Road journeys are magical in their own way. The sky is wide open, the highways seem to go on forever, the playlists are different, and the stops along the route turn into fun adventures. A road trip through India, which is so big and different, isn’t just a way to get around; it’s a story that needs to be told.
India has some of the most beautiful road journeys in the world for anyone who wishes to trade in their airline schedules for freedom on wheels. You may drive through the Himalayas or along the coast. Put on your seatbelt because these are the roads you need to take before 2030.
1. Highway from Manali to Leh
This 475 km stretch is probably the best road trip in India. It takes you through the stunning Himalayas. Great for anyone who loves adventure, biking, or just wants to view landscapes that look like they came straight out of a movie. Every curve is Instagram-worthy because of the snow-capped mountains, frozen rivers, and boundless skies.
- Along the way, you can see the snow at Rohtang Pass (3,978m).
- Baralacha La is a high mountain pass with lakes that look like they belong in a dream.
- Don’t miss these detours: Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley.
- Best time to visit June to September.
- If you’re not used to being at high altitudes, bring oxygen tanks.
- Plan on spending ₹1500 to ₹3000 per day on gas, food, and lodging.
2. Travel to Goa by NH66 from Mumbai.
This well-known coastal car ride blends tropical vibes with Bollywood nostalgia. For those who enjoy seafood, beaches and sunsets, this 600-kilometer trip down the Konkan coast is ideal. You get a taste of the local culture as well as the beaches.
- Lovely stops at Alibaug and Ganpatipule.
- Authentic seafood restaurants in Malvani.
- Roads that curve along the shore, flanked by palm trees.
- The best time to do this is after the monsoon (October to February).
- Choose NH66 over the interstate. It’s slower but more beautiful.
- Don’t hurry; take a break at the secret beaches in Konkan.
3. The East Coast Road from Chennai to Pondicherry
Travelers adore the East Coast Road (ECR). A short trip of 160 km along the Bay of Bengal, with views of the sea, cultural stops and the French beauty of Pondicherry.
- On the way, don’t miss Crocodile Bank near Mahabalipuram.
- Shore Temple is a UNESCO site.
- Pondicherry has beach cafes and yoga retreats.
- The best road trip for the weekend.
- Get up early to see the dawn over the Bay.
- The roads are in great shape, which is great for bikers.
4. From Guwahati to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh
This 520 km adventure takes you to India’s northeast frontier and is one of the hardest yet most rewarding trips in the country. For people who love to travel and want to see untouched beauty, snow-covered mountains, and Buddhist monasteries, it’s like walking into another universe.
- Sela Pass, which is 13,700 feet high and typically covered in snow.
- The biggest monastery in India is Tawang Monastery.
- Beautiful mountain lakes along the way.
- The best months are March through October.
- The roads are rough, so a bike or SUV is best.
- Arunachal needs permits; make plans ahead of time.
5. From Bangalore to Ooty through Mysore
A drive through a classic southern Indian hill station that is about 280 kilometers long. This road trip has a little bit of everything: gardens, palaces, wildlife reserves, and meandering mountain routes.
- Mysore Palace is a great place to see regal architecture.
- Bandipur National Park is a great place to see animals.
- The trek to Ooty has 36 hairpin turns.
- The monsoon season (July to September) brings a lot of green.
- You shouldn’t miss Ooty’s handcrafted chocolates.
- If you want to relax, stay the night.
6. From Shimla to Spiti Valley
This tour is for tough travelers who appreciate rough terrain and don’t mind taking the road less traveled. Spiti is known as the “Middle Land” because it has high-altitude settlements, monasteries, and landscapes that look like Mars.
- Key Monastery is on top of a hill.
- Hikkim has the highest post office in the world.
- The strange reflections at Chandratal Lake.
- Only open from June to October.
- Be careful while you travel on the roads.
- Plan on spending ₹800 to ₹1500 a night on homestays.
7. From Ahmedabad to Kutch
This 400-kilometer travel changes everything, from city life to a salt desert. Great for photographers and others who love culture, especially during the Rann Utsav festival when the White Desert shines in the moonlight.
- Rann of Kutch (white salt flats) is a highlight.
- Villages in Kutchi where people make things by hand.
- Kala Dungar offers wide vistas of the desert.
- Best time to go: November to February.
- Reserve your Rann Utsav tents early.
- On the way, have some local Kutchi delicacies.
8. From Manali to Spiti across Rohtang Pass
If Leh seems too long, going to Spiti through Manali is a fun option. Not as crowded as Leh, but just as dramatic with glaciers, empty mountains, and hidden towns.
- The Kunzum Pass, which is 15,000 feet high, is one of the best parts of the trail.
- Kaza and Dhankar are two villages.
- Old monasteries in caves.
- The roads are small and hard, which is great for bikers.
- The best time is from June to September.
- Bring extra gas because there aren’t many gas stations.
9. From Jaipur to Jaisalmer (Desert Circuit)
This road trip is like something out of Arabian Nights for anyone who adores the desert. The 560-kilometer drive takes you through Rajasthan’s golden desert, which is full with forts, palaces, and sand dunes.
- Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort is the best place to stop.
- Camel safaris in the Thar Desert near Jaisalmer.
- Camps in the desert at night with stars above.
- The best time to visit is from November to March.
- On the way, try some real Rajasthani thali.
- Have sunscreen and a lot of water on hand.
10. From Delhi to Rishikesh
This 250-kilometer drive is great for people who like short yet meaningful getaways. It leads to yoga, rafting, and the Himalayas. A great way to get away from the chaos of Delhi for the weekend.
- Ganga Aarti at Haridwar.
- In Rishikesh, you may do river rafting and bungee jumping.
- Cafes along the Ganges with a bohemian feel.
- The best time to accomplish this is from October to April.
- Start early to avoid the traffic in Delhi.
- For a real experience, stay at campers beside the river.
Road trips in India are journeys that define travel in general, not just drives. They transport you from the windswept beaches of Goa to the serene valleys of Arunachal, from the snow-capped peaks of Leh to the dazzling salt desert of Kutch.
Between 2025 and 2030, you should take a look at these stunning highways if you like to drive, hike, or ride your bike. Get your music loaded, fill up your tank, and embark on your next journey through India’s highways.