If the idea of the open highway gives you goosebumps, this is your sign to fuel up and hit the road. Our Touracle travel experts have rated, debated, and finally agreed on the most scenic road trips in India that will make your heart race and your camera roll overflow. From snow-lined Himalayan passes to sunlit coastal curves, these routes are designed for families, honeymooners, and luxury travelers who want more than just a destination. You want a journey you will talk about for years.
Most Scenic Road Trips in India: Expert Picks from Touracle
What makes a road trip scenic and unforgettable? At Touracle, we look at five things:
- Landscape variety and “wow” views
- Smooth (or thrilling) driving experience
- Great stopovers for food, culture, and stays
- Seasonal magic, like snow, blooms, or festivals
- Ease of planning for families, couples, and luxury travelers
Below are our handpicked routes with simple tips, best times, and highlights. Use them as complete self-drive ideas or as a guide for a premium chauffeur-driven journey.
Manali to Leh Highway Road Trip Guide: India’s Iconic High-Altitude Drive
Distance: ~470 km via Atal Tunnel, Keylong, Sarchu
Best time: Mid-June to September
Why it’s scenic: This is the granddaddy of Indian road trips. You cross high passes, cold deserts, braided rivers, and endless brown-gold mountains. The sky feels bigger. The silence feels deeper.
Highlights:
- Atal Tunnel and the shift from lush Kullu to stark Lahaul
- Baralacha La, Nakee La, and Tanglang La high passes
- Sarchu’s tented camps under starry skies
- Moonscapes, chortens, and blue lakes as you near Leh
Tips for families and couples:
- Acclimatize. Spend a night in Manali or Solang, then Keylong/Jispa.
- Keep days short. Plan two nights en route before Leh.
- Carry warm layers, sunscreen, and a basic medical kit.
Good to know: Check mountain road status before travel. For road updates, refer to BRO announcements (Border Roads Organisation).
Srinagar to Leh Scenic Drive via Sonamarg and Zoji La
Distance: ~420 km
Best time: May to October
Why it’s scenic: The Kashmir Valley opens with emerald meadows, river bends, and tall pines. Then you climb Zoji La to Ladakh’s raw landscapes. It’s a dramatic shift in just one day.
Highlights:
- Dal Lake shikaras and Mughal gardens in Srinagar
- Sonamarg meadows and Sindh River
- Zoji La pass views and the Drass-Kargil sector
- Monasteries, apricot orchards, and the Indus valley
Who it’s for:
- Honeymooners seeking romance plus adventure
- Families who want a smoother acclimatization than Manali-Leh
- Luxury travelers combining houseboats and boutique Ladakh stays
Shimla to Spiti Valley Road Journey via Kinnaur
Distance: ~450 km to Kaza
Best time: May to October
Why it’s scenic: The route begins with pine forests and apple orchards. Then the Sutlej carves a breathtaking gorge. Finally, you enter Spiti’s high-altitude desert, where every bend is a postcard.
Highlights:
- Rampur, Sarahan, and Kinnaur’s hanging valleys
- Nako Lake and the cliff-carved road after Pooh
- Tabo monastery murals and Dhankar’s spire
- Hikkim (world’s highest post office), Langza, and Key Monastery
Travel notes:
- Roads can be narrow with sharp drop-offs. Drive slow.
- Limited fuel after Kalpa/Pooh. Tank up and carry cash.
- Great for slow travelers, photographers, and couples who love quiet.
Guwahati to Tawang Road Trip Itinerary in Arunachal Pradesh
Distance: ~510 km
Best time: October to April (clear skies), avoid peak monsoon
Why it’s scenic: You climb from plains to cloud forests, and then on to snow-kissed Sela Pass. Monasteries glow in the mountains. Prayer flags flutter above frozen lakes.
Highlights:
- Sela Pass and Paradise Lake views
- Tawang Monastery, one of the largest in India
- Nuranang Waterfall and War Memorial
Permits: Indian travelers need an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Apply online at the official portal (Arunachal e-ILP).
Who it suits: Families with older kids, honeymooners seeking a serene, spiritual route, and luxury travelers who enjoy boutique lodges.
Shillong to Cherrapunji and Dawki: Meghalaya’s Lush Scenic Drive
Distance: ~170 km (round trip from Shillong)
Best time: October to April; monsoon for waterfalls if you don’t mind rain
Why it’s scenic: Think rolling hills, misty cliffs, and endless waterfalls. Limestone caves, living root bridges, and clear rivers make this one of the most beautiful short road trips in India.
Highlights:
- Elephant Falls and Laitlum Canyon viewpoints
- Cherrapunji’s Nohkalikai Falls and Mawsmai Caves
- Double Decker Root Bridge trek in Nongriat
- Dawki’s crystal Umngot River boat ride
Tips:
- Start early to avoid fog and traffic
- Book a local guide for the root bridge trek
- Stay in a countryside homestay for a quiet, romantic vibe
Mumbai to Goa Coastal Road Trip on the Konkan Route
Distance: ~600–650 km via NH66 (Konkan Coastal Highway)
Best time: November to February
Why it’s scenic: Sunlit beaches, red laterite cliffs, and coconut groves. Fishing villages, sea forts, and Malvani food keep the energy high and the taste buds happy.
Highlights:
- Alibaug, Korlai Fort, and Murud-Janjira sea fort
- Harihareshwar, Diveagar, and Harnai fish auctions
- Guhagar, Ganpatipule, and Tarkarli’s blue waters
- Quiet entry into North Goa’s beaches
Family-friendly tips:
- Break the drive into 2–3 days with beachside stays
- Plan ferry crossings where available to cut detours
- Try seafood thalis and local fruit drinks
Chennai to Pondicherry Drive on the East Coast Road (ECR)
Distance: ~160 km
Best time: November to March; start early to catch sunrise
Why it’s scenic: The ECR hugs the Bay of Bengal. It offers sea views, cultural stops, and a smooth, romantic drive perfect for couples and weekend getaways.
Highlights:
- Covelong’s surf schools and quiet beaches
- Mahabalipuram’s shore temples and rock carvings
- Auroville’s peaceful vibe and Pondicherry’s French Quarter
Luxury touch: Book a boutique heritage hotel in White Town and a seaside dinner. It’s one of India’s best romantic road trips for honeymoon couples.
Bangalore to Coorg and Ooty: Coffee Estates and Nilgiri Curves
Distance: Bangalore–Coorg: ~265 km; Coorg–Ooty: ~240 km
Best time: October to March
Why it’s scenic: Forest roads, rolling coffee estates, and misty hills. Add wildlife sanctuaries and colonial bungalows for a serene Southern India escape.
Highlights:
- Coorg’s Abbey Falls, Mandalpatti, and estate walks
- Ooty’s tea gardens, toy train, and Doddabetta Peak
- Bandipur and Mudumalai wildlife corridors en route
Family and couple tips:
- Stay inside a coffee estate for quiet mornings and bird calls
- Plan short day drives, and book wildlife safaris in advance
- Carry motion-sickness bands for the ghats
Jaipur to Jaisalmer Desert Highway Road Trip
Distance: ~560 km
Best time: October to February
Why it’s scenic: It’s the golden triangle of the desert, minus the crowds. Open highways, royal forts, blue skies, and star-filled dunes. Simple, stunning, soulful.
Highlights:
- Mandawa havelis, Bikaner snacks, and Camel Research Centre
- Jaisalmer Fort and Patwon Ki Haveli
- Sam Sand Dunes for sunset and stargazing
Luxury add-ons:
- Stay in a heritage palace hotel
- Private dune dinner under the stars
- Desert glamping with live music
Ahmedabad to the White Rann of Kutch Road Trip
Distance: ~400 km to Dhordo
Best time: November to February, during Rann Utsav
Why it’s scenic: The salt desert glows white by day and silver by moonlight. You get surreal photos, colorful villages, and traditional crafts.
Highlights:
- Bhuj’s handicrafts and Kutch Museum
- Dhordo white salt flats and sunrise views
- Hodka, Nirona village (Rogan art)
Plan ahead: For festival dates and tent info, check official updates like the Rann Utsav portal.
Kochi to Munnar Tea Gardens Drive in Kerala
Distance: ~130 km
Best time: October to March
Why it’s scenic: You climb from sea level into cool, green hills. Tea carpets roll across slopes, mist rises, and waterfalls sparkle after rain.
Highlights:
- Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls
- Tea Museum and Top Station
- Mattupetty Dam boat ride
Who it suits: Families with kids, honeymoon couples, and luxury seekers who love spa stays and plantation bungalows.
Darjeeling to Gangtok Scenic Road Trip Across Tea and Peaks
Distance: ~98 km
Best time: October to April
Why it’s scenic: Tea gardens, cloud curtains, and peeks of Kanchenjunga. The route is short but packed with views and cozy cafes.
Highlights:
- Darjeeling’s sunrise at Tiger Hill
- Ravangla Buddha Park detour
- Gangtok’s MG Marg and nearby monasteries
Permits: Some high-altitude spots beyond Gangtok require permits. Check the latest updates from Sikkim Tourism.
Ooty to Munnar Mountain Drive via Bodinayakanur
Distance: ~240–280 km depending on route
Best time: November to March
Why it’s scenic: Twisty ghats, eucalyptus scent, and endless green. This is a photographer’s delight and a couple’s favorite for slow, scenic days.
Highlights:
- Needle Rock Viewpoint near Ooty
- Tea estates and spice gardens around Munnar
- Eravikulam National Park (seasonal closures apply)
Best Time for the Most Scenic Road Trips in India
Timing is everything. A route can be calm in winter and stormy in monsoon. Here is a quick guide:
- Himalayas (Ladakh, Spiti, Tawang): May/June to October; winter routes can close due to snow
- Desert routes (Rajasthan, Kutch): October to February, cool and clear
- Coastal routes (Goa, ECR): November to March; monsoon is green but rainy
- Western Ghats (Coorg, Ooty, Munnar): October to March; monsoon is misty but slippery
Family-Friendly Scenic Road Trips in India: Easy Wins
If you are traveling with children or seniors, pick routes with smooth roads and short drive days:
- Chennai to Pondicherry (ECR)
- Kochi to Munnar
- Bangalore to Coorg
- Mumbai to Goa with 2–3 stops
- Darjeeling to Gangtok with a heritage stay
Plan pit stops, carry snacks and motion-sickness meds, and book stays with open lawns and kid-friendly menus.
Romantic Road Trips in India for Honeymoon Couples
For couples, choose routes with scenic stays, privacy, and short drives:
- Shillong to Cherrapunji with a root-bridge trek and waterfall views
- ECR to Pondicherry for seaside cafes and French heritage
- Munnar tea estates with spa and pool villas
- Jaipur to Jaisalmer for desert sunsets and glamping
- Srinagar to Leh with houseboats and monastery visits
Luxury Road Trip Experiences in India: Stay, Savor, and Slow Down
Make the road your runway. Add these luxury touches:
- Heritage palace hotels in Rajasthan
- Boutique tea bungalows in Munnar and the Nilgiris
- Premium houseboats in Srinagar, curated Ladakh boutique camps
- Private dune dinners and stargazing in Jaisalmer
- Coastal villas on the Konkan and in South Goa
Book ahead in peak season, especially for Ladakh, Goa, and festival periods.
Road Trip Safety and Permits: What to Know Before You Go
Safety checklist:
- Service your vehicle; check brakes, tires, coolant, and wipers
- Download offline maps and keep a power bank
- Carry warm layers in the mountains, rain gear on the coast
- Keep a basic first-aid kit and emergency contact list
Permits and regulations:
- Arunachal: ILP required for Indian citizens (apply online)
- Ladakh: Some inner areas require permits; check district advisories
- Sikkim: Certain zones need permits; see official updates
Seasonal road closures happen in high mountains. Always check local advisories or BRO updates before departure (BRO website).
Packing List for Scenic Road Trips in India
Keep it light, but keep it smart:
- Documents: License, car papers, permits, IDs
- Gear: Sunglasses, hat, flashlight, swiss knife, reusable water bottles
- Clothes: Layers for mountains; breathable cotton for the coast
- Food: Healthy snacks, electrolyte packets, baby food if needed
- Tech: Car charger, offline playlists, camera with extra battery
- Comfort: Neck pillow, throw, sanitizers, wet wipes
Where to Stay on India’s Scenic Road Trips
Top stay styles our guests love:
- Heritage and palace hotels for culture and romance
- Eco-lodges and boutique homestays in the hills
- Tented camps in deserts and Ladakh
- Beachfront resorts on the Konkan and in Goa
- Estate bungalows in Coorg, Ooty, and Munnar
Pro tip: Mix two styles on one trip. For example, do a boutique city hotel, then an ultra-scenic eco-lodge.
Sample 7-Day Scenic Road Trip Itineraries
Himalayan High (Family or Couple):
- Day 1: Fly to Srinagar, stay on a houseboat
- Day 2: Srinagar to Sonamarg day trip
- Day 3: Srinagar to Kargil
- Day 4: Kargil to Leh
- Day 5: Leh acclimatization and monasteries
- Day 6: Leh to Nubra Valley (via Khardung La)
- Day 7: Nubra to Pangong Tso and back to Leh
Konkan Coastal Trail (Family):
- Day 1: Mumbai to Alibaug
- Day 2: Alibaug to Murud-Janjira, stay in Diveagar
- Day 3: Diveagar to Harihareshwar to Guhagar
- Day 4: Guhagar to Ganpatipule
- Day 5: Ganpatipule to Tarkarli
- Day 6–7: Tarkarli to North Goa, relax
Southern Tea & Spice (Honeymoon):
- Day 1: Kochi to Munnar
- Day 2–3: Munnar tea gardens and spa day
- Day 4: Munnar to Ooty (scenic route)
- Day 5–6: Ooty toy train, lakes, and tea tastings
- Day 7: Ooty to Bangalore or back to Kochi
Budgeting a Scenic Road Trip in India
Costs vary by region and season. A simple guide:
- Fuel: Depends on route length and terrain; hill routes use more
- Accommodation:
- Comfort stays: INR 3,000–7,000 per night
- Boutique/luxury: INR 10,000–35,000+ per night
- Food: INR 800–3,000 per person per day depending on style
- Permits/fees: Varies by state and zone
- Add-ons: Guides, safaris, private experiences
Save more by traveling in shoulder months, booking early, and mixing stay categories.
How Touracle Curates the Best Scenic Road Trips in India
We blend expert route knowledge with your travel style. Our planners map fuel stops, tested eateries, kid-friendly breaks, and scenic photo pauses. We also book stays that match your mood—heritage, boutique, eco, or ultra-luxury. If you like surprises, we add secret detours that most maps forget.
With Touracle, you can choose a self-drive with support or relax in a chauffeur-driven SUV. Either way, the road feels easy, safe, and stunning.
Ready to Plan Your Scenic Road Trip with Touracle?
Tell us what you want to feel on your next journey—salt on your lips, snow under your boots, or desert wind in your hair. Our experts will build a route that fits your family, celebrates your honeymoon, or upgrades your luxury escape.
Questions about routes, seasons, or stays? Contact Touracle to get a personalized scenic road trip plan. We’ll help you choose the best time, best roads, and best beds—so you can focus on the views and the stories you’ll bring back.