By sagnika sinha
Web series and movies have always shown that road trips are for friends, and sometimes siblings. However, what if I tell you that you can go on a family road trip and have the same amount of fun?
Yes, family road trips can be equally 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
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
Distance: 572.9 km
Duration: 11 hrs
Route: Delhi-Kurukshetra-Chandigarh-Shimla-Naggar-Mandi
Pit stops: Murthal, Zirakpur
Best time to visit: October-February
Best spots to visit: Hadimba Temple, Rohtang Pass
People always mention that Manali is one of the finest destinations for honeymooners. Well, that is true. However, keeping that aside, a road trip from Delhi to Manali is all you need. The snow-capped mountains, picturesque valleys, and rivers make the perfect backdrop for you.
2. Delhi to Bikaner
Distance: 456 km
Duration: 8-9 hrs
Route: Delhi-gurgoan-Rewari-Narnaul-Chirawa-mandawa-Fatehpur-Ratangarg-Bikaner
Pit stops: Surajgarh, Lakhasar
Best time to visit: September-January
Best spots to visit: 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
Distance: 400 km
Duration: 7-8 hrs
Route: Ahmedabad-Bhuj-Dhordo-Rann of Kutch
Pit stops: Halvad, Bhuj
Best time to visit: November-February
Best spots to visit: Mandvi Beach, White Salt Desert
A trip to 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. Take a car and make this a memorable family road trip.
4. Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur)
Distance: 460 km
Duration: 7-8 hrs
Route: Delhi-Neemrana-Jaipur
Pit stops: Vrindavan, Dausa
Best time to visit: October-March
Best spots to visit: Taj Mahal, Neemrana Fort, Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort
People mostly cover it in a hurry but 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 Jaiput the next day. You will witness different heritage, cultures, and traditions all at once.
5. Delhi to Rishikesh
Distance: 245 km
Duration: 4-5 hrs
Route: Delhi-Meerut-Muzaffarnagar-Roorkee-Haridwar-Rishikesh
Pit stops: Mujjafarnagar
Best time to visit: September-November and February-April
Best spots to visit: Ram Jhule, Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Rishikesh is famous for its spiritual experience, and the adventure activities it has. This is a short road trip; the scenic beauty will capture your mind and soul.
The Ganga Arati is to die for, and it is one of those things that people should experience once in their lifetime. Moreover, this is one of the best budget-friendly places to travel solo.
6. Varanasi to Kolkata
Distance: 685 km
Duration: 14-15 hrs
Route: Varanasi, Bodhgaya, Hazaribag, Durgapur, Kolkata
Pit stops: Bodhgaya, Durgapur
Best time to visit: November-January
Best spots to visit: Victoria Memorial, Netaji Bhawan, Birla Planetarium, Jorasanko Thakurbari
This is a trip from spirituality to the soul, highlighted with breathtaking views and scenery. In Varanasi, you get to explore the different ghats and live life in the lanes of Varanasi.
Varanasi is worth the hype and one of the best places to travel with family. Whereas in Kolkata you get to witness the culture it holds within and their epic food.
7. Manali to Leh
Distance: 1100 km
Duration: 25 hrs
Route: Manali-Rohtang Pass-Keylong-Pangong Lake-Leh
Pit stops: Rohtang Pass, Upshi
Best time to visit: June-September
Best spots to visit: Rohtang Pass, Magnetic Hill, Pangong Lake, Baralacha La
If you want to go on a road trip because of the scenic beauty and the impressive road, then it has to be the Manali-Leh highway. It is like crossing the terrains and cliffs with an amazing view. You get a glimpse of the Himalayas and have an amazing time with your family.
8. Mumbai to Goa
Distance: 590 km
Duration: 10-12 hrs
Route: Mumbai-Alibaug-Ratnagiri-Tarkarli-Goa
Pit stops: Alibaug, Tarkarli
Best time to visit: November-February
Best spots to visit: Chapora Fort, Ganpatipule Beach, Tarkali Fort
This trip binds together the rush of the big cities to the calmness of the serene beaches. Driving along the coast, padding 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
Distance: 250 km
Duration: 5-6 hrs
Route: Bengaluru-Ramanagara-Madikeri-Coorg
Pit stops: Srirangapatna, Abbey Falls
Best time to visit: October-April
Best spots to visit: Abbey Falls, Coffee Plantations, Raja’s Seat
Want to get a glimpse of the beauty of Karnataka? Then Bengaluru to Coorg Road trip is the one you should choose for your next family road trip. The mist-covered mountains, waterfalls, and coffee plantations are the highlights of this trip.
10. Shillong to Cherrapunji
Distance: 54 km
Duration: 2-3 hrs
Route: Shillong- Mawphlang-Cherrapunji
Pit stops: Elephant Falls, Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint
Best time to visit: September-May
Best spots to visit: 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 greeneries, it gives you an idea about the unique Meghalaya.
11. Delhi to Spiti Valley
Distance: 800 km
Duration: 15-20 hrs
Route: Delhi-Manali-Kunzun Pass-Kaza-Spiti Valley
Pit stops: Manali, Dhankar
Best time to visit: June-September
Best spots to visit: 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
Distance: 360 km
Duration: 7-8 hrs
Route: Hyderabad-Kurnool-Hospet-Hampi
Pit stops: Kurnool, Hospet
Best time to visit: October-February
Best spots to visit: Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazar, Vittala Temple
While traveling from Hyderabad to Hampi you get to witness some amazing historical landmarks and rocky hills. When passing through the Deccan Plateau, you will be awestruck by the rugged beauty of Mother Nature.
13. Kolkata to Sundarbans
Distance: 110 km
Duration: 4-5 hrs
Route: Kolkata-Gosaba-Sudarbans
Pit stops: Gosaba
Best time to visit: November-February
Best spots to visit: Sajnekhali Watchtower, Mangrove Forest, Gosaba Island
This is any nature lover’s go-to trip. You get to see the largest mangrove the world has, explore its unique flora and fauna, and the soothing water channels. It is the land of crocodiles and Royal Bengal Tiger is an aura in itself.
14. Chennai to Pondicherry
Distance: 150 km
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Route: Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry
Pit stops: Kelambakam, Mahabalipuram
Best time to visit: October-March
Best spots to visit: Auroville, Promenade Beach, Mahabalipuram Shore Temple,
This route will offer you both modern cityscapes and amazing landscapes. Driving through the East Coast Road you will witness some amazing temples, the Bay of Bengal, and the sea. If you want a taste of French-colonial architecture in India, there is no better place than Pondicherry.
15. Kolkata to Darjeeling
Distance: 625 km
Duration: 13-14 hrs
Route: Kolkata-Behrampur-Malda-Raigunj-Bagdogra-Sonada-Darjeeling
Pit stops: Malda, Bagdogra
Best time to visit: October-March
Best spots to visit: 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.
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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