Discover the best road trips in India, from Himalayan highways and coastal drives to desert routes. Explore scenic destinations, travel tips, budgets, and more.India is a country made for road travel. One journey can take you from busy city highways to Himalayan mountain passes, from coastal roads lined with coconut palms to quiet desert landscapes and lush Western Ghats.
For many travelers, the journey itself is just as exciting as the destination.Road Trips Rolling down the windows, stopping at a roadside dhaba, discovering a small village, watching the landscape change, and taking an unplanned detour are experiences that flights simply cannot offer.
If you are searching for the best road trips in India, there are countless routes to choose from depending on your interests, budget, driving experience, and available time. Some are perfect for families, while others are better suited to experienced drivers looking for adventure.
Here are some of India’s most memorable scenic road trips, along with the best time to travel, attractions, approximate budgets, and practical tips.
Planning a road-based holiday from the capital? Explore Minto Holidays’ India Tour Packages From Delhi for more destination ideas.
1. Delhi to Manali – A Classic Himalayan Road trips
Route: Delhi → Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
Distance: Approximately 530 km
Ideal duration: 4-6 days
Best time: March to June and October to February
The Delhi-Manali highway is one of the most popular choices for travelers who want a combination of mountains, rivers, forests, and adventure.
As you leave Delhi and Chandigarh behind, the scenery gradually changes. Road Trips The road follows mountain valleys, passes through Mandi and Kullu, and eventually reaches Manali.
Highlights
- Kullu Valley
- Beas River
- Solang Valley
- Old Manali
- Hadimba Temple
- Mall Road
- Rohtang region, subject to access and weather conditions
Approximate budget
A self-drive trip for two people can cost around ₹12,000-₹25,000, excluding the vehicle’s ownership or rental cost, depending on accommodation, meals, fuel, and activities.
Families or travelers who prefer not to drive can consider an organized Shimla Manali Tour Package from Delhi, which takes care of transportation, hotels, and sightseeing.
2. Mumbai to Goa – Road Trips The Ultimate Coastal Drive
Route: Mumbai → Pune → Kolhapur → Amboli → Goa
Distance: Around 590 km, depending on the route
Ideal duration: 5-7 days
Best time: October to February
Few driving vacations in India are as popular as the Mumbai-Goa road trip.
The journey combines highways, Western Ghats scenery, forests, small towns, and eventually Goa’s beaches. Instead of rushing to reach Goa, consider spending a night around the Konkan region and exploring places along the way.
Things to experience
- Coastal viewpoints
- Amboli Ghat
- Local Maharashtrian cuisine
- Goa beaches
- Portuguese-influenced architecture
- Sunset experiences
- Local markets
A comfortable road trip can cost approximately ₹15,000-₹30,000 for two people, excluding vehicle rental.
If you want to avoid driving and focus entirely on enjoying Goa, an organized Goa Tour Package from Delhi can be a convenient alternative.
If you would rather enjoy Goa without handling the entire journey yourself, explore our Goa Tour Package from Delhi for a more convenient holiday experience.
3. Manali to Leh – A High-Altitude Adventure Road Trips
Route: Manali → Sissu → Jispa → Sarchu → Pang → Leh
Ideal duration: 6-9 days
Best time: Generally June to September, subject to road and weather conditions
For experienced travelers, the Manali-Leh route is among the most spectacular long drive destinations in India.
The landscape changes dramatically from green valleys to barren mountains, high-altitude plains, and dramatic passes.
What makes it special Road Trips?
- Himalayan mountain scenery
- Sissu
- Jispa
- Sarchu
- More plains
- High mountain passes
- Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley if extending the journey from Leh
This is not an ordinary highway holiday. High altitude, unpredictable weather, road conditions, and limited facilities mean travelers need to plan carefully.
Important tip
Allow time for acclimatization and avoid treating the route as a race. Check current road conditions before departure and carry essential medicines, warm clothing, water, snacks, and emergency supplies.
4. Bengaluru to Ooty – A Relaxing Hill Drive Road Trips
Route: Bengaluru → Mysuru → Gundlupet → Bandipur → Ooty
Distance: Approximately 270 km
Ideal duration: 3-4 days
Best time: October to June
This is one of the easier scenic road trips for travelers in South India.
The route passes through Mysuru and the beautiful landscapes around Bandipur before climbing toward the Nilgiri Hills.
Places to explore
- Mysuru Palace
- Bandipur National Park
- Ooty Lake
- Botanical Gardens
- Tea estates
- Doddabetta Peak
- Coonoor
Families and couples will particularly enjoy this route because the journey is manageable and the destination offers plenty of accommodation options.Looking for a longer South India getaway? Explore our Ooty Mysore Kodaikanal Family Tour Package from Delhi.
5. Chennai to Pondicherry – A Short Coastal Escape Road Trips
Route: Chennai → Mahabalipuram → Kalpakkam → Pondicherry
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Ideal duration: 2-3 days
Best time: October to March
If you are looking for a short road trip rather than a week-long adventure, the East Coast Road between Chennai and Pondicherry is a fantastic choice.
The route combines sea views, heritage sites, cafés, beaches, and relaxed coastal scenery.
Don’t miss
- Mahabalipuram
- Shore Temple
- Pancha Rathas
- French Quarter in Pondicherry
- Promenade Beach
- Auroville
- Local cafés
This is also a good option for couples searching for an easy weekend driving vacation.
6. Delhi to Jaipur – A Perfect Weekend Road Trips
Route: Delhi → Gurugram → Neemrana → Behror → Jaipur
Distance: Around 280 km
Ideal duration: 2-3 days
Best time: October to March
The Delhi-Jaipur highway makes for one of the most accessible road trips in North India.
You can leave Delhi in the morning, stop at Neemrana or another attraction along the way, and reach Jaipur by afternoon or evening.
Experiences to include
- Amber Fort
- City Palace
- Hawa Mahal
- Jantar Mantar
- Jaipur bazaars
- Rajasthani cuisine
Want to explore Jaipur beyond a short road trip? Check out our Jaipur Tour Package from Delhi for a more organized Rajasthan getaway.
For families and first-time road trippers, this is a relatively straightforward introduction to highway travel.
7. Ahmedabad to Kutch – A Journey into the White Desert
Route: Ahmedabad → Mehsana → Patan → Dhrangadhra → Bhuj → Kutch
Ideal duration: 4–6 days
Best time: November to February
The landscape changes dramatically as you travel toward Kutch. The colorful culture, traditional handicrafts, expansive salt desert, and distinctive villages make this one of India’s most unusual road journeys.
Top experiences
- Rann of Kutch
- Bhuj
- Traditional handicraft villages
- Local Gujarati cuisine
- Cultural performances
- Sunset over the salt desert
If you plan around the Rann Utsav period, accommodation should be booked well in advance.
8. Guwahati to Tawang – A Northeast Adventure
Route: Guwahati → Bhalukpong → Bomdila → Dirang → Tawang
Ideal duration: 7-10 days
Best time: March to May and October to November, subject to weather
This route is for travelers who want dramatic mountain scenery and a less conventional Indian road trip.
The journey through Arunachal Pradesh includes winding mountain roads, forests, valleys, monasteries, and spectacular viewpoints.
Highlights
- Bomdila
- Dirang
- Sela region
- Tawang Monastery
- Mountain valleys
- Local tribal culture
Because weather can change quickly, travelers should check road conditions and required permits before starting.
9. Srinagar to Leh – A Spectacular Himalayan Route Road Trips
Route: Srinagar → Sonamarg → Drass → Kargil → Lamayuru → Leh
Ideal duration: 6–8 days
Best time: Generally May to October, depending on road conditions
The Srinagar-Leh highway offers an incredible transition from Kashmir’s green valleys to Ladakh’s rugged high-altitude landscape.
Must-see stops
- Sonamarg
- Zoji La region
- Drass
- Kargil
- Mulbekh
- Lamayuru
- Leh
This journey is particularly rewarding for photographers and adventure travelers.
10. Kochi to Munnar – A Green Western Ghats Drive
Route: Kochi → Muvattupuzha → Adimali → Munnar
Distance: Around 125 km
Ideal duration: 2-3 days
Best time: September to March
The relatively short journey from Kochi to Munnar takes you from the coast toward misty hills and tea plantations.
The final stretches feature winding roads surrounded by forests, waterfalls, plantations, and mountain scenery.
Things to do
- Visit tea plantations
- Explore viewpoints
- See waterfalls
- Try Kerala cuisine
- Visit Eravikulam National Park
- Enjoy a relaxed stay in the hills
Planning a longer Kerala holiday? Explore our Munnar Tour Package from Delhi for a convenient way to discover this beautiful hill destination.
It is an excellent option for couples and honeymooners who want a short scenic escape.
11. Delhi to Rishikesh and Mussoorie
Route: Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Mussoorie
Ideal duration: 3–5 days
Best time: March to June and September to November
This is another convenient option for travelers from Delhi.
You can combine the spiritual atmosphere of Haridwar, adventure activities in Rishikesh, and the mountain charm of Mussoorie in one trip.
Popular experiences
- Ganga Aarti
- River rafting in Rishikesh
- Café hopping
- Waterfall visits
- Mall Road, Mussoorie
- Kempty Falls
Want to explore more of the region? Take a look at our Uttarakhand Tour Package From Delhi for more mountain and adventure experiences.
12. Jaipur to Jaisalmer – A Rajasthan Desert Drive
Route: Jaipur → Ajmer → Pushkar → Jodhpur → Jaisalmer
Ideal duration: 6-8 days
Best time: October to March
This is one of the best road trips in India for travelers interested in history and culture.
The journey takes you through forts, colorful markets, desert landscapes, and historic cities.
Highlights
- Pushkar
- Jodhpur
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Sam Sand Dunes
- Desert camping
- Rajasthani folk music and food
For travelers who want to explore more forts, desert landscapes, and heritage cities, our Rajasthan Tour Package From Delhi offers additional ways to experience the state.
For a more comfortable experience, plan shorter driving days and spend at least one night in Jodhpur.
13. Pune to Mahabaleshwar – A Refreshing Hill Escape
Route: Pune → Wai → Panchgani → Mahabaleshwar
Ideal duration: 2-3 days
Best time: October to June
This is an easy choice for travelers who want a quick break from city life.
The route is particularly attractive during the cooler months and offers viewpoints, forests, strawberry farms, and pleasant weather.
It works well for families, couples, and groups looking for a short self-drive holiday.
14. Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar
Distance: Approximately 260 km
Ideal duration: 2-3 days
Best time: October to June
Another popular Western Ghats drive, this route provides a welcome change from Mumbai’s urban environment.
Once you reach Mahabaleshwar, you can spend your time visiting viewpoints, exploring Panchgani, enjoying local food, and relaxing in the hills.
For travelers with limited time, this is one of the easiest long-weekend road trip options from Mumbai.
15. Delhi to Agra – A Heritage-Focused Road Trips
Route: Delhi → Greater Noida → Yamuna Expressway → Agra
Distance: Approximately 230 km
Ideal duration: 1–2 days
Best time: October to March
Not every road trip needs to involve mountains or hundreds of kilometers.
The Delhi-Agra route is ideal for a short heritage getaway. The well-known expressway makes the journey relatively quick, leaving you plenty of time to explore Agra.
Top attractions
- Taj Mahal
- Agra Fort
- Mehtab Bagh
- Local handicraft markets
- Mughlai cuisine
How to Plan a Successful Road Trips in India
A good road trip depends on more than choosing a beautiful destination. If you’re looking for more adventure-focused experiences beyond self-drive holidays, explore Minto Holidays’ Adventure Tour Packages from Delhi. Before leaving, consider these essentials:
1. Check the route
Use updated navigation and verify road conditions before departure, particularly in mountainous areas.
2. Service your vehicle
Check:
- Tyres
- Brakes
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Battery
- Lights
- Spare tyre
Also carry a basic emergency kit.
3. Don’t overpack the itinerary
Driving for eight hours and then trying to visit five attractions can make a holiday exhausting. Leave some flexibility for breaks and unexpected delays.
4. Book accommodation strategically
Choose hotels with convenient parking and easy road access. In hill stations, properties slightly away from crowded centers can sometimes provide a quieter experience.
5. Keep cash and essentials
Digital payments are widely available, but remote destinations may have poor connectivity. Carry some cash, identification documents, power banks, water, snacks, and essential medicines.
Estimated Road Trips Budget in India
The cost of a road trip in India depends on your route, vehicle, number of travelers, accommodation, food, and activities.
For a 2-person road trip, fuel can cost around ₹3,000-₹15,000 or more, depending on the distance and vehicle. Hotels generally range from ₹1,500-₹6,000 per night, while food may cost around ₹500-₹1,500 per person per day.
You should also keep an additional ₹500-₹5,000 or more for sightseeing, activities, tolls, and parking, depending on your destination and itinerary.
Mountain and remote routes can be more expensive because they involve longer driving distances and may have limited accommodation and facilities.
To keep your road trip affordable, compare hotel prices, plan your fuel stops in advance, share travel costs with fellow travelers, and avoid packing too many destinations into a short itinerary.
Road Trips Safety Tips
Safety should always come before reaching your destination.
- Avoid driving continuously for long hours without breaks.
- Do not drive when sleepy.
- Follow speed limits.
- Avoid risky overtaking on mountain roads.
- Use headlights appropriately in fog and poor visibility.
- Check weather forecasts before mountain journeys.
- Never stop at unsafe roadside locations for photographs.
- Keep emergency contacts and vehicle documents accessible.
- Avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy rain.
- On high-altitude routes, allow your body enough time to acclimatize.
Most importantly, don’t let a tight itinerary force you to take unnecessary risks.
Self-Drive Holiday or Travel Package: Which Is Better?
A self-drive holiday gives you complete freedom. You can choose your stops, change plans, explore lesser-known places, and travel at your own pace.
However, long-distance driving also means handling navigation, parking, vehicle issues, fuel planning, and changing road conditions yourself.
An organized holiday can be more convenient when you want someone else to handle transportation, accommodation, sightseeing, and itinerary planning.
For families, honeymooners, and travelers who prefer a hassle-free experience, Minto Holidays can help plan trips around popular Indian destinations with suitable travel packages based on your requirements.