E-Paper
Great escapes: The best road trips to experience this year
How far can 2025 take you? It depends on how far you’re willing to go. We asked the experts for the best road trips to take this year
Leh-Kurgaikh-Leh; Ladakh
Rishad Saam Mehta, author
The route passes through a fairly untapped part of Zanskar district. Start in Leh. Head west on the Leh-Kargil road (NH1) to the ancient Lamayuru monastery. Then, turn south and pass spectacular valleys to get to the village of Wanla. Then, go through two high-altitude passes, Sirsir La and Singhe La, before descending into Zangla village in Zanskar. After that, it’s mostly dirt track. Drive from the district headquarters of Padum to Purne to see the even older monastery, Photoksar. Then, head to the little outpost of Kurgaikh, the last village in Zanskar, and camp at the spectacular Gonbo Rangjon mountain for the night. The next milestone: Shinku La, en route to the village of Darcha on the Manali-Leh Road. Take the Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachung La and Tanglang La passes to get back to Leh. Best done in a 4x4 vehicle over 10 days to two weeks.
When to go: Between June and September, when the high mountain passes open.
Highlights: “I’ve done this trip in a car and once on a motorcycle,” says Mehta. “The highlights are monasteries, views and off-road adventures. There will be water crossings, a chance of snow, ice on the road. But you’ll be on some of the world’s highest motorable roads.”
Best for: “A couple considering marriage! It’s a long trip and can make people irritable and cranky,” Mehta says. “Plus, being in a car for so many days with someone offers an unmasked look at their true nature. It’s a good test of whether you’re compatible. It’s also a good trip for a bunch of friends, and a biker group. I don’t advise it for a solo motorcyclist.”
Prep and prime: “Get your car thoroughly serviced, down to the tyres, before you set off. Carry a puncture repair kit, an air compressor and a tow strap. Carry enough food and water. Avoid single-use plastic that will litter these fragile environments. Get used to driving on narrow and broken mountain roads before attempting a trip like this.”
On my playlist: “Of late, more than music I listen to podcasts. Especially about history or the Second World War. So, that would be my pick.”
Kochi to Bandipur Forest; Kerala, Karnataka
Anita Krishnan, Women Expedition Tour Captain, and President, Women’s International Motorcycle Association
Start from Kochi and follow the coast. Drive past the backwaters of Allepey, take in the tea plantations of Munnar, head towards Valparai through the Anamalai forests to reach the Nilgiris. From there, head into the Madhumalai and Bandipur forests. This ride can be planned over 10 days, on either a motorcycle or in a car.
When to go: Between November and February.
Highlights: “It’s a 600km coastline that changes but also remains a calm and beautiful constant,” says Krishnan. “You end up sighting elephants, the Indian bison and some more beautiful wildlife on this route. It offers several different views of the lush region. One of my favourite parts of this trip is riding through the different forests and tea plantations. Don’t miss the local food, or a chance to catch a Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance.”
Prep and prime: “Book your stays in advance. Valparai and other smaller places don’t have many hotels, just a few British-era bungalows that are now run as B&Bs. They have the most stunning views and the best experiences.”
On my playlist:“I listen to a lot of old-school rock and Bollywood. So I’m usually playing Roadhouse Blues and Phir Se Udd Chala.”
Zanskar and Suru Valley; Ladakh
Kingshuk Dutta, auto journalist
Start from Manali, head towards Padum, via Gonbo Rangjon and Shinkhu La. It’s 250-odd km, but ride at a leisurely pace and make a day trip of it. Then, spend a day or two in Padum. The next leg heads to Kargil, via the Pensi La Pass and near the Drang Drung Glacier. This is a 240km journey and takes close to six hours. It’s best done on a motorcycle for a fit solo rider; or in an SUV, with 4x4, for a family.
When to go: June to September. “Long weekends in August work well and with luck, there will be snow at Shinkhu La and Pensi La.”
Highlights: “Someone rightly said that four wheels move the body but two wheels move the soul. This route passes through some of the last unspoiled regions of the country. There are vast patches of green. The old passes are stunning, the glacier and snow-capped mountains quiet but watching over everything. And of course, Kargil is beautiful and historic.”
Prep and prime: “Zanskar is one of the remotest regions of Ladakh and a breakdown will leave you stranded. Pack food, a few tools and spare fuel. The road is dotted with villages, so help won’t be far away in an actual emergency. Invest in proper riding and waterproof cold weather gear. Carry a good camera and a good lens. Smartphone cameras don’t do justice to these sights.”
On my playlist: “I was on a motorcycle. The only music I was listening to was the howling wind and the hum of the in-line triple engine. If I were to listen to just one song on loop, I’d pick I Ain’t Worried, from Top Gun: Maverick.”
Bengaluru to Dharamsthala; Karnataka
Manpreet Singh, Indian field hockey player
Stay on the NH 75. Its wide roads cover half the journey smoothly. The fun begins at the Western Ghats. Drive through forests and streams from Sakleshpur to Dharmasthala. There are hairpin bends and tight curves to test every driver and rider’s skill. It’s a seven-hour journey but can be stretched out into a more leisurely trip.
When to go: Just after the monsoon, when the Ghats are lush and green.
Highlights: Dharmasthala has a centuries-old Sri Manjunatha Temple. It’s known for its large statue of the revered figure Bahubali and a vintage-car museum that displays a 1920s Studebaker used by Mahatma Gandhi. But the journey is the jewel. Post-monsoon streams gurgle softly, the trees have that shade of green they never do at other times of the year. It’s quiet, allowing everyone to slow down. Wave to the monkeys and butterflies along the way.
Prep and prime: It’s a no-fuss trip for those who enjoy being on the road. The only things you need are a full tank, snacks and water.
On my playlist: “My go-to music is Punjabi. But along the Ghats, I play Kitni Haseen Zindagi by Lucky Ali and slow paced, older songs.”
The ‘Waterfall Drive’, Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar; Maharashtra
Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor, Autocar India
From Mumbai, drive to Lonavla, then branch off onto the Aamby Valley Road. Skirt Mulshi lake and take a right to Tamhini before touching the old Goa highway. Drive to Poladpur, then head to the Ambenali ghat to Mahabaleshwar.
When to go: “The August 15th long weekend is perfect. The waterfalls are in full force, the Konkan is carpeted in a lush green carpet and Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are wrapped in cool mist.”
Highlights: The countless waterfalls that dot this route and the lush, rain-soaked Konkan. “It’s a tough route with a lot of single-lane roads,” says Sorabjee. “Tamhini and Ambenali ghat are a driver’s delight with minimal traffic, lots of twists and turns and spectacular views. Stop off at M Cafe just after Kolad for healthy organic food and a clean loo.”
Best for: Hardcore SUV drivers who see tough roads as a challenge.
Prep and prime: Sorabjee has made the trip several times. Make sure the vehicle is rain ready, and you can drive on wet muddy roads.
On my playlist: “Classic rock. I can listen to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon from beginning to end and on loop.”
From HT Brunch, January 04, 2025
Follow us on www.instagram.com/htbrunch
