Every third story or reel on Instagram nowadays are visuals and posts about rain-washed highways, windows slightly down with the monsoon playlist in the background. We know, now you too want to escape on your car and bike, experience the smell of freshly rained earth along with the mist while camping outdoors and not remain stuck in traffic on the way back from work.
Some of the best road trips in India happen during monsoon season – when the countryside transforms into a lush green paradise that’ll make you forget all about those expensive international vacations. We asked our serial roadtripper friends to tell us about the top 10 monsoon road trips in India and trust us, we’ve hit a goldmine.
This ultimate list will encourage you to ring up your buddies and convince them to hit the road with you for an escape. Read on to find the best road trips in India by car and bikes.
Table of contents
- Mumbai to Goa
- Bangalore to Coorg
- Delhi to Shimla
- Chennai to Pondicherry
- Kolkata to Digha
- Hyderabad to Araku Valley
- Jaipur to Udaipur
- Guwahati to Shillong
- Pune to Mahabaleshwar
- Mangalore to Goa (via Gokarna)
- Indian Monsoon Road Trip Checklist
- Always Get Car Paint Protection
- To conclude…
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Mumbai to Goa
This is the granddaddy of all Indian road trips! The 590km Mumbai-Goa route is where you will feel like the trip that finally came out of the WhatsApp group. Remember that iconic scene from Dil Chahta Hai where the boys are driving through the ghats? Yeah, that’s exactly what you’ll experience.
The Western Ghats during monsoon are absolutely stunning. You’ll drive through misty hills, spot waterfalls every few kilometers. The route takes you through charming towns like Chiplun and Ratnagiri, where time seems to slow down.
Go for an SUV like the Mahindra Thar (perfect for those rugged vibes), Toyota Fortuner (if you want comfort), or Tata Safari (great value for money). Budget around ₹15,000-20,000 for fuel and tolls.
For bikers, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is your best bet – it’s built for Indian roads and weather. Just remember, wet roads and two wheels need extra respect.
Skip the fancy highway restaurants. Head to Kamath’s Family Restaurant near Chiplun for authentic Malvani food that’ll make you forget about your diet. Hotel Kohinoor in Kolad serves the best solkadhi you’ll ever taste. Pro tip: always carry cash – many local joints don’t accept cards.
Survival Kit: Spare tire (non-negotiable), raincoats, extra clothes, first-aid kit, portable phone charger and most importantly – patience. Mumbai traffic can add 2-3 hours to your journey, so start early.
2. Bangalore to Coorg
Every Bangalorean has done this 270km trip at least once, and for good reason. Coorg during monsoon is like stepping into a different world – coffee plantations shrouded in mist, the air so fresh you’ll want to bottle it up.
Your Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos will handle this route beautifully. The roads are decent, but those ghats can be tricky when wet. Budget ₹4,000-6,000 for fuel and tolls.
Adyar Ananda Bhavan in Mysore for South Indian breakfast, but the real gem is Coorg Cuisine restaurant in Kushalnagar – try their pork curry if you’re non-vegetarian. Coffee plantation visits are a must; Tata Coffee Plantation offers great tours.
Roadtrip Expert Tip: Book your accommodation in advance during monsoon. Coorg gets packed with Bangalore folks escaping the city chaos.
3. Delhi to Shimla
This 350km journey is a rite of passage for North Indians. Shimla during monsoon is delightfully cool and misty – perfect for escaping Delhi’s humidity. The route through Kalka and Solan offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
The roads are well-maintained, but those mountain curves demand respect. Mahindra XUV700, Hyundai Creta, or Maruti Suzuki Brezza work great. Budget ₹8,000-12,000 for the entire trip including fuel, tolls, and parking.
Must-Stop Dhabas: Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba in Murthal is legendary for parathas, but try Gulshan Dhaba in Solan for authentic Himachali cuisine. Whispering Winds in Barog offers great views with your meal.
Reality Check: Weekend traffic to Shimla can be insane. Leave Delhi by 5 AM to avoid the rush. Also, carry woolens – hill stations can surprise you with sudden temperature drops.
4. Chennai to Pondicherry
This 150km drive along the East Coast Road (ECR) is perfect for those who love sea breeze and French colonial vibes. The route hugs the coastline, offering stunning ocean views throughout.
Vehicle Choice: Any sedan or hatchback works perfectly. The roads are excellent, making it ideal for best road trips in India by car for beginners. Honda City or Hyundai Verna are perfect. Budget ₹3,000-4,000 total.
Coastal Stops: Dakshin Chitra near Muttukadu for cultural experiences, Fisherman’s Cove in Kovalam for seafood, and Chunnambar Resort for backwater experiences. Don’t miss Cafe des Arts in Pondy for that perfect French breakfast.
Visit Auroville for a unique spiritual experience. The Matrimandir is stunning during monsoon evenings.
5. Kolkata to Digha
This 180km route through rural Bengal is perfect for experiencing authentic Bengali culture. Digha during monsoon has a raw, untamed beauty that’s quite different from other Indian beaches.
Regular sedans work fine here. Tata Tigor or Maruti Suzuki Dzire are economical choices. Budget ₹3,500-5,000 for the round trip.
Ghughudanga for the best fried seafood you’ll ever taste, Contai for local sweets, and Mandarmani beach for peaceful evening walks. Try Hotel Sonar Bangla in Digha for traditional Bengali thali.
Stop at Chandaneswar Temple in Balasore for a spiritual break. The monsoon atmosphere makes temple visits quite serene.
6. Hyderabad to Araku Valley
This 700km journey through the Eastern Ghats is seriously underrated. Araku Valley during monsoon is a visual treat – tribal villages, coffee plantations, and waterfalls everywhere.
This route demands an SUV. Mahindra XUV700 or Toyota Innova Crysta are ideal. The roads can be challenging, but the views are worth it. Budget ₹15,000-18,000 for fuel and accommodation.
Stop at Borra Caves for spelunking, Tribal Museum in Araku for cultural insights and Coffee Museum for understanding local coffee culture. By the way, Haritha Hotel serves great Andhra meals.
Roadtrip Expert Tip: Some stretches have limited mobile connectivity. Download offline maps and inform someone about your route.
7. Jaipur to Udaipur
This 400km journey through Rajasthan showcases the state’s royal heritage. Udaipur during monsoon is magical – the lakes are full, and the city looks like a fairytale.
Good roads mean any vehicle works, but SUVs like Tata Safari or Mahindra Scorpio add to the royal feeling. Budget ₹10,000-14,000 including sightseeing.
Visit Chittorgarh Fort for history lessons or just marvel at its royal beauty, Nathdwara for spiritual vibes, and Haldighati for war history. Chokhi Dhani style restaurants along the route offer authentic Rajasthani cuisine.
Visit Monsoon Palace in Udaipur during the evening for breathtaking sunset views over the rain-washed city.
8. Guwahati to Shillong
This 100km route through Meghalaya is stunning. Shillong during monsoon justifies its title “Scotland of the East” – rolling hills, pine forests, and waterfalls at every turn.
Mahindra Thar or Toyota Fortuner are must-haves. Northeast roads can be unpredictable during monsoon. Budget ₹8,000-10,000 total.
Some local experiences you shouldn’t miss are the Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, and Ward’s Lake. Try momos at local stalls and not at any glass walled restaurants, but don’t miss trying the Jadoh (Khasi rice dish) at Café Shillong.
Visit local markets for traditional Khasi handicrafts and taste Tungrymbai (fermented soybean curry).
9. Pune to Mahabaleshwar
Pune to Mahabaleshwar is a short and sweet road trip. The 120 km drive takes you through the Sahyadri mountains and into the strawberry fields of Mahabaleshwar. The route is scenic and perfect for a weekend getaway.
Vehicle Recommendation: A sedan or SUV is suitable for this route. An SUV like the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos offers extra comfort on hilly roads.
Pitstop Ideas: Stop at Mapro Garden for strawberry treats or local dhabas for chai and snacks. Reliable petrol pumps are available in Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar.
Must-Have Items: Pack a spare tire, first-aid kit, raincoat, and umbrella. Bring snacks, water, and a flashlight. Download offline maps for hilly drives.
10. Mangalore to Goa (via Gokarna)
Mangalore to Goa via Gokarna is a coastal adventure. The 350 km drive takes you along the Konkan coast, past beaches, temples, and coconut groves. Gokarna is a hidden gem for beach lovers.
Vehicle Recommendation: An SUV or crossover is best for this coastal, sometimes rough route. Models like the Mahindra Thar or Tata Safari are ideal.
World Class Infrastructure: The Foundation Pillar of #NewIndia
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) July 2, 2022
The project for 4-Laning of Goa/Karnataka Border to Kundapur section of NH-17 in the State of Karnataka is near completion. pic.twitter.com/aQvFDybMTx
Pitstop Ideas: Stop at beachside shacks in Gokarna or local dhabas. Reliable petrol pumps are available in Karwar and Ankola.
Must-Have Items: Pack a spare tire, first-aid kit, raincoat, and umbrella. Bring snacks, water, and a power bank. Download offline maps for remote coastal areas.
Indian Monsoon Road Trip Checklist
Before we hit the road, let’s make sure your trusted companion, your car, is ready to tackle the monsoon magic. A little prep goes a long way!
- Tyres: Check tire pressure and tread depth. Good grip is key on wet roads. If your tires are worn out, now’s the time for new ones.
- Wipers: Make sure your wiper blades are in top shape. You need clear visibility!
- Brakes: Get your brakes checked. Wet roads mean longer stopping distances.
- Lights: Check all your lights – headlights, tail lights, fog lights, indicators. You’ll need them for visibility, especially during heavy rain or mist.
- Fluids: Top up engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant. Don’t forget your windshield washer fluid!
- Battery: Ensure your battery is healthy. Monsoon can be tough on car batteries.
- Emergency Kit: Always carry a basic toolkit, jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a fully charged power bank.
- Documents: Keep your car documents (RC, insurance, PUC) and your driving license handy and in a waterproof pouch.
- Route Planning: Research your route well. Check for potential waterlogging areas or road closures.
Always Get Car Paint Protection
Monsoon road trips are amazing, but they can be tough on your car. Rain, mud, and salt can damage your car’s paint and reduce its shine. That’s why it’s important to invest in car paint protection. Options include paint protection films (PPF), ceramic coating, and graphene coating.
Paint Protection Films (PPF): PPF is a clear, durable film that protects your car’s paint from scratches, chips, and UV rays. Its self-healing properties ensure the scratches fix itself with some heat treatment (pouring hot water or using a heatgun). It’s especially useful for long road trips.
Ceramic Coating: Ceramic coating adds a glossy, protective layer to your car’s paint, making it easier to clean and resistant to dirt and grime.
Graphene Coating: Graphene coating is the latest innovation in car care. It offers superior protection against scratches, UV rays, and chemical stains.
For the best protection, get Aegis PPF installed on your car, exclusively available at CarzSpa, including the upgraded XG Series. This TPU+Polycarbonate film is engineered to keep your car looking new by blocking rock chips, scratches, water spotting, offering chemical resistance and keeping the original paint intact, no matter how many monsoon adventures you take.
Concluding Thoughts
Monsoon in India is the perfect time to hit the road and explore some of the country’s most beautiful destinations. Whether you’re driving a car or riding a bike, these best road trips in India will give you memories to last a lifetime. Just remember to take care of your vehicle with the right car paint protection, and you’ll be ready for any adventure. So, gather your friends, plan your route, and get ready for the ultimate monsoon road trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time for a monsoon road trip in India?
The best time is from June to September, when the rains bring lush greenery and cooler weather to most regions. Avoid heavy downpours by checking weather forecasts before you go.
2. How can I protect my car during a monsoon road trip?
Use paint protection films (PPF), ceramic coating, or graphene coating to guard against rain, mud, and salt. Regular washing and waxing also help keep your car looking new.
3. Are monsoon road trips safe for bikes?
Yes, monsoon road trips are safe for bikes if you take proper precautions. Wear waterproof gear, check your brakes and tires, and avoid riding in heavy rain or on slippery roads.
4. What should I pack for a monsoon road trip?
Pack raincoats, umbrellas, spare clothes, a first-aid kit, snacks, water, and emergency numbers. Also, carry a spare tire and basic tools for your car or bike.
5. What are the top 10 destinations for road trips in India?
Some of the best destination for roadtrips are Mumbai to Goa, Delhi to Spiti Valley, Jaipur to Jaisalmer, Ahmedabad to Kutch, Manali to Leh Highway, Delhi to Agra to Jaipur, Chennai to Pondicherry, Bangalore to Coorg
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