10 Most Beautiful Road Trips in India
The 10 most beautiful road trips in India are not just about reaching a destination; they’re about savouring the journey, soaking in the experiences along the way, and creating memories that last a lifetime. With its vast and diverse landscapes, some scenic and thrilling road trips in India are truly amazing. Whether you’re driving through arid deserts, lush valleys, coastal highways, or majestic mountains, each route brings you closer to the heart and soul of the country.
Picture yourself cruising down these scenic roads, with Bollywood songs playing in the background, the wind in your hair, and the thrill of adventure ahead. It’s like living your own Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara moment, where every turn in the road brings new surprises and every stop unveils hidden beauty. From the high-altitude excitement of the Leh to Manali route to the serene or cruising down the coast from Mumbai to Goa, these journeys are straight out of a Bollywood movie. They offer more than just scenic beauty—they offer a chance to discover India in its raw, unfiltered form.
Ready to hit the road? Let’s explore the 10 most beautiful road trips in India that promise adventure, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable experiences. So, buckle up, set your GPS, and get ready to fall in love with the journey just as much as the destination.
1. Manali to Leh Ladakh – Across the Himalayas
Distance from Manali to Leh Ladakh: 433 km
Best Time to Travel: June to September
Must-See Spots: Rohtang Pass, Keylong, Pangong Lake
Accommodations: StayVista offers a variety of luxurious homestays and villas in Manali that serve as the perfect starting point for your Ladakh adventure. After the thrilling drive, unwind at stays near Leh, offering spectacular mountain views and modern amenities.
The top road trip on our list is the Manali to Ladakh route, a must-do for every travel enthusiast. The Manali to Leh route offers a breathtaking blend of scenic beauty and thrilling adventure, with winding roads that cut through some of the most stunning landscapes in India. You’ll cross high mountain passes like Rohtang and Baralacha La, each offering panoramic views that are nothing short of cinematic. The real showstopper, however, is the Pangong Lake. The crystal-clear waters reflect the sky so perfectly that it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. This trip is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquillity at the same time, making it one of the 10 most beautiful road trips in India.
2. Mumbai to Goa – A Dream Road Trip
Distance from Mumbai to Goa: 588 km
Best Time to Travel: October to March
Must-See Spots: Kolad, Amboli Ghat, Dudhsagar Falls
Accommodations: Enjoy a luxurious stay at one of StayVista’s elegant villas in Goa, where you can relax by the pool or take a short drive to the beach after your road trip. These accommodations provide a perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
The Mumbai to Goa road trip is the quintessential journey for every road trip lover. Popularised by Bollywood and ingrained in our collective travel dreams, this route is synonymous with freedom, fun, and adventure. Starting from the bustling streets of Mumbai, the journey takes you along the picturesque Konkan coast, with its mix of beaches, hills, and serene countryside. Don’t miss a stop at Dudhsagar Falls, one of India’s tallest waterfalls, where you can relive the magic of movies like “Chennai Express“. With every mile, you’ll find yourself humming along to “Dil Chahta Hai“, making it the best road trip from Mumbai for those looking to blend nostalgia with adventure.
3. Bangalore to Coorg (Madikeri) – A Scenic Journey
Distance from Bangalore to Coorg: 254 km
Best Time to Travel: October to March
Must-See Spots: Nagarhole National Park, Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat
Accommodations: StayVista’s cosy and luxurious homestays in Coorg are perfect for unwinding after your journey. Surrounded by lush coffee plantations, these homestays offer a tranquil retreat with modern comforts.
Looking to escape the urban chaos of Bangalore? A Bangalore to Coorg (Madikeri) road trip might be just what you need. Coorg, known as the Scotland of India, is a hill station in the Western Ghats. It offers abundant greenery, misty landscapes, and a tranquil atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else. The journey itself is filled with scenic views, from dense forests to coffee plantations. Abbey Falls and Raja’s Seat offer some of the most stunning vistas, making this one of the best road trips in South India for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
4. Darjeeling to Pelling (Sikkim) – Across the Eastern Himalayas
Distance from Darjeeling to Pelling: 67.7 km
Best Time to Travel: March to June, September to December
Must-See Spots: Kanchenjunga View Point, Sangachoeling Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins
Accommodations: StayVista homestays in Darjeeling and homestays in Sikkim offer stunning views of the Himalayas. These well-appointed homestays are ideal for relaxing after exploring the scenic routes and cultural sites.
A Darjeeling to Pelling road trip offers a perfect combination of stunning views and spiritual experiences. This short yet scenic drive takes you through the lush hills of West Bengal and into the serene landscapes of Sikkim. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, especially from Pelling’s Kanchenjunga View Point. Don’t miss the ancient Rabdentse Ruins and the peaceful Sangachoeling Monastery, which offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. This road trip is ideal for those seeking peace and a connection with nature and is also considered one of the 10 most beautiful road trips in India.
5. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur – The Golden Triangle
Distance from Delhi to Agra to Jaipur: 492 km (Delhi to Agra: 243 km, Agra to Jaipur: 249 km)
Best Time to Travel: October to March
Must-See Spots: Taj Mahal, Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri
Accommodations: Experience royal luxury at StayVista’s villas in Jaipur and homestays in Agra. These heritage-style accommodations blend traditional Rajasthani architecture with modern amenities, providing a regal stay after a day of exploration.
The Golden Triangle is one of India’s most iconic travel circuits, connecting three historically rich cities: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. This road trip is a deep dive into the cultural and architectural wonders of India. Start in Delhi, where you can explore historic sites like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar before heading to Agra, home to the world-famous Taj Mahal. Finally, make your way to Jaipur, the Pink City, where you can marvel at the grandeur of Amer Fort and Hawa Mahal. Along the way, a visit to Fatehpur Sikri is a must. This trip offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty, making it one of the best road trips from Delhi.
6. Bangalore to Munnar – A Trip to Tea Country
Distance from Bangalore to Munnar: 445 km
Best Time to Travel: September to March
Must-See Spots: Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Tea Gardens
Accommodations: StayVista offers a variety of luxurious homestays and villas in Bangalore, which serve as the perfect starting point for your trip to Munnar. After a scenic drive, you can unwind at serene homestays in Munnar, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the tea gardens.
The Bangalore to Munnar road trip takes you through the heart of Kerala’s tea country. Leaving the city behind, you will drive through scenic landscapes adorned with tea gardens, waterfalls, and rolling hills. Munnar is renowned for its lush greenery and cool climate, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Make sure to visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and trek up to Anamudi Peak, the highest point in South India. This is one of the finest road trips in South India for anyone seeking a refreshing escape into nature.
7. Delhi to Rishikesh – A Spiritual Adventure
Distance from Delhi to Rishikesh: 259 km
Best Time to Visit: September to November, March to May
Must-See Spots: Haridwar, Neelkanth Mahadev, Lakshman Jhula
Accommodations: StayVista provides luxurious villas in Delhi for you to relax before embarking on an adventurous trip to Rishikesh. Unwind and rejuvenate at the riverside villas in Rishikesh, where these luxurious properties offer stunning views and a peaceful environment, ideal for a refreshing stay.
The Delhi to Rishikesh road trip offers both spiritual and scenic experiences. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Delhi behind, the road takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Uttarakhand. A stop at Haridwar allows you to witness the evening Ganga Aarti, which is a calming and uplifting spiritual experience. Upon reaching Rishikesh, you can enjoy adventure sports like river rafting or soak in the serene surroundings near the Lakshman Jhula. Whether you’re seeking adventure or peace, this is one of the best road trips from Delhi.
8. Guwahati to Tawang – A Road Trip to Northeast India
Distance from Guwahati to Tawang: 432 km
Best Time to Visit: March to October
Must-See Spots: Nameri National Park, Dirang, Sela Pass
Accommodations: As of now, StayVista doesn’t provide accommodations in Guwahati, but will be serving that location soon. Until then, check out other hotels and homestays in Guwahati that are perfect for starting or ending your journey. These comfortable and stylish properties offer a relaxing environment after a long drive through the Northeastern hills.
The road trip from Guwahati to Tawang is a journey through some of the most stunning and unspoiled landscapes in India. The road trip offers breathtaking views of snow-clad mountains and lets you witness the marvels of the Buddhist culture in the Northeast. A stop at Nameri National Park offers a chance to spot some rare wildlife, while Sela Pass will leave you awestruck with its snow-covered beauty. This road trip is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who dare to take it, the rewards are immense. The scenic beauty and serene environment make this one of the most beautiful road trips in India.
9. Ahmedabad to Kutch – Exploring the Great White Desert
Distance from Ahmedabad to Kutch: 376 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Must-See Spots: Rann of Kutch, Bhuj, Mandvi Beach
Accommodations: Experience the cultural richness of Gujarat with a stay at StayVista’s homestays in Kutch. These elegant homestays offer a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, ideal for relaxing after exploring the white deserts.
The road trip from Ahmedabad to Kutch offers a mix of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. As you drive towards the Rann of Kutch, the landscape changes dramatically, from bustling cityscapes to vast, white salt flats that stretch as far as the eye can see. A highlight of the Rann of Kutch is the Rann Utsav, a cultural festival that showcases vibrant local traditions. If you want to experience Gujarat’s rich heritage and coastal beauty, make sure to visit Bhuj and Mandvi Beach. There are many places to visit on this road trip from Ahmedabad that combine natural wonders with cultural richness, making it one of the best road trips in India.
10. Kolkata to Darjeeling – A Ride to the Land of Toy Trains and Tea
Distance from Kolkata to Darjeeling: 637 km
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to December
Must-See Spots: Mirik, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop
Accommodations: Unwind in the serene environment of StayVista’s homestays in Darjeeling. These homestays offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas, perfect for a relaxing stay after your scenic drive from Kolkata.
The Kolkata to Darjeeling road trip is an unforgettable journey through the lush tea gardens and misty hills of West Bengal. The road takes you from the bustling city of Kolkata through rural Bengal and up into the mountains where Darjeeling awaits with its cool climate and spectacular views of the Himalayas. You can stop at Mirik for its tranquil lake and Tiger Hill for a breathtaking sunrise. The charming Batasia Loop also offers incredible views of the mountains, making this one of the most beautiful road trips in India for those who love nature and tranquillity.
Embark on the Most Beautiful Road Trips in India
When it comes to exploring the diverse landscapes of India, these 10 most beautiful road trips in India offer a perfect blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural richness. Each journey is more than just a drive—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique charm and character of the country. Whether you’re winding through the majestic Himalayas, cruising along coastal roads, or exploring the vibrant cultural heart of India, these road trips promise unforgettable experiences. With StayVista’s luxurious accommodations along the way, your adventure will be as comfortable as it is exciting. So, gear up, hit the road, and discover the incredible beauty that awaits on these 10 most beautiful road trips in India!
