Best driving roads in India for car lovers: 8 routes worth the trip

By the TripRank team · 29 October 2026 · 7 min read

A great driving road is not about top speed. It is about flow: long sweeping bends, good visibility, a surface you can trust and scenery that makes you want to go slowly the second time. India has plenty of them. These eight are popular with enthusiasts, and each is best enjoyed at a calm, legal pace.

1. Tamhini and Mulshi ghats, Maharashtra

A favourite weekend run from Pune: green hills, lake views and flowing bends, best soon after the monsoon. Expect cyclists, bikers and slow trucks, so patience matters.

2. Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra

A scenic ghat road in the Western Ghats known for mist, waterfalls in the rainy season and rolling bends. Fog can cut visibility quickly, so slow down and use low beam.

3. Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu

Famous for its long series of hairpin bends climbing the hills. Hairpins reward early braking and a smooth, single steering input far more than speed. See our smooth driving guide.

4. Coorg and the Karnataka ghats

Coffee estates, cool air and winding roads around Madikeri make this a classic for relaxed touring. Watch for wet leaves and patches of damp tarmac in the shade.

5. The Konkan coastal road

Sea views, small villages and quiet stretches. It is a drive for people who like to stop often, so plan your fuel and food stops in advance.

6. Manali to Leh and the Himalayan passes

One of the most famous road trips in the country, crossing passes above 5,000 metres. Conditions change quickly: weather, altitude and road works all matter. Check the road status, carry spares and give yourself acclimatisation time.

7. Spiti Valley circuit

Remote, dramatic and demanding. This is an adventure drive that needs a well-prepared car, a flexible schedule and respect for narrow, exposed sections.

8. Open expressways such as Mumbai to Pune and Delhi to Agra

Not twisty, but smooth and well kept. They are good for studying consistency: holding a steady speed, planning overtakes and watching your fuel use. Always follow the posted limits.

How to enjoy these roads responsibly

• Respect speed limits and double lines. Public roads are not a circuit. If you want to push, book a track day.
• Check weather and road status before you leave, especially in the hills and in monsoon.
• Service the basics first: brakes, tyres, coolant and lights.
• Drive in daylight on unfamiliar mountain roads whenever you can.

Record the drive

A scenic route is worth keeping. TripRank records your route, distance and smoothness, so you can look back at the drive and share a recap. Battery and accuracy on long trips are covered in our GPS tracking guide, and the real-world mileage guide helps you plan fuel. Install TripRank free before your next road trip.