10 Epic Road Trips In India This Winter 2025

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Manali–Leh (Ladakh)

A legendary Himalayan route with dramatic passes and valleys. Winter access is limited, but when open, it offers crisp skies and stark landscapes—best for seasoned drivers with proper acclimatisation.

Manali–Leh highway | ronnie_and_barty/instagram

Srinagar–Gulmarg (Kashmir)

A short yet stunning winter drive past orchards, frozen streams and snow-covered meadows. Ideal for those heading to Gulmarg’s ski slopes—carry chains and monitor daily weather.

Srinagar–Gulmarg highway | adventurous_kashmir/instagram

Shimla–Kaza (Spiti Valley)

A striking route of high-altitude villages and monasteries. Winter brings isolation, icy roads and limited access, making preparation essential and travel best with an experienced local driver.

Along the Shimla–Kaza highway | favorite.trip/instagram

Mumbai–Goa (Konkan Coast)

A popular coastal drive with breezy beaches, forts and lush countryside. Winter offers clear skies, smooth roads and pleasant temperatures ideal for relaxed, scenic self-drives.

Road in Goa | indiatravellife/instagram

Bengaluru–Ooty (Nilgiris)

A misty ascent through tea gardens and forested ghats. Winter mornings are cool and crisp, perfect for leisurely driving, hill-station stays and quiet nature walks.

Road along Bengaluru–Ooty | traveltaleswithlisha/instagram

Bhuj–White Rann (Kutch)

A mesmerising drive across salt deserts, wetlands and artisan villages. Winter’s clear skies and Rann Utsav festivities make this route particularly atmospheric and photogenic.

Biker at Bhuj–White Rann | _mystery_soul_traveller_/instagram

Shillong–Cherrapunji–Dawki (Meghalaya)

A lush circuit of waterfalls, caves, cliffs and crystal-clear rivers. Winter brings drier conditions, making viewpoints, living-root bridges and scenic forest drives comfortably accessible.

Camping at the Dawki River in Meghalaya | Shutterstock

Delhi–Auli (via Rishikesh / Devprayag)

A long but rewarding drive through river valleys to snow-laden slopes. Winter ensures crisp mountain air, good visibility and easy access to Auli’s skiing and serene views.

Snow in Auli, Joshimath | wehimalayas/instagram

Darjeeling–Gangtok–Lachung (Sikkim Himalayas)

A varied Himalayan route with tea gardens, monasteries and high villages. Winter provides clearer skies and calm mornings, ideal for photography and quiet mountain exploration.

Loop Bridge, Darjeeling | darjeelingtips/instagram

Kanyakumari–Pondicherry–Chennai (Tamil Nadu Coast)

A gentle coastal drive past temples, fishing villages and beaches. Winter’s mild weather, calm seas and heritage stops create a relaxed, culture-rich journey.

End point of the Indian mainland (Arichal Munai), where Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet | fredingivo/instagram

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Friends on a new adventure, mapping out the next journey together | Shutterstock
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