Looking to take a break from your mundane life? If you’ve checked off the Kerala road trips bucket list, here are a few more that will seduce the traveller within you.
Manali to Leh
Distance: 472 km
The mecca of bikers and travel enthusiasts – Leh Ladakh via Manali is a life-changing road trip. With an average altitude of about 14,000 feet, the 2-day journey will take you through the infamous Rohtang La (‘La’ means pass and Rohtang literally translates to pile of dead bodies). In about 350 km out of the 472 km, there are no traces of civilization and there’s only one fuel station at 365 km. Not impressed yet?
Well, towards the end you pass through Tanglang La, the second highest pass in the world at 17582 feet. It will take your breath away (literally!). Accessible only from June to October, the Manali-Leh highway is definitely a worthy addition to your bucket list!
Guwahati to Ziro Valley
Distance: 449 km
One of the hidden gems of the country, Ziro Valley is a 12 hour drive from Guwahati. The roads are horrid, with a few breathtaking sections. But that’s not the point of this trip. It’s the Ziro Valley and a village that has loads of surprises in store for you.
Every year, the last four days of September are lit by the Ziro Valey Music Festival – an open air fest, with over 40 acts of different genres. Getting over the hangover of this experience will surely take quite some time!
Guwahati to Meghalaya
Distance: 192 km
Who hasn’t had dreams of a vacation in Scotland? Well, we have our naadan Scotland – Meghalaya. Surprised? Start of from Guwahati and the smooth, virgin roads will have you drooling. The winding roads, lush green mountains and the picturesque scenery is beyond words. Plan this trip in November and you might just end up experiencing the amazing Cherry blossom festival in Meghalaya.
Dimapur to Kohima
Distance: 72 km
This is a tedious one, just because of the bad or rather no roads. But look beyond that and you’ll find yourself in one of the most hospitable places you would have been to. Farmers offering their freshly plucked fruits, soft-spoken people ready to welcome you in this enchanting place, there’s hardly anything else to complain about. Go there during the Hornbill festival that celebrates the state’s culture and you’ll have the time of your life.
Jaipur to Jaisalmer
Distance: 558 km
Desert, desert and just desert. Yeah, that’s what this road is about. With well-laid smooth stretch of tarmac on the SH 19, this highway is the ultimate road to let that inner speed demon out! Stay in Jaisalmer and spend the next day at the Longwala check-post and museum.
Bengaluru to Bandipur forest
Distance: 220 km
Take the road to Ooty from Mysore and you’ll pass through the beautiful Bandipur National Park, a great weekend ride away from the horrendous Bengaluru traffic. And don’t forget to take your camera, you just might bump into a deer en route.
Chennai to Pondicherry
Distance: 152 km
This one’s for the shutterbugs. Passing through places like Mahabalipuram, Alambar Fort, Mudaliarkuppam, this route has plenty of photogenic places. And yeah, with the sea on one side of the smooth highway, before entering the colourful city of Pondicherry, you just might end up with enough Insta-worthy posts for a couple of months.
Chennai to Munnar
Distance: 596 km
For you folks trying to escape Chennai’s humid weather, look no further for Munnar is a 10 hour drive from the city. And no, it’s not just the destination that will entice you with its lush greenery and cool weather but the great winding roads through the tea plantations that will make your journey even more memorable.
Pune to Mahabaleshwar
Distance: 120 km
A great weekend escape from the everyday hustle, Mahabaleshwar is a small town with unmatched beauty. Famous for its strawberry and the amazing weather, the hill station is quite a popular spot for people from Mumbai and Pune.
There’s the amazing Lingmala waterfall, the beautiful Arthur’s point to catch the sunset or enjoy boating in Venna lake. Except for the summers, the town is blessed with cool breeze and dense fog, giving out the perfect vacation vibe. And if you happen to go there don’t miss to hog on the famous strawberry and cream.
Mumbai to Goa
Distance: 603 km
This one’s gotta be on your checklist. Beer, beaches and bikes, sounds perfect, right? Well, a 10 hour drive through one of the best highways and the beautiful Chorla ghat, this route is perfect getaway from that chaotic Mumbai life.
Do you have other suggestions? Let us know in the comments section below.
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