Monsoon road trips are exciting and adventurous for many reasons. The serenity of rain showers enhances the vibrance of lush green nature even more, offering a scenic view from the windows of your car. From misty mountains to pristine beaches, monsoon season doubles the beauty of each landscape in India.
However, monsoon roads can be waterlogged, slippery, and otherwise challenging. So, preparing your vehicle and getting car insurance before going on a road trip during the monsoon season is necessary.
Cannot decide where to visit? Here’s a list of India’s top 10 monsoon road trip routes!
Top 10 Road Trips in India in Monsoon
Check out the best road trip routes in India during monsoon season and plan your weekend getaway:
Pune to Lonavala
Adorned by the magnificent Sahyadri range, the route from Pune to Lonavala is a treat to your eyes. You can explore rolling hills, serene greenery, Western Ghats, waterfalls, and more while travelling to Lonavala from Pune. Monsoon season is the best time for this road trip as you can experience the waterfalls, and the mountains look more captivating.
Distance: 65.1 km
Routes: Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai Pune Expressway, NH48, and AH47/Mumbai Pune Bypass (shortest route)
Duration (approx.): Maximum 3 hrs
Delhi to Rishikesh
Whether you are a spiritual person or a nature lover, this trip is the best thing you can do in India during the monsoon season. On this route, you can explore multiple spiritual sanctuaries, picturesque views of the Himalayan ranges, the Ganges, and endless scenic spots. Some popular sights that you will come across on your route are Chhota Haridwar and the Augarnath temple.
Distance: 233 km
Routes: Via NH334 (shortest route) and NH9
Duration (approx.): 4 hrs and 52 minutes
Ahmedabad to Kutch
Want to drive amidst picturesque villages and charming landscapes? This road trip from Ahmedabad to Kutch is perfect for a natural glimpse with an additional touch of Gujarati cultural vibes. This road trip is best known for its variety of birdwatching opportunities and the mystic white desert.
Distance: 400.3 km
Routes: Via NH947 (shortest route) and NH27
Duration (approx.): 7 – 8 hours
Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley
Go for a peaceful road trip amidst the breathtaking landscapes from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley. You can explore coffee and strawberry plantations and the lush green picturesque views of the surrounding area while car-touring. Monsoons turn this humid region into a verdant paradise with misty hills, greenery, Burra caves, and much more.
Distance: 114 km
Routes: Visakhapatnam – Pendurthi – Kothavalasa – Tatipudi – Tyda – Borra Cave – Ananthagiri – Sankarmatta – Araku
Duration (approx.): 4 hours
Chennai to Yercaud
The road trip from Chennai to Yercaud offers scenic views of lush coffee plantations and serene hillsides. Travellers can enjoy the aroma of coffee, breathtaking viewpoints, and tranquil boating experiences on Yercaud’s lakes, halting their car for some picturesque moments. This journey, especially during the monsoon season, is ideal for nature lovers and promises a memorable getaway with enchanting landscapes and a peaceful ambience.
Distance: 366 km
Routes: Chennai-Trichy Highway (shortest route) and NH8
Duration (approx.): 7 to 8 hours
Puri to Konark
The Puri to Konark road trip offers a stunning monsoon adventure along impeccable roads with canopy trees and views of the Bay of Bengal. This route features serene beaches, numerous temples, and local food stalls, providing insight into Odisha’s coastal lifestyle. Rainy days enhance the charm with sea waves and cool breezes, making it a memorable journey.
Distance: 35 km
Routes: Puri-Konark Marine Drive
Duration (approx.): 2 hours
Mumbai to Goa
The Mumbai- Goa road trip is a smooth and scenic journey, especially enchanting during the monsoons. Misty roads, lush landscapes, and coastal views enhance the experience. Travellers can enjoy local Konkan cuisine at pit stops along the way. The vibrant party culture of Goa awaits at the destination, making this a perfect blend of tranquillity and excitement.
Distance: 557 km
Routes: NH66
Duration (approx.): 15 hours
Kolkata to Sunderbans
The road trip from Kolkata to Sundarbans offers enchanting landscapes and thrilling wildlife encounters. This includes rare sightings of elephants, deer, bison, and the iconic Royal Bengal tiger. Starting with Kolkata’s vibrant shopping, the journey leads to lush mangroves and a rich biodiversity.
This monsoon adventure combines scenic beauty with exciting safaris, making it unforgettable.
Distance: 102 km
Routes: From Kolkata to Canning by Diamond Harbour Road, then reach Sunderbans by boat.
Duration (approx.): 4 hours
Darjeeling to Pelling
The road trip from Darjeeling to Pelling is a thrilling journey through hilly terrain, offering breathtaking views of valleys, cloud-kissed mountains, meadows, and lush landscapes. Though challenging, especially during rain, the 110 km route is worth exploring for its serene beauty and glimpses of Mount Kanchenjunga.
This scenic adventure is ideal for nature lovers and monsoon travellers.
Distance: 110 km
Routes: Darjeeling – Kalimpong – Manpur – Jorethang – Geyzing – Pelling
Duration (approx.): 4 hours
Udaipur to Mount Abu
The road trip from Udaipur to Mount Abu offers one of the best routes for scenic drives in Rajasthan. Surrounded by lush Aravalli hills, this journey becomes even more stunning during the monsoons. The smooth roads and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal getaway, combining natural beauty with the charm of Rajasthan’s only hill station.
Distance: 161 km
Routes: NH76
Duration (approx.): 4 hours
How to Prepare Your Car for Monsoon Road Trips?
Here are some tips to get your car ready for road trips in monsoon:
- Vehicle Maintenance
Ensure your vehicle is in top condition before going on a monsoon road trip. Check if the tyres have good tread depth to handle wet roads. Properly functioning brakes are also essential for safety on slippery roads.
Moreover, good visibility is crucial during heavy rains, so ensure that the wiper blades are in proper condition. Also, check your car’s battery and wiring to avoid any issues due to the increased use of lights and wipers.
- Car Insurance and Comprehensive Coverage
Monsoon rains can bring unexpected challenges, such as waterlogging and engine damage. While comprehensive car insurance covers damages from natural calamities, it may not cover water-related damages like engine failure. Consider purchasing add-ons like engine protection to safeguard your vehicle.
- Safety Precautions
Covering your car when not in use is necessary to protect it from rain and dust. You should also check your vehicle for any signs of moisture or leaks around windows and doors and apply anti-rust coatings to protect its underbody.
- Navigation and Emergency Kits
You should ensure a reliable GPS and physical maps for navigation. Moreover, carrying a basic emergency kit with essentials like a first-aid box, spare tyres, and tools can help during minor accidents or tyre punctures.
Monsoon road trips in India offer a unique blend of adventure and scenic beauty. You can enjoy these trips without worrying about unexpected setbacks by preparing your car properly and ensuring you have the right car insurance coverage.
