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Yahoo Lifestyle20 Road Trips Every Serious Indian Traveller Must Take
Predictability in travel can be a little boring, don't you think? Why not hit the road instead? HolidayIQ Travellers provide penetrative insight on the trips you must take
And you thought monsoon isn’t a good time to take road trips! You can always hop inside a train or take a short flight to your next holiday destination. But, predictability in travel can be a little boring, don't you think? Why not hit the road instead. All you need is a car or bike. Tank it up, stock it with travel essentials and voila!
The road is open for traffic from June to September. Whether you travel by car or by bike, the ride is spectacular. The passes of Barlacha La, Rohtang Pass, the rivers Beas and Chandra, and a beautiful landscape will greet you. Throughout the route popular stops include Sarchu and Keylong.
Distance: 990 km Time taken: 3 days
Travel route: Delhi - Chandigarh - Mandi - Kullu - Manali - Rohtang La - Kokhsar - Tandi - Keylong - Darcha - Sarchu - Pang - Upshi - Leh
Travel tip: Make sure you fill up your tank at Tandi as the next petrol pump on the route is 365 km away. As the altitude increases after Sarcha, the road condition worsens. Make sure you are geared with all travel essentials including rain gear, woolens and food.
The golden sands beckon! Drive on highways as smooth as butter and watch desert life pass by. The route from Jaipur to Jaisalmer is dotted with small villages and towns that will welcome you with open arms. Vibrant colours and delectable food are a given.
Distance: 570 km Time taken: 9 hours
Travel route: Jaipur - Merta Road - Jodhpur - Mathaniya - Osiyan - Phalodi - Ramdevra - Pokaran - Lathi – Jaisalmer
Travel tip: Do make a pitstop at Kumbalgarh to visit the Kumbalgarh Fort and the Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Pack your sun block and flip-flops and travel to the land of sun and sand from Mumbai. And the drive from Mumbai to Goa is scenic too. Leave Mumbai around 5 am, Drive on NH 17 and reach Goa in time to catch the beautiful sunset.
Distance: 615 km Time taken: 10 hours
Travel route: Catch the NH 17 and its one beautiful road right up to Goa!
Travel tip: The roads are beautiful. All you do is look out of the window and be amazed by the picturesque views.
If the bustling Bangalore life compels you to take a vacation to a lonely place, drive to the 'Scotland of India' - Coorg. The amazing local food joints serving the most delicious masala dosas and Maddur vada. Driving through the winding Western Ghats hugging the coffee plantations and the rough terrain indicates an adventurous yet peaceful holiday ahead.
Distance: 260 km Time taken: 5 hours
Travel Route: Bangalore – Bidadi – Ramanagaram – Chennapatna – Maddur – Mandya – Srirangapatna – Mysore - Yelwal – Hunsur – Kempalapura – Piriyapatna – Bylakuppe – Kushalnagara – Suntikoppa – Madikeri, Coorg
Travel Tip: Avoid entering Mysore City and escape the traffic by taking a bypass from Srirangapatna. Barring a 30-km stretch, just before reaching Coorg and the bypass, the road is in excellent condition.
With mustard fields and open spaces dotting the highway, the drive from Jaipur to Ranthambore is scenic. If the promise Ranthambore offers - a date with the tiger - isn't thrilling enough, the drive through small villages and roadside dhabas that offer delicious Rajasthani cuisine should be worth the trip.
Distance: 180 km Time taken: 4 hours
Travel route: Jaipur - Basi - Lalsot - Justana – Ranthambore
Travel tip: Preferably, take the route via Tonk. It takes more time but the roads on this route are in better condition. Do try some 'Dal bati' at a roadside dhaba near Tonk.
The change in landscape and on this road trip is incredible. A family of four or a group of friends, this road trip is convenient for all age groups as there are pumps and restaurants at regular intervals, the roads are great and the trip will give you a chance to discover varied destinations en route, right from the ghats of Varanasi to the foodie delights of Kanpur.
Distance: 1,300 km Time taken: 4 days
Travel route: Kolkata - Durgapur - Varanasi - Allahabad - Kanpur - Pilibhit - Kumaon
Travel tip: If you plan to explore Binsar on the way, drive down from Almora towards Binsar where you will find a German Bakery on the main road. It serves delicious pizzas and 'thukpa'.
Warm breeze and untouched, clean beaches, Diu is less touristy and a perfect getaway this summer. And the drive to the destination is an experience in itself; a must-visit.
Distance: 380 km Time taken: 8 hours
Travel route: Ahmedabad - Bavla - Bagodra - Dholera - Bhavnagar - Tahaja - Mahuva - Diu
Travel tip: A pitstop at Dholavira is a must
When tired and bored with a mundane life, getaway from the city and seek solace in the hills of Mount Abu. Summers are pleasant in Mount Abu and a boat ride on Nakki Lake is all you need to relax. Preferably, make a pit stop in Ahmedabad for a day and get to know the city.
Distance: 745 km Time taken: 12 hours
Travel route: Mumbai - Palghar - Dahanu - Vapi - Valsad - Bharuch - Vadodara - Nadiad - Ahmedabad - Himmatnagar - Abu Road - Mount Abu
Travel tip: NH8 is a preferred route. There are several filling stations and dhabas en route.
The route takes you to travel gems, which are highly underrated such as Cherrapunji, Imphal and Kaziranga.
Distance: 480 km Time taken: 9 hours
Travel route: Guwahati - Bomdilla - Tawang
Travel tip: While going to Tawang to Guwahati, go via Bomdilla. However, while returning, you can halt at Bhalukpong, which is a good option for a pitstop. On the route there are number of roadside stalls that offer tea, momos and Maggi.
To the land, which is barren and white adorned by vibrant people, Kutch is a land of contrasts. A memorable drive from Ahmedabad to the town will give you a chance to discover the Rann of Kutch, a Wild Ass Sanctuary and precious local handicrafts.
Distance: 400 km Time taken: 7 hours
Travel route: Ahmedabad - Viramgam - Dhrangadhra - Halvad - Lakadia - Bhachau - Bhuj
Travel tip: Do visit Hodko village in Kutch to shop for some local handicrafts.
Escape to the erstwhile colonial retreat - Yelagiri - to beat the city heat. This quaint little town surrounded by hills with hairpin bends is god sent for bikers. Popular for some of the best trekking trails through thick reserve forests across India, the hills are a true delight to the trekker.
Distance: 228 km Time taken: 4 hours
Travel Route:Take the Pollamani Road out of the town to reach Pollamani Town. From Pollamani, take the Bangalore Highway to reach Vellore, which is 140 km from Chennai. From Vellore, continue towards Vaniyabadi and keep a lookout for the signboard pointing to Yelagiri. Take that road, cross Ponneri in between and reach Yelagiri Hills, about 22 km away.
Travel Tip: Beware of rock falls as they are common during monsoon.
One of the few hidden gems in Maharashtra, Tarkarli is a beach paradise. Clear waters and clean and untouched beaches, there aren't many tourists here and you can lounge at the beach without being disturbed by pesky hawkers. Scuba dive or snorkel in the clear blue sea before you leave.
Distance: 535 km Time taken: 9 hours
Travel route: Mumbai - Lonavala - Kolhapur - Gaganbavada - Kasal - Malvan - Tarkarli
Travel tip: Take the NH 17 from Mumbai. At Kasal, take the SH 108 to reach Tarkarli. The route is scenic and worth the long drive.
The popularity of Munnar as the most favored summer tourist spot dates back to the colonial days. Let the wheels roll through smooth roads; for most part of it except for a few places in the ghat section. You have enough and more places keep you hunger away. Besides, there are numerous petrol pumps at regular intervals.
Distance: 476 km Time taken: 10 hours
Travel Route: Bangalore - Hosur- Krishnagiri - Dharmapuri - Salem - Perundurai – Kangeyam – Dharapuram – Udumalaipet – Marayoor - Munnar
Travel tip: This is a no-cell-phone-coverage zone! Be prepared to stay disconnected.
This route ain't for the fainthearted. Embark on this road trip to be overwhelmed with a mix of culture, heritage and wildlife. Visit Agra for the Taj Mahal, Ranthambore for spotting the tiger, and Jaipur for its exquisite heritage structures and palaces. A five-day tour, this road trip is perfect for all groups, be it families, a group of friends or couples.
Distance: 275 km Time taken: 5 hours
Travel route: Delhi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur
Travel tip: It's the Golden Triangle and the roads are definitely good. Before approaching Jaipur, on NH 11 visit the Sharma Dhaba for some mouth-watering Rajasthani food.
Craving for a long drive ride? Take a break on calm, more like private beaches of Kannur. The excellent stretch between Hyderabad and Bangalore is comfortable and can be covered easily in 8 hours. There are plenty of fuel stations throughout the journey and you can taste some of the best local cuisines along the highway. The beef biryani is to die for.
Distance: 897 km Time taken: 14 hours
Travel route: Hyderabad – Shamshabad – Shadnagar - Kurnool - Gooty - Anantpur - Penukonda - Bagepalli - Chikballapur - Devanahalli
Bangalore to Kannur (shortest distance): Bangalore – Srirangapatna - Yelvala - Hunsur - Virajpet - Makutta (ghat section) - Iritty - Kannur (Around 320 km)
Travel Tip: The bumpy roads at Virajpet can be avoided if you take the road via Coorg. You will take longer to reach Kannur.
Breathe in the architecture, the French culture and have a lazy weekend. The route to Pondicherry is among the best drives one can get off Chennai. Look out for the huge salt making set-up somewhere 50-60 km from Chennai. The curvy roads will surely excite the riders but at some points it is curvaceous to the point of being risky. So watch out!
Distance:160 km via ECR Time taken: 3 hours
Travel Tip: Tank up at Pondicherry and some save money on fuel!
A perfect short trip this summer! The journey won't take up much of your time. Digha's beaches, sea food and its laid back lifestyle is just what you need from that holiday you have been waiting for.
Distance: 180 km Time taken: 3 hours
Travel route: Kolkata - Vidyasagar Setu - Kolaghat - Nimtouri - Bajkul - Kanthi - Digha
Travel tip: Start really early from Kolkata, preferably at 5, or leave after 12 pm, to avoid traffic jams. Ideally, leave early, reach Kolaghat by 7.30 for a hearty breakfast.
Cruise on the NH-58 and pass idyllic towns and villages to reach Dehradun from Delhi. A great place to escape the summer heat of Delhi, at Dehradun, let your hair lose and relax or indulge in trekking, hiking and skiing.
Distance: 255 km Time taken: 5 hours
Travel route: Delhi - Meerut - Muzaffarnagar - Sahranpur- Dehradun
Travel tip: The route is prone to regular traffic jams .
This is a trip you should take just to experience the journey. Pass through gorgeous valleys and mountains as you head towards Pelling from Darjeeling. En route there are many pit stops you can make including Kalimpong for some local sightseeing.
Distance: 110 km Time taken: 3 hours
Travel route: Darjeeling - Kalimpong - Manpur - Jorethang - Geyzing - Pelling
Travel tip: Do check weather updates before embarking on the road trip as the route is prone to blockages due to harsh weather conditions.
From the City of Joy to the land of beaches and the Jagannath Temple, the drive from Kolkata to Puri is less explored but worth the drive. Travellers can discover many smaller towns on the way including Kuliana and Basinga, which are otherwise, not popular on the tourist map.
Distance: 500 km Time taken: 11 hours
Travel route: Kolkata - Kolaghat - Panskura - Kharagpur - Kuliana - Betnoti - Basinga - Balasore - Bhadrakh - Cuttack - Pipli - Puri
Travel tip: The road conditions are usually not great between Balasore and Bhadrakh. Try and cover the stretch during the day.
As suggested by travellers on HolidayIQ.com
