Top scenic road trips to experience India’s breath-taking beauty

Road trips across the country provide a rare chance to immerse oneself in rich cultural diversity while soaking in its breath-taking landscapes

India’s landscapes and terrains offer some of the most scenic and memorable road trips in the world. From snow-capped peaks to sun-kissed coastlines, each journey reveals a new facet of the country’s rich cultural and natural beauty.

Road trips are more than just reaching a destination, they are about the journey itself. It is along the winding roads, through snowy landscapes and cosy pit stops, where memories are made that last a lifetime.

India’s diverse terrains and landscapes offer travellers a road-trip experience like no other. Each route unveils a unique tapestry of attractions, with opportunities to stop at charming villages, some perched high in the mountains, others nestled amidst lush forests enhancing the journey at every turn. 

These trips across the country provide a rare chance to immerse oneself in rich cultural diversity while soaking in its breath-taking landscapes. From winding mountain passes to tranquil rural settings, these journeys offer an intimate and unforgettable exploration of the Indian subcontinent.

Here are several scenic routes perfect for a winter getaway with family, friends, or loved ones, each offering a truly immersive travel experience.

Mumbai – Goa (Distance: 600 km, best period: October–April)

The 600-km-long journey from Mumbai to Goa  is an unforgettable experience brimming with scenic landscapes

Imagine driving across a picturesque road where one side you get to witness lush green forests and on the other, the stunning coastline of India. The road trip from Mumbai to Goa takes you through NH66 highway, a coastal road along the Konkan coast. The 600-km-long journey is an unforgettable experience brimming with scenic landscapes, historical sites and vibrant cultural encounters on the way, offering travellers a chance to explore many of Maharashtra’s hidden gems on the way to sunny beaches of Goa. 

The main milestones on this journey are Satara, Kolhapur, and Sankeshwar. On the way one can also visit Rankala Lake, Panhala Fort, and the Jyotiba Temple.

New Delhi – Rann of Kachchh (Distance: 1,222 km, best period: October-March)

Rann of Kachchh is a white salt desert stretching across 30,000 km sq of land in Gujarat

Located about 50 km from Bhuj, Rann of Kachchh is a white salt desert stretching across 30,000 km sq of land which includes the Great Rann of Kachchh, the Little Rann of Kachchh and Banni grassland in the state of Gujarat. It is considered one of the largest salt deserts in the world. 

This 1,222 km road trip, which may extend up to 2,600 km depending on the route chosen by travellers, may seem intense but it allows you a chance to immerse yourself into the cultures of three starkly different Indian states. 

This bucket list road-trip ideally begins from Delhi, and leads you to travel across three states and numerous cities including Ajmer, Pushkar, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Mount Abu in Rajasthan and Kachchh region, Ahmedabad and Bhuj in Gujarat.

The journey will get you away from the noise of bustling metro cities and into open highways, torrid lands, lush green fields, palaces and forts.

Srinagar to Gurez (Distance: 123 km, Best period: September–December)

Gurez Valley is an untouched haven nestled far away from the hustle of cities offering panoramic views and deep cultural experiences

The road from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir to the remote and untouched Gurez Valley is an expedition deep into the heart of Himalayas. 

During the 123 km long journey, you will get a chance to meander through lush green valleys, leading to majestic mountain peaks blanketed in a layer of snow during the winter, offering breath-taking views at every turn.

During the journey you will also get a chance to drive alongside the glistening Kishanganga River. The destination, Gurez Valley itself is an untouched haven nestled far away from the hustle of cities offering panoramic views and deep cultural experiences. 

Darjeeling – Gangtok (Distance: 128 km, best period: September-December)

The route drom Darjeeling to Gangtok offers mesmerising views of the Himalayan foothills

Gangtok, a charming town nestled in the heart of the Sikkimese Mountains, remains one of the region’s best-kept secrets, a tranquil escape surrounded by breath-taking views. 

The 9-km-long journey, which takes approximately three-four hours to reach Gangtok from Darjeeling, is as captivating as the destination itself. 

The popular route offers mesmerising views of the Himalayan foothills, with every turn revealing more of nature’s splendour. 

Alternatively, there is a slightly longer route through the charming town of Kalimpong provides another enchanting journey before reaching Darjeeling. 

The route takes around five to six hours, but every moment spent on the road is a reminder of the majestic landscapes that define this part of the world.

 As the road winds through lush tea gardens and expansive fields, you are immersed in the natural beauty that the region is famous for. 

Bengaluru – Ooty (Distance: 264 km, best period: October–March)

Ooty is known as one of the most stunning hill stations of southern India

Ooty is known as one of the most stunning hill stations of southern India and a drive to the timeless hill station is a perfect blend of picturesque views and adventure. 

There are two routes preferred by tourists while planning a road trip from Bengaluru, the urban capital of the southern Indian state of Karnataka, to the picturesque hill station of Ooty. 

The journey through the Kalahatti Ghat route or the Gudalur route is equally scenic and offers multiple stunning viewpoints like Pykara Dam, Pine Forest, and Wenlock Downs. 

On your way to Ooty you will also get a chance to drive through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve which is said to be the best of the journey.

While driving through the reserve, you will encounter lush green surroundings and magnificent flora including spotted deer, peacock, bison, sambar deer, and sloth bear and if you are extremely lucky you may even spot a tiger or a leopard.

A weekend road trip from Bengaluru to Ooty offers a blend of adventure, picturesque views, and the promise of a tranquil stay in the Nilgiris.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their original owners.}