India has some of the best and most unique geographical features in the world. There are several mountains, plains, plateaus, innumerable water bodies, and a peninsula. The southern part of the Indian subcontinent is covered on three sides with water – the Arabian Sea to the west, the Indian Ocean to the south, and the Bay of Bengal to the east – and to the north stretching from west to east are the Himalayas.
Tired of staying at home during the lockdown? Now that you have a chance at normal traveling again, you might want to go on a long road trip with your family or your adventure buddy.
In this article, read about the most interesting and fascinating road trips you can cover on your road trips in India.
Delhi to Manali to Leh
The road from Delhi to Manali to Leh is one of the most breathtaking and absolutely thrilling, especially since it is one running along the base of the Himalayas. Some of the winding and twisting paths can be challenging to even the most daring driver. The road takes an uphill turn from Ghanauli, about 300 km from Delhi.
When on a long journey like this, it is always better to halt at several places – not only to rest yourselves, but also to explore the places that are enroute your destination.
On the way, you are sure to halt at Srinagar and enjoy being on the houseboats and the scenic views you will witness from them. You will then arrive at Sonmarg, also known as the Meadow of Gold. Here, there are some good spots for trekking for the daring minds to indulge.
The most fascinating place enroute from Delhi to Leh is a place called Moonland. An aerial view of it makes it look like the surface of the Moon that one might see on satellite images! It is also known as the Heaven of Adventures. Likir is another place that you will come across on your way to Leh. It is mostly famous for the Likir Monastery, another must-visit. This is the last major stop before Leh.
Travel time is about 24-25 hours. The total distance is less than 1020 km. This is one of the best road trips in India, though one of the longest.
Darjeeling to Pelling
Darjeeling, situated in the state of West Bengal, is best known for its tea gardens. A drive from Darjeeling to Pelling, you can imagine, would be a feast for every tea-lover’s eyes. The altitude at which the road takes you would give you the feeling that you were riding through clouds – which can be an enthralling experience in your life.
Pelling is a hill station that lies at the foot of the Kanchenjunga, around 75 km from Darjeeling and Pelling. All along the way from Darjeeling, you can see waterfalls, monasteries, and tiny villages, which contribute to the scenic beauty of the road trip.
Pelling is not heavily industrialized. Travel time is about 2 hours. The total distance is less than 75 km. Although very short, it is among the most scenic and recommended road trips in India.
Bangalore to Coorg
A trip from Bangalore to Coorg has got to be one of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring road trips in southern India. It is an absolute delight for lovers of nature. The entire road is on the western ghats of India, which provides for great and scenic views for those with a photography eye.
Coorg is also called the Scotland of India. It is mainly known for its coffee plantations. Like Pelling, Coorg is not very heavily developed, with neither railways nor airways available as transport to and from the place, but it is accessible by road.
Driving on this road is best left for experienced travelers; it is not ideal for beginners. Travel time is less than 6 hours. The total distance is less than 250 km. This road trip in southern India is highly recommended.
Visit Indian Eagle to get the cheapest flights if you want to visit these magnificent falls and are looking for flights from Los Angeles to Delhi or any other US location.
Old Silk Route
The silk route was once a trade route between the civilizations of Rome and China, via many locations in Asia, including present-day Sikkim. The section of the silk route relevant to us is the one that connects Lhasa in Tibet to India via the Jelep La Pass in the state of Sikkim. Going on this road will bless us with views of Mount Kanchenjunga, along with wonderful landscapes of snowy hills and mountains. In times between January to April, the road is risky, because it will be covered with snow.
Travel time is less than two hours. The total distance is less than 70 km. This India road trip is very ancient, hence a must-travel for the most experienced travelers.
Chennai to Pondicherry
The ride from Chennai to Pondicherry is absolutely scenic. Beaches dotted along the way of the East Coast Road are a feast to the eyes.
You can halt at Mahabalipuram en route to quench your thirst and satisfy your rumbling stomach. Travel time is less than 4 hours. The total distance is less than 160 km. This road trip in India is good for beginners.
Visit Indian Eagle to get the cheapest flights if you want to visit these magnificent falls and are looking for flights from San Francisco to Delhi or any other US location.