6 Awesome Road Trips in IndiaPosted by Travelyaari on October 19, 2014By Anushree Shenoy.India has some brilliant roads that should be traversed at least once in a lifetime. Popular for its majestic Himalayan crown, beaches of Goa, backwaters of Kerala and royalty of Rajasthan, the highways of the country illustrate some of the most beautiful landscapes. It will definitely leave your mind wandering, and a flutter in your heart.Being the second largest road network in the world, these trips offer views that are unparalleled to any in the world. Here are a few road trips which should be on every travellers list.1) The aspirational Manali-Leh Highway (NH 21)

Into the lap of the majestic mountains on Leh highway.One of the highest and toughest roads in the world, navigating the Manali-Leh highway has its own charm. Passing through daunting terrains which offer the best prospects of nature, you will witness lush greens balanced with barren lands on your way. From the mighty Rohtang Pass, one can see the Beas and Chandra rivers flowing by. Be ready to pass through some breath-taking views and waterfalls en route.Best mode of transport: Best for bikers who wish to experience the thrill, or you can hire an Innova with a local driver,Best season: Roads are open between May and September when the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) clear the snow.Book your bus to Manali onTravelyaari!2) The Konkan delight Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH 17)

Racing through the scenic NH 17. Photo by Vir Nakai.A rarity of a smooth highway makes this one popular amongst other road trips. Thousands of stressed professionals escape to Goa to soak up some sun and guzzle up bottles of chilled beer. Offering views of the Vahisti river and the beauty of the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, you can also stop at the beaches of Ganpatiphule and Dapoli if you need a break.Best mode of transport: A self-drive car is probably the most suitable as it enables detours and stopovers. The other option is the regularly plying state buses.Best season: Post monsoon and winter are the best times as the weather is good and the landscape is filled with greenery.Have you travelled to Goa by bus yet? Book onTravelyaari.3) The wild NH 212

Through the tall trees of Bandipur. Photo by Kamaljith K V.Connecting Kozhikode in Kerala to Kollegal in Karnataka, this highway takes you through the forest of Bandipur. Since Mysore is on the way, make sure you keep enough time on your hands to make a quick stopover in this beautiful city. Smooth roads, passing through the thick forest of Bandipur and chance encounters with the wild will surely leave you spell-bound.Best mode of transport: Either a four-wheeler jeep or a self-driven car. Else the usual buses take this route.Best season: Chances are higher of spotting wildlife during summers, though the route is open all through the year.Travelyaari helps you bookyour bus from Kozhikode.4) The North Eastern sojourn GuwahatiTawang

Crossing Cherrapunji. Photo by Arup Malakar.Though the North East doesnt usually make it to our popular lists, the scenic turns and lives here should be witnessed by all. Taking this less popular road trip will offer you a chance to visit the wettest place in India, Cherrapunji and you can be filled with awe at the beauty of Kaziranga National Park or visit the Tawang monastery in Arunachal Pradesh.Best mode of transport: An all-terrain SUV is your best bet to traverse the different terrains.Best season: October to March is the best season as the weather is pleasant and you can also witness local festivities which are held during these months.Also readA Locals Travel Guide to Assam.5) The high hills of DehradunNainital

En route at NH 74. Photo by Jaskirat Singh Bawa.Passing through the Kumaon Hill ranges in Uttarakhand, this route offers mind-blowing views of hills, nature and shrines. You can stop over at Rishikesh for some soul-searching or indulge in some white-water rafting. Alternatively, you can go to Haridwar to satisfy the religious side of you or invest time in spotting the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger in its habitat at the Jim Corbett National Park. Top off the trip with a relaxed time in Nainital with a boat-ride in Naini Lake.Best mode of transport:Pick a comfortable 4 wheeler.Best season: All year round.Have a look at your bus travel options from Dehradunhere, on Travelyaari.6) The weekend escape Mumbai-Pune Highway

The lush highway to Pune, soon after Monsoons. Photo by Rohit Patwardhan.This six-lane highway is a rare combination of the lush green Ghats and the sleek roads to cruise on. Not too far from the megacity of Mumbai, Pune is an ideal weekend trip with an easy 3-4 hr drive through this highway.Best mode of transport: Two-wheelers are not allowed on the highway whereas private cars, cabs or state buses are regular visitors.Best season:If you want to witness the calmness and green carpets spread across hills, monsoons are the best time to visit.Choose from the many buses to Pune onTravelyaari.***How many of these road trips have you done?***ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Anushree Shenoy is a freelance writer, travel blogger and a passionate photographer. She likes to explore different destinations and is always looking to add thrill into her holidays by experiencing adventure activities, soaking in local cultures & meeting new people. With a Masters in Marketing, she has worked in media research & PR. Moving on from corporate life to follow her passion; she has recently founded Travelaaj a travel company which is aimed at providing tailor-made vacations with a dash of adventure to its clients. She blogs athttp://diariesofawanderlust.wordpress.com/and tweets at @ShenoyAnushree. Author Bio Latest PostsGoogle+CommentsAbout the Author

We are the road trippers, the track bashers, the ones popping our heads out the bus window to soak in that gorgeous view. In the business world, we help you travel by bus across India. But here, we are the friends you make on that long journey home. Come with us, discover the fun of travelling in India by road!