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They say the journey is more beautiful than the destination. And this adage holds even more true if you are a road trip lover. That’s why we have listed some of the most beautiful roads in India that offer breathtaking landscapes.
1. Rameshwaram Pamban Bridge (NH 49)
If you are a Bollywood buff, then you have already seen this beautiful highway in a couple of films including the Shah Rukh Khan- and Deepika Padukone- starrer Chennai Express. This highway gives an extraordinary experience, as on one side it has the Bay of Bengal and the other features the Indian Ocean. Enveloped by azure blue water on all sides, the highway is flat and straight through most of the stretch. The length of this bridge standing on NH 49 is 2,065 m.
2. Chennai-Pondicherry highway
The excellent road maintenance topped with scenic surroundings makes the Chennai to Pondicherry highway one of the most beautiful roads in India. The highway, aka East Coast Road, stretches 690 km. While the Bay of Bengal accompanies you on one side, the view of pine trees is what you see on the other side—make this highway a sight to behold.
3. Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley
Anyone planning a coastal road trip in the Southeastern part of India should not miss this beautiful road. The three-hour ride from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley covers 114 km of road, dotted with verdant greenery. This road trip will surely leave you awestruck with some picture-perfect views and stunning sites along the way.
4. Mumbai to Pune Expressway
Next on the list of the best roads in India is the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The stunning ghats and highways add to the experience of a fulfilling road trip journey. With a total of 87 kilometres with tolls, it is India’s first six-lane concrete, high-speed, and access-controlled expressway. The well-planned road will not disappoint you with its picturesque views.
5. Mumbai to Goa
Passing through dense greenery, away from a crowded city like Mumbai, is the kind of experience no one wants to miss—especially when you’re on your way to Goa! Did you know, the expressway also joins Panvel in Maharashtra with Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu?
6. Gangtok to Lake Tsomgo and Nathu-La Pass
The best time to go on this road trip would be during the winter as the road is covered with snow. The challenging terrains in this Himalayan land can be a treat for drivers who want a thrill. The road journey stretches for over 10 hours covering approximately 520 kilometres.
7. Guwahati to Tawang
If frames from Alia Bhatt's 2014 release Highway are still fresh in your mind, then here is a treat for you. The mountain journey from Guwahati to Tawang is remarkable in a unique way. The perfect balance of risks and riveting landscapes on this northeast Indian road trip makes it the best highway in India. That said, it is crucial you drive carefully on this highway that stretches up to 520 km.
8. Shillong to Cherrapunjee
The SH5 will give you a never-seen-before experience as the road is blanketed by fog and slight rain. The one-and-a-half-hour ride that covers 55 kilometres has a tantalizing appeal, thanks to the hills and the dense fog that covers them. This is an ideal pick for a short trip.
9. Manali to Leh highway
To enjoy the views while on this beautiful highway, play Lucky Ali's Hairat on loop. Interestingly, this road is open for only three to four months to the general public before heavy snowfall cuts off the road route.
10. Bangalore to Ooty
The last on this list of the most beautiful roads in India is the NH75 that connects Bangalore to Ooty. The scenic road is a treat for any nature lover. It covers Bangalore, Ooty, Mulbagal, Kolar, and Mysuru—and is 533 kilometres long. The road, featuring green pastures and tall trees in its surroundings, is famous for its 36 hairpin bends.
Travelling by road can give you a glimpse of the beauty that nature has in store for us. By taking a road trip, you will not only enjoy scenic views but also get a chance to spend more quality time with your loved ones.
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