Do you want to spend your vacation on the road? Why not take one of the best scenic drives in India? Let’s admit that driving long routes can leave you feeling exhausted. However, the satisfaction that you get from driving the most scenic routes is sure to leave you thrilled.
India is a beautiful place that has many scenic destinations that welcome you with open arms. So, there is lot to explore enroute the scenic drives in India.
Top Scenic Drives In India
If you are interested in getting in your car or just hopping on to your bike to explore India at its best, here are some of the top scenic drives in the country.
Scenic Drives in India (1-2)
Leh-Manali Highway, Ladakh
The Leh-Manali Highway is a high-altitude road that connects Leh in Ladakh with Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is one of the most scenic drives in India, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, deep valleys, and picturesque villages.
The highway is approximately 490 km long and passes through several high-altitude passes, including Tanglang La (5,328 m) and Baralacha La (4,890 m). The road can be challenging due to the high altitude, rough terrain, and extreme weather conditions, especially during the winter months.
However, the scenic beauty of the region makes it a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Some of the attractions along the route include the Pangong Tso Lake, Nubra Valley, and the ancient monasteries of Ladakh. Thus, it is one of the best scenic drives in India.
Kozhikode to Mysore, NH 212, Kerala
NH 212 is a scenic highway in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It runs for approximately 300 km from Kozhikode to Mysore in the neighboring state of Karnataka.
The road passes through lush green hills, dense forests, wildlife reserves, and tea and coffee plantations, making it one of the most scenic drives in the country.
The highway is also known as the Nilgiri Road and offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats, with its misty mountains and waterfalls.
Some of the popular attractions along the route include the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam, and the hill stations of Wayanad and Ooty.
The highway is also known for its challenging hairpin bends and steep gradients, making it a popular destination for adventurous drivers and motorcyclists looking for scenic drives in India.
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Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Maharashtra
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is a six-lane toll road that connects the cities of Mumbai and Pune in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.
The expressway is approximately 94 km long and offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats, with its misty mountains, waterfalls, and deep gorges. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most scenic drives in India.
The road has several sharp turns, steep gradients, and tunnels, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers and driving enthusiasts.
Some of the attractions along the route include the Lonavala and Khandala hill stations, the Bhushi Dam, and the Karla Caves. The expressway has also played a significant role in reducing travel time between Mumbai and Pune, with the journey now taking only 2-3 hours.
Overall, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is one of the best scenic drives in India for anyone looking for a scenic drive in Maharashtra.
East Coast Road, Tamil Nadu
The East Coast Road (ECR) is a scenic highway that runs along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The road stretches for approximately 690 km from Chennai to Kanyakumari, passing through several picturesque towns, fishing villages, and tourist destinations.
The ECR offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal, with its long stretches of sandy beaches, coconut groves, and palm trees. It is one of the most popular scenic drives in India.
Some of the popular attractions along the route include the Mahabalipuram temples, Pondicherry, Auroville, Chidambaram, and Rameswaram.
The ECR is also known for its seafood cuisine, with several restaurants and shacks serving fresh fish and prawns. Overall, the East Coast Road is a great destination for relaxed and scenic drives along the Tamil Nadu coast.
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Chandigarh-Manali Highway, Himachal Pradesh
The Chandigarh-Manali Highway is a scenic road that connects the city of Chandigarh in the northern Indian state of Punjab with the popular hill station of Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The highway runs for approximately 309 km through the foothills of the Himalayas and offers stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and rivers. No wonder it is one of the top scenic drives in India.
The road passes through several small towns and villages, including Mandi and Kullu, and offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and culture of the region.
The highway also passes through several high-altitude passes, including the Rohtang Pass (3,979 m) and the Baralacha Pass (4,890 m), making it a popular destination for adventure seekers and motorcyclists.
Some of the popular attractions along the route include the hot springs of Manikaran, the Hadimba Temple in Manali, and the Great Himalayan National Park.
The Chandigarh-Manali Highway is one of the top scenic drives in India for anyone looking for a scenic drive through the beautiful landscape of Himachal Pradesh.
Guwahati to Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
The road trip from Guwahati to Tawang in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh is a breathtakingly beautiful and adventurous journey. It is one of the top scenic drives in India.
The highway spans over 500 km and passes through scenic mountain ranges, deep river valleys, and dense forests. The road is also known as the Sela Pass, and it takes you to heights of over 4,000 meters above sea level.
The route offers stunning views of the Himalayas, snow-capped peaks, and glacial lakes. The journey is also a great way to experience the unique culture and traditions of the region, with several monasteries and villages along the way.
The Tawang Monastery is a significant attraction along the route and one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India. The journey is challenging due to the high altitude and extreme weather conditions, especially during the winter months. However, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and adventurous scenic drives in India.
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Delhi to Jaipur Highway, Rajasthan
The Delhi to Jaipur Highway is a popular road trip route that connects the capital city of Delhi with the historic city of Jaipur in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The highway is a part of the Golden Quadrilateral project and spans over 260 km.
The route passes through several scenic landscapes, including arid plains, rocky hills, and vast desert expanses. The road is also lined with several historic forts, palaces, and temples, making it one of the popular scenic drives for tourists.
Some of the popular attractions along the route include the Neemrana Fort, the Bhangarh Fort, and the Sariska Tiger Reserve. The highway also offers a glimpse into the unique culture and heritage of Rajasthan, with several traditional villages and markets along the way.
The journey is best enjoyed during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its best. The Delhi to Jaipur Highway is a great destination for scenic drives in Rajasthan.
Bangalore to Ooty, Karnataka
The road trip from Bangalore to Ooty in the southern Indian state of Karnataka is a scenic and pleasant journey that takes you through the lush greenery of the Nilgiri hills. The highway spans over 270 km and offers stunning views of the rolling hills, tea gardens, and waterfalls along the way. It is one of the best scenic drives in India.
The route passes through several small towns and villages, including Mysore, Bandipur, and Masinagudi, and offers a glimpse into the unique culture and traditions of the region.
The Bandipur National Park is a significant attraction along the route and a great place to spot wildlife such as tigers, elephants, and leopards. The Ooty Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak, and Pykara Waterfalls are some of the popular attractions in Ooty.
The journey is best enjoyed during the monsoon or winter months when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is at its best. The Bangalore to Ooty road trip is a must among all scenic drives for anyone looking for a scenic and relaxing journey through the Nilgiri hills.
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Zuluk Loop, Sikkim
The Zuluk Loop is a scenic and adventurous road trip route located in the Indian state of Sikkim. The loop is a part of the Old Silk Route, which was once an important trading route between India and Tibet. Undoubtedly, it offers one of the most scenic drives in India.
The loop is a high-altitude mountain pass that spans over 50 km and takes you through the Eastern Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and rugged terrain.
The route is dotted with several hairpin bends, and the zigzag road offers an exciting driving experience. The loop passes through several small villages, including Zuluk, which is a great place to experience the unique culture and traditions of the region.
The Nathang Valley, Tsomgo Lake, and Kupup Lake are some of the popular attractions along the route. The Zuluk Loop is best visited during the summer months when the weather is pleasant and the roads are accessible. So, you must consider it for the top scenic drives in India for a fulfilling experience.
Munnar to Thekkady, Kerala
The road trip from Munnar to Thekkady in the southern Indian state of Kerala is one of the most scenic drives and a relaxing journey that takes you through the beautiful tea gardens and hills of the Western Ghats. The highway spans over 110 km and offers stunning views of the lush green forests, rolling hills, and picturesque waterfalls.
The route passes through several small towns and villages, including the popular hill station of Vagamon. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant attraction along the route and a great place to spot wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and wild boars.
The sanctuary also offers opportunities for bamboo rafting and trekking. The Thekkady Lake, the Spice Plantations, and the Elephant Junction are some of the popular attractions in Thekkady.
Scenic drives such as this are best enjoyed during the monsoon or winter months when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its best. The Munnar to Thekkady road trip is one of the most scenic drives that journeys you through the beautiful hills of the Western Ghats.
Conclusion
India is a country with a diverse range of landscapes, from mountains and forests to deserts and coastal regions. This diversity makes it an ideal destination for scenic drives and road trips.
Some of the most popular scenic drives in India include the Leh-Manali Highway in Ladakh, the NH 212 in Kerala, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in Maharashtra, the East Coast Road in Tamil Nadu, the Chandigarh-Manali Highway in Himachal Pradesh, the Guwahati to Tawang road in Arunachal Pradesh, the Delhi to Jaipur Highway in Rajasthan, the Bangalore to Ooty route in Karnataka, and the Zuluk Loop in Sikkim.
These routes offer stunning views of the natural beauty and cultural heritage of India, making them ideal for tourists and travelers looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a glimpse into the unique cultures and traditions of India, there is a scenic drive for every taste and preference.
FAQ
What is the best time to go on a scenic drive in India?
The best time to go on a scenic drive in India depends on the location and the season. In general, the months of October to March are considered the best time to go on a road trip in India as the weather is pleasant and the roads are in good condition. However, some routes may be best enjoyed during the monsoon season or in the summer months.
Are there any safety concerns when going on a scenic drive in India?
Like any other country, there may be safety concerns when going on a scenic drive in India. It is advisable to research the route and the safety measures to be taken before embarking on a road trip. It is also important to take necessary precautions such as carrying a first aid kit, a spare tire, and extra fuel and water.
What are some popular scenic drives in North India?
Some popular scenic drives in North India include the Manali-Leh Highway, the Chandigarh-Manali Highway, and the Delhi-Jaipur Highway.
What are some popular scenic drives in South India?
Some popular scenic drives in South India include the East Coast Road in Tamil Nadu, the Bangalore to Ooty route in Karnataka, and the Munnar to Thekkady road in Kerala.
Can I rent a car for a scenic drive in India?
Yes, there are several car rental companies in India that offer rental services for tourists and travelers. However, it is advisable to research and choose a reliable and trustworthy rental company that provides well-maintained cars and good customer service.
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