Highway journeys in India are my favourite method to journey. On a highway journey, you possibly can see the transition from one place to a different. You discover the delicate modifications that happen because the land, water, and tradition change slowly. A highway journey lets you journey at your individual tempo, pausing wherever your eyes wish to soak up a bit extra otherwise you crave a Chai Pakora or Idly Wada or Poha Jalebi or Lal Cha.
Whereas all highway journeys are enjoyable, there are some which can be so lovely that the journey itself is the vacation spot.
Most Scenic Highway Journeys in India
Listed here are a number of the most scenic highway journeys in India that I’ve loved, together with these which can be nonetheless on my want checklist.
Shimla to Manali by way of Kinaaur, Spiti and Lahual
This sparsely populated area of India and Himachal Pradesh will stay one among my favourite highway journeys. Begin from Shimla, the capital metropolis that’s bustling with exercise. Transfer on to the Apple nation after which the Kinnaur area the place everybody wears the Inexperienced Himachali cap.
Slowly transfer to Spiti valley the place the chilly desert stuns you with its silence and breathtaking panorama. Go by Lahaul to admire Chandratal Lake between Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Go. Finish your journey at Manali the place you’re feeling as if you’re again in civilization.
July August is the very best time to do that highway journey when Kunzum Pass is open.
Konkan Highway Journey throughout Monsoons
Konkan and monsoons are synonymous. It rains for about 6 months making the entire place lush inexperienced. Whenever you drive from Goa to Ratnagiri or round that space, all you see is the slender strip of gray highway surrounded by million shades of inexperienced. Waterfalls can seem anyplace on the roadside. One of the best place to be surrounded by waterfalls is Amboli Ghats. However there are different falls like Savdav Falls and Marleshwar falls.
You may as well use the Konkan railways simply to admire the panorama and waterfalls.
Peak monsoon time is the very best for this highway journey.
Srinagar to Leh Highway journey
Srinagar is the fragile metropolis surrounding the gorgeous Dal Lake stuffed with houseboats. It has an aura of romance, most likely constructed by the quite a few Hindi movies shot right here. As you begin driving in direction of Leh, you move by lovely Pahalgam the place you see horses taking the vacationers round. Whether it is Amarnath Yatra time, you will note pilgrim camps at Baltal. It’s enjoyable to see helicopters taking pilgrims to the hilltop.
At Zozi La Go the panorama modifications, with greenery and colours making method for the barren mountains of Ladakh. Cease at Drass War Memorial and perhaps take a cease at Kargil. Take a look at the moonlike panorama close to Lamayuru monastery or admire the traditional work of Alchin Monastery.
Calm down after reaching Leh as you do want acclimatization.
Summers are a very good time to do that highway journey, though I loved a mini highway journey round Leh in winter too.
Drive to Tawang Through Bomdilla in Arunachal – Scenic Highway journeys in India
You’ll be able to start this journey from Tezpur on the Assam-Arunachal border. Or you possibly can consider the journey starting at Bhalukpong in Arunachal. Go to the Orchid Sanctuary however simply look out on the highway and you will note wild orchids in all places, hanging from tree trunks or peeping from the bushes.
Tenga Valley is among the most lovely valleys coated with a thick cowl of inexperienced on its mountains. Search for Kiwi orchards right here. Bomdila is the default halt on this Arunachal Highway journey.
We couldn’t go to Tawang resulting from unhealthy climate however I’m informed that the drive can also be mesmerizingly lovely.
Summers is an efficient time, although it could all the time be chilly within the mountains.
Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Highway Journey – Scenic Highway journeys in India
Rajasthan is essentially the most tourist-friendly state in India. You’ll be able to take many journeys like those I’ve listed in Jaipur. Nevertheless, the one which distinctly stands in my reminiscence is the one from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. The straight highway chopping by the huge Thar desert is an expertise. All you see is the golden sand throughout, typically in small dunes, dry Khejri bushes, and a few bushes.
Decked-up camels add shade right here and there. The highway isn’t crowded, so that you virtually really feel as if you’re driving to infinity. Your eyes can see far and large. City eye most likely has by no means seen such large vistas. Discover town of Jaisalmer or the ghost city of Kuldhara or go to Jain temples like Lodurwa.
Winters is an efficient time to do that journey.
Chola Temple Path in Tamil Nadu
East Coast Highway in Tamil Nadu which takes you from Chennai to Pondicherry is a gorgeous drive passing by Mahabalipuram with many temples to see. Go a little bit additional and you’ll see Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram.
Take a small detour in direction of Kumbakonam after which additional to Thanjavur. You’ll be able to admire the temples like Brihdeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram close by, and Airateshwara in Darasuram.
Just a little forward you possibly can go to Thiruchirapally or Trichy for Srirangam.
This can be a highway that takes you on the historic temple path of Cholas.
You are able to do all of it 12 months spherical however summers can get highly regarded, so winters are a little bit bit higher.
Queen’s Path in MP
Madhya Pradesh is one among my favourite states to journey to. There are a lot of highway journeys that you just do right here together with the favored Narmada Parikrama. Nevertheless, let me let you know a few smaller one which takes you to cities which can be greatest identified for his or her queens. You’ll be able to start your journey from Indore and drive to Mandu.
Mandu is greatest identified for its queen Rani Roopmati. Her tales might be heard at each spot within the hilltop city. I liked the Roopmati’s pavilion from the place she may see Narmada. Don’t forget to understand the sensible water management systems of Mandu.
From right here drive to Maheshwar constructed by my favourite queen Ahilya Bai Holkar, because of whom we see so many temples in India. It’s the most lovely riverfront on the banks of Narmada. I bear in mind Lingarchana –  the worship of a lakh plus Shivalingas that’s nonetheless achieved within the palace. Store for Maheshwari Saris or take a ship experience on Narmada to admire its magnificence.
Subsequent drive to Burhanpur, the place Mumtaz Mahal of Taj Mahal fame died and was buried for a while. It’s an historic metropolis on the banks of the much more historic river Tapti. In your method, you possibly can cease at Omkareshwar to pay your respect to the Jyotirlinga the place Adi Shankaracharya studied and meditated.
Patna – Nalanda – Gaya Highway Journey In Bihar
The favored vacationer circuit of Bihar covers the world heritage web site of Nalanda together with Rajgir. It additionally takes you to Gaya, Bodhgaya, and Barabar Caves and allows you to style some Bihar delicacies like Khaja and Lai.
You may as well embrace Vaishali when you like. Nevertheless, the rationale I like to recommend this Highway journey in India is to see the simplicity of its countryside and the best way this land was. I’ve seen the panorama with out a lot trade, with clear villages and easy folks.
Guwahati to Shillong
This can be a customary driving route for anybody wanting to go to the capital of Meghalaya. The entire route is scenic however what I bear in mind essentially the most after so a few years is Umiam Lake. Surrounded by hills and mountains this lake appears to be stuffed with clouds reflecting in it.
Drive by the Tea Gardens
Now right here I’ve two favourite routes positioned on the diagonally reverse ends of the nation. One is Temi Tea Property which you drive round Gangtok in Sikkim. You see the inexperienced rolling hills as you drive by the Himalayan ranges.
Second is the drive to Munnar. You actually drive by the tea gardens. I’ll always remember my go to to the Tata Tea Museum. In fact, the tea gardens of Assam are additionally beautiful however they’re extra on the plains.
Highway Journeys in India Wishlist
Kashmir to Kanyakumari is a highway journey that calls for endurance. I do hope to do it sometime.
Narmada Parikrama which takes about 15 days to finish is excessive on the wishlist.
I wish to journey on the traditional commerce routes like Uttarpath which is now partially in India and Dakshinpath which is totally in India.
Roads of North Japanese states are but to be explored.
Journey Ideas for Highway journeys
- Size of highway journeys can differ relying on the time out there, curiosity, and depth to which you wish to discover. So, I choose to not give mounted itineraries.
- All the time carry meals however should strive the native dishes, particularly on the roadside dhabas and eateries.
- Cease at vantage factors to soak within the views or at markets to fulfill folks and store for some attention-grabbing curios.
- Maintain your automobile in a very good situation. Native drivers are all the time useful as they’re outfitted with native data.
- Early morning drives work higher than late night ones.