10 epic road trips in India to ring in the New Year!

Heading off to a road trip in India is always a fun thing to do. It is all about adventure, along with traversing through diverse landscapes that stretch from deserts to oceans and the majestic Himalayas. If you also love adventure, or want some thrill, and are keen to mark the New Year with an unforgettable journey, India has the best options for you.

We bring to you some of the epic road trips that you can take to ring in the New Year. And to help you select the perfect route, here's a glimpse of some awe-inspiring road trips that promise a memorable start to the coming year.

The Mumbai-Pune highway is for all kinds of travellers. It’s definitely a popular choice for Mumbaikars, especially during weekends. This road trip takes you through the picturesque beauty of the Igatpuri-Nashik belt, along with offering you glimpses of natural splendour, and more.

A journey from Puri to Konark is great for a fun road trip, especially for those eager to explore the renowned Konark Sun Temple. Travelling along the scenic Puri-Konark highway, visitors are treated to the natural beauty of Odisha, with a highlight being a stretch where the road runs parallel to the sea. This relatively shorter trip compared to Mumbai-Pune is suitable for most travellers, who don’t want to spend the longest time on the road.

A road trip from Mumbai to Goa stands as a top choice for travellers, which promises a journey filled with scenic beauty as the Western Ghats grace the route from end to end. With two route options—Pune-Kolhapur via NH4 or the adventurous Chiplun-Ratnagiri via NH66—this trip caters to different preferences. The diverse landscapes, stretching from mountains to coastal vistas, make this road trip a visual delight.

For a quick yet thrilling road trip, the route from Chennai to Pondicherry can be completed in just three or four hours via the Coast Road. The scenic beauty of the sea on one side, with the sun's reflection on the water, adds a level of charm to the journey. Passing through Mahabalipuram and Marakkanam, this trip offers great opportunities to explore beautiful beaches and unique landscapes.

It’s definitely one of the most sought-after road trips in Northeast India. The journey from Guwahati to Tawang will take approximately 14 hours. Despite rough roads, the breathtaking scenic beauty at every turn makes the effort worthwhile. Halt at Dirang in West Kameng to explore the Nyingmapa Monastery or Tezpur in Assam to discover historical attractions, enhancing the cultural experience along this long but rewarding road trip.

The road trip from Darjeeling to Pelling unfolds against a backdrop of majestic mountains, vibrant tea gardens, and picturesque landscapes. Covering a distance of 72 km in approximately four hours, this journey will take you through tea gardens, where you can halt for a refreshing cup of tea and enjoy the soul-refreshing beauty of the surroundings.

A road trip from Ahmedabad to Kutch, lasting around seven hours, invites travellers to enjoy the scenic beauty of the route. Halt at various points to savour lip-smacking food, experience the art and culture of Gujarat, and witness unique huts lining the roads. The journey becomes an immersive experience, combining visual delights with culinary and cultural exploration.

Ideal for a quick weekend getaway, the road trip from Kolkata to Digha spans across a beautiful stretch of 184 km. Dotted with picture-perfect landscapes, this journey takes approximately four hours via NH116B and NH16. Eateries along the way will cater to hunger pangs, ensuring a delightful and convenient road trip.

The Golden Triangle road trip will take you through three culturally and historically diverse cities—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—via NH8 and Yamuna Expressway. The scenic route, filled with restaurants and dhabas, ensures you get the best of both worlds. Although this trip can be covered in seven hours, stretching it over two or three days allows for a more immersive exploration of each city.

This road trip caters to nature and photography enthusiasts, guiding them through miles of roads adorned with scenic landscapes and lush green mountains. Passing through the Bandipur forests and the historic city of Mysore, travellers are treated to unparalleled beauty of tea plantations, clear lakes, and historical palaces. The journey takes around six hours, offering ample opportunities to indulge in the visual and culinary delights along the route.