Road Trips Across India 2026 - Scenic Routes, Highways & Hidden Trails

Top Scenic Routes

Road trips are one of the best ways to take a break from the daily routine and stressful situations. India is home to some of the best routes that you will remember forever. Here are some of the top routes: -

1. Manali-Leh 

A road trip in the Himalayas is often a dream come true for all, and the India road trip routes from Manali to Leh offer mesmerizing towering mountains, pristine rivers, and delightful villages. Leh is characterized by clear skies and open roads that allow you to capture breathtaking views amidst a peaceful environment. Start your ride from the Rohtang Pass crossing, while driving up through the mountain roads with picturesque views. 

On this crossing, the sightseeing includes snow-covered streams, meadows surrounded by wild flowers, and the Rahalla Falls. The second crossing on the motorcycle road trip from Manali to Leh is the Baralacha La, featuring snow-covered mountains. Leaving this route, the third pass is the Lachulung La, which allows you to explore the natural beauty and is a perfect destination for trekkers and hikers. 

2. Mumbai-Goa

If you love making reels on road trips, the perfect India road trip route is the Mumbai to Goa. Traveling on this route, you will feel amazing vibes with scenic beauty and fascinating paved roads. By going on a self-drive travel in India, the route is smooth and straight with a four-lane road throughout the trip. While driving along the Konkan Coast, your trip will be merged with sand, sea, and culture. From the buzzing city of Mumbai, you will get to explore stunning beaches, fishing villages, and the forts that present the rich colonial past. During the Mumbai to Goa route, taste the fresh seafood and enjoy vibrant markets. 

The iconic journey between these two states is among the best highways in India, featuring a comfortable road trip and offering you an opportunity to capture the picturesque views. What will make your motorcycle ride more special is choosing the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Other than this, you can stop at Belgaum Fort and the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. 

3. Chennai- Pondicherry 

Imagine a road trip where the route takes you through the East Coast's vistas, history, and rich culture. You can experience this on the Chennai to Pondicherry journey, a road trip that will be as captivating as your final destination. It is not just a normal Indian road trip route, but a lifetime experience for a road trip enthusiast. 

As you drive across the Chennai to Pondicherry route, you will pass through a diverse range of beautiful sights, like the Madras Crocodile Bank, the Shore temple, the Alamparai Fort, and many more. While travelling along the East Coast Road by bike or by car, there is a short route, but it will be combined with seaside charm and heritage. 

Hidden Road Trip Trails 

Looking for the hidden gems and surprising road trails across India? If yes, don’t miss out the charming and top road trails, and these are highlighted below: -

1. Shillong-Tawang 

The Shillong to Twang route is an outstanding journey, perfect for adventure lovers who are seeking a self-drive trip in India. Deep valleys, misty hills, and forests surround the road. Different spots are there between the Shillong to Tawang route, such as Sela Pass, Maa Kamakhya Temple, and Umaiam Lake. This offbeat road trail offers a peaceful environment and will let you discover natural beauty at its best. 

2. Kutch loop 

From the mesmerizing beaches, heritage palaces, to wildlife experiences, Kutch is combined with all. Though this destination is a hidden road trail, it is a road to heaven. Immerse yourself in exploring the tranquility of nature and the salt flats. The Kutch Loop is a scenic route for motorcycle riders and is a popular route for its efficient views of the white desert. Beyond this, on your route, you can witness the local markets and the handicraft villages. 

3. Spiti Circuit

The Spiti Circuit is an adventurous road trip through the roads of Shimla and Kinnaur within the desert mountain valley of Spiti. The route covers various places, such as the Kullu valleys, Kaza, Manali, and Kibber. The Spiti Circuit road trip will offer you the opportunity to explore barren valleys and turquoise rivers, which will offer an enhanced experience, while making your motorcycle road trip memorable. 

Tips for Self-Drive and Bike Riders

If you are planning a self-drive travel in India, there are certain tips to follow, and some of the following are: -

1. Before traveling to any of the routes in India, you must plan the route by checking the map and the weather forecast. 
2. Carry essential items with you, such as a first-aid kit, when traveling by bike. 
3. For a safe journey, always wear a helmet and other riding gear, such as gloves and sturdy shoes. 
4. Avoid night rides, as it is not safer in comparison with traveling during the day along the route. 
5. If you are looking for a budget-friendly trip, the better option is to carry food and drinks from your home, especially when you will be going through the Himalayas. 
6. Don’t ride continuously until you reach the destination. You should take breaks in between. 

Safety, Permits, and Vehicle Documents

While going on a road trip, it is necessary to carry some documents, and here are some of the mandatory documents: -

1. Driving License 
2. Certificate of vehicle insurance 
3. ID proof, like your Aadhar card or passport. 
4. An Inner Line Permit is required when travelling to regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland. 
5. Before leaving for the destination, check your vehicle fully. 

Petrol, Toll, and Accommodation Planning 

When exploring the India road trip routes, it is important to make a proper plan related to petrol, tolls, and accommodation. The guide below mentions how you should do the planning: -

1. On the highways in India, you will rarely find petrol pumps, so you should fill up your tank with petrol or diesel. In addition, to avoid issues, you should carry extra fuel with you if permitted. 
2. When on a self-drive in India, different toll stations will come in between. To calculate the toll fares, you can use the online toll calculators. 
3. In terms of accommodation, it is recommended to book hotels in advance and secure your trip to avoid last-minute disruptions. 

Best Time To Go

Traveling to any of the destinations in India, you must know about the best time to visit the region and which season is perfect to visit the city. Here is a seasonal breakup: -

1. Summer (March to June)

• Perfect for traveling to hill stations and mountain regions in India. 

• Ideal to visit Manali, Munnar, Kerala, Darjeeling, Ooty, Shillong, and Gangtok.

2. Winter (November to February)

• Perfect for traveling across coastal routes or desert drives. 

• You can visit Kutch, Mumbai, Goa, or Rajasthan. 

3. Monsoon (July to September)

• The best destinations to visit during the Monsoon season in India are Cherrapunji, Lonavala, Ladakh, Coorg, and the Western Ghats. 

4. Post-Monsoon (October to December)

• This season is ideal for traveling to Spiti Valley, Udaipur, and the west coast highways. 

Eco-Friendly Road Travel Ideas

To practice sustainability and eco-tourism on the road trips in India, there are certain travel ideas highlighted below: -

1. During the long drives, carry reusable items such as a reusable water bottle, cloth bags, and others, as it reduces the usage of single-use plastics. 
2. Choose fuel-efficient vehicles, like a hybrid or an electric car, for lower emissions. 
3. Choose the homestays in India that feature sustainable practices, like a rainwater harvesting system. 
4. Plan the road trip route that helps in reducing travel time and cost. 

Conclusion

India’s diverse road trip routes offer a memorable experience, whether you are planning to explore the mountain adventures, coastal routes, or hidden gems. With safe drives, proper planning, right documents, every journey will be smooth. From the top scenic routes, Manali to Leh, Mumbai to Goa, or hidden routes, like Shillong to Tawang, India features everything. So, get ready, hit the open road, and get close to the breathtaking views. 

FAQs

Q1. What are the best road trips in India in 2026?

Ans. The best road trips in India in 2026 are Chennai to Pondicherry, Mumbai to Goa, Manali to Leh highway, Guwahati to Tawang, and Ahmedabad to Kutch. 

Q2. Are self-drive road trips safe in India?

Ans. The Indian road trip routes are safe for self-driving, whether by bike or by car. However, it is recommended to avoid self-driving at night when going on highways in India. 

Q3. Which road trips are best for beginners?

Ans. One of the best road trips for beginners is Mumbai to Goa, Manali to Leh-Ladakh, Delhi to Spiti Valley, and Chennai to Pondicherry. 

Q4. Do I need permits for Leh or North East India?

Ans. Yes, certain permits are required for Leh or North East India, so ensure you have an Inner Line Permit. 

Q5. What is the best season for a road trip in India?

Ans. For most of the road trips in India, the best season considered is winter, and travel is between October to March.