Some of the best road trips in India

While it’s no secret that there are numerous road trips in India to take. But some of them are world famous because of being very scenic and also explored a lot. Like Leh-Laddakh road trip from Shimla or Srinagar. Or the east coast drive in South India. And also some scenic winding roads in the Himlalayas and north east India. However, what we present to you here is a number of offbeat road trips in India to enjoy . These are not as frequented as the more famous ones. Also, none of these are very long drives. So you can enjoy them easily on a weekend. Also, the roads are very well planned and properly maintained. Some of these road trips in India are extremely scenic. While some others have a number of stops in between to enjoy. So, here goes our researched routes that we won’t mind taking again and again.

A 2 days Bangalore to Gandikota and Belum Caves trip

PS: here are couple of excellent road trip packing list for you so that you don’t miss any of your essentials while planning on one of these road trips. (Or, any other road trip for that matter):

  A comprehensive road trip packing list for you to prepare for your road trip.

  A list of all the road trip packing essentials that one may require.

A list of travel snacks for kids that every mom should know about and pack while on road trip with toddlers and kids.

And do not forget to try our tested travel packing tips and tricks to help you pack efficiently for your road trip.

Bangalore to Gandikota & Belum Caves – Navigating the deserted plateau roads

This is the latest addition in our list of best road trips in India. Recently we went on this Bangalore to Gandikota and Belum Caves road trip. The journey onwards and back follows two different routes on this trip. Since we drove from Bangalore to Belum Caves. And then from Belum Caves to Gandlikota. While on our way back we drove from Gandikota to Bangalore. While on the onwards journey, we crossed beautiful windmills perched atop hills followed by a stop at the scenic bank of a beautiful river. And several paddy and marigold fields. In July, some of these fields thrive with Marigold Flowers. The return journey was equally or perhaps even more scenic. For most part of the journey we remained on state highways, passing through picturesque fields, navigating up and down several hills. And crossing some rustic bridges right made by cutting across the hills.

Since this route as limited food and water outlets, we carried our own. And took pit stops for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Which made the trip all the more exciting. Moreover, you hardly find any traffic on this route that makes it all the more beautiful. So, this definitely is an addition at the top of our list of the best road trips in India.

Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh – Through the green oasis of Rajasthan

Road Trips in India
A breathtaking view while on the road trip from Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh

Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh road trip in India can be done as a day trip from Udaipur. The walls of Kumbhalgarh fort are fondly known as the great walls of India. And the fort itself is very robust and uniquely built. It is a must visit when visiting the state of Rajasthan in India. There is an almost single lane highway that connects Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh. The road itself is not in a very good condition at times, but the scenic beauty of the places that you pass through more than makes up for it.

First of all, you will be surprised that it is a part of Rajasthan, the state of India world famous for it’s deserts. Because the whole region through which you take this road trip is covered with dense and green forests. Except for a few small cluster of houses here and there in very small villages, there is hardly any habitation. You will encounter beautiful streams of water and almost fairy tale kind of meadows while taking this road trip. Read more about our complete day trip from Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh. We also covered Ranakpur and famous Jain Temple of Ranakpur as a part of this road trip in India.
Additional tips: Carry your food and water along on this road trip, like you have to on many other road trips in India. As, there are hardly any outlets on the way that we remember noticing. Otherwise, there is a food outlet inside the fort in Kumbhalgarh and you can have your food there. Once you reach Kumbhalgarh, you can also buy water bottles and other packaged drinks.

Cochin to Munnar – Passing through natural wonders

This road trip in India that we took almost 6 years back is still fresh in our memories. As you step into God’s own Country, Kerala, take a road trip from Cochin to Munnar. As you step out of Cochin and further towards Munnar, soon you will be on the winding mountain roads. On this road trip, you pass through several tea plantations and lush green forests on one side of the road. While on the other side, you will be greeted with breathtaking views of the Nilgiris across the valley. There is a beautiful waterfall on the way where you can stop. And the route is lined by several spice gardens of Kerala that host various world famous Kerala spices. We did a tour of a spice garden of Kerala as well while on this road trip in India. Check the details of our road trip from Kochi to Munnar.

On the way from Cochin to Munnar , Road Trips in India
On the way from Cochin to Munnar

Additional tips: take your time and plan your stops along the way because it is one of the most scenic road trips in India that you will be taking. Don’t pass it on in a hurry.

Bangalore to Mangalore & Udupi – A coastal road trip

This is a road trip that we have been planning for a while now. And we hope to take it in the near future. We plan to drive from Bangalore to Mangalore. Then stay in Mangalore for few days. We also plan to cover several untouched locations around Mangalore. From here, we will head to Udupi. Udupi has a serene coastline and some beautiful Temples to visit. Then, we can go ahead and cover Murudeshwar and Gokarna as well. We hope this will be a one of a kind road trip in India for us. Because so far we have only done source to destination trips. This one has several stops and also involves exploring other offbeat areas near the main towns. There is a nice article that we are using as our reference while planning a road trip across this part of Karnataka.  Checkout : Road trip to Mangalore and Udupi.

Road Trips in India
A beautiful sunset at the Mangalore Beach

Additional tips: Plan minumum 2-3 days halt at both Mangalore and Gokarna, and at least one day in Udupi to be able to enjoy the road trip completely.

Bangalore to Kodaikanal – One of the best highway trips

A road trip in India that we have already taken twice and we want to take as many times as possible. Through the picturesque routes of Bangalore->Hosur->Krishnagiri->Salem->Dindigul, this road trip is one of the best we have taken in India. Apart from the route being scenic, the roads are in the best conditions as per the road standards in India. And the last stretch of ghat road that winds through the thick mountain forests is way too beautiful. As you cover this stretch to arrive at the beautiful hill station, don’t forget to slow down and let your window panes down. Then soak into the moist and fresh air that brings with it the smells of the rainforests.

Although the distance from Bangalore to Kodaikanal is almost 400km, yet, pertaining to the good road conditions and very less traffic , you can easily cover the distance in 5 – 6 hours. And do note that a major chunk of this timing is actually consumed while covering the last 60-70 kilometers through the winding mountain roads. Nevetheless, a road trip worth taking multiple times. Check: our road trip from Bangalore to Kodaikanal.

Bangalore to Kodaikanal highway , 3 days in Kodaikanal, Road Trips in India
A glimpse of Bangalore to Kodaikanal road trip

Additional tips: One of the most beautiful road trips in India again. But there are not too many food outlets post Salem. So, be prepared with your food and water.

Bangalore to B R Hills – Through green meadows and mountains beyond

It is a small road trip of just a little over 3 hours! And it is so beautiful. We drove the Bangalore -> Kanakpura -> B R Hills route when visiting B R Hills from Bangalore. The roads are in good condition. And traffic is almost nil. Besides, the road also passes through some beautiful meadows and green fields. With a breathtaking backdrop of blue hills beyond. Finally the road passes through the reserve forest area, right before arriving at B R Hills. We stayed in Gorukana after reaching B R Hills. And it was such a memorable stay that we are already longing to return here as soon as possible. Check here further details of our trip to B R Hills.

A view from the road trip to B R Hills, Road Trips in India
A view from the road trip to B R Hills

Additional tips: Again, almost no food outlets on the way if you are taking the route through Kanakpura. So, better to pack your own food. Once you reach Gorukana or whichever resort you choose to stay in, then you can have your meal there.

Ooty to Bangalore road trip by car – Winding through the ghats

You might be thinking why we said Ooty to Bangalore road trip by car instead of Bangalore to Ooty road trip. That is because, when we took a trip from Bangalore to Ooty, it was overnight. But when we took the trip back from Ooty to Bangalore, it was during the day. And that is when we enjoyed the journey through the winding roads to the fullest. As you start from Ooty, you first pass the winding mountain roads. Do look below in the valley while you are still on the top.

One of the fondest memories that I got here was of the clouds literally hanging over some trees at the slope of the mountains. As you leave the mountains and drive through the planes, you will cross the dense Bandipur forest area. If you are lucky enough, then you might spot some wildlife on the sides, or crossing the roads. In order to enjoy this trip, you can also take a bus from Ooty to Bangalore. Check: our memorable Ooty trip

Additional tips:  The roads are really beautiful in this part and as you advance in the plains, there are plenty of food outlets along the way. So, enjoy your trip to the fullest. And upon arriving in the city, there are plenty of diners you can choose from. You can also find restaurant deals in Bangalore if you want to savour on good food at an affordable price. Mobile apps like eatigo could help you discover the best places to eat according to reviews and rates.

In conclusion, sometimes when the route is beautiful and the roads are nice, the journey itself becomes the destination. And we kind of want the journey to continue for much longer. These road trips that we described above will take you through such a journey for sure. Do try them when you are planning to take a road trip in India.

PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.

 

Road trips in India, Bangalore to Mangalore, Bangalore to Kodaikanal, Ooty to Bangalore, Cochin to Munnar, Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh. Scenic, historical, cultural, beautiful road trips to experience in Inida

137 thoughts on “Some of the best road trips in India”

  1. I never knew India had such amazing landscapes. I guess when I think of India none of this amazingness comes to mind! Cochin to Munnar looks like my favorite one I would do because of the waterfall!

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    • I can understand. India as a developing country has it’s civic challenges and often they are highlighted more than the beautiful aspects. And such stories also catch our eyes. But there is a beautiful side of India, and believe me there is so much to explore and see on this side that a lifetime might not be enough for the same

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  2. I love the suggestions you gave us for road trips to India. I have actually done a road trip from Jodhpur to Udaipur and it was amazing, I remember those beautiful hills and forests that we passed through, together with the small villages. It was an amazing roadtrip!

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  3. I will be going to Kerala in July and looking forward to some of the rides. I love road trips and have heard a lot about Munnar. It is just like dream green destination! The road to Kodaikanl looks pretty too.

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  4. India is truly one of my favourite countries and I most certainly plan on trying out one of these road trips when I return! Thank you for sharing

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  5. I’m more of a beach person so the road trip from Bangalore to Mangalore & Udupi is really high on my list. The fact it has rustic temples and beautiful sunsets was enough to inspire me to hit the road now. When you actually go there, I can’t wait to read all about it!

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  6. I woudld’ve never guessed that India has so many dreamy road trips! The sunset at Mangalore Beach looks to die for – I love a good sunset! I also love how you gave additional tips for each road trip – so useful for planning!

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  7. These are such detailed itineraries for all these road trips, which I never knew existed. Its so nice to get out on the road and experience things from a different perspective, and I love the idea of your roads being lined with spice gardens!

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  8. What an article Neha! Never thought it this way! As I compile my to do destination list, going forward I will also compile to do road trips as well! Thank you for such information!!

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  9. Your photos are giving me inspirations to try and do a road trip when I visit India! Road trips are much enjoyable especially when you see and pass by these beautiful landscapes. 🙂

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  10. This is amazing inspiration for sure! I wish I could roadtrip in India but I think I would have to stick to a tour sadly!

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  11. Hey Neha,

    I always enjoy offbeat tips and so I enjoyed this article. Especially the trip from Bangalore to Kodaikanal seemed highly worth seeing. I would not however have included Bangalore to Mangalore & Udupi as your own tip since you haven’t actually been there (yet). Instead I would have added it later, when you saw it for yourself and can still recommend it.

    All the best
    Korinna

    Reply
    • Hi Keza. That’s why we said “trips that we have taken and planning to take”. We included the Mangalore to Udupi one because we have a reliable experience from a friend to share here, not our own. We have already completed our research on this and now going to embark on it soon

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  12. Road trips are really one of the best things to do when traveling. And doing it in India is much better! The sceneries are just to die for! Oh, India, please let me go there soon! 😀

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    • Yes, definitely road trips have added advantage that you can halt anywhere that you wish to 🙂 And indulge into the beauty of the surroundings

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  13. Cool post and great pictures! Thank’s for all the tips. I’m sharing your article to a few friends of me that are going to India in a couple of weeks 🙂
    Cheers

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  14. This is exactly what I want to see in blogs! Off-the-beaten paths destinations. With so many travel blogs out there talking about the same famous destinations all the time, it’s refreshing to be given something different. Not sure when will I be able to go to India but when I do I am going to use this for reference. I think people would appreciate more if you guys promote more of the hidden treasures of India, I am realizing that there is so much to see in your country.

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    • Thats exactly what we intend to do Marge. We feel the same. There are so many hidden treasures but people often glorify a few destinations too much while the others get lost..

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  15. I have done Ooty to Bangalore and Cochin to Munnar. I agree with what you are saying here.I love South India. Not only does the South Indian food excites me, but also its landscapes. I love the natural side of South India. No wonder it has so many scenic roads.

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  16. what a great list of roadtrip suggestions! Would love to do a Cochin to Munnar trip to hit up some tea plantations and a tour of a spice garden of Kerala!

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