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15 Family Road Trip Destinations in India for an Unforgettable Voyage

author-img By sagnika sinha 8 Mins Read February 25, 2025 Last Updated on: September 25th, 2025

family road trip

Web series and movies have always shown that road trips are for friends, and sometimes siblings. However, you will have more fun if you go on a family road trip.  

Yes, family road trips can be just as much fun. So, this year, when you plan a family trip, why not try a road trip?  

Family road trips in India are an amazing idea if you are looking for a quick getaway. There are scenic landscapes, some amazing cityscapes, historical locations, whatever you ask. 

Plan a road trip and you will have an amazing experience with your family, and some moments of truth, discovery, and adventure. There are various suitable places, no matter what you are looking for. 

Top 15 Family Road Trip Destinations

Top 15 Family Road Trip Destinations

Planning a family road trip might sound odd, but trust me, you will have one of the best experiences of your life. Here are some of the best destinations recommended for your upcoming trip.

1. Delhi to Manali

1. Delhi to Manali
​​Distance ​572.9 km 
Duration ​11 hrs 
Route ​Delhi-Kurukshetra-Chandigarh-Shimla-Naggar-Mandi 
Pit stops ​Murthal and Zirakpur 
Best time for a journey ​October-February 
Notable Spots ​1. Hadimba Temple  ​2. Rohtang Pass​ 

At the outset, many travelers believe that Manali is one of the best destinations for honeymooners. Well, that is true!  

However, a road trip from Delhi to Manali is nothing short of paradise. In fact, the snow-capped mountains, picturesque valleys, and rivers will be the perfect backdrop.

2. Delhi to Bikaner

2. Delhi to Bikaner
​​Distance ​456 km 
Duration ​8-9 hrs 
Route ​Delhi-Gurgoan-Rewari-Narnaul-Chirawa-Mandawa-Fatehpur-Ratangarg-Bikaner 
Pit stops ​Surajgarh and Lakhasar 
Best time for a journey ​September-January 
Notable Spots ​Karni Mata Temple ​Junagarh Fort ​Shri Laxminath Temple ​Devi Kund Sagar​ 

This is one of the best road trips that you can ever plan. The desert city is known for its forts and palaces, and not to forget the famous Karni Mata Temple. The best part begins after you cross Churu.

The alluring dunes by the road add to the beautiful landscapes and will give you the perfect Rajasthan feel.

3. Ahmedabad to Rann Of Kutch

3. Ahmedabad to Rann Of Kutch
​​Distance ​400 km 
Duration ​7-8 hrs 
Route ​Ahmedabad-Bhuj-Dhordo-Rann of Kutch 
Pit stops ​Halvad and Bhuj 
Best time for a journey ​November-February 
Notable Spots ​1. Mandvi Beach ​2. White Salt Desert​ 

A trip to the Rann of Kutch seems ideal when you make it a road trip from Ahmedabad.  

Start the journey from Ahmedabad, and the scenic beauty of the road will make up for the time and distance it takes. In this case, just take a car and make this a memorable family road trip. 

4. Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur)

4. Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur)
​​Distance ​460 km 
Duration ​7-8 hrs 
Route ​Delhi-Neemrana-Jaipur 
Pit stops ​Vrindavan and Dausa 
Best time for a journey ​October-March 
Notable Spots ​1. Taj Mahal ​2. Neemrana Fort ​3. Hawa Mahal ​4. Amer Fort​ 

People mostly cover it in a hurry, but they can make an amazing family road trip out of the Golden Triangle. Start from Delhi, and travel to Agra. Spend a day there and leave for Jaipur the next day. You will witness different heritages, cultures, and traditions all at once. 

5. Delhi to Rishikesh

5. Delhi to Rishikesh
​​Distance ​245 km 
Duration ​4-5 hrs 
Route ​Delhi-Meerut-Muzaffarnagar-Roorkee-Haridwar-Rishikesh 
Pit stops ​Mujjafarnagar 
Best time for a journey ​September-November and February-April 
Notable Spots ​Ram Jhule ​Triveni Ghat ​Lakshman Jhula ​Parmarth Niketan Ashram​ 

If you want to have a worthwhile spiritual experience, you have to visit Rishikesh. Interestingly, it also comes with a variety of adventure activities for adventure junkies. Although the trip is short, it does not fail to capture your mind and soul. 

Moreover, the Ganga Arati is sure to bring out the devotee in you. Hence, it is one of those experiences that people should have at least once in their lifetime. Apart from that, this is one of the best budget-friendly places to travel solo

6. Varanasi to Kolkata

6. Varanasi to Kolkata
​​Distance ​685 km 
Duration ​14-15 hrs 
Route ​Varanasi-Bodhgaya-Hazaribag-Durgapur-Kolkata 
Pit stops ​Bodhgaya and Durgapur 
Best time for a journey ​November-January 
Notable Spots ​Victoria Memorial ​Netaji Bhawan ​Jorasanko Thakurbari ​Birla Planetarium​ 

This is the most soulful journey you will ever have. Also, you will experience some of the most breathtaking views and scenery.  

In Varanasi, try to explore the different ghats and live life in the lanes. Hence, obviously, Varanasi is worth the hype. Apart from that, if Rishikesh’s Ganga Arati is good, Varanasi’s Ganga Arati is something else to behold. 

Meanwhile, if you want a laid-back and rich experience, you will get it in Kolkata. Moreover, Kolkata has some of the best cuisines you will ever taste. 

7. Manali to Leh

7. Manali to Leh
​​Distance ​1100 km 
Duration ​~25 hrs 
Route ​Manali-Rohtang Pass-Keylong-Pangong Tso Lake-Leh 
Pit stops ​Rohtang Pass and Upshi 
Best time for a journey ​June-September 
Notable Spots ​Rohtang Pass ​Magnetic Hill ​Pangong Lake ​Baralacha La​ 

When it comes to scenic beauty and impressive roads, there is nothing better than the Manali-Leh highway. In fact, while you cross terrains and cliffs, you will get an amazing view.  

Apart from having an amazing time, you will also get a glimpse of some of the biggest peaks of the Himalayas. 

8. Mumbai to Goa

8. Mumbai to Goa
​​Distance ​590 km 
Duration ​10-12 hrs 
Route ​Mumbai-Alibaug-Ratnagiri-Tarkarli-Goa 
Pit stops ​Alibaug and Tarkarli 
Best time for a journey ​November-February 
Notable Spots ​Chapora Fort ​Ganpatipule Beach ​Tarkali Fort​ 

At the outset, this trip binds together the rush of the big cities with the calmness of the serene beaches. Driving along the coast, paddling through towns, and then reaching the rivers provides you with a complete experience. 

The moment you start moving through the Konkan coastline, the view will take your breath away. Goa is also one of the best places for a woman to travel solo

9. Bengaluru to Coorg

9. Bengaluru to Coorg
​​Distance ​250 km 
Duration ​5-6 hrs 
Route ​Bengaluru-Ramanagara-Madikeri-Coorg 
Pit stops ​Srirangapatna and Abbey Falls 
Best time for a journey ​October-April 
Notable Spots ​Abbey Falls ​Coffee Plantations ​Raja’s Seat​ 

If you want to experience the beauty of Karnataka, the Bengaluru to Coorg Road trip is the best for your next family road trip. Obviously, the major highlights of this trip include the mist-covered mountains and waterfalls. Also, do not miss out the coffee plantations. 

10. Shillong to Cherrapunji

Shillong to Cherrapunji
​​Distance ​54 km 
Duration ​2-3 hrs 
Route ​Shillong- Mawphlang-Cherrapunji 
Pit stops ​Elephant Falls and Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint 
Best time for a journey ​September-May 
Notable Spots ​Nohkalikai Falls ​Living Root Bridges ​Mawsmai Cave​ 

If you want to drive through the clouds and mists, the beautiful valleys of northeast India, then Shillong to Cherapunji is the trip you must embark on. Popular for the caves and waterfalls, covered in lush greenery, it gives you an idea of the unique Meghalaya. 

11. Delhi to Spiti Valley

Delhi to Spiti Valley
​​Distance ​800 km 
Duration ​15-20 hrs 
Route ​Delhi-Manali-Kunzun Pass-Kaza-Spiti Valley 
Pit stops ​Manali and Dhankar 
Best time for a journey ​June-September 
Notable Spots ​Key Monastery ​Tabo Monastery ​Chandratal Lake​ 

If you like to explore lands that not many have walked through, then this is the trip for you. Even though this place has become commercial recently, a road trip to Spiti is still not something many would choose.  

Crossing the valleys and going through the terrific terrains is what adventurous people like about this road trip. 

12. Hyderabad to Hampi

Hyderabad to Hampi
​​Distance ​360 km 
Duration ​7-8 hrs 
Route ​Hyderabad-Kurnool-Hospet-Hampi 
Pit stops ​Kurnool and Hospet 
Best time for a journey ​October-February 
Notable Spots ​Virupaksha Temple ​Hampi Bazar ​Vittala Temple​ 

Primarily, some of the best historical landmarks are present between Hyderabad and Hampi. Also, you will get to experience the famous rocky hills of the Deccan Plateau. In fact, the rugged beauty of the Deccan is sure to make you feel awestruck. 

13. Kolkata to Sundarbans

Kolkata to Sundarbans
​​Distance ​110 km 
Duration ​4-5 hrs 
Route ​Kolkata-Gosaba-Sudarbans 
Pit stops ​Gosaba 
Best time for a journey ​November-February 
Notable Spots ​Sajnekhali Watchtower ​Mangrove Forest ​Gosaba Island​ 

This is any nature lover’s go-to trip. You get to see the largest mangrove in the world, explore its unique flora and fauna, and the soothing water channels. It is the land of crocodiles, and the Royal Bengal Tiger is an aura in itself. 

14. Chennai to Pondicherry

Chennai to Pondicherry
​​Distance ​150 km 
Duration ​3-4 hrs 
Route ​Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry 
Pit stops ​Kelambakam and Mahabalipuram 
Best time for a journey ​October-March 
Notable Spots ​Auroville ​Mahabalipuram Shore Temple ​Promenade Beach​ 

If you want a mix of modern cityscapes and stunning landscapes, the Chennai to Pondicherry route is sure to impress you.  

In addition to that, as you drive through the East Coast on the backdrop of the Bay of Bengal, you will come across some of the oldest temples in the area. Moreover, as you get near Pondicherry, you experience the French-colonial architecture in India. 

15. Kolkata to Darjeeling

Kolkata to Darjeeling
​​Distance ​625 km 
Duration ​13-14 hrs 
Route ​Kolkata-Behrampur-Malda-Raigunj-Bagdogra-Sonada-Darjeeling 
Pit stops ​Malda and Bagdogra 
Best time for a journey ​October-March 
Notable Spots ​Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park ​Tiger Hill ​Peace Pagoda ​Mahakal Temple​ 

Traveling to the Queen of Hills by road is something you should try once in your life. Take your family and travel through the towns and the tea estates. Moreover, if you are lucky and get a glimpse of Kanchenjunga, there is nothing more you can ask for in the trip.

Bon Voyage! 

If you want to get on a family road trip in India, start with the above fifteen routes. However, before you start your journey, try downloading offline maps. This will save you in remote areas.  

Moreover, while you plan, make sure to check the condition of your car. In addition to that, keep a spare tire and a first-aid kit at all times. 

Basically, no matter what kind of traveler you are, India always has something for you. Hence, take out your car or hire one to experience a journey like never before. This is because the journey is more important than the destination. 

Where Are You Traveling With Your Family?

If you are planning a family road trip, make sure you download offline maps to save you in remote areas. Check the condition of the car while planning and always keep a spare tire with you. Also, keep a first-aid kit with you.

India has a trail for every kind of traveler. So, take the car out of the garage, and set out for one of the most beautiful experiences of your life. Remember, the destination is not the focus here, the journey is.

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sagnika sinha

Sagnika Sinha is a content writer who is passionate about writing travel vlogs, entertainment and celebrity articles and literature-based pieces. With a 4 years experience in teaching, she loves reading books. A procrastinator by nature, she loves travelling, listening to music, planting and gardening.

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