10 Road Trips You Must Take Before You're 30!

The reckless years of one’s 20s are perhaps the most illuminating ones. There’s plenty to be learnt, a bevvy of experiences that temper you into the man/woman you become later. However, as you reach the respectable figure of 30, there is an air of nostalgia of leaving your youthful days behind. Hence, as the number of candles on my birthday cake was about to reach 30, my mind started wandering and I started looking for ways to etch a permanent mark on my life. Wanderlust struck me and all I wanted to do was get out of my comfort zone.

Here are ten of the best road trips you can take in India.

1. Mumbai to Goa — The Dil Chahta Hai Route

Take National Highway 17 that offers a pleasurable drive as it is a picturesque route with several food joints for your food cravings en route to the beach party capital of India- Goa. If you suffer from motion sickness, then take National Highway 4 after Mumbai Pune Expressway (via Satara and Kohlapur)!

• Approximate Distance: 600 km
• Estimated Driving Time: 10 hours 30 minutes to 15 hours
• Pit Stop: Chiplun, which is around 238 kilometres from Mumbai, and is a perfect place to give your journey an ideal break. You can spend some quality time here, while admiring a rare fusion of the Hindu and Muslim architectural styles at the renowned Parshuram Temple.

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Read more: Free Things to Do in Goa

2. Jaipur to Ranthambore — From the Pink City to the Land of the Roaring Tiger

The route through NH52 and NH552 is the fastest way to reach Ranthambore National Park from Jaipur.  On your way, you can dine at one of the many dhabas! In addition, the route has a number of petrol and diesel stations as well as ATMs. Moreover, there are no network issues in the region.

• Approximate Distance: 190 km
• Estimated Driving Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Pit Stop: Stop for tea at one of the stalls on the way!

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3. Bengaluru to Nandi Hills — From India’s Silicon Valley to the Calmness of Hills

If you love capturing the beauty of nature in your camera, you should leave the comfort of your home in Bengaluru, well before sunrise, to capture the rising sun at Nandi Hills. However, if you are a late riser and plan to reach the hills well after the sun has had breakfast, you can still please the adventurer within by paragliding or trekking.

• Approximate Distance: 60 km 
• Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Pit Stop: Although the journey between Bengaluru and Nandi hills takes just over one to two hours, do not forget to spend some time at Devanahalli Fort.

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4. Chennai to Munnar — Welcome to the World of Tea

If the steamy weather in Chennai is something you want to avoid on the upcoming weekend, a trip to Munnar should definitely be on your to-do-list. The winding roads and the pleasant weather will make your trip a memorable one. Once at your destination, you either can bring out the adventurer in you by rock climbing and paragliding, or can simply learn the art of tea making!

• Approximate Distance – 600 km
• Estimated Driving Time – 11 hours
• Pit Stop – An ideal midway stop is Tiruchirappalli, which was one a part of the renowned Chola kingdom. The city, with a large number of beautifully sculpted temples and fortresses, is a treat for photography enthusiasts.

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5. Delhi to Manali — From the Concrete Jungle to the Valley of the Gods

The stretch, which seems to get cooler with every kilometer you clock, is ideal for all those who love serene valleys and snow-capped mountains. Once in Manali, you can improve your adventure portfolio by trekking, paragliding, skiing or rafting.

• Approximate Distance: 538 km
• Estimated Driving Time: 12 hours
• Pit Stop: Spend some time admiring the beauty out of waste at Rock Garden in Chandigarh, the ‘City Beautiful’. You can even make a few purchases at Sector 17 before you head over to the hills.

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6. Ahmedabad to Kutch — Towards the White Salt Desert

The journey to Kutch from Ahmedabad is fun and compliments the experience one gets on reaching the destination. The endless expanse of the white salt desert brilliantly compliments the colourful life of the people of Kutch and the neighbouring handicraft villages, including Nirona, Nakhtarana and Hodko.

• Approximate Distance: 400 km
• Estimated Driving Time: 7 to 9 hours
• Pit Stop: Dhangadhra is an ideal place to rest your wheels for a couple of hours, while admiring temples and mosques.

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7. Guwahati to Tawang — A Taste of the Northeast

This rough, yet beautiful drive from Guwahati can be relaxing and a lot more convenient with a stop at Dirang, an attractive valley town. Once in Tawang, you can spend your time in the lap of nature and participate in the morning prayers with the monks.

• Approximate Distance: 450 km
• Estimated Driving Time: 13 hours
• Pit Stop: Along with Dirang, another good stopover before heading to Tawang is Tezpur, the cultural capital of Assam. With several historical ruins dotting the landscape, the stop is ideal for photography aficionados.

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8. Kolkata to Varanasi — From Sweetness to Spirituality

This stretch to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, from Kolkata, is nothing less than a visual treat! Once in Varanasi, you can wash away your sins in the holy waters or take a boat ride in Ganga to witness a unique sunrise or sunset! Gorge on some desi street food and click dreamy photos to impress your Instagram followers! In addition, you would be visiting the famous temples that date back to ages, to go deeper into the Indian culture.

• Approximate Distance: 682 km
• Estimated Driving Time: 14 hours
• Pit Stop: Make your first stop at Dhanbad and begin your religious journey by visiting the Kalyaneshwari Temple.

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9. Delhi to Agra to Jaipur — The Golden Triangle

Start your journey from Delhi and drive to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway, one of the country’s finest roads. Once in Agra, visit the Taj, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Travel to Jaipur the next day and explore the palaces and forts. Also, don’t forget to relish a hearty meal at Chokhi Dhani!

• Approximate Distance: 800 km
• Estimated Driving Time: 7 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours
• Pit Stop: While on your way to Jaipur from Agra, spend some time at Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur to check out several aquatic birds from different parts of the world

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10. Dehradun to Nainital — From the Rainy City of India to the Trekker’s Paradise

The road from Dehradun towards Nainital is all about nature, hills and great weather, making things perfect for photography enthusiasts. Once in Nainital, you can either admire nature in all its grace or shop for woollens at Bohtia Bazaar.

• Approximate Distance: 274 km
• Estimated Driving Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Pit Stop: Get some rest at Najibabad, also known as the Gateway of Himalayas and check out the forts and monuments.

Book Your Flight to Delhi

Read more: Top 5 Things to Do in Nainital

Road Trip Checklist

• Get your car or motorbike inspected by a trusted mechanic to ensure that it is fit for a road trip.
• Rest for a few days prior to the trip so that you’re ready to make the most the time you have.
• Stock up essentials such as a first aid kit.
• Pack as light as you can so that you have plenty of room available for beautiful souvenirs.
• Charge your power bank so that your phone and camera do not die midway.

So what are you guys waiting for? Just pack your bags, fuel up your ride, and hit the road! Don’t forget to share your road trip experiences right here.