Home
Things To Do India
Best time to take India road trip by car

Best time to take India road trip by car

India is a diverse country that offers a plethora of experiences for road trippers. However, the best time to take an India road trip by car largely depends on the destination and the season.

If you plan to explore North India, the best time would be from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for road travel. For South India, the winter months of November to February are the best time to enjoy the scenic beauty without the scorching heat.

The monsoon season, from June to September, may not be the ideal time for a road trip due to heavy rainfall and potential landslides. The summer months from April to June can be hot and humid in many parts of India, so it's best to avoid those months unless you are heading to the hills.

Overall, the best time to take an India road trip by car is during the winter months when the weather is mild and pleasant in most parts of the country.

10 Road Trips to See All of India on Your Bucket List

Travelling in India on a road trip is an exciting and immersive way to experience the country's diverse culture, cuisine, and landscapes. With a vast network of highways, scenic routes, and off-the-beaten-path destinations, India offers a wide range of road trip options for adventure seekers.

From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sandy beaches of Goa, from the bustling cities to the peaceful countryside, a road trip in India takes you through a diverse range of experiences. You can explore historical landmarks, sample delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the local culture as you travel through different regions of the country.

While road trips in India can be challenging due to traffic, weather conditions, and road conditions, they are also incredibly rewarding, providing a unique perspective of the country that cannot be experienced through other modes of transportation. Whether you are travelling solo, with friends or family, or on a guided tour, a road trip in India is an adventure of a lifetime.

Here is a bucket list of the best 10 road trips to cover all of India:

Kolkata to Kanyakumari

Days to Cover: 10-15 days

Distance: 2300 km

The east coast road trip takes you along the eastern coast of India, starting from Kolkata and ending at Kanyakumari. You will pass through cities such as Puri, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai, with stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, temples, and beaches.

Manali to Srinagar

Days to Cover: 12-18 days

Distance: 2200 km

This Himalayan Circuit Road trip takes you through the majestic Himalayan mountains, starting from Manali and ending in Srinagar. You will pass through high-altitude passes, such as Rohtang Pass, Khardung La, and Zojila Pass, with stops at Leh, Kargil, and Gulmarg.

Assam to Arunachal Pradesh

Days to Cover: 10-12 days

Distance: 2000 km

This 2,000 km road trip takes you through the northeastern states of India, starting from Guwahati and ending in Tawang. You will pass through lush green forests, tea plantations, and tribal villages, with stops at monasteries and national parks.

Mumbai to Goa

Days to Cover: 8-10 days

Distance: 1500 km

This road trip takes you along the western coast of Maharashtra, starting from Mumbai and ending in Goa. You will pass through coastal towns, such as Alibaug, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, with stops at pristine beaches and historic forts.

Mumbai to Mangalore

Days to cover: 8-10 days

Distance: 1500 km

This road trip takes you along the western coast of India, starting from Mumbai and ending in Mangalore. You will pass through scenic coastal towns, such as Ratnagiri, Goa, and Udupi, with stops at pristine beaches and temples.

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer

Days to cover:10-12 days

Distance: 2000 km

This road trip takes you through the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, starting from Jodhpur and ending in Jaisalmer. You will pass through desert cities, such as Bikaner and Jaisalmer, with stops at ancient forts and palaces.

Ladakh to Kanyakumari

Days to cover: 40-45 days

Distance: 8000 km

This North-south Road trip takes you from the northernmost point of India, Ladakh, to the southernmost tip, Kanyakumari. You will pass through some of the most culturally rich states of India, such as Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Delhi to Solan

Days to cover: 7-10 days

Distance: 1400 km

This is a quite inconvenient circuit, and it is strongly advised to acquire as much information as possible for the Kinnaur to Spiti leg since roads are frequently closed, and even when they are open, conditions are poor. The hill settlements along the road are incredibly raw and removed from the outside world. Check off river rafting and bungee jumping on your bucket list at Rishikesh at the start of the circuit, then relax and enjoy the ride through the little villages of holy Uttarakhand. Start from Delhi and go to Rishikesh and then make your journey through all the towns in between up to solan.

Delhi to Chennai

Days to Cover: 30-35 days

Distance: 6000 km

This road trip covers the four major cities of India, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. You will travel through some of the most scenic routes and cities of India, such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru.

Bengaluru to Hampi

Days to Cover: 15-20 days

Distance: 2000 km

This road trip takes you through the state of Karnataka, starting from Bengaluru and ending in Hampi. You will pass through ancient cities, such as Mysore and Hampi, with stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Hampi ruins and the Gol Gumbaz.

Frequently Asked Question

Q1. Is it safe to go on a road trip in India?

A1. While road trips in India can be challenging due to traffic and road conditions, they can be safe if you plan your trip carefully. It is important to research the route, the road conditions, and weather conditions before embarking on your journey. It is also advisable to travel during the daytime, avoid driving at night, and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

Q2. Do I need a special license to go on a road trip in India?

A2. To drive a car or ride a motorbike in India, you need a valid driving license. If you are a foreign national, you can use an international driving permit or a temporary driving license issued by the local authorities in India.