Best 10 Road Trip Routes Across India for 2025
India is a land of diverse cultures, landscapes, and beauty, making it one of the best countries for road trips in India. From snowy peaks to sandy deserts, from lush forests to calm sea shores—every road opens a new chapter of the country’s charm.
While many travelers enjoy renting a car with friends or family, those who want more flexibility and comfort can choose One Side Taxi. With our one-way taxi service, you can travel at your own pace, enjoy sightseeing, and skip the worry of return travel. It makes long-distance road trips smooth and stress-free.
Looking for a hassle-free way to explore India’s scenic routes? Book a one-way taxi with One Side Taxi and travel worry-free!
1. Manali to Leh – The Ultimate Mountain Road Trip
Without any doubt, the Manali-Leh Highway has to be on the list of the most impressive road adventures in India. This road which measures 490 km will have any traveler actually driving through cliffs and mountain terrains with scenic views, high-altitude access points, and remote valleys. This route presents a view of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains which are a special fascination of any traveler who loves adventure.
- Route: Manali → Rohtang Pass → Keylong → Pangong Lake → Leh
- Distance: 490 km
- Duration: 10–12 hours (spread over 2–3 days)
- Best Time: June to September
- Must-See: Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Pangong Lake, Magnetic Hill
2. Mumbai to Goa – Coastal Bliss
Concisely, what a road trip from Mumbai to Goa came to call for is exactly the combination of beautiful beaches with the hurrying activity of big cities for those who are eager for it. When driving along the coastal route on the western part of the country, it gets to pass through towns, then lush greenery and rivers. You will be moving along the Konkan coastline to have breathtaking sites of beaches, forts, and tasty food.
- Route: Mumbai → Alibaug → Ratnagiri → Tarkarli → Goa
- Distance: 590 km
- Duration: 10–12 hours
- Best Time: November to February
- Must-See: Ganpatipule Beach, Tarkarli Fort, Chapora Fort
Ready to enjoy the coastal charm? Choose One Side Taxi for a comfortable ride without worrying about the return trip!
3. Chennai to Pondicherry – A Serene Seaside Escape
The route from Chennai to Pondicherry is around 150 km and shows both modernity and landscapes. Drive along the East Coast Road once you meet with breathtaking views – the Bay of Bengal, temples, and the sea. For planning a serene trip, Pondicherry is a beckoning place to look at French colonial-style architecture.
- Route: Chennai → Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry
- Distance: 150 km
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Best Time: October to March
- Must-See: Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, Promenade Beach, Auroville
4. Delhi to Jaipur – Heritage on the Golden Triangle
However, the Delhi Jaipur route is among the famous Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit of India with the historical and cultural narrative spread across the journey. As you traverse this well-developed road, you will run into colossally large forts, palaces, and temples as a testament to Jaipur’s royal heritage. From the most colorful markets in the world to the super delicious food of Rajasthani, Pink City has the most beautiful architecture.
- Route: Delhi → Neemrana → Jaipur
- Distance: 270 km
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Best Time: October to March
- Must-See: Neemrana Fort, Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal
5. Bengaluru to Coorg – The Coffee Land
The route from Bengaluru to Coorg, which is also called Kodagu, will show you the best sights of Karnataka’s greenery. Coorg is mainly most popular for coffee plantations, waterfalls, and the mountains which are typically covered with mist. A drive through the Western Ghats is a welcome change, with beautiful vistas, fresh air – and many other such pleasant aspects that one has no reason to deprive oneself of.
- Route: Bengaluru → Ramanagara → Madikeri → Coorg
- Distance: 260 km
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Best Time: October to April
- Must-See: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Coffee Plantations
Also Read: Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
6. Kolkata to Sundarbans – Mangrove Adventure
This nature-filled ride from Kolkata to the Sundarbans is one that any nature lover would never want to let go of. It guides you through the largest mangrove forest in the world, the area is home to unique nature, various fauna and flora, and calm water channels. The Sundarbans is home to the renowned Royal Bengal Tiger and, therefore, also offers an exciting-silent journey.
- Route: Kolkata → Gosaba → Sundarbans
- Distance: 110 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Best Time: November to February
- Must-See: Mangrove Forest, Sajnekhali Watchtower, Wildlife Safari
7. Ahmedabad to Rann of Kutch – The White Desert
Couples especially those who want to fix their gaze to the otherworldly vastness of India should take the drive from Ahmedabad to the Rann of Kutch. This condition is perhaps the best way to enjoy the beauty of this huge salt plains, especially during the celebration of the Rann Utsav, as well as feel the colorful life and spirit of the Gujurat people. It is made comfortable only by alternating visits to famous temples, Thai villages, and craftsmanship.
- Route: Ahmedabad → Bhuj → Dhordo → Rann of Kutch
- Distance: 400 km
- Duration: 7–8 hours
- Best Time: November to February
- Must-See: White Salt Desert, Kala Dungar, Mandvi Beach
8. Delhi to Spiti Valley – A Remote Himalayan Paradise
Delhi-Spiti Valley travel is about exploring the least explored, most isolated territories of Himachal Pradesh. The way is still quite taxing, with narrow roads and winding passes, crossing some lovely valleys on the way. These monasteries along with great heights, terrific terrains, and a beautiful valley make this place a favorite spot for trekking and other adventurous people.
- Route: Delhi → Manali → Kunzum Pass → Kaza → Spiti Valley
- Distance: 750 km
- Duration: 15–18 hours (spread over 3–4 days)
- Best Time: June to September
- Must-See: Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Tabo Monastery
9. Shillong to Cherrapunji – Misty Hills & Waterfalls
If one wishes to drive through mists and hills with the scenic beauty of the northeast in mind, there can be nothing more classy than driving through Shillong to Cherrapunji. Known well for waterfalls and caves in addition to being fully covered by green forests, it is considered one of the wettest places on earth; Cherrapunj, the hilly and curvy road trip looks like the Khasi Hills will definitely provide a brief insight into the uniqueness of Meghalaya.
- Route: Shillong → Mawphlang → Cherrapunji
- Distance: 54 km
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Best Time: September to May
- Must-See: Nohkalikai Falls, Living Root Bridges, Mawsmai Cave
10. Hyderabad to Hampi – Ancient Ruins
The road to Hampi from Hyderabad passes through the Deccan Plateau and the area offers a lot of extensions of rocky hills and historical landmarks. Hampi is an ancient city, which hosts the remains of the Vijayanagara Empire. It consists of a large complex of temples, carved architectural stones, and boulders spread throughout the area making Hampi one interesting place for history lovers.
- Route: Hyderabad → Kurnool → Hospet → Hampi
- Distance: 370 km
- Duration: 7–8 hours
- Best Time: October to February
- Must-See: Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Hampi Bazaar
Also Read: Places to Visit in Lonavala
Self-Drive vs Taxi: What’s Better for Indian Road Trips?
When planning a road trip in India, one of the biggest decisions is whether to drive yourself or hire a taxi with a professional driver. Both options have their pros and cons, and the choice depends on your comfort, budget, and travel style.
1. Self-Drive Road Trips
Many travelers love the freedom of driving their own car or a rented vehicle.
Advantages:
- Full control over speed, stops, and detours
- Perfect for adventure seekers who love driving
- Privacy with family or friends
- Great for short distances and well-maintained highways
Disadvantages:
- Can be tiring, especially on long routes
- Challenging in hilly, remote, or high-traffic areas
- Parking issues in popular tourist spots
- Extra responsibility for safety and car maintenance
2. Taxi Road Trips
Hiring a one-way taxi or chauffeur-driven car is a popular choice for families, groups, and long-distance travelers.
Advantages:
- Stress-free travel — no driving fatigue
- Professional drivers who know routes well
- Safer in hilly or unknown regions
- Flexible for one-way trips (no need to drive back)
- Comfortable option for senior citizens and kids
Disadvantages:
- Slightly higher cost than self-drive (but saves fuel stress and return charges)
- Less privacy compared to driving yourself
3. Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose self-drive if you love driving, want flexibility, and are traveling short to medium distances on safe highways.
- Choose a taxi if you’re planning a long road trip, traveling with family, visiting hill stations, or just want to relax and enjoy the journey.
For most Indian road trips, especially for outstation travel, airport transfers, and one-way journeys, booking a reliable taxi service like One Side Taxi offers the best balance of comfort, safety, and convenience.
Road Trip Tips for a Safe Journey
- Plan your route and download offline maps.
- Service your car, check tires and brakes.
- Carry snacks, water, first-aid, and power banks.
- Avoid night driving in unknown areas.
- Take breaks every 2–3 hours.
- Stay hydrated and keep light entertainment.
- Respect local culture and avoid littering.
FAQs About Road Trips in India
1. Which is the best time of year to take a road trip in India?
The best time depends on your route. For mountain trips like Manali–Leh or Spiti Valley, travel between June and September. For coastal drives like Mumbai–Goa or Chennai–Pondicherry, the best months are October to March. Desert routes like Rann of Kutch are perfect during November to February.
2. Are road trips safe in India?
Yes, road trips in India are safe if you plan properly. Always check weather conditions, avoid night driving in remote areas, and keep your vehicle serviced. For extra safety and comfort, many travelers prefer booking a reliable one-way taxi service like One Side Taxi.
3. What are the essentials to carry on an Indian road trip?
Keep these things with you:
- Valid driving license & vehicle documents
- First-aid kit and spare tire
- Snacks, drinking water, and power banks
- Offline maps or GPS
- Torch, blanket, and extra fuel (for long trips)
4. Which are the most family-friendly road trips in India?
Some safe and scenic options for families are:
- Delhi to Jaipur (heritage and culture)
- Mumbai to Goa (beaches and food)
- Bengaluru to Coorg (nature and coffee estates)
5. Do I need special permits for certain routes?
Yes, for border and high-altitude routes like Spiti Valley or Ladakh, you may need an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Always check the latest state government updates before traveling.
6. Is it better to self-drive or hire a taxi for road trips?
Self-driving is fun for short routes, but for long distances, traffic, or hilly areas, it’s better to hire a professional one-way taxi. This way, you can relax, enjoy the scenic views, and avoid driving stress.
To Wrap Up
India’s roads have something for everyone—mountains, beaches, deserts, and forests. Wherever you go, the journey itself will be unforgettable.
Want to focus on the scenic beauty while avoiding the stress of driving? Book a one-way taxi with One Side Taxi and enjoy a comfortable road trip across India.
