India Road Trip Dreams that I Wish to Turn into Reality

Why an India Road Trip is More Than Just a Travel Plan

The Road, the Soul, and the Idea of Freedom

This road trip through India is not just a journey with a packed car and a road-trip playlist – it is a feeling, a dream I have cherished in my heart for years. A dream that comes a little more alive inside me every time I open YouTube or Google Maps and zoom out to see the whole of India in one frame.

Ever since I took my first solo trip, I believe that the real India is not to be found in brochures or bucket list checklists – it is to be lived out on the road. In the tea shops on highway corners, in the stories of truck drivers who have seen more sunsets than hot meals, in the smiles of children as your car passes by unknown villages.

Road travel teaches you patience, brings out the extrovert in you, and also disrupts your daily routine so that you can adjust to each routine. And that is what makes this road trip through India different for me. It is not a vacation. It is a pilgrimage of discovery – of places, of people, and perhaps, of oneself.

I spoke a bit about this spiritual connection in my last blog, Why Foreign Tourists Love Rishikesh. If Rishikesh is where many people come to find peace, perhaps the road is where I will find purpose.

Why I want to start my India trip from Haridwar

I am from Uttarakhand and Haridwar is close to my city. It feels right to start my trip from Haridwar—it is the gateway to the Himalayas, and the beginning of countless spiritual journeys through history. It is not just the geography, it is the emotion. It is poetic to start from a place where the Ganga river flows endlessly, just like my own dream of traveling this vast country.

For me, Haridwar symbolizes connecting with the land—a spiritual farewell before setting out to unknown paths and unfamiliar horizons. And just a short distance from here is one of the meaningful places: Sidhbali Temple in Kotdwar. It is a place where countless prayers have been heard, and I feel I must revisit it before I leave.

If you haven’t read my experience, here is my Sidhbali Temple Kotdwar blog—a place where faith, nature, and nostalgia go hand in hand.

So yes, this India trip will start from Haridwar, not just because I live here – but because my heart insists on starting from here.

What My Wish List for a 101-Day India Road Trip Looks Like

Planning My India Road Trip Itinerary

The idea of ​​a 101-day India road trip may sound ambitious – or maybe even a little crazy – but it’s a dream I’ve been carrying in my heart for years. I’ve spent late nights looking at every India road trip map, endlessly scrolling through Instagram, YouTube vlogs and even travel blogs to shape my vision.

This isn’t a random checklist of destinations – it’s a carefully crafted India road trip planner that showcases the country’s diverse cultures from north to south, east to west. I want to chase snow in the Himalayas, dance with the sunset on the beaches of Goa, drink filter coffee in Tamil Nadu and breathe in the lush air of the Northeast hills.

While I know I won’t be able to visit every single corner, this wish list is a heartfelt attempt to touch as much of India as possible. Based on my research and road conditions, the pan-India road trip distance I am targeting is around 20,000 to 25,000 kms, covering over 20 states by car.

This is not just a plan – it is a life experience waiting to unfold.

North India Road Trip Destinations (Uttarakhand, Himachal, Punjab)

I will start from Haridwar in Uttarakhand, visiting the serene hills of Mussoorie, the mysterious trails of Chopta and maybe even Auli if time and snow permit. From there, the road leads to the winding beauty of Himachal Pradesh – Shimla, Spiti and Manali are top of my list.

Next, I will head to Punjab, where I want to experience the warmth of Amritsar, taste the dhaba food and maybe even visit the Wagah border. This is not the fixed plan, the route may change.

These northern regions will be the way to make my trip easier – offbeat road trips in India often start right here in the mountains.

Rajasthan, Delhi and Central India (UP, MP)

From the mountains to the desert sands, Rajasthan brings a different kind of adventure. I have always been fascinated by the royal charm of Udaipur, the enchanting beauty of Jaisalmer and the vibrant history of Jaipur. It is a photographer’s dream and a storyteller’s playground

I will be passing through Delhi, not only to stop but also to explore the food of Old Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb and the always energetic atmosphere of India’s capital.

Moving on to Uttar Pradesh, I plan to visit Varanasi, Lucknow, and perhaps explore some of India’s undiscovered places like Chitrakoot or Prayagraj by road.

Then comes Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India—known for heritage cities like Orchha, wildlife safaris in Bandhavgarh and the peaceful ambiance of Khajuraho.

West and South India Road Trip Destinations (Goa, Kerala, Karnataka)

The West will start with a refreshing stopover in Gujarat, followed by some sun and sea magic in Goa – but I want to go beyond just beaches. Explore spice plantations, river cruises and local culture to learn something new.

Then on to Karnataka, where there are gems like Gokarna, Coorg and Hampi – an archaeologist’s paradise. My South India road trip plan will not be complete without Kerala, where I want to walk between the backwaters and the sea in Alleppey and explore tea plantations and Ayurveda in Munnar.

These destinations will be a road trip adventure where every turn will reveal a new kind of India.

East and North East India Road Trip Adventure Destination

Odisha is on my bucket list not just for the temples, but for the beach life in Puri and the cultural wonders of Konark.

Then I would like to travel in West Bengal – Kolkata of course, but also the offbeat vibes of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. And finally, the Northeast which feels like a world in itself.

I want to cover at least three states – Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim. These offer some of the most beautiful routes in India and a chance to see nature in its purest form. This is where I expect the unexpected, from living root bridges to hill monasteries.

If the dream of India road trip adventure destination really comes true, there will be a lot of learning in life. It will bring new lessons in my life which will enable me to make better decisions in my life.

How I plan my road trip to India by car

Choosing the best car for a long road trip in India

When you’re dreaming of an India road trip spanning over 100 days and thousands of kilometers, your car isn’t just a vehicle – it’s your travel companion, your mobile storage, your roadside napping spot and your shield against unpredictable weather.

For such a long trip, choosing the right car is a must. I lean towards SUVs or crossovers as these offer solid ground clearance, good boot space and comfort for long drives.

But more than the car, it’s the accessories and car gadgets that make life easier on the road. I’ve already started making a list on Amazon, which includes:

• Magnetic mobile mount with dashboard fixture – for Google Maps and hands-free calls
• Car backseat organizer – to hold water bottles, books, chargers and snacks
• Compact dash cam with night vision – for safety and those unexpected magical moments
• USB fast charger with multiple ports – because damaged devices on the road = too much hassle

For accommodation, I’m planning to mix budget hotels and guesthouses depending on where I land each night. Platforms like Booking.com, Goibibo and MakeMyTrip are my favorite hotel booking partners. Pre-booking isn’t always possible on road trips, but downloading these apps offers flexibility and access to last-minute deals.

My Road Trip Packing List

Planning a 101-day road trip across India isn’t like packing for a weekend getaway – it’s like preparing for a “Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi.” I have started preparing my ultimate road trip checklist:

Essentials for a long India road trip

• Valid driving license, car papers, FASTag, PUC
• Google Maps offline areas downloaded
• Portable power bank and charging cable
• Basic first-aid kit and everyday medicines
• Car jack, jumper cables and emergency triangle
• Travel pillow and compact sleeping mat
• Mosquito spray, wet wipes, sunscreen
• Small pressure cooker or kettle (yes, food counts!)
• Reusable water bottles and basic utensils
• Quick-drying towel, flip flops and laundry line

Optional but useful

• DSLR or GoPro to capture your trip
• Foldable chair and picnic mat
• Camping tent – ​​in case you stay at a place that doesn’t have hotels

Packing light isn’t really an option here, but packing smartly is. Each item has been chosen with a purpose: survival, comfort, and experience. Whether it is a road trip in India alone or with a partner, this list is quite universal.

Budget Tips for Travelling in India by Road

The best thing about road trips in India is that it can be tailored to your budget. The options you choose are always tailored to your needs. It is up to you how much flexibility you want to take.

Here is what I have learnt while researching budget road trips in India

• Fuel first: Choose a car that gives good mileage. Petrol or diesel can make a huge difference in cost over long distances.

• Be flexible: Instead of fixed luxury hotels, choose budget stays, homestays or dharamshalas (especially in spiritual cities).

• Local food: Eating local food not only saves money, but also connects you with the culture. Plus, highway dhabas are famous!

• Drive smart: Leave early in the morning to avoid traffic and minimise AC usage on cold mornings. Carry snacks and water to avoid frequent stops.

• Share the cost: If you are not alone, it is very helpful to share tolls, fuel, and accommodation.

• Travel India by car safety tips: Always carry a spare tire, drive within the speed limit, and avoid driving at night in remote areas.

By focusing on realistic planning, I believe I can make this huge adventure surprisingly affordable without compromising on the experience.

Challenges I may face on my road trip adventure in India

Let’s be honest – anyone planning an India road trip of more than 100 days is bound to face some hurdles along the way. While I am full of excitement, I am also realistic about the unforeseen situations that may crop up. Weather, road conditions, car issues, health – these are all part of my journey. But I believe being mentally prepared is the first step to enjoying the trip, rain or shine.

Road Trips and Road Safety in Monsoon

I am planning to start my road trip in the latter half of the year, and by the time I reach the Western Ghats and the southern coast, the rainy season will be at its peak.

As dreamy as it sounds to sip a cup of tea while watching the rain fall on the windshield, road trips during monsoon in India come with several risks:

Hill regions like Himachal, Uttarakhand and the North East have high mountains, making the road prone to mud and rockfall during rains.

• Slippery roads and poor visibility on ghats and bends
• Flooded patches on highways in Kerala, Goa or Mumbai during heavy rains

But yes, every challenge is an opportunity to prepare better! Based on my research on road travel during monsoon in India, I would:

• Check the weather forecast regularly
• Carry a tyre puncture kit and rainproof covers
• Travel slowly and avoid driving at night in rainy areas
• Use waterproof mobile mounts and keep electronics in ziplock pouches
• Prefer staying in safe and verified hotels during storms

The monsoon also brings magic—lush greenery, fewer tourists, and a romantic ambiance that is impossible to describe. If done wisely, it can become the most memorable leg of the trip.

Highway Conditions and Driving Routes in India

Another big thing on my radar is understanding and preparing for driving routes in India. I’m not just looking at Google Maps – I’m also delving into local forums, YouTube videos, and even Indian highway travel guides.

The truth is, Indian roads are as diverse as its culture. One part will be a buttery smooth four-lane expressway, another part will be a pothole-ridden village road that will test both your patience and endurance!

I am keeping the following in mind:

• NH-44 (north to south) – the journey will run from Srinagar to Kanyakumari
• NH-48 connects Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Bangalore – major metropolises with good infrastructure
• Himalayan driving routes require slow speeds, mountain driving skills and double checking the weather
• Coastal roads in Kerala and Goa can be beautiful, but narrow and tricky during rains
• Roads are bad in remote areas of North East India – it may take time to reach some places, but it will be worth it

I will make sure to download offline maps, track fuel stations along the way, and save alternate routes in case of blockages or detours.

The main thing is to not rush, listen to the locals, and enjoy the drive as much as the destination. After all, what is a road trip in India if it isn’t full of unexpected turns and unforgettable stops?

Top road trip goals and hidden gems I want to cover

Every journey has its own milestones—some marked by kilometers, some by memories. For me, this India road trip is not just about marking places off the map, but about chasing those moments. It’s about finding the magic in places no one writes about, in roadside tea shops, in detours that weren’t planned but eventually turn out to be unforgettable.

Dream road trips in India that inspire me

Even before planning my trip, I have spent countless hours reading about my bucket list road trips in India. From the rugged terrains of Leh-Ladakh to the tropical drives along the coast of Goa, these routes have inspired generations of travelers. Now they have made it to my wish list as well.

Here are some road trip destinations in India that fuel my wanderlust:

• Leh to Pangong Lake via Chang La Pass – a route that defines adventure

• Guwahati to Tawang takes you through winding mountain passes to a world that feels untouched, serene and spiritually rich.

• Ahmedabad to Kutch during Rann Utsav turns the salt desert into a cultural festival – music, art and moonlit dunes.

• Chikmagalur to Coorg in Karnataka – a green paradise for nature lovers

• Puri to Konark via Marine Drive – calm seas on one side, dense forests on the other

• Jaipur to Bikaner via Pushkar and Ajmer – a cultural fusion

• Shillong to Mawlynnong and Dawki – crystal-clear rivers and bridges with living roots

But what really excites me are the hidden gems of India’s road trips – the lesser-known towns, forgotten forts and villages where time still flows slowly. Places like Majuli Island in Assam, Ziro Valley in Arunachal, Bhujodi near Bhuj, Mandawa in Rajasthan, or Patalkot in Madhya Pradesh – may not be popular, but they ooze authenticity.

My road trip won’t just chase the big names – but also stop at the small, soulful stops along the way.

Indian road trip movies and videos that sparked my imagination

You know you’ve got the travel bug when even a two-minute view of an open highway gives you goose bumps. And believe me, Bollywood has done a wonderful job of romanticizing road trips. These Indian road trip movies have added even more life to my already raging wanderlust:

• “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” – Technically set in Spain, but its soul lives on in the hearts of Indian travellers

• “Highway” – Raw, real, emotional… and shot in the most breathtaking landscapes of North India

• “Caravan” – Unique but relatable, and the road trip through Kerala is just awesome

• “Tamasha” – For the scenes in Ladakh that made everyone lose themselves

• “Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani” – A film that sparked countless travel dreams with its stunning visuals of Himachal treks, carefree friendships and the untold charm of the mountains.

And when I’m not soaking in these cinematic road trip moments, I’m constantly watching travel vloggers on YouTube – enjoying the real routes, car hacks and unfiltered experiences that help shape my India road trip vision.

Indian Road Trip Video Download Options

Download Indian road trip videos for free from creators who made movies like Spiti, Meghalaya or Kanyakumari

I constantly watch every Indian road trip movie scene that shows life on the highway

These scenes have shaped the way I view the road. Not just as a way to get somewhere, but also as a place to live.

How you can help me create this 101-day road trip series

Share your road trip experiences

In planning this massive India road trip, I know that no number of YouTube videos or Google searches can replace the knowledge of real travelers like you. If you’ve been on a road trip across India—or even a weekend getaway to an exotic hill station—I’d love to hear from you!

Whether it’s a life-saving shortcut, a must-visit roadside dhaba, or a place you stayed longer than you planned, your stories can help shape my trip.

Feel free to write your experiences in the comments, or if you’re a travel enthusiast like me, share in the India Road Trip discussions. I regularly read blogs for inspiration and honest, unfiltered advice—your story might just point me in a whole new direction.

Let’s create an India road trip itinerary together

This blog isn’t just about picking places from my wishlist—it’s about creating a real, community-driven India road trip itinerary that is practical, fun, and flexible. One that will be helpful for future travelers, too.

If you have any ideas, suggestions, or improvements (I’m sure I’ll miss some hidden gems), I truly invite you to be a part of this series. Think of it as a collaborative map where every reader adds a pin.

Let me know

• What place surprised you on your last trip?
• What state do you think deserves more attention?
• What road do you think no one should miss?

You can comment below, DM me on social media, or email me directly. Maybe your advice will become the highlight of my trip—and maybe even the next blog post!

Join the journey

This is just the beginning. Over the coming months, I will be posting this India road trip series in chapters—region by region, route by route.

Follow the blog, connect with me on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook to get updates on every stop, story and surprise.

And if you know someone who is dreaming of a similar trip, share this blog with them—because the more we plan together, the better the journey.

Let’s not just read about the roads—let’s travel them together.

What’s next in This India Road Trip Series

Upcoming Blogs in This Series

This blog is just the first page of a long travel story. My dream of a 101-day India road trip is unlikely to be accomplished in one post—and to be honest, I don’t want to rush it either. So I’m turning it into a dedicated series—a journey you can follow step by step, just like I will along the way.

If you have reached here, you are already a part of this journey.

Part 1: Planning and Route

From choosing the right car, planning the itinerary, checking distances, deciding the budget, and gathering the essentials for the road trip—this post will take you behind the scenes of planning a perfect India road trip by car.

Part 2: North India Road Trip

Exploring the Himalayan beauty of Uttarakhand and Himachal, immersing in Punjabi culture, and finding spiritual peace. A route full of heights and excitement.

Part 3: Rajasthan and Delhi Diaries

Golden sands, historic forts, desert journeys and old bazaars—this leg will be all about stories carved in stone and lived on the bustling roads.

Part 4: South India Road Trip

Immerse yourself in lush green hills, coastal journeys, temple towns and filter coffee. Enjoy romance, rain and some of the best South India road trip plans I have ever thought of.

Part 5: East to Northeast Adventures

Without any filter and spontaneity—this part of the series will explore untouched places, slow-paced cultures, lush forests and beautiful routes in India by road that most travellers miss out on.

Part 6: Last Stop and Return

Closure—thoughts, learning, surprises and reflections from the last stop. Because every road trip has to end to begin again.

Stay tuned, because this isn’t just a story—it’s an unfolding dream, written on every highway.

Subscribe, bookmark, or follow me on social media to be notified when the next chapter begins.

FAQs

Image Disclaimer

Few images used in this blog are sourced from royalty-free platforms like Unsplash, Pexels, or AI-generated tools. As my 101-day India Road Trip is currently in the planning phase, these visuals are meant to represent the spirit of the journey. Once the trip begins, I’ll be replacing them with original photographs captured during my adventures across India.

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Thank you all for joining me on this wonderful journey through the blog of “India Road Trip Dreams that I Wish to Turn into Reality”

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