The Beat Generation: Beautiful Indian Road Trips You Should Make

"Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road."

- Jack Kerouac.

This is for all the people who have spent their life seeking "the mad ones; the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow Roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.”

As you can probably tell, the mere mention of road trips tend to tickle our senses with a bit of Kerouac nostalgia. And while his beat novels might have been indicative of a different generation, a different revolution, a different country even, there's no reason why you can't recreate the same endless search for yourself right here in India.

In fact, you might just be surprised at the kind of journeys you could unravel here so grab some friends or... don't grab any. Just get the engine of that old beat-up bike, that sturdy four-wheeler or a 3-wheeler motorcycle, for all we care, up and running as we direct you through some of the best road trip options that the country has to offer. We've tossed in perfect pit stops for your route but let's be honest, the journey is all that counts and no one can make that for you but yourself.

I. Delhi – Agra – Jaipur

Quite famously called the Golden Triangle, the route is famous among travellers. The roads are almost perfect for driving at brisk pace, and filled with a plethora of historic monuments.

Distance: Approximately 450 kilometres.

Pit Stops: If monuments fascinate you, The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, The Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort are all an option. If you’re a nature lover, however, you’re in for a treat as the well preserved city of Fatehpur Sikri and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary also fall on this route.

II. Manali – Leh

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III. Chennai – Pondicherry – Madurai

Moving down south, a drive along the coast of Chennai and Pondicherry will leave you mesmerised. After experiencing the heavy influence of the French culture in Pondicherry, finally move inwards towards Madurai, one of the oldest cities that was known to have carried out trade with ancient Rome.

Distance: Approximately 510 Kilometres.

Pit Stops: The Cholamandala Artist’s Village and the world heritage site of the ruins of Mahabalipuram are the first few names that pop up, followed by the French culture in Pondicherry. For the pious, the Nataraja temple, the Brihadishwara temple and the Sri Rangathaswamy temple are your stops.

IV. Kochi – Trivandrum

Kerala is known for its beauty. Famously known as God’s Own Country, the state has some of the most remarkable sightseeing options. This drive along the coast will leave you mesmerised, to say the least.

Distance: 208 Kilometres

Pit Stops: The well-preserved Brunton Boatyard should be the first stop, followed by a steady cruise through Alappuzha’s backwaters. And once you reach Trivandrum, you can check out the museums and the old Kerala architecture.

V. Darjeeling – Gangtok – Tashiding

Filled with lush forests and equally beautiful valleys, this route offers plenty of diversions, in case of an impromptu, spontaneous urge for discovery and adventure.

Distance: 200 Kilometres

Pit Stops: Sampling some of the best teas at Darjeeling is a must. Other options include Buddhist Monasteries and a stop at Pelling, which offers a heavenly view of Kanchenjunga.

VI. Mumbai – Goa

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VII. Bangalore – Calicut

A route with frequent narrow paths, a car might not be the wisest option. Two wheels it is - rev up that bike, and get going.

Distance: 500 Kilometres

Pit Stops: While Mysore offers a rich religious history, this route is famous for various natural parks and the wildlife in Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai.

VIII. Dehradun – Nainital

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IX. Jaipur – Ranthambore

One of the longest routes on this list, it essentially captures the culture of Rajasthan. A drive through the paradox of deserts and cities of Rajasthan leaves you mesmerised.

Distance: 145 Kilometres

Pit Stops: While Jaipur offers palaces and heritage hotels aplenty, Ranthambore will provide with various sanctuaries of some of the most beautiful animals that exist in India.

X. Pune – Dedwana

This one is for the bike-lovers. Considered by many to be the best biking route in India, it is the longest route on the list, passing through many cities in Maharashtra, Gujarat and finally ending in Rajasthan. Although a car is not out of the question, a bike is considered ideal.

Distance: 1,577 Kilometres

Pit Stops: Surat, Nashik, Shirdi and Ajmer. Need we say more?