There’s something magical about hitting the open road and discovering India at your own pace. Whether it’s driving through lush tea plantations, winding mountain roads, or wide highways flanked by desert sands, traveling by car gives you the freedom to explore hidden gems and scenic vistas along the way. Having taken countless road trips across India, I’ve learned that some of the best memories come from the journey itself.
Here’s a guide to reaching popular Indian attractions by car, with route recommendations, travel tips, and must-see pit stops.
1. Delhi to Agra (Taj Mahal)
- Distance: 220 km (3.5–4 hours)
- Route: Via Yamuna Expressway
- Highlights:
- Smooth, six-lane expressway with minimal traffic
- Midway rest stops with cafes and clean restrooms
- Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh (sunset views of the Taj Mahal)
Tip: Start early to reach Agra in time for sunrise at the Taj Mahal and avoid tourist crowds.
2. Mumbai to Goa
- Distance: 590 km (10–12 hours)
- Route: Via NH 66 (Mumbai-Goa Highway)
- Highlights:
- Scenic coastal route with views of the Arabian Sea
- Stop at Ganpatipule Beach and the Karnala Bird Sanctuary
- Local seafood restaurants along the Konkan route
Tip: Plan an overnight stay in Ratnagiri or Ganpatipule to break up the journey and explore coastal Maharashtra.
3. Bengaluru to Coorg (Karnataka)
- Distance: 260 km (5–6 hours)
- Route: Via Mysore Road and NH 275
- Highlights:
- Drive through forested hills and coffee plantations
- Stop at Mysore Palace and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
- Scenic winding roads as you ascend into Coorg
Tip: Visit Abbey Falls and Dubare Elephant Camp once you reach Coorg for stunning nature experiences.
4. Chennai to Pondicherry (Puducherry)
- Distance: 150 km (3–4 hours)
- Route: Via East Coast Road (ECR)
- Highlights:
- Coastal drive with ocean views
- Visit Mahabalipuram’s UNESCO World Heritage temples along the way
- Pondicherry’s French Quarter and beach promenade
Tip: Pack snacks and take frequent photo breaks along the scenic ECR route.
5. Delhi to Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)
- Distance: 240 km (5–6 hours)
- Route: Via NH 334 through Meerut and Haridwar
- Highlights:
- Spiritual town of Haridwar (stop for Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri)
- Himalayan foothills and Ganga River views as you approach Rishikesh
- Adventure activities like river rafting and bungee jumping
Tip: Avoid traveling during peak pilgrimage season (July-August) to bypass heavy traffic.
6. Jaipur to Udaipur (Rajasthan)
- Distance: 400 km (6–7 hours)
- Route: Via NH 48 and NH 58
- Highlights:
- Scenic desert and countryside views
- Stop at Chittorgarh Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Explore Udaipur’s Lake Pichola and City Palace
Tip: Stay hydrated and carry sunglasses for the sunny desert drive.
7. Guwahati to Shillong (Meghalaya)
- Distance: 100 km (3 hours)
- Route: Via NH 6
- Highlights:
- Pine forests, mist-covered hills, and waterfalls along the route
- Stop at Umiam Lake for boating and photography
- Explore Shillong’s vibrant markets and cafes upon arrival
Tip: Start early to avoid fog and reduced visibility, especially during the monsoon season.
8. Kochi to Munnar (Kerala)
- Distance: 130 km (4–5 hours)
- Route: Via NH 85
- Highlights:
- Drive through tea gardens, forests, and waterfalls
- Visit Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls en route
- Breathtaking views of Munnar’s rolling hills and tea estates
Tip: Take breaks to enjoy fresh coconut water and local snacks from roadside stalls.
9. Ahmedabad to Rann of Kutch (Gujarat)
- Distance: 400 km (7–8 hours)
- Route: Via Bhuj and NH 947
- Highlights:
- Explore Bhuj’s heritage sites, including Aina Mahal
- Drive through salt flats and desert landscapes
- Attend the Rann Utsav festival for cultural performances and camel rides
Tip: Travel during winter (November to February) when the Rann Utsav is in full swing.
10. Hyderabad to Hampi (Karnataka)
- Distance: 380 km (7–8 hours)
- Route: Via NH 44 and NH 50
- Highlights:
- Scenic rural landscapes and historical ruins
- Visit Tungabhadra Dam and Hospet along the way
- Explore the ancient temples and boulder-strewn hills of Hampi
Tip: Start early to arrive in Hampi before sunset and enjoy golden-hour photography.
11. Chandigarh to Manali (Himachal Pradesh)
- Distance: 300 km (8–9 hours)
- Route: Via NH 3 through Mandi and Kullu
- Highlights:
- Serene mountain roads with views of the Beas River
- Stop at Kullu for rafting or paragliding
- Explore Manali’s Hidimba Temple and Solang Valley
Tip: Drive cautiously on steep mountain roads, especially during winter when roads may be icy.
12. Bhubaneswar to Puri (Odisha)
- Distance: 60 km (1.5–2 hours)
- Route: Via NH 316
- Highlights:
- Visit Dhauli Peace Pagoda and Konark Sun Temple en route
- Relax at Puri Beach and attend the evening Aarti at Jagannath Temple
Tip: Combine the drive with a visit to Chilika Lake, known for its migratory birds and dolphins.
13. Mysore to Ooty (Tamil Nadu)
- Distance: 125 km (4–5 hours)
- Route: Via Bandipur National Park and NH 181
- Highlights:
- Drive through Bandipur and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuaries
- Scenic hairpin bends and viewpoints as you ascend to Ooty
- Explore Ooty’s botanical gardens and tea plantations
Tip: Be cautious of wildlife crossings in the national park area.
Essential Road Trip Tips
- Check Road Conditions: Some routes, especially in the Himalayas or during monsoon season, may have road closures or delays.
- Carry Essentials: Pack water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a phone charger.
- Navigation: Use Google Maps or offline maps, but confirm directions with locals in remote areas.
- Fuel Up: Fill your tank at major towns, as fuel stations may be sparse on certain routes.
- Plan Breaks: Schedule rest stops at scenic viewpoints, cafes, or roadside attractions to make the journey enjoyable.
Exploring India by car allows you to experience the country’s incredible landscapes, vibrant culture, and hidden treasures at your own pace. Whether it’s a coastal drive, a mountain adventure, or a journey through the desert, each road trip offers memories that will last a lifetime.
Which Indian road trip are you planning next? Share your travel stories and questions in the comments below!
