7 most scenic coastal road trips in India you need to experience once

Stretching over 7,500 km, India’s coastline meets the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean, creating a vast and varied edge to the country. Along this expansive shoreline lie some of India’s most captivating road journeys—routes where the sea is a constant companion, fishing villages dot the landscape, and historic landmarks appear along the way. From the rugged stretches of the Konkan coast to the culturally rich temple shores of Odisha and Tamil Nadu, these drives are perfect for those who prefer a slow, immersive travel experience.

Here are some of the most scenic coastal road trips in India that every road trip enthusiast must undertake at least once in their lifetime.

The drive via NH66 from Mumbai to Goa is arguably the most iconic drive along India's coastline. The drive takes you through the lush greenery of the Konkan coast, traversing through hills, rivers, and Arabian Sea coastlines. The unique feature of this drive is that you are constantly experiencing a change of scenery. One moment you are passing through forests and laterite cliffs, and the next, you are passing through beaches and fishing villages. The drive also takes you through some of India's richest cultural destinations, including Alibaug, Ratnagiri, and Ganpatipule. These towns offer visitors a chance to stop over and visit some of India's best sea forts, temples, and seafood restaurants.

The drive from Chennai to Puducherry along the East Coast Road is among the smoothest and most accessible coastal journeys in the country. Running parallel to the sea, the highway offers a relaxed experience, with uninterrupted ocean views accompanying you for much of the route.
Along the way, there are several engaging stops worth exploring. Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its ancient rock-cut temples and the iconic Shore Temple set against the sea. Further ahead lies Auroville—a compelling detour featuring an experimental township focused on sustainable living, highlighted by the striking Matrimandir.

A drive down the coast of Kerala on the Malabar coast from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram is a completely different experience from the above. Instead of cliffs or a highway parallel to the sea, the drive is through backwaters, coconut groves, and fishing villages. The drive passes through places like Alappuzha (Alleppey), known for its boat cruises on the backwaters, and Kollam, a historic sea-port town surrounded by lakes and lagoons. The big draw for tourists is the stunning red cliffs at Varkala rising from the Arabian Sea—a rare cliff beach in India.

The stretch of NH66 in Karnataka is popular for its unique topographical feature: on one side of this highway, you will see the Arabian Sea, while on the other side is the Souparnika River. This stretch of NH66 is near Kundapur and is considered one of India’s most visually appealing highways. This stretch of highway is considered surreal, where you are surrounded by two of nature’s wonders: water bodies. The stretch is also popular for its sunset drive, when you can see the reflection of the sun in both the river and the Arabian Sea.

The Puri-Konark Marine Drive is one of India’s most scenic coastal highways. The stretch of this highway is around 35 km, stretching between two of India’s most important pilgrimage sites: Puri’s Jagannath Temple and the Sun Temple of Konark. The reason this stretch of highway is so visually appealing is its natural surroundings. On one side of this highway is the Bay of Bengal, while on the other is a thick forest of casuarina trees, which makes this stretch of highway resemble a tunnel. The highway is also popular for visits to Chandrabhaga Beach, which is known for its clean sand.

The Visakhapatnam Beach Road, often referred to as the city’s Marine Drive, offers a beautiful urban coastal drive along the Bay of Bengal. The road connects several popular beaches and attractions, including RK Beach, Rushikonda Beach, and the Kailasagiri hill park. The unique feature of this drive is the combination of coastal scenery with surrounding hills, creating sweeping views of both the ocean and the city skyline.

The Rameswaram–Dhanushkodi road is one of the most dramatic coastal drives in India. The narrow stretch of road leads to the ghost town of Dhanushkodi, with the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. The route passes through sandy landscapes and shallow turquoise waters, giving travellers the sensation of driving across the sea. At the end of the road lies Dhanushkodi, once a thriving town destroyed by a cyclone in 1964. Today, its ruins and pristine beaches attract travellers seeking one of India’s most unusual coastal experiences.