Travelling in India is a fascinating experience. Exploring the diversity of India through majestic mountain ranges, lush green plains, and golden sands of beaches can work like therapy; in fact, the best way to escape the hustle of city life and unwind. And what better way to explore our beautiful country than hitting the roads! Road trips are ideal to explore the unknown. It allows you to customise your itinerary however you want and have the freedom to visit places you want to. Here is a list of best road trips in India that you should take to take a break from your monotonous life and quench your thirst for travel.
Picture Source: Google
Delhi to Manali
There’s nothing better than taking road trips from Delhi. The breathtaking views and the adrenaline rush of driving away from the crowded highways from Delhi to the mountainous roads in Manali. A Delhi-Manali road trip has lots to offer – there is nothing better than driving through winding mountainous roads and picturesque valleys with the sound of a hustling river. After a long, scenic drive, make sure you stay over at SaffronStays The Amlyn, Manali offering a complete view of the Himalayan range and river Beas or at SaffronStays Kesar Villa, Manali, surrounded by fruit orchards & flora. After a long road trip, you can wipe away your exhaustion in the hot tub of this stunning homestay. At night, you can also enjoy great food by the bonfire.
Chandigarh to Shimla to Kasauli
If you have an ever-wandering mind that needs to plunge into the unknown, you should undoubtedly take a road trip through the Chandigarh-Shimla-Kasauli route. It’s a journey quite breathtaking, starting from the base of the Himalayas through the mountain roads to the town of Kasauli. If there’s one thing you will never run out of in the hills, it is the incredible views. The divine natural beauty in every nook and corner here is truly awe-inspiring. While you travel incessantly, make sure you call it a day at SaffronStays Hardy’s Hideaway, Shimla. This home will give you access to the beauty of local delicacies and a chance to experience the mountains for what they are, i.e. calm and peaceful. You can also spend some time meditating in a special meditation room at this home.
Delhi to Mussoorie
A holiday in the hills is incomplete without visiting Mussoorie. A road trip from Delhi to this hill town is one of the best vacation places in India to enjoy a relaxed holiday while discovering the splendours of nature, culture and religion. This hill station also has abundant adventure activities you can make the most of on your visit. However, if you want to unwind in luxurious surroundings, we recommend booking a private villa like SaffronStays Maison Calme, Mussoorie, amidst the magnificent mountains is a perfect choice. This 2-bedroom home surrounded by natural beauty and gorgeous landscapes will see you leaving with a refreshed mind and body. Every time you dream of a mountain getaway from Delhi, this is one home you will want to come back to.
Delhi to Nainital to Bhimtal
If you’re in North India, a trip to Nainital and Bhimtal cannot be missed! With jaw-dropping valleys, snow-capped hills, lakeside treks and adventure sports to indulge in, a trip here will definitely steal your heart. Plan your exciting itinerary and make the best of your vacation as you head to some gorgeous cottages and homestays amidst nature. Our top pick in the famous hill station of India would be SaffronStays Fourest: a set of 8 pet-friendly cottages with lush greenery around, perfect for couples, small families and large groups. Enjoy a walk under the starlit sky, huddle up over a bonfire or cosy up with your partner in the bedrooms – there’s something that caters to every need!
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There’s no right time to visit Goa. If it is summers, you enjoy its beaches and pools to the max. If it is monsoon time, the quaint South Goa lanes, the charming cafes and the churches greet you with never-witnessed-before views. During winters, we all know the drill. Hang out at the best nightclubs, enjoying the nip in the air and getting that quintessential tan as we gorge on lip-smacking seafood delicacies. But how about taking a road trip to Goa? Moreover, how about enriching your experience along the way and having a wholesome trip with these private villas as pitstops?
We’ve charted out an exciting route for you where you not only reach your favourite Goan town but witness the many charms of Kashid and Konkan along the way. From turtle spotting to taking a walk on some untouched, white sandy beaches and visiting places of historical significance on the way- there’s a lot at hand!
(PS: Save yourself some time and energy as you drive from your home to Mandwa jetty in a RoRo. As you park your car (and yourself), capture the seagulls on your phone and take in the cool breeze and the gehraaiyaan of the deep blue sea. Once you reach Mandwa jetty, here are a few places you and your group can stay at!)
If you’re travelling in a large group, it’s the perfect place for you. A 6-bedroom pet-friendly pool villa in Alibaug, you have direct and secluded access to Akshi beach. Embracing nature to its fullest, this breezy-through-the-day villa will have you and your group discussing the home for years to come. Be its interiors with Parsi and colonial-style furniture mixed with modern furnishings, the old-world architecture and vintage vibes, the unassuming library with a curated collection of must-reads or the hospitable caretakers who whip up a storm in the kitchen with authentic Maharashtrian-style meals…
Opt for exciting water sport activities and horse cart rides on Akshi beach. If you love interacting with the locals, slide in your flip-flops and walk around Akshi village ‘Koliwada’. Pick up tasty biscuits from the famous Mayur Bakery, and visit the Hanuman, Ganpati or Saibaba Temple, the dargah, all 15 mins from the home. Savour the taste and spice of Alibaug-style meals as you buy the homemade papads and pickles from the Konkan market (8 kms). Like visiting historical sites? Visit the Angre Fort (8 kms), where one of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s admirals once lived.
If you’re looking for ghar ka pyaar, this home embodies the spirit in the truest sense. This one’s a 4-bedroom pet-friendly villa situated only 5 mins from the Kashid beach. Every piece of decor and antique in the home has a story to tell. A well-manicured lawn, original Tanjore paintings and a temple makes it a typical Kerala-style home. A loft-style library, a balcony from where you can enjoy a masala chai and the lawns where your pet can freely run make this home comforting. Relish authentic home-cooked Konkani meals prepared by our in-house chef.
Explorers and adventure lovers can try out the various water sports activities at the Kashid beach (5 mins) or visit the Korlai beach and fort (20 mins). Drive down to Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary (30 mins), which was created to preserve the coastal woodland ecosystems of the Western Ghats.
Right opposite Sanskriti is its padosi, SaffronStays La Casa Maestro, a 4-bedroom spacious villa. Featured by Condé Nast Traveller as one of ‘India’s 50 Best Villas’, its structure is inspired by the homeowner’s stay in Argentina and Spain. Located along the sunny coasts of Kashid, this contemporary home is designed in a contemporary Spanish style dominated by arches and breezy terraces. Dive into the terrace plunge pool from where you can also witness the stunning mountain views and during absolute quiet, hear the soft sounds of the waves from Kashid beach. Walk barefoot on the open, lush green lawns surrounded by Coconut, Chikoo and Mango plantations. This private villa with WiFi is also ideal for a workation near Mumbai. Pramila, the in-home cook rustles up lip-smacking Malvani and Alibaug-style dishes, suited to your taste.
Want to step out for a bit? Visit the pristine Kashid Beach 5-minutes from the home and enjoy adventure sports including Parasailing, Banana Rides, Jet Skiing and Horse Riding.
Get a whiff of the beaches even before you reach Goa at this 4-bedroom private pool villa in the quaint town of Murud. As you drive through the gate, there’s a huge lawn with a gazebo on your left that’s perfect to unwind at the end of a long day. On the right is the main entrance with a patio. The home has a large swimming pool along with a kids’ pool, too. The star attraction of this home, however, is the terrace from where you can catch sunrises AND sunsets. Be it an after-dinner session of nostalgic chitter-chatter or a starry night, this spot is just perfect!
Relish finger-lickin’ good Alibaug-style home-fresh meals (especially seafood) prepared by our in-home chef. If you’re in for an authentic food experience, there is a traditional chulha in the outdoor kitchen.
Try out some adrenaline-rushing water sports at Murud Beach, which is 10 mins from the home. Do all-things-touristy and explore the beautiful town of Agardanda (10 mins), or catch a ferry and visit Dighi Port or Janjira Fort (10 mins). You can opt for an early morning trek to the jungle that surrounds the home (the caretaker or a local trek guide can assist you with the same). Among the local gems of Murud is the Sawatkada Waterfall (5 min), which is a sight to behold.
Located on a hilltop with 180-degree views of the valley in the middle of a forest, this is a 2-bedroom homestay in Raigad. With an in-house kitchen garden serving seasonal produce and freshly plucked vegetables, With an in-house kitchen garden serving seasonal produce and freshly plucked vegetables, experience culinary delights and feast on scrumptious cuisines including Goan, South Indian, Middle-Eastern and Southeast Asian prepared by the homeowner! Surrounded by a 5-acre organic mango plantation, sit on the balcony as you sip chai and enjoy the euphonious melodies of nature, lush green views and open skies. You may also spot some interesting wildlife; which are harmless unless disturbed. Truly disconnect in this home ideal for nature lovers, couples and small families. The home owners who live on the site have stories to share – catch up on heartfelt one-on-one with them. The closest place to visit around the corner is the Bhimadevi Temple, which is 100m from the home.
Named after Dapoli’s exotic native flowers, this is a set of 5 sea-facing cottages – Jaswanti, Bakul & Aboli, Shevanti & Sugandhi. Standing on the edge of the cliff, it overlooks an endless expanse of water that stretches in three directions. Dreamy, ideal for couples, small families and families with pets, its rustic feel perfectly blends with its surroundings, amenities and traditional decor. At this home, it is the small things that matter – for instance, a man-made lake constructed by the homeowner, a landscaped garden peppered with native flowers, and a high-speed WiFi, making it ideal for a workation with mesmerising views. Dig into scrumptious Konkani cuisine on the terrace-cum-dining area that offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. We recommend trying out the home-cooked meals prepared using locally sourced fresh ingredients like Kalya Vatanyachi Usal, Baingan bharta, Malvani fish, Mutton and Crab curries and Fish Fry.
While here, you may spot black Pariah Kites that zoom past or hear the distant cries at the Harnai fishing port. You’ll be tempted to visit the Suvarnadurg Sea Fort (15 mins). The home is located near Palande, a white sand beach (4.5 km), Harnai beach (1.9 km) and Anjarle Beach (10.8 km). The 12th century Kadyawarcha Ganpati (cliff temple) in Anjarle is about 14 kms from here. The turtle breeding centre at Velas is 49 km from the home. During the season, one can also take a boat trip to see the dolphins.
We love the fast paced life of the metro cities. From high-end fashion stores to street shopping, from five star hotels to the pani-puri stall, from watching movies at PVR to munching popcorn at single screen theatres. We love the edgy, competitive and never-halting spirit of the metro cities. But every once in a while, we need a break from the dusty, noisy, and crowded metros and get away from the Shor in The City.
So, in a mood to trade the frenzied city for a peaceful space for a couple of days? Fret not. We’ve got you covered. Gaze at the stars shining brightly in the clear sky or lounge in the jacuzzi or plunge in the pool or challenge your friends to board games or go for a nature walk. The world is your oyster.
Here are the private villas just a few hours away from the hubbub of the city!
Getaways Near Mumbai
SaffronStays Casa Blanca, Karjat
A house adorned with beautiful murals and frescos, it boasts of 4 cosy bedrooms, a dance floor accompanied by a DJ console and speakers, a poker table, a small TT table for kids, Wi-Fi and a mini library with board games. A modern, luxurious villa with a cricket ground, a pool and organic farms, SaffronStays Casa Blanca, is the ideal place to unwind.
Total (Including GST): INR 33040 for Minimum 8 Guests!
SaffronStays RiverRock, Panvel
Overlooking the bubbling river, SaffronStays RiverRock is just a couple of hours away from the heart of Mumbai. Take a dip in the outdoor Jacuzzi or trail along a hike or go fishing in the river. A 2 bedroom, pet-friendly homestay with a private outdoor jacuzzi and earthy vibes, it is the perfect escape home for you and your furry little friend.
Total (Including GST): INR 7080 for Minimum 2 Guests!
Getaways Near Delhi
SaffronStays Tridiva, Gwaldham
Perched on the hilltop overlooking the Nandadevi range, SaffronStays Tridiva, with its stone fireplace, warm and colourful interiors and breathtaking views, is the perfect spot for rejuvenation. Look at the glistening peaks of the snow-clad Himalayas as you enjoy a cup of piping hot tea. Experience the impeccable Garhwal hospitality as you are busy gorging on Pahadi delicacies.
Total (Including GST): INR 8260 for Minimum 2 Guests!
SaffronStays Jaipura Garh, Jaipur
A 6-bedroom haveli, who’s every wall, every corner, and every artefact, has a tale to tell, SaffronStays Jaipura Garh offers a quaint and rich home stay. This heritage haveli brings the authentic rich and diverse Rajasthani culture under one roof. Experience the royal treatment as you treat yourselves to fascinating anecdotes of history and gob-smackingly delicious food.
Total (Including GST): INR 5310 for Minimum 2 Guests!
Getaways Near Bangalore
SaffronStays Kurinji Estate, Kodaikanal
SaffronStays Kurinji Estate, a picturesque stone cottage built in traditional Thanjavur style, surrounded by lush greenery, landscaped gardens and a pond, exudes a charming aura reminiscent of a simpler era. Unwind and enjoy your stay with scrumptious meals and finest Tamil hospitality at this idyllic retreat.
Total (Including GST): INR 5310 for Minimum 2 Guests!
SaffronStays Milton Abbott, Ooty
Built in 1865, SaffronStays Milton Abbott emanates the old world charm where you can experience a true heritage stay. Surrounded by charming ambience it is perfect for estate walks or morning treks to the Ooty Golf Course or cozying up in front of the fireplace. Savour the regal charm of this heritage stay as you dine on authentic Sri Lankan/Tamil cuisine.
Total (Including GST): INR 6490 for Minimum 2 Guests
Remembering those sweet memories and with a wide-eyed kid’s perception, the man of the house appeared as a big strapping man off to conquer the world. In a way, he was conquering the world, for YOU; to make you the happiest and luckiest child in the world. Dad. Papa. Daddy. Baba. Pops. He was there, every step of the way, right from your first crawl to your first doddering steps to you running at full speed.
It is often said, that a child needs the mother the most. But what is equally true, is that a child wants his father the most. He is the tallest guy with his head held high when you are graduating, when you earn your first salary and when you are building a family of your own. A man of few words, his actions speak ten times louder than words.
So today, on Father’s Day, let’s take a trip down the memory lane to reminisce about those sweet memories of our childhood, where the bond between the father and the child only grew stronger with time.
Every night, without fail, before you went to sleep, he checked your room for monsters and ghosts. He made sure that there was no one hiding under your bed or hiding in the cupboard waiting to startle you in the middle of the night. Your father was the all-powerful monster-hunter ready to wield his imaginary weapon to shield you from from the imaginary monsters and ghosts. Hail, Daddy!
The First Sixer
Having the time of your life
Source: Pinterest
Now that you are grown up, you can wield the bat like a pro but it was your father who taught you how to hold it properly. It was he, who threw the ball countless times so you could at least manage to touch the ball with your plastic bat. It was with that plastic bat, that you him for a four! And then a six! With his bottomless patience and love for you, was how he taught you to play and enjoy.
The first bicycle ride
Learning to fly
Source: Huffington Post
When you graduated from a bicycle with training wheels to one without them, it was your father’s firm and patient hands guiding you to stay upright. Even when you requested him to not to leave the handle, he let you go so that you could learn do it independently. But he was right there next to you when you fell off the bicycle, encouraging you to get back on. And boy! did you fly like the wind.
One of the big accomplishments, is to drive a car. And he was the teacher who taught you the brake from the accelerator. He was the one to make you understand the purpose of different gears. Even when you were afraid of banging the car, it was his faith in you that helped you learn and manage the drive of your life. And you earning your driver’s license was all the vindication he needed.
The First Beer
The first validation you got that you were an adult was when your father gave you your first alcoholic drink. With that first drop of booze you felt extremely proud at being treated like an adult. Helping you to become the person that you are today, he was ready to let you spread your wings.
On this Father’s Day, why don’t you take the time out of your busy schedule and look back at those happy memories with your father and do something special for him?
So, do you have any memories with your father that you would like to share?
The feature image was sourced from Just a little simpleton.
Do you get a panic attack when your ear phone refrains to play music while travelling in buses or trains? We think yes. Ever thought of driving down the road without music? We think no; Because driving in complete silence gives us a flat tire! And just so your car engines keep purring, music is the best companion you can ever find for travel. It is either the journey that inspires your playlist or the music that encourages you to take the long route. Don’t let your journey be the one without a soundtrack; Be it a road trip, airways or train! But which songs would make the perfect playlist for your next expedition? Here’s a compilation to your rescue.
#01. Khaabon Ke Parindey, Zindagi Na Milegi Doobara
#02. Tanha Dil, Shaan
#03. Maeri, Euphoria
#04. Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai, Lucky Ali
#05. Pehla Nasha, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar
#06. Woh Lamhe, Zeher
#07. Hum Kis Gali Jaa Rahe Hai, Atif Aslam
#08. Illahi, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
#09. Jane Kya Dhoondta Hai Yeh Mera Dil, Sur
#10. Toh Zinda Ho Tum, Zindagi Na Milegi Doobara
#11. Phir Se Ud Chala, Rockstar
#12. Hairat, Anjana Anjaani
#13. Hai Junoon, New York
#14. Roobaro, Rang De Basanti
And you thought we forgot THE song which was a trend setter for road trips among youth? Noway! We saved the best for the last.
#15. DIL CHAHTA HAI
So grab your keys, call up your favorite travel buddies, roll down the windows and set on a musical road trip! Also, don’t forget to mention in the comments below your favorite journey song!
About the Author: Keenjal Patel, a reader at mind, a writer at heart, a believer at soul and an achiever overall, is what she want to be. She loves to express through words. She’s a firm believer that imagination rules the world and the day this world absorbs the essence of her words, that would be a day of pride for her!
What if, after a ten hour intense journey through the ‘world’s worst road’, your driver turns around and tells you, “We may be a little lost as it is my first time here. I suggest we halt. We’re very close to running out of fuel too. So we may as well try to call someone and arrange for both fuel and accurate directions”
That’s exactly what thirteen of us co-travellers heard on Day 1 whilst en route to Spiti.
The back story:
We’d departed from Manali earlier that morning in a Tempo Traveller with destination Kaza (in Spiti) on our mind. For anyone who’s familiar with the route, the road from Manali via the Rohtang and Kunzum Pass is not called the ‘worst road’ without reason; especially if you have the privilege of being seated right above the rear two wheels of the vehicle; and definitely more so if you have a driver who’s driving skills demand more than a fleeting mention.
Rock, Stone, Gravel – all along the world’s worst road. Photo by Elita
Now what?
Visualize the look on our faces moments after he (our driver i.e.) revealed to us the situation we were in.
It was close to 5 PM with no human life (or any life for that matter) in sight. The sky was blue with tufts of white clouds adorning it. The road was nothing but a dusty pathway. On the one side of the road there was a river. And on the other side of the river seemed a relatively populous village (read: human settlement that seemed to be comprised of about 50 houses from afar).
Stepping out of the vehicle tired, weary and hungry from the arduous journey we found that our driver seemed to have disappeared momentarily after his solemn announcement. Probably to locate some help is this barren deserted place, we reasoned amongst ourselves. With no mobile connectivity on our phones some of us decided to be brave and venture around in the hope of finding someone who could be of some help.
After a couple of minutes the driver did return letting us know that he had managed to establish contact with someone he knew and that fuel had been arranged for. We used his phone, as it was the only one that had connectivity, to reach out to our contact in Kaza (who also then assured us that she was on her way).
Lost – Kaza’s on the other side. Photo by Elita
Light ‘before’ the end of the tunnel…
While we were assured of both, fuel and directions, we were still a bunch of hungry travellers. Amongst the brave who’d ventured out knocking every padlocked door, someone struck gold. In a seemingly deserted village there happened to be a home that welcomed a bunch of thirteen strangers. It seemed unlike anything I’d personally experienced before but there we were being warmly ushered in by this man who could only be heard saying, “Aap toh humare mehmaan ho. Aur mehmaan to devta sammaan hote hain.
“Guests are godlike and so I have the honour of welcoming god into my abode…”
Little did he realize that he was our godsend.
The house was quaint and warm; a sharp contrast to the crisp wind that blew outside. Besides our host who had busied himself into preparing some chai (also known as ‘tea’) for us was a little kid – probably his grandson who kept stealing glances at us from the hinges along the door.
Before we knew it there was hot piping tea for all of us along with a lot of ‘sattu’ for us to eat (that we would soon learn was more than just an acquired taste). We’d spent a good half an hour to forty-five minutes inside sipping our chai and uncramping our bones from the journey before we received a call that both fuel and our directions to Kaza had arrived and we could finally begin to make our way for the destination we’d set out for earlier that day.
To open your home to a group of completely unknown people so wholeheartedly and unassumingly, to provide them with whatever you have no matter how little and to wish them well as they departed without the slightest hint of any expectation but goodwill is reminiscent of a part of India I miss experiencing in the cities.
Spiti is home to some of the kindest, most hospitable locals. Photo by Kartik Mahajan
About the author: Elita is Nondescript. Nonchalant. Observer. Witty. Sarcastic. Skinny. Nomadic Thunker. Square Peg. Sporadic Blogger. Solo Traveller. Blogs at nomadicthunker.blogspot.in; skinnygenus.blogspot.com. Tweets @ellelogical.
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