7 Epic Scenic Road Trips in India to See in 2025

by Dhriti Kannegunti · October 6, 2025

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7 Epic Scenic Road Trips in India: explore 7 unforgettable routes in 2025 with tips, itineraries & highlights — hit the road now!

Introduction

scenic road trips India are among the most magical ways to experience the diversity of the country — from misty mountains to coastal highways, each journey tells a story. In 2025, as travellers increasingly value immersive routes over just destinations, these roads promise unforgettable views and travel memories.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Route	Best Time	Length (approx)	Highlights
Leh–Manali Highway	June to September	~473 km	High passes, rugged landscapes
Goa to Gokarna coastal route	October to March	~150 km	Beaches, cliffs, seaside villages
Mumbai–Pune Expressway + Lonavala Loop	November to February	~110 km loop	Hill views, waterfalls
East Sikkim Highway	April to October	~50-100 km (segments)	Alpine vistas, monasteries
Rajasthan Desert Roads	November to March	Varies	Dunes, forts, desert vistas
Assam to Bhutan border roads	September to May	~200 km segments	Hills, forests, rivers
Western Ghats drive (Karnataka to Kerala)	September to March	~200-300 km	Valleys, forests, spice hills

How to Reach

Fly + drive: Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru are gateways to several scenic drives.
Train + road leg: For Leh–Manali you can take a train to Chandigarh / Manali and then hire a car or motorbike tour.
Self-drive rentals: In many states (Karnataka, Goa, Kerala) you can rent cars or motorbikes.
Guided tours: Especially for high-altitude roads, guided motorbike or car tours offer safety & logistical ease.

Best Time to Visit

High mountain roads (Leh, Sikkim): June to September
Coastal & lowland drives: October to March
Desert roads: November to February
Western Ghats: September to March

Best Things to Do Along the Routes

Stop at viewpoints, waterfalls, tea estates
Try local food in small towns en route
Do short treks or village walks
Capture sunrise / sunset at mountain passes
Interact with locals, experience local festivals

Detailed Route Highlights

1. Leh–Manali Highway

One of India’s most dramatic high-altitude roads
Passes like Baralacha, Rohtang, Kunzum
Rugged terrain, dramatic landscapes

2. Goa → Gokarna Coastal Drive

Drive along coastal cliffs, hidden bays
Stop at Agonda, Palolem, Gokarna beaches
Forest patches between coast & hills

3. Mumbai–Pune + Lonavala Loop

Smooth expressway, scenic ghats
Lonavala, Khandala, Karla caves
Waterfalls (especially after monsoon)

4. East Sikkim Highway Segments

Roads linking Gangtok to Nathula, Dzongri approaches
Rhododendron forests, high meadows
Monasteries & high tribes

5. Rajasthan Desert Circuit

Jaisalmer → Barmer → Jodhpur roads
Vast desert vistas, forts, camel country
Golden hour contrasts

6. Assam to Bhutan Border Drives

Gentle hills, rivers, forest corridors
Cross border roads, scenic transitions
Birdlife, lesser-known routes

7. Western Ghats: Karnataka → Kerala

From Coorg → Wayanad → Nilgiris
Spice plantations, valleys, misty peaks
Waterfalls, trekking options

Local Cuisine & Food to Try

Ladakhi thukpa, momos (Leh region)
Konkani fish curry (Goa / coastal)
Vada pav, misal pav (Maharashtra)
Sikkimese thenthuk, momos, local cheese
Rajasthani dal-baati-choorma, kachori
Assamese rice with fish, Bhutanese ema datsi
Kerala appam, kari, banana chips

Where to Stay

Mountain guest houses or camps (for Leh / Sikkim)
Boutique homestays on coasts
Hill resorts / bungalows in ghats
Desert camps / heritage hotels (Rajasthan)
Eco-lodges in Assam / Bhutan border

Shopping & Souvenirs

Woolens, pashmina (Ladakh / Sikkim)
Spices, coffee, tea (Ghats region)
Handwoven fabrics, block print (Rajasthan)
Local handicrafts: cane, bamboo, woodwork

Seasonal Travel Insights

Monsoon caution: Avoid high passes during heavy rain.
Festivals: Try to time with local festivals for cultural immersion.
Road closures: Some roads (Leh) open only a few months—check status.

Nearby Attractions

Pangong / Tso Moriri (near Leh)
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (Goa)
Bhimashankar temple (Maharashtra ghats)
Rumtek Monastery (Sikkim)
Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes (Rajasthan)
Phuentsholing (Bhutan border)
Wayanad wildlife sanctuary

Travel Tips

Carry spare fuel, especially in remote stretches
Acclimatize for high altitude routes
Check permits & road closures
Use offline maps & GPS
Travel light but carry warm layers
Respect local customs & environment

FAQs

Q1: When is the Leh–Manali route open?
A: Typically June to September. Outside that, snow blocks the route.

Q2: Is self-drive allowed in all these routes?
A: Yes in many lowland & ghats routes, but for high mountain roads guided drivers or tours are safer.

Q3: Which scenic road trip is best for a short 2-3 day break?
A: Mumbai–Pune + Lonavala loop or Goa → Gokarna stretch are ideal for short getaways.

Q4: Are these roads safe for solo women travellers?
A: Many routes are safe, but precautions like avoiding night driving, staying in known accommodations, local contacts help.

Q5: What kind of vehicle is recommended for high Himalayan roads?
A: A high-clearance SUV or robust 4×4 is ideal; sturdy motorbikes are also popular among adventure travellers.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to elevate your next India trip, start with the scenic road trips India routes. Whether you crave mountain heights, coastal serenity, or desert expanses — drive, explore, and let the journey be as magical as the destination. Start planning your route now and make 2025 your year of road adventures!

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Author Block

Name: Prayanamam Travel Team
Bio: Passionate travel storytellers exploring India’s hidden routes and cultural wonders.