What You Need to Know For Taking That Mumbai to Goa Road trip!

Have you never wished to go for a Mumbai to Goa road trip after watching Dil Chahta Hai? That is one trip that every travel lover wishes to experience at least once in his life. The Mumbai to Goa road trip can be considered as one of the best road trips in the country where you can experience immense scenic beauty. Yes, it will be exactly as you see in the movie, or maybe, even better than that. Through the mesmerizing Western Ghats, you can travel to the land of beaches, Goa. This is one of those trips that can prove to you that it is not about the destination, but about the journey to reach there.

Mumbai to Goa in Monsoons
Source

One of the best things about this trip is that Goa is just a 12 hours drive from Mumbai, so whenever you get a long weekend, you can take off for this brilliant road journey.

What is the best time to visit Goa?

Source

The beaches of Goa are swarming with people in the months of December and January and this is indeed the best season to visit Goa. But if you are planning a visit during these times, then it is better if you could book your accommodations in advance. In case you want to avoid the crowd, you may visit during the months of February to June and October to December. If you are willing to experience the lush greeneries and empty beaches, you can visit the place in the monsoons. Moreover, Goa is the cheapest during monsoons, but then driving down there is a bit challenging.

There are two common routes which people take for a Mumbai to Goa road trip and it is upon you to decide which route would suit you better.

Route 1:Mumbai to Goa via NH 4

Total Distance: 590 kms

Total Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes (Non stop)

Route:

• Mumbai to Pune by the Mumbai Pune Expressway
• Pune to Satara to Kolhapur to Belgaum (NH4)
• Belgaum to Goa

Source

Approximately 20 kms longer than the other route, this is a trip worth taking. People consider it as the best route between Mumbai to Goa and people who have troubles with motion sickness must surely opt for this one. The road is simple, smooth and straight with a four lane road all along. But, you would be troubled by paying taxes at the numerous toll booths that come along your way.

Mumbai Pune Expressway
Source

The beginning of your Mumbai to Goa road trip would be along the Mumbai Pune expressway which is about 94.1 km in distance. After a smooth ride through the 6 lane expressway, you would reach Pune in three hours. The Mumbai-Pune expressway merges into the NH4 along which you need to travel till Belgaum. There is a sharp right angled turn at the end of the expressway, which says “Mumbai Pune Expressway ends here” and then you know that you have started your journey on the national highway.

Panhala Fort, Kolhapur
Source

Keep following the National highway 4 until you reach Sankeshwar. This is the faster as well as the smoother option of travelling as this is a concrete four lane road and there is no scope of onward coming traffic. The main milestones on this journey are Satara, Kolhapur and Sankeshwar.

Satara and Kolhapur is a good place to stop and have your lunch as there are many roadside eateries there. One can also visit the Rankala Lake, Panhala Fort and the Jyotiba Temple on their way.

Belgaum to Goa
Source

The next stop on your Mumbai to Goa road trip should be Belgaum where you may also decide to have a night halt. This place is extremely famous for the Belgaum fort and the Bhimgad Wildlife sanctuary and if you have an extra day, it is better to stop here and explore this place. The final stretch of this road is from Belgaum to Goa which is basically a three hour drive. A smooth trip and then you reach the amazing land of beaches, Goa.

Route 2:The Bombay Goa Highway via NH 66

Total Distance: 577 km

Total Duration: 12 hours (Non Stop)

Route: Mumbai- Panvel- Pen- Kolad- Khed- Chiplun- Pali- Sawantwadi- Goa

Source

This is a really delightful scenic journey with paddy fields, coconut and area nut plantations all along the route. This route has ample amount of scenic beauty. You can also have a beach side halt at Ganpatipule. People say the beach resembles those of Maldives. But, let me warn you that it’s a very winding road. So if you have motion sickness, this would be a wrong option to go for.

NH 17
Source

One must start the journey around 6 in the morning in order to avoid the morning traffic. Reaching Panvel from Mumbai is not difficult as it is a signal free zip over flyover and it is quite a comfortable ride. After Panvel, you would hit the NH 17 which is renamed as NH 66, which is a two lane highway, quite good in shape, but has a few treacherous corners. The ride along this national highway offers you some amazing views of luxurious greenery all around, the sounds of the regional birds and that distinct smell of the forests to enhance your experience. As it is a commercially important route, the road has numerous hotels, restaurants, repair shops and petrol pumps. There are a few interesting places on your way, which you must surely check out to have the complete experience.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Source

If you are one of those bird lovers, you must surely stop at Karnala Bird sanctuary, in the Taluka of Panvel. It is a small, yet beautiful sanctuary which is home to more than 150 species of birds. Soon, after a few hours, you would reach Pen which is a historically important port city. Now it has been a major centre where huge Ganesha idols are made for worshipping.

River Vaishishti, Chiplun
Source

There are some small towns on the way of your drive like Kolad, Indapur and Mangaon which has the facilities of ATMs and Petrol Pumps. There are many roadside eateries on your way to Goa, where one can sit and relax and have some delicious local cuisine. One another popular halt for all the travellers is Chiplun which is at a distance of about 200 km from Panvel. The town is located on the banks of the River Vashishti in the district of Ratnagiri. This place is famous for its waterfalls, the Parshuram Temple, kokam and obviously, the famous Ratnagiri mangoes. If you are visiting this place in summer, mangoes are something that you must try for sure. There are sellers all along the route who offer the Ratnagiri Alphonsos at the best rates.

Sindhudurg Fort, Sindhudurg Fort
Source

After that, NH 66 leads you to Sindhudurg which was built by Hiroji Indalkar. It is a fort on the coast of the Arabian Sea which has been made a lot popular being featured in many movies. After that, you reach Sawantwadi and a drive along the ghats, you finally reach your ultimate destination that is Goa.

What to eat and stopovers?

Malvani Thali
Source

At stopovers you can find basic Indian and continental cuisine. If you are on NH4, you will able to spot dhabas at Satara and Kolhapur. On NH 66, Chiplun is a popular stopover.

Reaching there

Mumbai to Goa by Road
Source

There are many options of travelling to Goa from Mumbai. If you are willing to have a trip with your friends or family, you may rent car along with a driver for the entire journey or you may opt for driving your own vehicle, for an ultimate Mumbai to Goa road trip experience. If you wish to opt for a lesser budget travel, you may choose one of those luxury buses that leave everyday for Goa from Mumbai. And yes, if you are among those adventure lovers, then why don’t you ride your motorcycle to Goa? It can be quite dangerous, but then nothing can beat that experience.

A few points to take note of: 

1. Sleep well the day before your journey.
2. Always follow the traffic rules.
3. Observe the speed limit in all the areas.
4. Make sure to have frequent stops in your journey as it will help to refresh the body.
5. Carry some high protein snacks to provide energy on the course of your journey.
6. Keep a note of your fuel tank and never let your fuel tank go too low.
7. Always carry a spare Tyre while you are travelling.
8. Notice the accident warnings on the road.
9. Look for the speed breakers on the route.

Goa
Source

Summing up, the first route is faster as well as a safer option, but the second route can provide you with unmatched scenic beauty and adventure. It is completely upon you which route you would prefer to drive along. You must weigh your pros and cons and then select the route that would suite you the best. This journey is among the hot picks among the young bikers of Mumbai and you can do this journey on bikes also if you are with your friends. A Mumbai to Goa road trip is one of those amazing road journeys which every Indian must experience in his life. All you need to do is to fix the dates and begin the journey.

Source: holidify.com

Budget Travel - Is That Even Possible?

Travelling is one of the most popular hobbies available to mankind. Many of us dream of travelling the world but we are prevented by self-whining about our work load, or the lack of finances to do it. Is it really that difficult to travel the world? I don't think so... Because from personal experience, I know that it is possible to handle most of the travel expenses without actually spending a dime.
Let's start with transportation. Most people will think that a flight ticket would cost a lot of money. But simply by having a good travel plan and booking your flight early, you can save a lot of money on your flight tickets. What's more, booking early is not the only way of finding a cheap flight. There are a lot of points to consider such as the 24-hour-rule, looking for one way tickets or following the recent deals. Carpooling can also save you a lot, since you basically share the gas expenses. It is also one of the cleaner ways of travelling. Just a little online research may get you a carpool buddy. Even better, I believe everyone can travel for free, by hitchhiking, of course. Hitch-hiking is both fast and comfortable, and the best of all, it is free!
My favourite means of transportation above all is hitch-hiking, of course. No, not only because it saves a lot of money, but also because I still see some of the friends I made while hitch-hiking. But if you're more interested in the numbers, let me provide you some. In 2012, I did a hitch-hiking tour of the Balkan countries. I travelled almost all through the Balkans for approximately 20 days. I didn't spend a single dime on travelling, since I hitch-hiked all my way. In the end, I realized I had spent only 270 Euros, for the hole tour, lasting for 20 days.
When it comes to accommodation, I am going to say that it is by no means necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on hotel rooms. Even though there are ways to find the cheapest rates for hotels, which I mention in detail in my blog, they are not even my last choice when I travel. I usually try to find a host on couchsurfing, which is totally free. This way I get to know where I go from the locals and have a true cultural experience. On the other hand, one can always find an incredibly cheap room on airbnb, which is a room rental website. If I cannot find what I'm looking for on those web sites, hostels are always a great option for cheap accommodation. Plus, they are quite fun.
I have to use my 20-day Balkan tour as an example again here. Throughout the whole Balkan tour, I used Couchsurfing as a means of accommodation, which costed me absolutely nothing. I even made profit by meeting great people, whom I still see frequently.
As you see, there are a lot of opportunities for travelling on a budget. In addition to being cheap, the budget options always provide you with a better experience, be it cultural or social. What could be better than experiencing the culture of a destination from the first hand? Especially when you have to pay absolutely nothing for it?

To find out about more about how to travel on a budget, visit http://www.ecotripsos.com/en

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8305058

What is Ride Sharing in India

Ride sharing is another to driving to work alone. It's carpooling vanpooling, walking, and riding your bike or public transportation. The best benefit to people who rideshare is the save money and fuel cost. Ride of a ride share is simply when two or more people share a car journey.

Real time ridesharing also known as prompt ridesharing, on-demand ridesharing, is a service that arranges one-time shared rides.

You may have a routine and official ride share, even every workday. You can arrange a ride share for one-off car journeys or even for especially long journeys.

How it works Ride Sharing:-

1.      Find a ride

Just enter your leaving and entrance points and your travel date, and select a car owner offering a trip going your way. Take a look at the Ride Comment for info about the car owner, their reasons for travelling and other trip details.

Before getting in touch, you can check the trusted profile of the car owners, with an id, photo, bio and member ratings. 

2.     Get in touch

Click on the Contact Car Owner button and then contact the car owner via private message or phone to book your seat with them and arrange the details of the ride.

Car owners prefer to receive private messages because they can directly consult your profile before answering to your message.

   3.      Travel together

Be at the planned meeting point on time! Remember to bring exact change so you can give your car owner the agreed contribution during your journey.

After travelling together leave a rating for your car owner, they will return the favour and it will boost your Experience Level. Car owners choose travelling with co-travellers who have a high Experience level.

How to Carpool

WHAT: There are millions of us who travel daily to and from work; driving billions of miles each year, spending lots of cash on gas and pumping tons of emissions into the atmosphere! Indeed, transportation, although a necessity today, has a negative impact on the environment. With gas prices rising, traffic congestion and air pollution on the rise, carpooling has become a smarter, eco-friendlier alternative.
WHY: Fewer cars on the road means smog reduction, global warming reduction and less air and noise pollution. When you don't have to drive every morning, you may even arrive at work less stressed, and many even enjoy the company of your carpool friends. By sharing a ride to and from work, you reduce your commute-related expenses in half. Plus with fuel prices on the rise, it makes sense to buddy up for the daily commute. What's great about this is that when you save money on your daily commute during the week, this translates to more money available for other important activities. Aside from this, you will also be able to save on repair expenses because by carpooling, you reduce wear and tear on your vehicle!
HOW:
• Pick a day or days of the week for carpooling.
• Once you already have several carpool buddies, print out your schedules -- pick-up times and locations, phone numbers and addresses, then distribute it to all members. Don't forget to have a backup plan in case your driver is not available.
• Agree on your departure point. It can be the home of your driver, a convenient location that's near to both of you, or you can just ask to be picked up.
• Calculate your carpooling costs. Determine your miles and get a good estimate on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Don't forget maintenance costs -- include the cost of fuel, maintenance, tires, insurance, etc.
• In case you're in the market for a new vehicle, buy a fuel-efficient one.
• Agree with your buddies to use ethanol blend gasoline.
• Reduce idling! If drivers avoided idling their vehicles for just a few minutes a day, in a year, millions of tons of carbon dioxide and other toxic substances could be prevented from entering the air!
TIP: Find databases online where you can find people to carpool with. Carpoolconnect.com and Rideshareonline.com will match people based on home and work locations. You can also use tools like ZimRide.com or GoLoco.org on Facebook to find carpools!

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Zsa_Zsa_Bacaling/606336

Indian carpool portal on call as fuel prices rise

Read more at: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/indian-carpool-portalcall-as-fuel-prices-rise_218785.html?utm_source=ref_article

Indian carpool portal on call as fuel prices rise

Read more at: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/indian-carpool-portalcall-as-fuel-prices-rise_218785.html?utm_source=ref_article

Indian carpool portal on call as fuel prices rise

Read more at: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/indian-carpool-portalcall-as-fuel-prices-rise_218785.html?utm_source=ref_article

What You Need to Know For Taking That Mumbai to Goa Road trip!

Have you never wished to go for a Mumbai to Goa road trip after watching Dil Chahta Hai? That is one trip that every travel lover wishes to experience at least once in his life. The Mumbai to Goa road trip can be considered as one of the best road trips in the country where you can experience immense scenic beauty. Yes, it will be exactly as you see in the movie, or maybe, even better than that. Through the mesmerizing Western Ghats, you can travel to the land of beaches, Goa. This is one of those trips that can prove to you that it is not about the destination, but about the journey to reach there.

Mumbai to Goa in Monsoons
Source

One of the best things about this trip is that Goa is just a 12 hours drive from Mumbai, so whenever you get a long weekend, you can take off for this brilliant road journey.

What is the best time to visit Goa?

Source

The beaches of Goa are swarming with people in the months of December and January and this is indeed the best season to visit Goa. But if you are planning a visit during these times, then it is better if you could book your accommodations in advance. In case you want to avoid the crowd, you may visit during the months of February to June and October to December. If you are willing to experience the lush greeneries and empty beaches, you can visit the place in the monsoons. Moreover, Goa is the cheapest during monsoons, but then driving down there is a bit challenging.

There are two common routes which people take for a Mumbai to Goa road trip and it is upon you to decide which route would suit you better.

Route 1:Mumbai to Goa via NH 4

Total Distance: 590 kms

Total Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes (Non stop)

Route:

• Mumbai to Pune by the Mumbai Pune Expressway
• Pune to Satara to Kolhapur to Belgaum (NH4)
• Belgaum to Goa

Source

Approximately 20 kms longer than the other route, this is a trip worth taking. People consider it as the best route between Mumbai to Goa and people who have troubles with motion sickness must surely opt for this one. The road is simple, smooth and straight with a four lane road all along. But, you would be troubled by paying taxes at the numerous toll booths that come along your way.

Mumbai Pune Expressway
Source

The beginning of your Mumbai to Goa road trip would be along the Mumbai Pune expressway which is about 94.1 km in distance. After a smooth ride through the 6 lane expressway, you would reach Pune in three hours. The Mumbai-Pune expressway merges into the NH4 along which you need to travel till Belgaum. There is a sharp right angled turn at the end of the expressway, which says “Mumbai Pune Expressway ends here” and then you know that you have started your journey on the national highway.

Panhala Fort, Kolhapur
Source

Keep following the National highway 4 until you reach Sankeshwar. This is the faster as well as the smoother option of travelling as this is a concrete four lane road and there is no scope of onward coming traffic. The main milestones on this journey are Satara, Kolhapur and Sankeshwar.

Satara and Kolhapur is a good place to stop and have your lunch as there are many roadside eateries there. One can also visit the Rankala Lake, Panhala Fort and the Jyotiba Temple on their way.

Belgaum to Goa
Source

The next stop on your Mumbai to Goa road trip should be Belgaum where you may also decide to have a night halt. This place is extremely famous for the Belgaum fort and the Bhimgad Wildlife sanctuary and if you have an extra day, it is better to stop here and explore this place. The final stretch of this road is from Belgaum to Goa which is basically a three hour drive. A smooth trip and then you reach the amazing land of beaches, Goa.

Route 2:The Bombay Goa Highway via NH 66

Total Distance: 577 km

Total Duration: 12 hours (Non Stop)

Route: Mumbai- Panvel- Pen- Kolad- Khed- Chiplun- Pali- Sawantwadi- Goa

Source

This is a really delightful scenic journey with paddy fields, coconut and area nut plantations all along the route. This route has ample amount of scenic beauty. You can also have a beach side halt at Ganpatipule. People say the beach resembles those of Maldives. But, let me warn you that it’s a very winding road. So if you have motion sickness, this would be a wrong option to go for.

NH 17
Source

One must start the journey around 6 in the morning in order to avoid the morning traffic. Reaching Panvel from Mumbai is not difficult as it is a signal free zip over flyover and it is quite a comfortable ride. After Panvel, you would hit the NH 17 which is renamed as NH 66, which is a two lane highway, quite good in shape, but has a few treacherous corners. The ride along this national highway offers you some amazing views of luxurious greenery all around, the sounds of the regional birds and that distinct smell of the forests to enhance your experience. As it is a commercially important route, the road has numerous hotels, restaurants, repair shops and petrol pumps. There are a few interesting places on your way, which you must surely check out to have the complete experience.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Source

If you are one of those bird lovers, you must surely stop at Karnala Bird sanctuary, in the Taluka of Panvel. It is a small, yet beautiful sanctuary which is home to more than 150 species of birds. Soon, after a few hours, you would reach Pen which is a historically important port city. Now it has been a major centre where huge Ganesha idols are made for worshipping.

River Vaishishti, Chiplun
Source

There are some small towns on the way of your drive like Kolad, Indapur and Mangaon which has the facilities of ATMs and Petrol Pumps. There are many roadside eateries on your way to Goa, where one can sit and relax and have some delicious local cuisine. One another popular halt for all the travellers is Chiplun which is at a distance of about 200 km from Panvel. The town is located on the banks of the River Vashishti in the district of Ratnagiri. This place is famous for its waterfalls, the Parshuram Temple, kokam and obviously, the famous Ratnagiri mangoes. If you are visiting this place in summer, mangoes are something that you must try for sure. There are sellers all along the route who offer the Ratnagiri Alphonsos at the best rates.

Sindhudurg Fort, Sindhudurg Fort
Source

After that, NH 66 leads you to Sindhudurg which was built by Hiroji Indalkar. It is a fort on the coast of the Arabian Sea which has been made a lot popular being featured in many movies. After that, you reach Sawantwadi and a drive along the ghats, you finally reach your ultimate destination that is Goa.

What to eat and stopovers?

Malvani Thali
Source

At stopovers you can find basic Indian and continental cuisine. If you are on NH4, you will able to spot dhabas at Satara and Kolhapur. On NH 66, Chiplun is a popular stopover.

Reaching there

Mumbai to Goa by Road
Source

There are many options of travelling to Goa from Mumbai. If you are willing to have a trip with your friends or family, you may rent car along with a driver for the entire journey or you may opt for driving your own vehicle, for an ultimate Mumbai to Goa road trip experience. If you wish to opt for a lesser budget travel, you may choose one of those luxury buses that leave everyday for Goa from Mumbai. And yes, if you are among those adventure lovers, then why don’t you ride your motorcycle to Goa? It can be quite dangerous, but then nothing can beat that experience.

A few points to take note of: 

1. Sleep well the day before your journey.
2. Always follow the traffic rules.
3. Observe the speed limit in all the areas.
4. Make sure to have frequent stops in your journey as it will help to refresh the body.
5. Carry some high protein snacks to provide energy on the course of your journey.
6. Keep a note of your fuel tank and never let your fuel tank go too low.
7. Always carry a spare Tyre while you are travelling.
8. Notice the accident warnings on the road.
9. Look for the speed breakers on the route.

Goa
Source

Summing up, the first route is faster as well as a safer option, but the second route can provide you with unmatched scenic beauty and adventure. It is completely upon you which route you would prefer to drive along. You must weigh your pros and cons and then select the route that would suite you the best. This journey is among the hot picks among the young bikers of Mumbai and you can do this journey on bikes also if you are with your friends. A Mumbai to Goa road trip is one of those amazing road journeys which every Indian must experience in his life. All you need to do is to fix the dates and begin the journey.

Source- Holidify

Best Road Trips in India that you must take once in your lifetime

We skim through the annals of our massive country and bring to you the twenty five best road trips in India that you should take at least once in your lifetime.

Is Ready, Set, Go your mantra for most weekends? Have you found a motorbike and the countryside to be your calling? Then this is your poison’d chalice!

1. Manali to Leh Highway:

The beauty of road trip from Manali to Leh cannot be captured in words. Remember Kareena Kapoor dancing to “Yeh Ishq Hai” from Jab We Met? Wouldn’t it be fun to cruise along that road in all its snowy glory on an open jeep or a Bullet? Ah! So Pretty!

Road Trip Condition:  It spans a length of 479 km with a mean altitude in between 3 to 4 km above sea level. The road is open for about 5 months a year mostly during summers and mid-October. The journey takes about 2 days with one stopover for rest and acclimatization.

(Source)

2. Mumbai to Pune Expressway:

An easy weekend getaway from Pune/Mumbai, a road trip to Lonavala is something that almost all local residents will swear by. Dont forget to savor ‘chikki’ in Lonavala. The picturesque surroundings and lush green foliage are great at calming those jittery nerves. So if you are in the region and planning to take a road trip look no further. Put the medal on the pedal, and get cracking!

Road Trip Condition: The expressway is 93 km long and considered one of the best road trips in India.  Two-wheelers are allowed on old Mumbai-Pune Highway (which is in really good shape) while  cabs and buses ply on the Mumbai-Pune expressway. Sunny Da Dhaba and The Kinara Village Dhaba are good eating options on the Pune-Lonavala stretch.

(Source)

Find more Hidden Destinations in India, visit Holidify.com

3. Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley:

The graceful marriage of the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats in Visakhapatnam are a sight to behold. Any first time visitor to the city is taken away by the pristine beauty of this union in the city. When the same traveller takes a trip to Araku, he’s completely mystified by the beauty of the road. The curly roads, the gentle elevation and the sweet serenity of the hills makes it an amazing road trip in south India and will etch a permanent place in your heart for an eternity.

Road Trip Condition:  The road spans about 116 km. There are interesting places like Borra caves and Tatipudi Reservoir on the way. The best time to visit the region is between October and March.

(Source)

4. Shimla to Manali via Mandi:

Clichés, when it comes to choosing a travel destination, should never be steered clear of! The Shimla-Manali road trip, with the River Beas trudging alongside, is a beautiful road trip to relax and unwind in India. Take a break from and play in the ice-cold water of the river. Nothing says Himachal vacation like playing in the water during the ride between Shimla and Manali!

Road  Trip Condition: This 250 km stretch requires a little longer than usual due to hilly terrain. All the more reason to be one of the best road trips in India.

(Source)

5. Chennai to Pondicherry along the East Coast Road:

This is one of the most beautiful roads for travelling on a cruiser motorbike. Chetan Bhagat wrote about it, and rightfully so. The Sea on one side of the road is a sight to behold as the day grows. The changing reflections of the Sun on the water as the day advances makes it most beautiful road around Chennai and probably India will leave you feeling thoroughly satisfied. Be prepared for a lot of Photography sessions while on the road!

Road Trip Condition: This stretch of 160 km takes about 3 hours. This route passes through Mahabalipuram (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kalpakkam (nuclear facility), Idaikkazhinadu (Alamparai Fort aka Alambara Fort), Mudaliarkuppam (with a cool boat house and water sport facility), Marakkanam (famous for large salt pans) etc.

(Source)

Find more Hidden Destinations in India, visit Holidify.com

 6. Guwahati to Tawang 

Two absolute essentials from Northeast and a trip just like its two ends- challenging, yet spread across an extremely beautiful terrain. A few stops in between, and you should be able to pull it off more conveniently.
Road Trip Information : The distance is about 520 km and should take you about 10 hours plus your stops.

Source

7. Puri to Konark on the NH-203:

While scenic roads in Orissa would very well put most of the Eastern states of India to shame, the Puri-Konark highway is one of those beautiful roads to do Photography that when undertaken, will force you to drain the battery on your camera. The canopy formed by the trees on either side of the road, the soft misty breeze and the obvious idyllic beauty will leave you mesmerized, now and forever!

Road Trip Condition: This short stretch of 36 km can be covered in about an hour and makes for a memorable road trip.

(Source)

8. Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo and Nathu-La Pass:

The North-East, largely unexplored is home to some of the best destinations for road travel in India. This is one of those road trips of North-East that you should undertake at once without thinking much. The hilly terrain might make it a challenging ride, but the beauty of the road lies in the uncertainty of the terrain. The awesome sight along the roads on mountain ranges will totally make up for everything else! Take a road trip in winters to Lake Tsomgo (also known as Changu Lake) from Gangtok and know happiness like never before!

Road Trip Guide: This stretch is about 55 km long, with the Lake Tsomgo falling on the route at around 39 km from Gangtok.  It leaves you with  an unmatched road trip experience

9. Bangalore to Bandipur Forest:

One cannot put forward a list of awesome road trips without accounting for one that is taken along a forest. The Bandipur Forest route to Bangalore is one of the most beautiful trips through forests in India, that you’ll ever take.  One can take the same road to Ooty from Mysore passing though Bandipur National Park. Have a road trip with friends in a car with a sunroof, singing all the way. You might spot deer nonchalantly crossing the road. There’s no better manner of paying your respects to this charming highway!

Road Trip Guide: Taking around 5 hours, this stretch is 235 km long. There are various places for stopover and eating options along the route including McDonalds and Cafe Coffee Day.

(Source)

 10. Shimla to Manali via Kinnaur and Spiti :

A more recommended route to Shimla than the Mandi one above, this is the road trip you should take instead if you are looking forward to the road trip being the highlight of your trip. Cover Kalpa, Sangla valley and even higher bits of the valley like Nako, Chango, Ropa if you wish

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Road trip Guide : The stretch is longish and you can cover it in 3-4 days time (unlike shown in Google Maps). You can stopover at Rampur as the first stop. Shimla to Rampur is around 130 km and the roads are decent till this point. Rampur to Nako is around 180km and it almost takes an entire day to cover this part. The road is very bad, but equally scenic. Nako to Kaza is another 110 km and it is really beautiful as it is completely in Spiti region, but the roads are still bad.  The stretch from Nako to Kaza could take more than half a day and you can stopover at Kaza. The last part of the trip is from Kaza to Manali via Kunzum La and Rohtang La and this stretch is better than the previous two parts, but still quite bad. This will also take an entire day easily.

Shimla to Manali via Spiti

11. Pamban Bridge (Rameshwaram):

Ever pictured driving on a road with vast expanses of water everywhere you look? Precisely why Pamban made it to our list! Sometimes, the infinite ocean under your feet and the moist breeze in your hair is all the therapy you need. Makes for a memorable road trip.

Road Trip Guide: The stretch is 13.5 km long and can be easily covered in about 20 minutes.

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 12. Chennai to Munnar

If you’ve got a weekend and Chennai’s weather just doesn’t cut it, Munnar is your escape. Even better, is that it can come with a though longish but refreshing road trip that might just be what you need to kick start your stay at Munnar.
Road Trip Information : The 600 km between you and your holiday would take about 10 hours plus the stops you make.

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13. Delhi to Agra via Mathura on Yamuna Expressway

The Yamuna expressway is probably the best road in the country at present, and an absolute must-do for all road trip enthusiasts in Delhi. If you have enough driving stamina, you can visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and come back to Delhi by late night.
Road Trip Guide and driving directions : You can cover the 165 kms stretch of Yamuna Expressway in less than 2 hours – the road is just amazing. However, getting to Yamuna Expressway from Delhi itself is around 60km, so add another hour to the total journey. Take care of the air pressure in your tires – too much heat driving at a fast speed have caused tires of some vehicles to burst, so remember to maintain a lower than normal air pressure.
Dhabas : Unfortunately, the expressway has no dhabas at the side, so if you want to stop and eat on the drive, you might prefer the old highway (via Palwal), although the driving wouldn’t be as much fun or fast. There are a few eateries on the side of expressway right after each toll. These eateries are good enough to quench your hunger and thirst, but don’t expect delicious dhabas here.

Yamuna Expressway

14. Jaipur to Jaisalmer:

Knock knock. Who’s there? The Desert. The Desert who? The Desert of Jaisalmer! Drive to Jaisalmer from the Pink City via Jodhpur and enjoy as the colours of Rajasthan flash by.
Road Trip Guide: The roads are in top notch condition and a pleasure to drive on! Go along the RJ SH 19 which is the best option as far as routes are concerned. Make a refuel stop at Jodhpur, both for your car and your tummy. However, if you’re looking for authentic Rajasthani cuisine, you may find it anywhere along this route in India.

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 15. Shillong to Cherrapunjee 

For a 53 km stretch, this one has a lot to offer from drizzles, waterfalls, caves, villages and a beautiful view from your window. You will find stops for food along the way.
Road trip information : The trip will take you about 1-2 hours without any traffic or stops. This is a popular stretch, often covered by car only.

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16. Mumbai to Goa:

This can probably be called the Father of Indian road trips. Drive towards the sun, the sea and the sand on a gorgeous road that will inspire and gear you up for the upcoming fun.
Road Trip Guide: The road from Mumbai to Goa along the NH 17 is as smooth as creamed butter and utilizes about 10 hours of travel time. Leave Mumbai early in the morning and reach Goa before the parties begin! There are several food joints along the drive to keep your heart and stomach full.

Mumbai – Goa (Credit)

17. Delhi to Jaipur:

Watch the Aravallis bounce off as you drive along one of the most well-maintained highways of India into one of the most colourful cultures of our land.
Road Trip Information: The roads were in excellent condition until the last few years, but it has deteriorated in the recent past and the course is marked by many restaurants along the way. Take a pit stop at any one of them, refuel and move!

Delhi – Jaipur Road Trip (Credit)

18. Mumbai to Mount Abu:

Is the metropolitan life sucking the life force out of you? Do you want some peace and quiet, if even for a day? Perhaps, my dear Mumbaikars, its time to seek that solace in Mount Abu. Unwind!
Road Trip Information: Take the NH 8 from Mumbai to Mount Abu via Vadodara and Ahmedabad. Its stretches on for 745 kilometers and requires 12 hours to cover. If you’re in for a longer holiday, explore the two towns for their authentic culture and Gandhian history respectively.  The road is kissed all over with plenty of dhabas, so eat away!

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19. Kolkata to Digha:

Kolkata to Digha- Bellisimo! Any Kolkatan will swear by this road journey, Most of them have taken it atleast 4 times during their lifetime. There’s reason to, too! The road is basic and pleasing, great for revving up your vehicles, lined with green patches all throughout. Digha is a favorite weekend trip option for many East Indians for its short and sweet appeal. Walk along the beach or ride a pony in the shallow waters, two days here will take your mind off things and let you relax.
Road Trip Information: This route in India is dotted with plenty of Dhabas, so eating along the route isn’t a problem. The road stretches for 180 kilometres and travel time is almost 3 hours. Enjoy the delightful drive, clicking snaps all the way!

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 20.  Jaipur to Ranthambore

Take State Highway 24 to check off 3 essentials of your list – Jaipur, Ranthambore and the beautiful stretch in between. There is also a certain Bassi Wildlife sanctuary in between you can make a stop at.
Road Trip Guide : The distance is about 145 km and should take you about 3 hours of an afternoon well spent.

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21. Bangalore to Ooty via Mysore:

The road from Bangalore to Ooty, nestled in the lap of the Nilgiri hills, is one of those journeys every road fanatic should undertake once in his lifetime. The roads are the perfect combination of green leafy and asphalt, and the drive is a great idea to soothe your jittery nerves!
Road Trip Guide: The road stretches for 266 kilometres along the SH 17, which is in great condition and dotted with plenty of eateries on the route. For a sumptuous dining experience, try Kamath’s near Channapatna. However, if you’re one who doesn’t like too many surprises for your belly, you can find a McDonald’s and Cafe Coffee Day along the way. Stop over at Mysore and enjoy the history of the ancient city before gearing to sit in the lap of the nature.

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22. Delhi to Shimla:

Somewhere in my heart, behind all the vertigo and nausea, there is a train of thoughts that feel that nothing beats the beauty of a road trip on the hills. The great expanse of the Himalayas and the soft cottony clouds blend in the most endearing route and the chilly winds in your hair make for the most sublime of experiences. A bike ride may be even better, sometimes.
Road Trip Information: Take the Grand Trunk Road from Delhi and trudge along 358 kilometers for a long weekend away from the cacophony of the city. The journey takes about 6 hours and 40 minutes. Eating on the drive is not a problem on this route. Give your stomach a treat at Sukhdev ka Dhaba at Murthal for their sumptuous paranthas!

Delh-Shimla (Courtesy)

23. Bangalore to Goa:

Ask students and IT professionals in this part of India about their mantra of chilling in the weekend, and they will swear by the bike road trip between Bangalore and Goa. The road is alluring, calm and serene, with several Punjabi dhabas lining the course serving delicious food. Food for your stomach and for your soul, isn’t it?
Road Trip Information: The road stretches for 566 kilometres, and is in good condition. Many would say that a car is the better option to hit the road between Bangalore and Goa, but you can trust your preferences while deciding. Rent-a-cab facilities are available from Bangalore ranging from Rs. 9 to Rs. 48, in addition to toll taxes. Pack a pair of flip flops, dribble sunscreen all over and have fun!

Bangalore – Goa (Courtesy)

24. Kolkata to Puri:

The drive between Kolkata and Puri is full of surprises. The green drive and the pretty roads will leave you awed, while the idyllic beauty of both the journey and the destination will calm your soul.
Road Trip Gist: The best way is to go to Kharagpur and march along to Balasore  from there, followed by Pipli, Cuttack and Bhadrak. The distance is close to 580 kilometers and can be completed in about 10 hours of travel time. Hit the road before dawn from Kolkata and you’ll reach in time for Puri’s lovely beach-side sunset and succulent crab fries from local vendors!

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25. Ahmedabad to Kutch:

Go away for a short weekend holiday to Kutch and enjoy it thoroughly. Soak up the culture and the white beauty of the Rann, enjoying yourself completely.
Road Trip Gist: The stretch is 400 kilometers long and takes 11 hours to cover. Some parts of the road are a little untamed, so make sure you start very early in the day from Ahmedabad.

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India is a country of many facets, attitudes and varying definitions of beauty. The best idea is always to explore as much as you can, yourself. After all, nothing can beat the thrill of being on the road, right?

Got more ideas for us to share? Let us know in comments and we’d be glad to hear

If you were looking for best train routes in India, have a look at Most Scenic Train Journeys in India

Source- holidify