Road Trip!! A holiday that begins right at the moment one turns on the ignition in the car or the motorbike. A holiday that does not include just the destination, but every millimetre in between, as one zips through the many roads, some good, and some giving you the feel of being on a joyride; as one discovers small quaint places one never knew existed, and eating joints which sometimes can give competition to the best of five star hotels. The adventure of a road trip is indeed unparalleled and here we have a list of some of the best road trips that one can embark upon this summer with family or friends!!
Chennai to Pondicherry (Along the East Coast Road)
A trip that will remain etched on one’s mind. The road connecting Chennai and Pondicherry is beautiful and perfect for travelling on a cruiser motorbike. All along the way the magnificent sea is visible with the water reflecting the changing hues and colours of the sun. The only drawback of this trip is that one will stop time and again for a photography session.
Details:
- This stretch of 160 km takes about 3 hours.
- The route passes through Mahabalipuram (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- There are not many eating joints along the route. It is better to stock up on some knick-knacks.
Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo and Nathu-La Pass:
The North-Eastern part of the country still remains largely untouched by the urban jungle that have been mushrooming all over the rest of India. The land makes you feel one with nature with an abundance of greenery, streams, hills, waterfalls and lakes. A road trip in this part of the country is sure to enthral your senses, especially the trip from Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo (Changu Lake) and further on to Nathu-La Pass from where you can see China.
Details:
The stretch is 55 Km long and fully uphill.
Lake Tsomgo falls on the route at around 39 km from Gangtok.
Nathu-La at a height of 14,410 feet forms a part of the ancient Silk Road and connects Sikkim with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.
Puri to Konark (NH-203)
The Puri-Konark highway is a beautiful road with spectacular scenic beauty all along the way. Be prepared for the battery in the camera to be drained time and again even before you reach the destination. There is a canopy of trees on either side of the road and thus even at the height of summer the soft misty breeze will keep you comfortable. The idyllic beauty all around is certain to leave you mesmerised and wanting more.
Details:
- The stretch is just 36Km long.
- The trip can be covered in an hour.
Delhi to Agra via Mathura on Yamuna Expressway
The Yamuna expressway will make you experience the joy of driving on its seamless road. A perfect weekend getaway, the road trip to Agra with a visit to the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort can be completed even in a day if you are in a hurry to get back home.
Details:
- The 165 Km stretch of Yamuna Expressway can be covered in less than 2 hours.
- An extra hour is required to cover the distance between Delhi and Yamuna Expressway owing to traffic conditions.
- The expressway lacks in good eating joints.
Manali to Leh Highway:
The road trip between Manali and Leh is again another breath-taking experience. Whether your are traveling in an open jeep, a motorbike or car, this road trip is certain to refresh you with the accompaniment of spectacular beauty all along the way.
Details:
- The distance of 479 Km has a mean altitude of 3-4 km above sea level.
- The road is open for 5 months a year in summers and mid-October.
- The journey takes about 2 days with one stopover for rest and acclimatization.
Jaipur to Jaisalmer:
Driving in the desert is an experience no one should miss. And driving through the flamboyant state of Rajasthan, from the beautiful Pink City, Jaipur, to the exotic Jaisalmer is of course an amazing experience.
Details:
- The roads are in top notch condition.
- The best route to be taken is the RJ SH 19.
- Jodhpur comes on the way where one can refresh oneself and give some rest to the vehicle.
- Authentic Rajasthani cuisine can be found all along this route.
Ahmedabad to Kutch
The Rann of Kutch with its white sands is certain to assail your senses and perfect for a weekend getaway on a road trip from Ahmedabad.
Details
- The distance between Ahmedabad and Kutch is 400 Km.
- The journey takes about 11 hours to complete.
- A few stretches of the road are bumpy and untamed.
- Better to start this road trip early morning from Ahmedabad.
Mumbai to Goa
Remember the movie Dil Chahta Hai where Aamir, Saif and Akshay head out on a road trip to Goa from Mumbai singing the title song? Well you can also head out on the same road trip with your friends and just enjoy driving on the NH 17 which is smooth as creamed butter. The drive takes you through the mesmerizing Western Ghats, towards the sun and the sand, literally. If you leave early morning from Mumbai you are certain to reach Goa by sundown, in time to join in the night life.
Details:
- The distance of 577 km can be covered in 10-12 hours depending on the number of stopovers.
- The popular Sindhudurg fort on the coast of the Arabian Sea falls on this route.
- There are ample number of eating joints on the way.
Bangalore to Bandipur Forest:
The road trip to Bandipur Forest from Bangalore is one of the most beautiful road trips through a forest in India. The highway is charming and you may also spot a deer or two on the way.
Details:
- The Stretch is 235 Km long.
- It takes 5 hours to complete the journey.
- There are various eating joints including the McDonalds and Cafe Coffee Day on the route.
