Travelling is by far one of the greatest joys of life. While most of the travel plans include flight or train itineraries, there is yet another way to enhance the experience of holidaying. That option is undoubtedly road tripping!
India, thankfully offers great opportunities for enjoyable road trips. These road trips can be undertaken all over the country. They also give you ample time to bond with your travel mates and help you create memories for a lifetime. While the list is endless, here’s a compilation of the most scenic and delightful road trips in India.
1.Manali to Leh
Route- NH 3
Distance- 475 Kilometres
Time- 14 hours (approx.)
Best Time for Journey- It is safe to use this road only after the snow has been cleared. Thus, June to September is the most suitable time to undertake the thrilling journey.
A road trip on the Manali- Leh Highway is by far one of the most thrilling experiences in India. Pristine mountains, beautiful valleys and adventurous roads characterize this popular road trip. The trip can be a little dangerous due to the high altitude and mountainous roads, and hence, proper precautions need to be endured. One must also plan adequate stop overs to actually enjoy the experience.
The route covers some enthralling places like Rohtang, Keylong, Baralacha La and Karu. The beauty along the way is heavenly and is sure to leave everyone awestruck. These scenic places have often been represented in Bollywood and maybe it’s time you experienced it in person!
2. Mumbai to Pune
Route-Mumbai Pune Expressway
Distance-148 Kilometres
Time- 2 Hours 30 Minutes (approx.)
Best Time for Journey- The expressway is accessible throughout the year and thus, can be enjoyed any time.
As a well-known fact, the Mumbai- Pune Expressway is India’s first six lane concrete expressway. It thus provides the opportunity for one of the most enjoyable drives in the country. With surrounding greenery, exotic waterfalls and fascinating tunnels, the drive is sure to be a memorable one. The expressway also has a few tolls. Moreover, one must ensure to keep the speed in check as the road consists of steep turns.
Along the expressway, you will come across Sion, Panvel, Khopoli, Lonavala and Dehu. It is best advised to take a short break at any of these places, to thoroughly enjoy the road trip.
3. Ahmedabad to Kutch
Route- NH947
Distance- 400 Kilometres
Time- 7 Hours (approx.)
Best Time for Journey- The winter months are more enjoyable as compared to the hot summer months.
The road trip connecting the city of Ahmedabad to Kutch is one of the most exciting road trips in India. A memorable drive from the vibrant city would lead you to the city of contrasts. The road is well maintained and thus, the long journey does not end up tiring the driver.
Moreover, one comes across various mesmerizing cities along the way. Taking adequate stop overs will help you enjoy the drive and also discover the interiors of Gujarat. Well, this is indeed one delightful road trip!
4. Shillong to Cherrapunji
Route- NH 40 and SH 5
Distance- 53 Kilometres
Time- 1 Hour (approx.)
Best Time for Journey-Though the journey is enjoyable all year around, it should be avoided during the monsoon as the road becomes extremely slippery and dangerous.
Shillong to Cherrapunji [photo credit: flickr.com]
The short journey is full of scenic and pleasing views. From abundant greenery to other cheerful sights, this road trip is extremely high on the beauty quotient. Through the enjoyable road trip, the exotic destination of Cherrapunji can be easily reached, without much tiredness.
This unexplored journey also provides the opportunity to stop and gape at the beauty of Cherra Bridge and Bara Pani. Maybe, this year you should set out for this spectacular road trip!
5. Kochi to Kovalam
Route- NH 47
Distance-219 Kilometres
Time- 4 Hours (approx.)
Best Time for Journey- The journey is pleasant during all the twelve months.
This road trip connects two of Kerala’s important cities. As it is, Kerala is known for its serenity and unimaginable beauty. A road trip from Kochi to Kovalam is guaranteed to consist of eye catching sights and enjoyable views.
This road trip is also beneficial as it helps one cover the most important cities of Kerala in a single journey. Alleppey, Varkala and Thiruvananthapuram are the major attractions along the journey and can be easily enjoyed as stop overs. Thus, this enchanting road trip combines nature’s ethereal beauty and Kerala’s tourist cities. Well, what more could one ask for?
The above mentioned road trips are worth all the efforts and are sure to be enjoyable with friends or family. As the car moves and the scenes shift, you are guaranteed to feel refreshed and charged up. The calming greens, the cloudy weather and the fun loving company will keep you in high spirits and you would want the journey to never end. Well, the journey will have to come to an end; but when it does, you’ll be in a new land and you’ll end up creating more long lasting memories. So, which road trip will you first undertake?
