10 Epic Scenic Road Trips in India That Will Captivate You

Scenic road trips India – discover 10 breathtaking drive routes across India. Plan your next road trip now!

Scenic road trips India open up a world of vistas, mountain passes, coastal winds, and hidden gems that you can’t see from a plane or train. Whether you seek winding Himalayan valleys, coastal blues or desert expanses, this list of 10 epic drives across India will inspire your next road journey.

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Quick Facts at a Glance

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H2: How to Choose the Right Road Trip

Choosing a scenic drive in India depends on your region, time, and preferences:

• Distance & duration: pick a 1-day drive or a week-long itinerary.
• Road conditions & vehicle: Himalayas require good ground clearance; coastal roads are easier.
• Weather & season window: avoid heavy monsoon zones or snow-blocked passes.
• Stops & logistics: ensure fuel, food, lodging are available en route.

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H2: Top 10 Scenic Road Trips in India

1. Manali → Leh Highway (via Rohtang & Baralacha La)

Pass through high passes, alpine valleys, and stark deserts. One of the most iconic Himalayan drives.

2. Shillong → Cherrapunjee → Dawki → Mawlynnong (Meghalaya loop)

Green hills, living root bridges, waterfalls, and the cleanest village in Asia (Mawlynnong).

3. Coimbatore → Ooty → Coonoor (Nilgiri Mountain Road)

Tea estates, hairpin curves, shola forests. Ideal for weekend trips in Southern India.

4. Munnar → Marayoor → Madurai (Kerala → Tamil Nadu)

Misty hills, sandalwood forests, undulating landscapes, ending in cultural city Madurai.

5. Puri → Chilika Lake → Konark → Bhubaneswar (Odisha coastal drive)

Coastal lagoons, bird sanctuaries, temples and sea views.

6. Mumbai → Goa (via Sindhudurg coast / Konkan coast)

Cliffs, hidden beaches, fishing hamlets, lush Western Ghats backdrop.

7. Darjeeling → Sikkim → North Sikkim (Geyzing, Yumthang Valley)

Snow views, rhododendron forests, remote Himalayan solitude.

8. Ahmedabad → Gir → Somnath → Dwarka (Saurashtra loop)

Wildlife refuge, seaside temples, salt flats and rural landscapes of Gujarat.

9. Kolkata → Digha → Mandarmani → Shankarpur (East Coast drive)

Bay of Bengal coastline, fishing villages, sunrise & sundown views.

10. Tawang → Bomdila → Bhalukpong (Arunachal Pradesh–Assam frontier)

Mountain passes, rivers, tribal villages, high-altitude forests.

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H2: Best Time to Travel Each Route

• Himalayan routes (Leh, Sikkim, Arunachal): June to September
• South / Western Ghats / Nilgiris: October to March
• Coastal drives: November to May
• Odisha / East coast: November to February

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H2: How to Reach / Start Points

• Many drives begin from major hubs (e.g., Delhi → Manali; Kolkata → Digha) reachable by air/train.
• Ensure your roadmaps and GPS are updated; mobile connectivity may drop in remote regions.
• For Himalayan drives, acclimatize by spending a day in an intermediate altitude.

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H2: Essential Stops & Highlights (Examples)

• On Manali → Leh: Keylong, Sarchu, Pangong (side detour)
• On Konkan coast: Ganpatipule, Tarkarli, Anjarle beach
• In Meghalaya: Nohkalikai Falls, Double Decker Root Bridge
• In Odisha loop: Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, Sun Temple Konark, Somnath coast

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H2: Where to Stay / Lodging Tips

• In highway stretches, stay in guesthouses or forest lodges.
• Himalayan routes: book in advance in Leh / Keylong / Sarchu.
• Coastal drives: beach cottages, homestays, eco-resorts.
• In remote areas, choose safe, locally recommended stays.

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H2: Local Cuisine & Food to Try en Route

• Leh / Himalayas: Thukpa, Momos, Tsampa
• Kerala / Tamil Nadu hills: Puttu, Appam, Kadala curry
• Odisha / Saurashtra: Sea fish fry, dalma, chhena-based sweets
• Coastal / Konkan: Fish curry, sol kadhi, kokum sharbat
• Meghalaya / NE: Jadoh, momos, local rice beer (if permitted)

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H2: Travel Tips

• Carry spare fuel, puncture kit, first-aid, power bank.
• Check weather & avalanche / landslide alerts.
• Allow buffer days for rest or detours.
• Respect local customs, inquire before photographing sacred villages.
• Drive during daylight; avoid late-night travel in tricky sections.

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H2: Nearby Attractions & Offbeat Detours

• Off Manali → Leh: Chandratal Lake, Hikkim Village
• Off Konkan drive: Turtle nesting beach, Bamboo rafting
• Around Odisha route: Puri Beach, Raghurajpur artisan village
• In Meghalaya loop: Mawlynnong, Balancing Rock

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FAQs

Q1: Which is the safest scenic road trip in India for a beginner driver?
A: Coastal drives in Goa or Odisha are less altitude-stressful and good for first timers.

Q2: Can I rent a bike or car in Leh for the Manali-Leh route?
A: Yes, but confirm mechanical backup, insurance, and permission for interstate.

Q3: How many days are needed for Manali → Leh?
A: Minimum 5–7 days to acclimatize and travel safely.

Q4: Are roads open in monsoon season for Himalayan drives?
A: Many passes are closed or prone to landslides — avoid June to early July.

Q5: Which of these drives can be done in winter?
A: Coastal drives (Goa, Odisha) or desert‐adjacent routes; Himalayan passes are usually blocked.

Q6: Is camping safe on these routes?
A: In designated areas and with local permission; avoid unknown spots at high altitude.

Scenic road trips India offer unmatched freedom — the road is your guide, the landscape your companion. Pick a route, pack your essentials, and let each turn reveal a new panorama. Plan well, drive safe, and hit the road!

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Useful Links

• 7 Epic Scenic Road Trips in India 
• Hidden Waterfalls in Kerala You Must Visit 
• India Travel Guide on Incredible India
• Lonely Planet: India Driving & Road Trips

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Author: Prayanamam