The Best Road Trips To Take From Delhi

Delhi’s strategic location makes it an essential gateway to many exciting road trips. From adventurous journeys that take more than a day to the leisurely ones that can be covered in a few hours, here are some of the most memorable trips you can take from the capital.

Leh

A road trip from Delhi to Leh is extremely challenging but this is exactly why this route is so coveted among adventure seekers. There are two different ways to reach Leh, which is situated at an altitude of over 11,000 feet. The first is through Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir and the second is through the popular hill station of Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The best time to set off on this adventurous road trip is between May and October. Prepare yourself for rough and narrow roads, hairpin bends and harsh weather conditions, which are very small prices to pay for the spectacular views you’ll encounter throughout the journey.

A road trip to Leh offers many stunning views, like this one at Nubra Valley

Agra-Jaipur

The beautiful Hawa Mahal in Jaipur is fully made up of red and pink sandstone

Dharamshala

Dharamshala came into prominence after the Dalai Lama set up his residence here following the 1959 uprising in Tibet. Today, the town is home to a large population of Tibetan refugees and has become an important centre of Buddhism in India. A road trip from Delhi to Dharamshala covers about 475 kilometres and can be completed in 10 hours. The changing landscape from Delhi up to Dharamshala, which is surrounded by thick deodar forests, makes for quite a sight. Additionally, one of the perks of travelling by road on this route is the number of roadside dhabhas (eateries) that serve delicious North Indian food, like buttery paranthas.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh, which lies at a distance of 230 kilometres from Delhi, is renowned for being the yoga capital of the world. There are a number of ashrams everywhere and visitors from all over the world come here to seek the benefits of the ancient practice of yoga and to find inner peace. For the residents of Delhi, Rishikesh is considered to be a favourite weekend destination. Not only is this holy town located at a convenient distance from the capital, but since it rests on the banks of the mighty river Ganges, this place is also a hub for adventure sports. Make sure you pay a quick visit to the holy city of Haridwar on your way to Rishikesh.

Mukteshwar

A drive from Delhi to Mukteshwar, a small town in the state of Uttarakhand, will provide you with splendid views all throughout. From thick forests to serene lakes and finally, snow-capped mountains as you approach your destination, the scenic views just keep getting better and better. Just make sure not to take this trip during the monsoon season as road conditions tend to become difficult due to the heavy rains. Another suggestion is to ensure you have enough fuel in your car as gas stations are hard to come by on this route. If what you’re looking for are panoramic vistas for the whole duration of your journey, then Delhi to Mukhteshwar is the perfect trip.

Kasauli

For those looking to leave busy city life behind and escape into the lap of nature, an impromptu road trip to Kasauli is a great idea. Depending on the traffic, it only takes about six to seven hours to reach the hill station from Delhi. The roads do get a bit bumpy once you enter the Himalayan region, but the breathtaking views all around more than make up for the discomfort. Plus, the rough roads add a sense of adventure to the entire driving experience. The fresh mountain air and vast swathes of greenery in Kasauli are such welcome changes from the urban jungle of Delhi. During your stay here, do not miss out on viewing the beautiful sunset from the aptly named Sunset Point.

Neemrana Fort

Located just three hours away from Delhi, at a distance of 122 kilometres, is the ancient town of Neemrana in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. The historic Neemrana Fort is the most famous attraction here. the 15th-century fort has now been converted into a luxury resort and is easily one of the most aesthetic hotels in the country. Many road trippers also use Neemrana as a pit stop on their way to the Sariska Tiger Reserve, a popular wildlife sanctuary that hosts a variety of fauna – besides royal Bengal tigers.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.