Route 1: Delhi - Amritsar (2) - Srinagar (2) - Leh (2)
For the first leg of your road trip, cover the northernmost region of the country. It's nothing short of a paradise. The snow-capped mountainous zones along the way are a delight. The enigmatic roads running through the snowy hills placed against the blue sky is a scene just out of a painting that you will witness. It is a trip with some adventurous twists that you can’t miss. You start off with a cityscape of Amritsar by soaking in the spiritual vibe of the city and then head to breathtaking landscapes of Srinagar and Leh. The route along NH-1D is a natural ascent, housing pretty homes, and massive rice fields. Don't forget to stop by the Punjabi dhabas from Delhi en route Amritsar and the irresistible bakeries of Kashmir. Distance: Delhi to Amritsar (448 km: 7 hours 30 minutes) Amritsar to Srinagar (434 km: 9 hours 30 minutes) Srinagar to Leh ( 418 km: 10 hours)
Duration: 6 days
Major Attractions
Amritsar: The Golden Temple, Wagah border, Jallianwala Bagh
Srinagar: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Tulip Garden
Leh: Magnetic Hill, Pangong Lake, Thiksey Monastery
Route 2: Leh - Manali (2) - Agra (1)
The ultimate route to take a bike ride would be from Leh to Manali. The roads, the turns, the rugged terrains and the comfortable altitudes make for a perfect road journey. Put down the windows, enjoy the chill breeze and the scenic view of mountain regions. No one can get enough of the mountains and treks, so Leh to Manali is always a good idea. From there, drive to step into the land of history and architecture. The route of NH 44 which is the longest highway is a smooth road with multiple street stalls and eateries for your pit stops. The route is a treat for those who love long drives and uninterrupted roads. Distance: Leh to Manali (473.3 km: 13 hours 41 mins) Manali to Agra (770.8 km: 14 hours 39 mins)
Duration: 3 days
Major Attractions:Manali: Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass
Agra: Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri
Route 3: Agra - Jaipur (2) - Ahmedabad (1) - Mumbai (2) - Goa (3)
This part of your road trip is going to be super exciting. Shifting from North India, down to the North West destinations is indeed a thrilling shift. A makeshift from the Rajasthan's roads flanked by sand dunes to the coastal zones with paddy fields and sea views is just going to be amazing. The roads are not so easy as they do invite a rush from the cities around but you do enjoy a smooth ride. Don't forget to stop by the stall on the highway to Ahmedabad serving Gujrati snacks. Finally the Mumbai to Goa road trip is usually every travel enthusiast dreams of. The NH4 highway route is the best route to take and you can stop by the Belgaum fort on the way. Coconut water is a must-buy with enroute Goa to keep you amped for the trip! Distance: Agra to Jaipur (240.4 km: 4 hours 6 mins) Jaipur to Ahmedabad (678.3 km: 11 hours 34 mins) Ahmedabad to Mumbai (523.9 km: 8 hours 50 mins) Mumbai to Goa (591.1 km: 10 hours 49 mins)
Duration: 8 days
Major Attractions: Jaipur: Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar
Ahmedabad: Swami Narayan mandir, Sabarmati Ashram
Mumbai: Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Juhu BeachGoa: Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Fort Aguada.
Route 4: Goa - Alleppey (2) - Kanyakumari (1) - Madurai (1) - Hampi (1)
Moving down South through NH 66 that you take from Goa to Alleppey and Kanyakumari is a treat for every road fanatic. A view of the Western Ghats, the hilly regions in the backdrop and the green cover all across make for a great view on a road trip. The view of the Laccadive Sea from and through Alleppey is a thorough delight. From Madurai to Hampi you will be driving through NH 48. Don't forget to stop by Swathi Delicacy for some delicious food. Even before you touch the city of Hampi you pass through some of the temple complexes in the outskirts and it's historic architecture. The landscapes along South India are truly scenic and breathtaking. The drive is simply serene. Distance: Goa to Alleppey (813.2 km: 19 hours 49 mins) Alleppey to Kanyakumari ( 243.7 km: 6 hours 24 mins) Kanyakumari to Madurai (244.5 km: 3 hours 48 min) Madurai to Hampi (785.0 km: 12 hours 55 mins)
Duration: 5 days
Major Attractions:
Alleppey: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Backwaters
Kanyakumari: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiraparappu falls
Madurai: Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
Hampi: Virupaksha temple, Vithala Temple
Route 5: Hampi - Puri (1) - Kolkata (2) - Gangtok (2)
From the southern tip of India, drive towards the east. Witness the massive rice and sugarcane cultivations along the way. As you approach Puri, you can view some seaside views and temples on the outskirts of the city. From Puri to Kolkata, the drive is extremely entertaining. You see a lot of regional irrigations and cash crops, along with that you will encounter a couple of highway eateries where you must stop for some tea and snacks. Along with this, bullock carts accompany you on NH 6 on the way. It is one of the most beautiful highways to drive along. You see a sudden change in the landscape whilst approaching Gangtok where you're back to the hills and twisted roadways. The drive through magnificent mountains. This route has a scenic view of the sea as well as the mountains. Distance: Hampi to Puri (1,333.6 km: 28 hours) Puri to Kolkata (495.2 km: 9 h 21 mins) Kolkata to Gangtok (673.4 km: 17 hours 54 mins)
Duration: 5 days
Major Attractions:
Puri: Jagannath Puri temple, Chilka Lake.
Kolkata: Victoria Memorial, Eden Garden, Howrah Bridge
Gangtok: Nathu La Pass, Tsomgo lake
Route 6: Gangtok - Bodhgaya (1) - Varanasi (2) - Delhi
No matter how exciting the journey was, it does bring along some fatigue so keep the last leg of your journey to easy city roads and highways. From the hilly roads of Gangtok, head to Bodhgaya. You start with NH 10 and take to NH 27. The roadways are easy to drive along and the views are spectacular. Heading to Varanasi via the route of Aurangabad is pretty entertaining. The route is comfortable too. From the pilgrim city, the spiritual travel and temples on the outskirts of Varanasi is a spectacle to behold. You can view a few ghats even before you step foot into Varanasi. Once you're there, it's recommended to wonder about in the narrow streets of this holy town. Since this is your last destination before you head back to Delhi, make the most of it. Distance: Gangtok to Bodhgaya (619.9 km: 16 hours 8 mins) Bodhgaya to Varanasi (251.4 km: 5 hours 57 mins) Varanasi to Delhi (846.8 km: 13 hours 37 mins)
Duration: 3 days
Major Attractions:
Bodhgaya: Mahabodhi temple, Buddhist Statue
Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath temple, Dashashwamedha Ghat
Travel Tips for the Ultimate Road Trip
- Before you head for your long road trip make sure of the following.
- Your car should be well equipped and you need to keep backup tyres for the outskirts.
- Keep snacks and water to avoid dehydration and starving.
- Map out your route before you actually start. Keep Google maps handy.
- Don't step out anywhere and everywhere during the road trip.
- Carry your license and other documents handy, in case of road checks.
- Keep your personal entertainment like music in reach.
Ideal Time to Take the Road Trip
The most ideal month to devote to this road trip would be November. With the descending monsoons and approaching winters, the climate is perfect for your trip. Mostly, all the destinations along the road trip bear good weather during this time of the month. The days are windy and cool and the nights are chilly but you won’t be freezing yet. It’s pleasant weather all around to put your window panes down and enjoy as you take on India through a road trip.How exciting would it be to cover India on a road trip? Traversing and treading through hills, cityscapes, seasides and irrigation fields, you get to view life outside the metropolis rush and witness the domesticities and spectacles of life, along the way.
When do you plan on taking a road trip? Let us know in the comments below!