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Is there anything better than a road trip? Just visualise exploring the open road with your favourite playlist turned up loud and breath-taking views from every window. While a road trip in any destination is an exciting adventure, in a country as scenic, diverse and cultural as India, it could be a totally unique and unforgettable travel experience.

So, if you’re planning a tour of India by road, which routes should you take?

Siliguri to Pelling for Tea and Mountains

To explore the northeast of India and really see this country’s stunning natural beauty, you need to drive the route from Siliguri to Pelling. This road trip spans 131 kilometres (81 miles) and will take you approximately five hours to drive from West Bengal northwards to Sikkin, where you’ll pass through verdant and mountainous landscapes.

First, explore Siliguri. Nestled at the Himalayan foothills, this city is encircled by tea plantations. Then move onto the lush Darjeeling, which sits in front of one of the highest mountain peaks in the world (Mount Kanchenjunga) and is the final stop of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Before finishing in the tiny, picturesque town of Pelling, famous for its breath-taking scenery and 17th century monastery.

Peaks and Picturesque Views from Manali to Leh

If you love driving and incredible landscapes, then this is northern India road trip for you. Enjoy every twist and bend as you drive through scenic valleys and past majestic snow-covered mountains on this 478-kilometre (297 mile) route between the regions of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

As you journey this 13-hour route from Manali, a scenic resort town ideal for skiing, to the contrasting Leh, a desert city with spectacular Buddhist monuments, you will drive through landscapes that are more than 4,000 metres above sea level. To adjust to the altitude and enjoy the scenery, plan stays to break up this road trip.

Desert Landscapes from Vadodara to Kutch

As the longest road trip on the list, Vadodara to Kutch covers 557 kilometres (346 miles), takes around 10 hours to complete and will allow you to explore four different destinations in the western region of Gujarat, each with their own unique charm and appeal.

First, discover the city of Vadodara. Formerly known as Baroda, is home to the palace of the Maratha royal family. Second, you’ll visit the vibrant Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat that is bisected by the Sabarmati River. Next, move on to Rajkot, where you’ll uncover history and experience one of the world’s fastest growing cities. Lastly, arrive in Bhuj, a historical city within the vast desert landscape of the Kutch district.

So, which road tripwill you choose?