10 Scenic Highway in India for Trips – Tourist Attractions, Routes and Distance
India, a land of diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, offers some truly unforgettable experiences for those who love to hit the road. From winding mountain passes to serene coastal highways, the country is a driver’s paradise waiting to be explored. If you’re looking for an adventure behind the wheel, buckle up and get ready to discover some of the best car routes in India that promise not just a drive, but a journey.
Mumbai to Goa
One of the best road trips in India by car is definitely Mumbai to Goa. It is also called Asian Highway or AH 47 and NH 66, which actually joins Panvel in Maharashtra with Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. You will be able to enjoy the views on this highway as you will pass through dense greenery. The primary highway connecting Mumbai to Goa is NH 66 (formerly NH 17). The drive typically takes around 12 hours and covers a distance of approximately 567 km.
Distance covered: 567 km
Chennai to Pondicherry
Chennai to Pondicherry road is also known as the East Coast Road. As you travel through this road, you will see the Bay of Bengal accompanying you on one side. Along with the view of the sea, you will also feel the sea breeze and view of the Pine trees. This is one of the best road trips in South India by a car that you can enjoy.
Distance covered: 160 km
Rameswaram Pamban Bridge
It is a man-made marvel that was inaugurated in 1988 and is the only way that connects Rameswaram Island with the Indian mainland. In major patches of this bridge, you will find sea on both sides. This is one of the most spectacular highways that you can choose to travel through.
Distance covered: 13.1 km
Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley
The journey is known for its scenic beauty, passing through the Eastern Ghats, coffee plantations, and dense forests. Both sides of the road are dotted with verdant greenery. It is a 3-hour road trip and you will enjoy it through-out.
Distance covered: 114 km
Mumbai to Pune Expressway
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, officially the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, is one of the most beautiful and stunning highways in the Western Ghats of India. For two hours on this trip, you will be in a different world and awe of the beauty of the road. It is a well-planned road with six-lane concrete, which is India’s first. You can take short breaks on the trip to admire the scenic beauty.
Distance covered: 94.5 km
Guwahati to Tawang
You can simply call it a magical journey. There are numerous hairpin bends in this route and the entire experience can be a little thrilling as well. However, adventure lovers will love this road trip and enjoy the views thoroughly. Well, whether you are an Indian or a foreign national, you must have an Inner Line Permit to enter the State of Arunachal Pradesh. The period from April to October is generally the best time, as the weather is pleasant and roads are less likely to be affected by heavy snow or landslides.
Shillong to Cherrapunjee
Do you ever want to travel through a road that is blanketed by fog, while the slight rain drenches you? Well, you can get precisely this experience in the Shillong to Cherrapunjee road. Passing through points like the Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint and Shillong Peak, it will only take one and a half hours to reach Cherrapunjee, and you will totally love it. The road is generally in good condition, well-maintained, and offers breathtaking views of misty valleys and rolling hills.
Distance covered: 55 km
Manali to Leh Highway
The highway is open for only about six months a year and that is the time you must take a trip if you actually love roads. September is often considered the best time, with clear skies, fewer tourists, and good road conditions. It is a road trip that you will always remember in your life.
Distance covered: 479 km
Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo & Nathu-La Pass
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A trip from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass is a popular, scenic, full-day excursion, requiring permits for Indian citizens to visit the high-altitude border crossing, with Tsomgo Lake en route to Nathula Pass, known for its stunning glacial beauty and historical significance as an old trade route, accessible via winding mountain roads. The trip will not even take 1 hour but is one of a kind.
Distance covered: 37 km
Bangalore to Ooty
The Bangalore to Ooty road is famous for its 36 hairpin bends. On both sides of the road, you will find tall trees and lush green grasslands. While traveling through this road, you can also make a pit-stop at Madumalai National Park. If you look at the India road trip route map, this is the most scenic highway you can find.
Distance covered: 533 km
Whether it’s the thrill of a hairpin bend in the Himalayas or the rhythmic crashing of waves along the East Coast Road, India’s highways are more than just a means to an end—they are stories waiting to be written. So, pack your bags, fuel up your tank, and set your GPS toward the horizon. The road is calling, and an unforgettable Indian odyssey awaits. Where will you head first?
