Bollywood movies like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Chahta Hai and Karwaan have popularised the idea of going on an adventure with your friends. During winter, India is the perfect place to embark on a trip. A road trip in India will take you through some incredibly diverse landscapes, remote regions untouched by mainstream tourism, and hidden gems the country has to offer. Whether you’re a biker or taking your car, here are some of the most spectacular road trips you can take with your friends and family in India.
1. Leh to Zanskar
Distance: 827 kms.
Time: Almost 22 hours
Nestled in a remote corner of Ladakh, Zanskar Valley is one of the most sought-after places for road trip enthusiasts. Perched at a height of 13,154 feet, Zanskar Valley is a semi-arid region on the northern flank of the Great Himalayas. There are a few ways to reach Zanskar, depending on your time. The 10-day road trip will take you through the famous Fotu La Pass and Namika La Pass on the way, Rangdum, a high-altitude plateau with stunning views of the Suru Valley, and Pensi La Pass, which is one of the highest motorable passes in the region.
2. Mumbai to Gokarna
Distance: 692 kms
Time: A little over 14 hours
An off-beach beach location from Mumbai, other than Goa, is Gokarna. Its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes have made it a sanctuary for many who wish to get a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city of dreams, especially if you want to do a quick budget trip somewhere close by. There are multiple options to travel to Gokarna from Mumbai, the bus being the most economical and flexible option, which passes by the western ghats with a scenic view. The hostel culture is also in full bloom there, and you can find hostels that fit your budget and vibe.
3. Delhi to Munsiyari
Distance: 622 kms
Time: 14 hours and 40 minutes
If you want to go for a winter road trip with friends, Delhi to Munsiyari is the perfect place to travel. Often called ‘mini Kashmir,’ Munsiyari lies at the entrance of Johar Valley and is a popular spot for trekkers. Start your journey from Delhi and head towards Haldwani, a city in Uttarakhand. From Haldwani, proceed to Almora, a beautiful town in the Kumaon region. Continue your journey to Bageshwar, situated at the confluence of the Sarayu and Gomati rivers. Bageshwar is known for its temples and natural beauty. Mark out Chaukori to go from there. Chaukori is a small hill station surrounded by tea gardens and panoramic views of the Himalayas. The final leg of your journey takes you to Munsiyari, known for its breathtaking views of Panchachuli peaks.
4. Guwahati to Tawang
Distance: 433 kms
Time: Almost 12 hours
The beauty of Tawang is unmatched. With a mix of emerald jungles and icky peaks, the quaint town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is untouched by mainstream tourism. A road trip from Guwahati to Tawang passes through gorgeous hills, beautiful forests and sprawling rivers, making it one of the most scenic routes in India. Start your journey from Guwahati and head towards Tezpur. The ride is paved with lush greenery and small towns. The route also goes through Sela Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable passes and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains.
5. Hyderabad to Hampi
Distance: 373 kms
Time: Approximately 8 hours and 11 minutes
The city of Hampi is one of the most ancient cities in the country that is steeped in history and culture. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the centre of the mighty Vijayanagara empire that spanned most of the Deccan region between the 13th and 17th centuries. The best to do this road trip is between November and January, as the temperatures are slightly more relaxed. Start your journey from Hyderabad and head towards Raichur in Karnataka, a route that will take you through the beautiful Deccan Plateau landscape. You can proceed towards Gangavathi via Sindhanur, enjoying the rural scenery, before reaching Hampi.
6. Surendranagar to Somnath
Distance: 298 kms
Time: Around 5 hours and 40 mins
