India is a vast country which has diverse geography, culture, making it one of the most fascinating countries in the world to visit. Here we look at the most beautiful drives in India. Driving through India is a great experience and allows the intrepid traveller to get up close with all India has to offer. Take a plane or a train and miss out on one of the most exciting travel destinations on the planet.
Kodaikanal to Munar Road
This road, also a part of State Highway-18, is among the most beautiful drives you can get in Southern India. Covering a distance of 81 km, this road connects Theni and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu with Kerala’s Idukki district. Tamil Nadu is a fantastic state to explore as it is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. These sites are all temples of varying age and location but they are all well worth a visit. The Varaha cave Temple is one of these UNESCO sites and an extraordinary archeological find. The temple was cut from rock and is a cave temple. It is 7th century but the detail of the carvings are something quite special. Go and see a horned lion guarding a holy cave – it is a slice of historic India that is too good to miss. Tamil Nadu is a beautiful state – all valleys, hills, forests and rivers making the scenery green and lush. It certainly deserves a visit.
Ghat Roads
The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats that run through a vast stretch of land area in India offer some of the most beautiful drives to travellers. The area is at a high altitude and is home to a wide variety of animals and plants.
East Coast Road
This major highway that connects Cuddalore with Chennai spans 690 km and passes through several towns in Tamil Nadu. The road leads to some major historic sites, Kapaleeswarar in Mylapore is a 350 year old temple that is certainly worth a visit. It is an intricate structure dedicated to Lord Shiva. The colours and detail on the temple are amazing, making it well worth a visit.
Leh Manali Highway
This roadway is an important one as it connects two of the most exotic locations in India – Leh and Manali. The road often hits the 4000m elevation and as such, the road is open only in the Summer months when the snow has cleared. The views from the road are breath taking and if you love mountain scenery, then this journey should be an esential part of your trip. Make sure you have a safe vehicle as the road can be somewhat challenging during the rainy season.
Kerala- State Highway 17
Also called as ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is one of the most natural and beautiful states in India. The State Highway 17 that passes through this region offers some of the most incredible driving experiences you can get in the country. This 85 km long road meanders closely to the Palni Hills and the Anaimalai Hills. The road also leads to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and past the amazing Sandalwood forests of Marayur.
The best part about these beautiful drives is that they provide you with a glimpse of what India is all about.
Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
Written by Elizabeth James, a travel writer who loves to hit the road.
