The 5 Best Scenic Nature Road Trips in India

Best of INDIA

The 5 Best Scenic Nature Road Trips in India

Discover spectacular national parks, towering forests, and clifftop panoramas on the top scenic nature road trips in India.

โ€œNature has an unmatched power to heal and inspire. Tracing scenic bypasses across spectacular national parks, lush towering forests, and wind-swept ocean coastlines delivers a majestic escape. Our editors have compiled and ranked the top 5 absolute best scenic nature road trips in India, hand-picked for their breathtaking outdoor vistas and geological wonders.โ€
Mumbai to Igatpuri: Thal Ghat Adventure
#1
9.66 Score
121 km
4-6 hours (monsoon speed)

Mumbai to Igatpuri: Thal Ghat Adventure

An immersive journey from the bustling coastal metropolis of Mumbai to the misty, emerald peaks of Igatpuri, traversing the historic Thal Ghat and the Sahyadri mountain range.

Why Our Editors Love It

โ€œMonsoon Driving: If traveling between June and September, ensure your wipers and fog lights are in perfect condition. Visibility in the Thal Ghat can drop to less than 5 meters due to thick cloud cover.โ€

The Nilgiri Mountains Run: Bengaluru to Ooty
#2
9.64 Score
Approximately 280-300 km
2-3 days (to truly enjoy the stops)

The Nilgiri Mountains Run: Bengaluru to Ooty

Embark on an unforgettable journey from the bustling city of Bengaluru to the serene 'Queen of Hill Stations', Ooty. This road trip winds through ancient kingdoms, lush wildlife sanctuaries, and breathtaking tea plantations, offering a kaleidoscope of South Indian experiences.

Why Our Editors Love It

โ€œStart your journey early from Bengaluru, ideally before 6 AM, to beat the city traffic and enjoy cooler temperatures on the highway stretch.โ€

Puri to Konark: The Marine Drive
#3
9.62 Score
35 km
1-2 days

Puri to Konark: The Marine Drive

A breathtaking journey along the Bay of Bengal, connecting the spiritual heart of Puri to the architectural marvel of the Konark Sun Temple. This short but dense route offers pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and ancient history.

Why Our Editors Love It

โ€œStart your drive before 5:30 AM to catch the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal; the light hitting the casuarina trees is ethereal.โ€

Surat to Saputara: Gujarat's Hill Station Escape
#4
9.62 Score
160 km
2 days

Surat to Saputara: Gujarat's Hill Station Escape

A breathtaking journey from the shimmering diamond city of Surat to the mist-covered peaks of the Sahyadri range in Saputara. Experience tribal culture, cascading waterfalls, and dense teak forests.

Why Our Editors Love It

โ€œCheck your brake pads and tire pressure before starting the ascent, as the hairpin bends near Saputara can be demanding on your vehicle.โ€

Bangalore to Chikmagalur: Western Ghats Bliss
#5
9.38 Score
280 km
3-4 days

Bangalore to Chikmagalur: Western Ghats Bliss

A sensory journey from the silicon heart of India to the emerald slopes of the Western Ghats, where coffee blossoms perfume the air and ancient Hoysala temples stand as silent sentinels of time.

Why Our Editors Love It

โ€œStart your journey at 5:00 AM to beat the legendary Bangalore traffic at the Nelamangala toll gate; even a 30-minute delay can add an hour to your trip.โ€