Best discovered by road, the Indian landscape will take you on an unimaginable journey through the highest passes in the world, into the wild countryside along the great Arabian ocean on smooth and bone-rattling tar. Be ready to take it all in, if you want to get under the skin of the place. Here are some of the top road journeys that one can take in India.
Manali Leh: A journey that is bound to end up as a resilient bond with the mountains, the Manali to Leh journey is one that adventure seekers from all over the world want to experience. Encounter stark mountain desert topography, dusty roads, monasteries, and small hamlets while you cover the 475km. This route is open only between June and September as high mountain passes get snowed out at other times. Rohtang Pass, Jispa, Barlacha la, Sarchu, and the Gata Loops are some of the interesting points that come en route.
Coastal Karnataka: Driving from Mangalore to Karwar covers almost the entire western boundary of Karnataka, along the Arabian Ocean. The relatively unexplored coastal stretch is one of the most stunning ones in India, which gives you access to isolated beaches, fishing villages, ancient temples, and detours into rainforest areas and surfing spots. A cup of tea at a Dhaba (shanty) by the road with the sea breeze in your hair is an unassuming yet memorable experience.