Highways to Heaven: Unforgettable Road Trips Across India






1. Manali to Leh
Distance: 479 km
Duration: 2-3 days
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Highlights:
- Rohtang Pass: Offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
- Baralacha La: Known as the pass with no tree line.
- Pangong Lake: Famous for its changing colors.
- Nubra Valley: Home to sand dunes, Bactrian camels, and monasteries.
2. Mumbai to Goa
Distance: 590 km
Duration: 10-12 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Highlights:
- Alibaug: Known for its beaches and forts.
- Ganpatipule: A scenic coastal town.
- Ratnagiri: Famous for Alphonso mangoes and beaches.
- Goa: Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, beaches, and Portuguese heritage.
3. Chennai to Pondicherry
Distance: 155 km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Highlights:
- Mahabalipuram: UNESCO World Heritage site with rock-cut temples.
- Serenity Beach: Known for its peaceful environment.
- Auroville: An experimental township.
- French Quarter: Reflects Pondicherry’s colonial past.
4. Bangalore to Ooty
Distance: 274 km
Duration: 6-7 hours
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
Highlights:
- Mysore: Known for Mysore Palace.
- Bandipur National Park: Wildlife sanctuary.
- Coonoor: Famous for its tea gardens.
- Ooty: Renowned hill station with botanical gardens and lakes.
5. Jaipur to Jaisalmer
Distance: 558 km
Duration: 10-11 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Highlights:
- Ajmer: Known for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
- Pushkar: Famous for the Pushkar Fair and Brahma Temple.
- Jodhpur: Known as the Blue City, with Mehrangarh Fort.
- Jaisalmer: Features the Golden Fort and desert safaris.
6. Kolkata to Darjeeling
Distance: 616 km
Duration: 14-15 hours
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to December
Highlights:
- Siliguri: Gateway to the Northeast.
- Teesta River: Popular for river rafting.
- Darjeeling: Famous for tea gardens, Tiger Hill sunrise, and the Toy Train.
7. Ahmedabad to Kutch
Distance: 400 km
Duration: 8-9 hours
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Highlights:
- Bhuj: Historical city with palaces and temples.
- Rann of Kutch: Known for the White Desert and Rann Utsav.
- Mandvi: Coastal town with beaches and palaces.
8. Guwahati to Tawang
Distance: 520 km
Duration: 2-3 days
Best Time to Visit: March to October
Highlights:
- Bomdila: Scenic town with monasteries.
- Dirang: Known for its apple orchards and hot springs.
- Sela Pass: Offers stunning views at 13,700 feet.
- Tawang: Home to Tawang Monastery and beautiful landscapes.
9. Delhi to Agra via Jaipur (Golden Triangle)
Distance: 449 km
Duration: 7-8 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Highlights:
- Jaipur: Pink City with attractions like Amber Fort and City Palace.
- Agra: Famous for the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
- Delhi: Capital city with historical sites like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and India Gate.
10. Shimla to Spiti Valley
Distance: 450 km
Duration: 2-3 days
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Highlights:
- Narkanda: Known for skiing and apple orchards.
- Kalpa: Scenic village with views of Kinnaur Kailash.
- Kaza: Headquarters of Spiti Valley, known for its monasteries.
- Chandratal Lake: High-altitude lake with breathtaking beauty.
11. Shillong to Cherrapunji
Distance: 54 km
Duration: 2-3 hours
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Highlights:
- Elephant Falls: Scenic waterfall near Shillong.
- Mawsmai Cave: Limestone cave near Cherrapunji.
- Nohkalikai Falls: India’s tallest plunge waterfall.
- Living Root Bridges: Unique natural bridges in Cherrapunji.
12. Rishikesh to Auli
Distance: 254 km
Duration: 8-9 hours
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Highlights:
- Devprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers.
- Rudraprayag: Scenic town on the way.
- Joshimath: Base for the cable car ride to Auli.
- Auli: Famous for skiing and stunning views of Nanda Devi.
Each of these road trips offers unique experiences, combining natural beauty, adventure, culture, and history, making them must-try journeys for travel enthusiasts.