Exploring India’s Scenic Routes: 10 Unforgettable Road Trips

When the monsoon transforms India into a lush paradise, it’s the perfect time to hit the road and explore the country’s diverse landscapes. India’s network of national highways provides access to some of the most breathtaking routes in the world. Here are ten spectacular road trips that showcase the beauty of India’s varied terrain.

1. Mumbai to Ahmednagar via Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
Travelling from Mumbai to Ahmednagar through Malshej Ghat is a journey filled with verdant greenery, misty waterfalls, and towering Sahyadri peaks. This 254 km drive is ideal for a rainy weekend escape, offering scenic viewpoints and local delicacies like chai-pakora. The trip takes around 4 hours one way.

2. Shimla to Spiti via Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
Covering 400 kilometres, this route from Shimla to Spiti Valley is a visual feast, transitioning from lush meadows to stark cold deserts. Highlights include Narkanda, Karcham Dam, and the Tabo monastery. This road trip is as much about the journey as the destination.

3. Shillong to Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya
A 54 km drive from Shillong to Cherrapunjee takes you through mist-soaked landscapes and offers stunning views of hills and waterfalls. Ideal for a day trip, this route provides a picturesque snapshot of Meghalaya’s natural beauty in about 2 hours.

4. Munnar to Kodaikanal via Theni, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
This 176 km drive connects the hill stations of Munnar and Kodaikanal, offering a scenic journey through tea estates and the Western Ghats—the road twists and turns, revealing mesmerizing views of the hills. The trip takes about 4-5 hours.

5. Dhanushkodi Beach Road, Tamil Nadu
The 19 km road to Dhanushkodi on Pamban Island is a short yet striking drive. The route features pristine beaches and ruins against the backdrop of azure waters, making it one of the most scenic drives globally. It takes approximately 30 minutes.

6. Shivamogga to Udupi via Agumbe Ghat, Karnataka
Journeying between Shivamogga and Udupi, this 153 km road takes you through the lush Agumbe Ghat of the Western Ghats. Known for its dense forests and serene ambience, this drive is perfect for nature lovers and rejuvenation seekers, taking around 3 hours.

7. Rishikesh to Joshimath, Uttarakhand
Covering 246 kilometres, the drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath offers spectacular views of the Ganga River, dramatic forests, and mountain ranges. The trip takes about 7-8 hours and provides thrilling hairpin bends and scenic lookouts.

8. Gangtok to Nathu La via Lake Tsomgo, Sikkim
A 58 km drive from Gangtok to Nathu La climbs to 14,000 feet and passes the stunning Lake Tsomgo. This route offers breathtaking Himalayan views and an unforgettable sunset experience. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours.

9. Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
This 115 km drive takes you through the Eastern Ghats to Araku Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes and tribal cuisine. The trip, which takes around 3 hours, features waterfalls, streams, and hills, and is famous for its coffee and Bamboo Chicken.

10. Pahalgam to Kargil via Drass, Kashmir and Ladakh
A 290 km drive from Pahalgam to Kargil traverses the dramatic Zojila Pass at 11,575 feet. This route offers breathtaking views of Ladakh’s barren beauty, making it a favourite among bikers and adventure seekers. The journey takes about 7-8 hours.