9 Amazing Road Trips to Experience the Beauty of India

Whether you’ve arranged for a car and driver or rented a motorcycle for a solo adventure, traversing India’s diverse roads and landscapes offers an unforgettable way to explore this vibrant country.

Simply traveling from one place to another will envelop you in the sights and sounds of the world’s most colorful nation. While bus and train travel are plentiful, embarking on a road trip grants you the flexibility to customize your itinerary and stop whenever you wish to delve deeper.

The great news is you don’t have to tackle the traffic on your own—it's easy to rent a car or 4WD with a driver almost anywhere in India, allowing you to focus on the stunning scenery while your driver manages the often tricky road conditions.

For those who prefer to take the wheel, renting a motorcycle is a fantastic way to explore the subcontinent, especially if you stick to the quieter backroads. Self-drive car rentals are less common, but some adventurous travelers navigate India in their own vehicles—some have even managed to tour the country in modified autorickshaws!

Embrace your adventurous spirit and prepare for the road with our selection of India’s top road trips.

1. The Golden Triangle of India

Ideal road trip for exploring Mughal architectureDelhi–Delhi; 1120 km (696 miles); plan for five days

Quick and captivating, the loop from Delhi to Agra and Jaipur offers a wealth of experiences in just a few days on the road. Your journey starts in Delhi, where the remnants of eight ancient cities narrate the tales of India’s magnificent Islamic empires. Explore the city’s must-see attractions, including the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, the Jama Masjid, and the bustling bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which have retained their charm since the era of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

Whether you opt for a chartered vehicle or a rented motorcycle, it's easy to visit the holy cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna is celebrated in Hindu lore. After these serene visits, prepare for the exhilarating blend of chaos and beauty in Agra, where the magnificent Taj Mahal truly lives up to its fame.

Discover more Mughal splendor at nearby Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city founded and later deserted by emperor Akbar the Great. Once you follow NH21 to Jaipur, expect to encounter crowds at every fort, palace, and mystical observatory, so consider taking a few detours before diving into the Pink City’s palaces and markets.

Detour: Before heading west from Fatehpur Sikri to Jaipur, think about a side trip south to Gwalior, where the stunning fort sees fewer visitors than other stops on this route. Before completing the final leg of the triangle, make an additional detour to witness tigers prowling the ruins at Ranthambhore National Park before re-entering the urban scene.

2. Journey from Manali to Ladakh through the Himalayas

Ideal road trip for peace and tranquilityManali–Srinagar; 800km (497 miles); plan for ten days

While many choose to traverse the mountain route from Manali to Ladakh and onward to Kashmir in a chartered 4WD, we highly suggest renting an Enfield Bullet motorcycle. This choice provides the exhilarating opportunity to stop along the way and revel in the solitude of the high-altitude Himalayan deserts.

Starting from the bohemian retreat of Manali, prepare for a two-day journey over the 3978m (13,051ft) Rohtang La to Leh, passing through a landscape reminiscent of the Silk Road's golden age. Expect minimal vegetation and scant shade, with the cold and altitude hitting hard. Recharge with visits to Buddhist monasteries and yoga classes in Leh, then continue your adventure for a fresh perspective on the Himalayas in Kashmir.

The route west to Srinagar meanders through ancient villages, transforming from dusty yellow hills to lush greenery, reflecting a cultural shift from Buddhism to Islam as the minarets of Srinagar come into view. Although the Kashmir valley can be volatile, the serene experience of watching Dal Lake emerge from the morning mist while aboard a houseboat is simply breathtaking when the region is calm.

Travel tip: Whether you're driving or letting someone else take the wheel, it's crucial to be mindful of the mountain climate. Snow can close the high passes to Ladakh in winter, and road travel is generally feasible only from June until late September or early October.

3. Rajasthan’s vibrant cities

Ideal road trip for desert huesJaipur–Jaipur; 1630km (1012 miles); allocate ten days

Driving through the desert in Rajasthan is a remarkable adventure. Majestic fortresses rise dramatically from the terrain, and the dusty roads are often populated by camel carts and locals sporting colorful turbans and striking mustaches. Start your journey in Jaipur—the pink city—exploring its pink sandstone palaces, lively bazaars, and the breathtaking Amber Fort.

Take NH48 to the Jain and Muslim pilgrimage hub of Ajmer, then head west to the renowned Pushkar, known for its temple-fringed lake and the legendary camel fair held in October or November. Afterward, return to NH48 for a bumpy journey to Udaipur, the white city gracefully nestled along the serene shores of Lake Pichola. Immerse yourself in its stunning white palaces, then divert westward to the temple-rich hill station of Mt Abu.

Heading north to Jodhpur, you'll quickly notice the striking blue buildings that have given the Blue City its name. Experience the formidable presence of Mehrangarh Fort, then journey west through vast desert landscapes to the golden-hued city of Jaisalmer, where the fortified walls seem to emerge from the desert itself. Complete your loop by visiting Bikaner, where you can escape the tourist throngs before returning to the vibrant heart of Jaipur.

Detour: Having your own vehicle allows you to explore off the beaten path in this popular state. Consider adding a side trip north from Jaipur to Shekhawati, famous for its intricately painted haveli mansions.

4. Hampi and the Hoysalas

Best road trip for templesMysuru–Gokarna; 1060km (659 miles); allow ten days

For many adventurers, exploring the ancient ruins of the Vijayanagar kingdom at Hampi is the highlight of their Indian journey. Begin your travels in Mysuru (formerly Mysore), with its captivating markets, spicy cuisine, and renowned palace. Head north along scenic backroads to the intriguing Sravanabelagola, featuring the impressive 17m (56ft) statue of Gomateshvara, the first tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism.

Karnataka is a treasure trove of temples. Zip through Hassan to reach Belur and Halebid, where the Hoysala Empire's temples stand as masterpieces of Hindu architectural art. A three-hour drive east brings you to Karnataka's capital, Bengaluru, celebrated for its vibrant dining, shopping, and nightlife. Take advantage of its comforts before embarking on the lengthy journey to Hosapete, your gateway to Hampi's ruins.

Upon arriving at Hampi’s ancient marketplace, dedicate at least two days to discover the remnants of temples and journey through centuries amidst a landscape of massive granite boulders. For more remarkable temple architecture, venture onto the backroads to Badami, where striking red cliffs are adorned with cave temples.

Detour: To change up your route, consider a side trip to Aihole, rich with dusty remnants from the ancient Chalukya kingdom, and then unwind at the beach in Gokarna – a blend of pilgrimage and relaxation.

5. Kolkata to Darjeeling

Best road trip for Himalayan views and side treksKolkata–Yuksom; 808km (502 miles); allow eight days

Eastern India often escapes the notice of travelers rushing north from Delhi, but the journey through West Bengal to the base of the towering 8586m (28,169ft) Mt Khangchendzonga is nothing short of epic. Begin in the vibrant yet chaotic Kolkata, exploring ashrams, temples, and impressive civic structures from the British colonial era. Be sure to visit the tiger-filled swamps of the Sunderbans before heading into the mountains.

As you journey north, you’ll pass through lesser-known towns until you arrive at Shantiniketan, a cultural hub known for its rich traditions in dance, theater, and poetry. From there, continue your ascent to the lush tea plantations and charming historic hotels of Darjeeling, where you’re likely to enjoy your first breathtaking views of the Himalayas up close.

For a close encounter with snow-capped peaks, traverse the Singalila Ridge trekking route or get even nearer to Mt Khangchendzonga by securing a permit for Sikkim. This path through Kalimpong, Gangtok, and Pelling offers stunning views that will make any mountaineer eager to grab their ice axes. Finish your adventure with the trek to Goecha La from Yuksom, where you can almost touch the snow.

Planning tip: A Restricted Areas Permit is required to enter Sikkim, but it can be easily obtained in Kolkata, Siliguri, or Darjeeling, as well as at the Sikkim border at Melli or Rangpo.

6. Mumbai to Goa

Best road trip for beachesMumbai–Palolem; 650km (404 miles); allow one week

In India, short trips don’t skimp on adventure. Depart from the vibrant Mumbai, travel south on NH66, and take a detour to the coast to discover intriguing forts like Murud-Janjira, remnants of centuries of maritime history. Stop at the quaint beach resorts of Ganpatipule and Malvan before reaching the lively beaches of Goa.

As you enter northern Goa, visit the iconic market in Anjuna and the bustling beach spots of Baga and Calangute. Continue to Panaji, the picturesque Portuguese-colonial capital of Goa, and explore the ancient basilicas of Old Goa.

The atmosphere shifts as you head south to the relaxed Agonda, a hub for Goa’s emerging surfing scene. The scenery transforms again as you travel inland through lush hills dotted with spice farms, culminating in a visit to the magnificent Dudhsagar Falls, India’s second-highest waterfall. Wrap up your trip on the sandy shores of beautiful Palolem, making sure to enjoy a bird-watching hike at the nearby Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.

7. A drive through the northeast

Best road trip for tribal encountersGuwahati–Guwahati; 1700km (1056 miles); allow two weeks

Embark on an intriguing journey through the diverse cultures of the northeastern states with a hired 4WD and a driver fluent in local languages. Begin in Guwahati, Assam's often-overlooked capital, and travel along the majestic Brahmaputra River to Kaziranga National Park for up-close experiences with one-horned Indian rhinos.

Next, head north to Arunachal Pradesh to explore the stunning Buddhist monasteries of the Tawang Valley (local travel agencies can help you obtain the necessary permit).

Incorporate visits to the tribal communities of Ziro and Daporijo, then loop back through Upper Assam, heading east to the intriguing Konyak Naga villages near Mon in northern Nagaland. Return to the plains via Kohima (best in December for the Hornbill Festival) before ascending to the high plateau of Meghalaya, where trees form living bridges and markets offer bows and arrows as everyday necessities, then descend from Shillong back to Guwahati.

Planning tip: A Protected Area Permit is necessary for entry into Arunachal Pradesh, and some areas may require you to travel in a group of two or more. Reach out to travel agencies in Guwahati ahead of time to arrange the necessary permits.

8. Exploring the southern tip of India

Best road trip in the southKochi–Kochi; 807km (501 miles); allow 7 days

The southernmost part of India feels like an entirely different world. Begin your adventure in historic Kochi, where ancient streets narrate stories of seafaring, commerce, and Keralan spices. As you head south toward Alappuzha, take a break for a day or two to navigate the enchanting, waterlogged backwaters by boat.

As you travel through Amrithapuri, take a moment to receive a hug from a living guru before basking on Kerala’s stunning beaches at Varkala. Then, zip through Thiruvananthapuram (but not before savoring some fiery Keralan curries) to reach the southernmost point of India. From here, journey inland into the drier, rockier landscapes of Tamil Nadu to arrive at Madurai, where the temple towers are adorned with vibrant deities and demons.

The return trip to Kochi leads you through the Palani Hills, an extension of the Western Ghats, where the terrain rises to Kodaikanal, one of India’s most delightful hill stations. Enjoy a cup of tea amid the lush tea plantations in Munnar, South India’s premier tea-growing region, before heading back to the coast.

Planning tip: The monsoon season from June to September may obscure views in the Western Ghats, but the waterfalls are at their most impressive, making this a worthwhile time to visit.

9. Chennai to Puducherry

Best road trip for cultural varietyChennai–Puducherry; 232km (144 miles); allow 3 to 4 days

For a delightful and spicy getaway along India’s southeast coast, consider a three-day journey from Chennai to Puducherry (Pondicherry). Begin in Chennai, known for its expansive beach, renowned ashrams, and mouthwatering cuisine, then follow the coastline, nestled between the sea and a salt lake.

Your first stop is the unexpected surf haven at Kovalam, a perfect pause before reaching Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), famous for its stunning carvings and temples from the Pallava dynasty. Venture inland to explore the ancient Pallava capital of Kanchipuram, then head back to the coast to conclude your trip in the charming Puducherry, best enjoyed in heritage hotels located in the historic French Quarter.

Essential tips for renting a car and driver in India

In India, you can find drivers-for-hire at taxi and 4WD stands or arrange through hotels and travel agencies. Ensure the driver speaks sufficient English to understand your destinations and stops, and verify that they are licensed to operate across state lines, as some vehicles are restricted to specific areas.

Before starting your journey, agree on a price that should cover fuel, accommodations, and meals for the driver during multi-day trips. Daily rates typically begin at around US$40, increasing for 4WD options. Communicate your preferences clearly to your driver, especially if you wish to avoid stops at tourist shops or commission-based venues.

Riding a motorcycle or bike in India is meant for experienced riders only.

India’s roads are challenging and not suited for casual motorcyclists. However, if you're an experienced rider looking for adventure, it’s a fantastic way to explore this vast country. Established rental companies like Lalli Singh Tours in Delhi have sent countless travelers on journeys from the humid jungles of the south to the towering Himalayan passes.

Our top advice is to ride at a slow, defensive pace, always yield to larger vehicles, and carry a comprehensive repair kit along with spare parts—plus know how to use them! The classic British-designed Enfield Bullet is a popular choice among travelers, but it's heavy; newer models from companies like Bajaj offer a lighter, more manageable ride.

If you're considering cycling through India, be sure to pack plenty of puncture repair kits, along with lights and high-visibility gear. Alternatively, if you prefer not to bring your own bike, you can fly into Delhi and purchase one at the Jhandewalan Cycle Market.