India, with its diverse landscapes, stunning highways, and rich culture, offers some of the world’s most exciting road trips. Whether you seek adventure, serenity, or cultural exploration, there’s a road trip for every traveler. Here are the best road trips in India, complete with travel details, accommodations, budgets, and must-try experiences.

1. Manali to Leh Highway (Himachal Pradesh – Ladakh)

One of the most iconic road trips in India, this 479 km journey takes you through some of the highest mountain passes, including Rohtang La and Baralacha La. With dramatic landscapes, rugged terrains, and stunning valleys, this adventure is a dream for bikers and road trip lovers.

• Distance: 474 km
• Best Time to Travel: June to September
• Route: Manali – Rohtang Pass – Keylong – Sarchu – Leh
• Approximate Budget: ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 per person (fuel, food, and stay)
• Accommodation: Budget hostels, camps, and luxury hotels in Leh
• Must-Try Experiences:
  • Ride through the breathtaking Rohtang Pass and Baralacha La Pass.
  • Visit Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley.
  • Experience local Ladakhi cuisine.

2. Mumbai to Goa (The Coastal Route)

A classic road trip filled with picturesque coastal views, palm-lined roads, and charming villages. Covering around 600 km, this route offers a mix of adventure and leisure, passing through scenic spots like Alibaug, Ratnagiri, and Malvan before reaching the vibrant beaches of Goa.

• Distance: 577 km
• Best Time to Travel: October to March
• Route: Mumbai – Alibaug – Ratnagiri – Goa (NH66)
• Approximate Budget: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 per person
• Accommodation: Beachside shacks, luxury resorts, and homestays
• Must-Try Experiences:
  • Scenic drive through Konkan’s coastal beauty.
  • Stop at Ganpatipule Beach.
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife and Goan cuisine.

3. Delhi to Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh)

This 730 km journey is an adrenaline-packed adventure through remote valleys, high-altitude villages, and rugged mountain passes like Kunzum La. The breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and star-lit skies make this a truly surreal experience.

• Distance: 730 km
• Best Time to Travel: June to October
• Route: Delhi – Shimla – Kalpa – Kaza (Spiti Valley)
• Approximate Budget: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 per person
• Accommodation: Guesthouses, camps, and monasteries
• Must-Try Experiences:
  • Visit the ancient Key Monastery and Dhankar Monastery.
  • Drive through the world’s highest villages, Hikkim and Komic.
  • Experience the barren beauty of Spiti’s landscapes.

4. Chennai to Pondicherry (East Coast Road)

A short yet mesmerizing 160 km drive along the East Coast Road (ECR), this trip offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal, golden beaches, and charming coastal towns. The journey ends in the French-inspired Pondicherry, known for its laid-back vibe and colonial architecture.

• Distance: 160 km
• Best Time to Travel: November to February
• Route: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry
• Approximate Budget: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 per person
• Accommodation: Beach resorts and budget stays
• Must-Try Experiences:
  • Explore Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO temples.
  • Enjoy the picturesque drive along the Bay of Bengal.
  • Experience the French charm of Pondicherry.

5. Jaipur to Jaisalmer (The Desert Circuit)

A 558 km journey through the heart of Rajasthan, this road trip offers a glimpse of golden dunes, majestic forts, and historic towns like Jodhpur and Bikaner. The final destination, Jaisalmer, enchants visitors with its golden fort and desert safaris.

• Distance: 560 km
• Best Time to Travel: October to March
• Route: Jaipur – Bikaner – Jaisalmer
• Approximate Budget: ₹10,000 – ₹18,000 per person
• Accommodation: Heritage hotels and desert camps
• Must-Try Experiences:
  • Visit the golden dunes of Sam Sand Dunes.
  • Explore Jaisalmer Fort and Bikaner’s palaces.
  • Try authentic Rajasthani cuisine like Dal Baati Churma.

6. Bangalore to Ooty (The Nilgiri Hills)

A scenic 270 km drive from the bustling city of Bangalore to the misty hills of Ooty. The journey winds through lush forests, hairpin bends, and tea plantations, passing through Mysore and Bandipur National Park before reaching the serene Nilgiri hills.

• Distance: 265 km
• Best Time to Travel: September to March
• Route: Bangalore – Mysore – Bandipur – Ooty
• Approximate Budget: ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 per person
• Accommodation: Cozy homestays, luxury resorts
• Must-Try Experiences:
  • Drive through Bandipur National Park.
  • Visit tea plantations and scenic viewpoints.
  • Enjoy fresh homemade chocolates in Ooty.

7. Guwahati to Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)

This 520 km route is a thrilling mountain drive that takes you through lush green valleys, frozen lakes, and snow-clad peaks. Highlights include crossing the breathtaking Sela Pass at 13,700 ft and exploring the stunning Tawang Monastery, one of the largest in India.

• Distance: 520 km
• Best Time to Travel: March to May, September to November
• Route: Guwahati – Tezpur – Bomdila – Tawang
• Approximate Budget: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 per person
• Accommodation: Monastery stays, hotels, and homestays
• Must-Try Experiences:
  • Drive through Sela Pass (13,700 feet above sea level).
  • Visit the breathtaking Tawang Monastery.
  • Enjoy the scenic waterfalls and landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh.

8. Ahmedabad to Kutch (The Rann of Kutch)

A 400 km road trip that takes you from the vibrant city of Ahmedabad to the vast white salt desert of Kutch. The drive is filled with cultural stops, historic palaces, and the famous Rann Utsav, a festival showcasing Gujarat’s rich heritage.

• Distance: 400 km
• Best Time to Travel: November to February (During Rann Utsav)
• Route: Ahmedabad – Bhuj – Dhordo (Rann of Kutch)
• Approximate Budget: ₹10,000 – ₹18,000 per person
• Accommodation: Tent city camps, resorts
• Must-Try Experiences:
  • Witness the white desert under the full moon.
  • Explore the handicraft villages of Kutch.
  • Enjoy camel rides and cultural performances during Rann Utsav.

9. Kolkata to Darjeeling (The Himalayan Drive)

A picturesque 630 km journey that starts from the cultural hub of Kolkata and ascends into the lush green hills of Darjeeling. The road winds through tea gardens, misty mountains, and charming hill stations, offering breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas.

• Distance: 620 km
• Best Time to Travel: March to May, September to December
• Route: Kolkata – Siliguri – Kurseong – Darjeeling
• Approximate Budget: ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 per person
• Accommodation: Colonial-style hotels, homestays
• Must-Try Experiences:
  • Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train).
  • Watch the sunrise from Tiger Hill.
  • Sip world-famous Darjeeling tea.

10. Shillong to Cherrapunji (The Meghalaya Bliss)

A short yet magical 55 km drive through some of the wettest and most scenic landscapes in India. This route is filled with waterfalls, rolling green hills, and stunning limestone caves, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

• Distance: 54 km
• Best Time to Travel: October to April
• Route: Shillong – Mawlynnong – Cherrapunji
• Approximate Budget: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 per person
• Accommodation: Nature resorts, homestays
• Must-Try Experiences:
  • Walk through the Living Root Bridges.
  • Visit Nohkalikai Falls, India’s tallest plunge waterfall.
  • Explore Mawsmai Caves and enjoy Meghalaya’s natural beauty.