Driving from one location to another is a great way to witness India’s scenic change. Slow but steady shifts in geography, hydrology, and culture will not be lost on you.
When on a road trip, you may stop whenever you want to stretch your legs, take in the scenery, or satisfy your sweet tooth with some Chai Pakora, Idly Wada, Poha Jalebi, or Lal Cha. Travelling in India by car is a treat.
All road drives are enjoyable, but some are so scenic that you will not want to leave.
India's Most Beautiful Drives
Here are some of the most beautiful Indian road trips:
Through Kinnaur, Spiti, and Lahual from Shimla to Manali
This is mainly an uninhabited part of Himachal Pradesh. Get going in all the action-packed capital city of Shimla. Continue on to Kinnaur, where locals wear the traditional Green Himachali Cap, and then on to the Apple Country.
The Monsoon Road Trip on the Konkan Coast
When people talk about the monsoons, they always talk about the Konkan. The area is lush and green due to the approximately six months of rainfall. From Goa to Ratnagiri and points in between, the only thing you will see is a grey ribbon of asphalt surrounded by a million different colours of green. The roadway may suddenly transform into a waterfall at any time. Amboli Ghats is the ideal destination for a waterfall-filled vacation. Savdav Falls and Marleshwar Falls are two others.
The Konkan Railways are perfect for taking in the scenery and waterfalls.
This road journey is best taken at the height of the monsoon season.
Road Trip from Srinagar to Leh
Srinagar, centered on the picturesque Dal Lake and its many houseboats, is a lovely but fragile city. Beautiful Pahalgam, where tourists ride horses for a tour of the sights, is on the way to Leh. Camps for pilgrims would be set up in Baltal if the Amarnath Yatra is taking place.
Greenery and vibrant colours give way to the arid mountains of Ladakh as you cross the Zozi La Pass. Visit the Drass War Memorial and perhaps Kargil. Explore the lunar terrain close to Lamayuru and take in the historic artwork at Alchin.
You should take it easy once you get to Leh, since acclimatization is necessary. This road trip is best done in the summer.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, by way of Bomdilla
Tezpur, on the border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is a good place to start. You may also start at Bhalukpong, Arunachal Pradesh. A visit to the Orchid Sanctuary is a must.
The mountains of Tenga Valley are blanketed in lush vegetation, making it one of the world's most picturesque valleys. You will find kiwi orchards in this area. This voyage down the Arunachal Road always ends at Bomdila.
The Beautiful Drive from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
When it comes to welcoming foreign visitors, Rajasthan tops all of India. Jaipur is a great jumping off point for excursions. However, the journey from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer stands out most. The feeling of driving the straight road over the enormous Thar desert is remarkable. The only things you can see are patches of dried Khejri trees, a few shrubs, and the golden sand that covers the whole landscape.
Camels that have been decked out give a splash of colour. The lack of other vehicles gives the impression that you are driving forever. Check out the Jain temples at Lodurwa and the deserted hamlet of Kuldhara.
