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Here, the journey is your destination...
Most of us have been bitten by the travel bug, or so we assume. These 15 road trips across India, are a must if you are one of those who believe, "To travel is to live." Bad roads, hiccups en route and unknown terrain, only add beauty to our travels. So go ahead and put these road trips on your bucket list.
Rediscover your love for travelling. Experience the warmth of people you have never met before. Explore the country. Make memories. Get inspired.
Let the adventures begin...
1. Cochin to Munnar
Photographs: Ben3john/Creative Commons
Manoeuvre through the twisty and curvy roads, as you enjoy the greenery of the vast tea plantations of Munnar. Once the summer resort of the British, Munnar welcomes you with fog, mist and lovely small waterfalls.
2. Manali to Leh
Photographs: Stephane Viau/Creative Commons
From June to September, the 450+ km stretch, invites you to enjoy a picturesque drive. With panoramic views of the Himalayas, driving thousands of feet above the sea level, it is one unforgettable journey.
3. Mumbai to Goa
Photographs: abcdz2000/Creative Commons
Leaving early in the wee hours of morning, driving through the Western Ghats and later along the Arabian Sea coast -- reaching Goa in time for a late night party! Can it get any better?
4. Chennai to Pondicherry
Photographs: Sanyam Bahga/Creative Commons
Great roads (a blessing in India), scenic view and the sea breeze invites you for a long drive to a destination that is a photographer's paradise and a foodie's haven.
5. Ahmedabad to Kutch
Photographs: Superfast1111/Creative Commons
Explore 400 kms of untamed roads and get a taste of wildlife in the land of contrasts. Get lost in the barren yet fascinating landscape of the Rann of Kutch. A drive to Kutch is incomplete without a visit to a few handicraft villages and the sight of the full moon in the Great Rann of Kutch.
6. Jaipur to Jaisalmer
Photographs: Adrian Sulc/Creative Commons
Visit the numerous forts, local attractions and eat at roadside dhabas as you embrace the warmth of the Rajasthani heritage.
7. Mangalore to Gokarna
Photographs: Jacob Abraham/Creative Commons
One beach destination to another. This four-hour long scenic drive along the Konkan coast, is for the beach lovers. With quaint unpopulated beaches and local sea food haunts along the way, pit stops are a must.
8. Guwahati to Shillong
Photographs: Sandydessert/Creative Commons
Spanning two of India's beautiful states -- Assam and Meghalaya, this road trip entices you with amazing views of green valleys, little villages and rich sights.
9. Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley
Photographs: Adityamadhav83/Creative Commons
The gentle elevation, greenery and away from the hustle bustle of cities, makes it another destination for a road trip. Don't miss a visit to the Borra caves and Katiki Watefalls.
10. Darjeeling to Pelling
Photographs: Shahnoor Habib Munmun/Creative Commons
Driving through scenic valleys and mountains, you will wish that this journey doesn't come to an end. Get spell-bound by the spectacular view of the Himalayan range, stop by the little village bazaars and sip a cup of locally brewed tea and get lost in the abode of the gods.
11. Mysore to Ooty
Photographs: Adam Jones/Creative Commons
Cutting through Bandipur, a national park, you will get to see wildlife in its natural habitat. While it's beautiful, be careful not to drive fast -- small wild animals tend to cross the roads suddenly. Also, there's ban on driving this route in the night. Nevertheless, the journey is as beautiful as its destination.
12. Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar
Photographs: Rishabh Tatiraju/Creative Commons
After passing through the beautiful Lonavala, as you inch closer to Mahabaleshwar, the hill presents some amazing views. Also stop by a strawberry farm on the way. Driving during the monsoon, the experience is adventurous and something that should feature on your bucket list.
13. Dharamshala to Bharmour
Photographs: John Hill/Creative Commons
The journey laced with the beauty terraced fields reminds you a little of the Inca landscape in Peru. The pretty pined forest, dramatic now-capped mountains and the greenery extending to infinity, will mesmerise you.
14. Bangalore to Coorg
Photographs: Leelavathy B.M/Creative Commons
Beat the humdrum of the IT city, drive through coffee estates, hues of greenery, and enjoy the sounds of crickets coupled with some awesome Coorgi cuisine.
15. Chandigarh to Kaza
Photographs: nikkul/Creative Commons
Listed among the 'world's deadliest roads,' this road trip is only for the adventurous traveller. Driving the dangerous and bad roads, you are gifted with spectacular landscape, rugged moonscape of Spiti and lush mountains.
This is not the end of the list, just the beginning. The rest is for you to discover.
This Ernest Hemingway quote just summarises, everything: It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.
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