One of the best ways to break free from the monotony of life is to take a road trip. India, a country blessed with diverse terrains across its lengths and breadths, is a great place for those planning road trips. The stunning geography of this land will surely leave you in awe. Here we have listed some of the best road trips in India that you should take at least once in your lifetime.
Manali to Leh
The Manali-Leh highway is known for its dramatic landscapes, sometimes featuring snow-capped mountains in the backdrop and some other times, rugged mountain ranges. No wonder this is a bucket list trip for motorbiking enthusiasts. The winding roads cutting through the rugged terrains of Leh-Ladakh can be tricky at times, and hence, you must be careful when taking this road trip in India. Also, the altitude change may cause Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), so take time to acclimate yourself by planning enough stopovers along the way. You can even start this road trip in Delhi. Looking for cheap flights to Delhi from Los Angeles. Visit Indian Eagle.
Length of the road trip: 480 km approximately
Duration: 2 days
Best Time to Go: June to mid-September
Guwahati to Tawang
One of the most popular road trips in India, the Guwahati to Tawang trip introduces you to the rich natural and cultural heritage of northeast India. The drive uphill through a series of hairpin bends is challenging, and this inspires a lot of daredevils to take up the challenge. The high-altitude roads are usually blocked during the peak winter season, so it is ideal to go on this road trip in the summer months. An Inner Line of Permit (ILP) is required for travelers to gain entry to Arunachal Pradesh, so make sure you get one before planning this road trip.
Length of the road trip: 550 km approximately
Duration: 14-16 hours
Best Time to Go: March to May and September to Mid-December
Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley
A road trip from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley is filled with beautiful scenery – you can enjoy gorgeous views of the Eastern Ghats as well as the Bay of Bengal. The serpentine roads leading to this sleepy valley near Visakhapatnam are guarded by lush green mountains on both sides, and whizzing past these roads is a heavenly experience. Do check out the Borra Caves (which were formed millions of years ago) when you are in Araku Valley.
Length of the road trip: 115 km approximately
Duration: 3-4 hours
Best Time to Go: October to March
Mumbai to Pune
This is one of the fairly easy but highly rewarding road trips in India. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway immerses you in the breathtaking beauty of lush green surroundings. The views of rolling mountains, gushing waterfalls, streams, and verdant valleys is a sight for sore eyes! This road trip is quite popular with the locals seeking a break from the hustle and bustle in the city. Since it is not a lengthy journey, you can even plan this road trip during the weekend. And if you are booking flights to Mumbai from San Francisco, then include this in your itinerary for a great experience.
Length of the road trip: 148 km approximately
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Best Time to Go: August to March