heartlands all connect through highways that turn journeys into unforgettable experiences. If you are searching for the best road trip in India, this curated list of 30 iconic routes covers every travel style and region.
30 Best Road Trips in India With Detailed Insights
1. Manali to Leh Highway
Distance is around 470 km and the journey crosses some of the world’s highest motorable passes. Highlights include Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, and Pangong Lake detours. Road conditions are challenging with rough patches. Best for experienced drivers and bikers. Ideal time is June to September.
2. Srinagar to Leh
This 420 km route offers smoother acclimatisation compared to Manali-Leh. Travellers experience lush valleys, monasteries, and lakes like Sonamarg and Lamayuru. Roads are generally better. Suitable for families and first-time Ladakh travellers. Best time is June to September.
3. Manali to Spiti Valley
Approximately 200 km of raw Himalayan terrain. Known for dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries, and river crossings. Roads are narrow and rough. Best suited for adventure seekers. Ideal time is June to October.
4. Delhi to Leh
A long-distance journey of nearly 1,000 km covering plains, hills, and high-altitude deserts. Requires multiple days and careful planning. Best for long-haul road trip enthusiasts. Travel window is June to September.
5. Mumbai to Goa
Around 590 km of scenic Western Ghats and coastal beauty. Popular routes include NH66 and NH48. Roads are smooth with scenic detours. Perfect for beginners and leisure travellers. Best time is October to February.
6. Chennai to Pondicherry (ECR)
A short 150 km drive along the East Coast Road. Known for sea views, cafes, and smooth highways. Ideal for first-time road trippers. Best enjoyed between October and March.
7. Bangalore to Coorg
This 270 km drive passes through coffee plantations and misty hills. Roads are well maintained. Suitable for families and couples. Best time is October to May.
8. Bangalore to Ooty
About 270 km including forest roads and hairpin bends near Bandipur. Offers wildlife sightings and hill views. Best for relaxed hill travel. Ideal months are October to June.
9. Guwahati to Tawang
A 510 km route through Arunachal Pradesh featuring forests, rivers, and monasteries. Roads can be unpredictable. Best for seasoned travellers. Ideal time is March to October.
10. Shillong to Cherrapunji
Only 55 km but packed with waterfalls and greenery. Roads are smooth and scenic. Suitable for all travellers. Best during monsoon and post-monsoon.
11. Gangtok to Nathula Pass
A 55 km journey with snow views and historical importance. Requires permits. Roads are well maintained but weather-dependent. Best time is May to October.
12. Jaipur to Jaisalmer
Around 560 km through Rajasthan’s desert heartland. Highlights include forts, dunes, and heritage towns. Roads are good. Best between October and February.
13. Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
A 285 km drive offering desert landscapes and cultural experiences. Ideal for heritage lovers. Best during winter.
14. Ahmedabad to Rann of Kutch
Approximately 400 km leading to the White Desert. Roads are flat and smooth. Best visited during Rann Utsav from November to February.
15. Delhi to Jaipur
A 280 km highway drive forming part of the Golden Triangle. Fast and smooth roads. Perfect for weekend travellers. Best time is October to March.
16. Mumbai to Udaipur
Around 760 km connecting coastal Maharashtra to royal Rajasthan. Long but rewarding. Best for experienced drivers. Ideal from October to February.
17. Kolkata to Puri
A 500 km cultural route combining temples and beaches. Roads are mostly smooth. Suitable for families. Best between October and February.
18. Kochi to Munnar
A scenic 130 km hill road surrounded by tea gardens. Roads are winding but well maintained. Best from September to May.
19. Kochi to Varkala
About 160 km featuring backwaters and cliffs. Smooth coastal drive. Best for relaxed travel. Ideal between October and March.
20. Gokarna to Murudeshwar
An 80 km coastal route with beach views and temples. Roads are decent. Best for short leisure trips. Ideal in winter.
21. Mangalore to Udupi
A 60 km easy coastal drive. Known for temples and beaches. Suitable for all travellers. Best from October to February.
22. Nagpur to Pench National Park
A 90 km forest drive popular among wildlife lovers. Roads are smooth. Best for nature enthusiasts. Ideal from October to June.
23. Dehradun to Chakrata
An 88 km peaceful hill drive away from crowds. Roads are narrow but scenic. Best from March to June.
24. Kalpa to Nako
Around 100 km in Himachal Pradesh with dramatic mountain views. Roads are rough in patches. Best for offbeat travellers. Ideal from May to October.
25. Chopta to Tungnath
A short 30 km drive leading to a high-altitude trek. Spiritual and scenic. Best between April and November.
26. Madurai to Rameswaram
A 170 km coastal and spiritual route. Roads are smooth and scenic. Best from October to March.
27. Kanyakumari to Rameswaram
About 310 km with ocean views and pilgrim towns. Ideal for spiritual travellers. Best during winter.
28. Bangalore to Hampi
A 340 km drive through rocky landscapes and heritage ruins. Roads are good. Best from October to February.
29. Pune to Mahabaleshwar
A 120 km hill drive popular during monsoon and winter. Roads are scenic but crowded on weekends.
30. Ziro to Daporijo
A 170 km offbeat road trip in Arunachal Pradesh featuring tribal culture and river valleys. Roads are improving but remote. Best time is March to October.
How to Choose the Best Road Trip in India
The best road trip depends on season, road conditions, experience level, and travel goals. Beginners should choose coastal or short hill routes, while experienced travellers can attempt high-altitude or remote regions.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The best road trip in India is the one that matches your comfort, curiosity, and timing. With mountains, beaches, deserts, and forests, India offers endless possibilities for road-based exploration.