Indian road trips through scenic routes can be a unique experience. The routes connect key destinations, with sightseeing and adventure spots on the way.
India continues to be a popular tourist destination for foreigners. More than 9.50 million international tourists visited India in 2024, which was an increase of over 4.5% from the previous year.
There are a number of activities and exploration opportunities in India, but road trip routes are particularly gaining attention. So, keep reading to know about the top 10 scenic road trip routes in the country.
- Manali to Leh: Himalayan Adventure
A road trip from Manali to Leh will be scenic and adventurous. You will have the opportunity to drive through the Himalayas. The path is popular for its challenging terrain and stunning landscapes. The Rohtang Pass is a major attraction. You can also stop at the Nubra Valley and the Magnetic Hill.
You will be riding for a distance of around 420 to 490 kilometers. So, be prepared for the drive to take 2 to 3 days with overnight stays in locations like Keylong, Jispa, or Sarchu. The time for the trip will be during the stable weather conditions between June and September. Driving can be difficult, and a sturdy bike or 4×4 SUV is recommended.
- Mumbai to Goa: Coastal Escape
The drive from Mumbai to Goa will be particularly scenic during the monsoon. The season further enhances the beauty of the Konkan coast. You will be able to explore misty ghats and lush greenery. You will also enjoy the sight of the Arabian Sea.
Your road trip will also allow you to stop at key spots like Tarkarli’s beaches and Ganpatipule’s temples. If you want to enjoy beaches and water sports, summer will be the ideal season for a road trip.
The distance you will be covering for the trip is around 600 kilometers. The drive will take between 10 and 12 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
- Chennai to Pondicherry: East Coast Charm
The drive from Chennai to Pondicherry is a perfect gateway along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR). The journey will be for 160 kilometers, and you can get a view of the Bay of Bengal. You can also stop at historical sites like Mahabalipuram and Auroville on your way.
Pondicherry, your final destination, is a charming city that you will find exciting for its French-Indian culture. You will have the opportunity to stroll along the Promenade Beach and taste fusion cuisine. Pondicherry is a great destination for those who love a blend of history, beauty, and European-style relaxation.
- Shimla to Spiti Valley: Offbeat Mountain Majesty
A road trip from Shimla to Spiti Valley will let you experience the rugged beauty of the Indian Himalayas. If you are a beginner high-altitude driver, you will find this route easier than Manali because of the more gradual ascent. Visit between the months between May and October, as the weather will be relatively stable.
The near-400-kilometer road trip involves a journey through monasteries, stunning landscapes, and high-altitude villages. The drive can take around two to three days. But you will need some permits to make the road trip. Apart from the India entry visa requirements, foreign nationals must also get the Protected Area Permit (PAP).
The PAP is needed to gain entry into some restricted areas, including those in the Spiti Valley. You can apply for it through an Indian Mission in your home country when applying for your visa. You can also apply for it at the Ministry of Home Affairs if you are already in the country. It can also be obtained from Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) in major cities.
- Jaipur to Jaisalmer: Desert Trail
A road trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer will take around 10 to 12 hours, covering around 550 to 580 kilometers. The most commonly taken route is via Ajmer and Jodhpur. So, you can stop on your way to visit the Dargah Sharif or Mehrangarh Fort.
Visit during the winter months to enjoy a cooler temperature, which is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Moreover, you will also get stunning views of the desert and have stargazing opportunities during the winter months. Don’t forget to experience camel safaris on your way.
- Guwahati to Tawang: North-East Beauty
The road trip will require you to cover almost 480 to 510 kilometers. But the journey will surely let you experience high mountain passes, lush forests, and cultural spots. You will particularly enjoy travelling through the majestic Sela Pass. And your final destination is famous for its monasteries and mountain views.
Just like the India entry visa requirements for gaining entry into the country, you will need a permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh. So, make sure you get the PAP before setting out for your trip. The best time to visit will be the months between March and June or from September to October. The weather stays favorable for road trips during these months.
- Bengaluru to Coorg: Coffee Country
The road trip from Bengaluru to Coorg will take you around 5 to 6 hours, covering almost 280 kilometers. The most commonly taken route is via NH75 highway that passes through Ramanagara, Mandya, and Kushalnagar. Be prepared for hairpin bends as you get near Coorg.
The trip will let you experience scenic views. You will have the opportunity to stop and explore coffee plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and waterfalls. You will also enjoy exploring the Madikeri Fort and Omkareshwara Temple. Also, don’t miss out on visiting the Raja’s Seat.
Plan the trip during the spring months between March and May to experience coffee bloom. You can also visit during the monsoon to enjoy lush greenery, but roads will become challenging.
- Kolkata to Digha: Seaside Drive
The route is short but quite popular. You will be covering around 185 kilometers through the NH6 and NH41 highways once you cross Kolaghat. You can expect the trip to be completed in around 4 hours. The route is known for seafood restaurants and family-friendly stops on the way.
You can stop for sightseeing at Kolaghat, Bagnan, Contai, and Nandakumar. Once in Digha, you can visit multiple beaches. Examples include Udaipur, Chandpur, New Digha, Old Digha, and Shankarpur. You can also visit Amarbati Park, Chandaneswar Temple, and Marine Aquarium near Digha.
- Delhi to Rishikesh: Spiritual Getaway
The journey will serve as a scenic as well as spiritual gateway. You can enjoy views of the Ganga River. You can also engage in yoga retreats and adventure sports. Rishikesh is considered the world’s yoga capital. It is also the entrance to offbeat activities in the Himalayas.
If you love wildlife, consider a safari at the Rajaji National Park as well. You can also visit Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, and Parmarth Niketan Ashram. You will be covering a distance of around 250 kilometers, which can take you from 4 to 5 hours.
Remember that the ideal months to experience Rishikesh are between October and March. Water sports and trails become difficult during the monsoon.
- Ahmedabad to Kutch: White Desert Magic
You should plan a road trip from Ahmedabad to Kutch to visit the Rann Utsav. It is a festival held in Dhordo village. Salt flats are displayed under the moonlight along with local crafts and cultural performances. You will also find the drive scenic. And the White Desert experience will be unforgettable. It will be a trip of around 420 kilometers, taking almost 10 hours.
Remember that the Rann of Kutch tends to become submerged during the rainy season. So, consider a different season to visit. And to experience the festival, you should visit between the months between December and March. Some attractions to consider in Kutch include the Modhera Sun temple, Prag Mahal, and Bhuj Mandir. You can also engage in activities like para-motoring and camel rides.
But to have all these experiences, you must make the most important journey of all: cross India’s border. And for that, you will need a visa. Let’s look into it.
Best Visa Option for Your Indian Road Trip
The Indian entry visa processing time is around 3 to 5 business days. This is for the electronic versions. Getting an e-visa is the most convenient option to gain entry into India. To get your tourist e-visa, follow these steps.
- Step 1: Apply at a reputable online visa portal by filling out an application form.
- Step 2: Upload a scanned copy of your passport along with your photo.
- Step 3: Pay the processing fee using a digital wallet or your bank card.
- Step 4: Receive your tourist e-visa at the email address you used for making the application.
- Step 5: Print the e-visa to be presented at a check post along with your valid passport.
Remember that having a passport with at least 6 months left to expire is one of the foremost India entry visa requirements. Here is further detail on the Indian tourist e-visa.
| Validity Duration | Maximum Stay Per Year | Number of Entries | Extendable? | Convertible? |
| One month | 30 days | Double | No | No |
| One year | 180 days | Multiple | No | No |
| Five years | 180 days | Multiple | No | No |
Table 1: Indian Tourist e-Visa Details
Ready For A Road Trip?
The diverse terrain of India makes the country great for rides along certain routes. You will find a rich mix of culture, landscapes, and local experiences. The trips will feel the most pleasant during the autumn and spring months.
Weather conditions during the summer months can be harsh, whereas the monsoon makes roads and trails difficult. However, every trip can create a memorable experience. So, check the India entry visa requirements for your country, and apply for an e-visa today!
