Adventurous individuals craves for long drives and has a burning passion for roads. To them the journey matters more than the destination. They find their nirvana in Snow covered roads, rugged terrains, highways lined by forests and sand swept routes. If you have that reckless soul, just bid adieu to all your earthly worries, rev up your bike and take the road. And these roads in India will definitely mesmerize you in every possible way.
1. NH 3, Leh-Manali Highway
The Leh-Manali highway is marked by stretches of barren land, road covered with snow and flanked by magnificent mountains. This highway runs at an average elevation of about 13,000 ft, and connects three beautiful locations – Manali, Zanskar valley and Lahaul and Spiti valley. Breathtaking visuals of this stretch will steal your heart away.
2. NH 114 and NH 15, Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
The breathtaking journey along this road will make you experience miles and miles of golden desert sand surrounding you everywhere. You will also have the opportunity to witness several spectacular tourist destinations on the course of this trail.
3. Koli Mallai Ghat Road, Bangalore to Koli hills
The stretch from Bangalore to the Koli hills is a grand treat to drive on. From here get ready to experience the ultimate thrill. A stretch of about 15 km, is marked by 70 continuous sharp bends, which makes it an extremely dangerous way. Rightly known as “the mountain of death”, this place has numerous mythological associations . You can also enjoy the wild beauty of dense, green tropical forests.
4. Old Silk Route, Kalimpong to Zuluk
This famed historic road is the oldest trade route of South Asia. The enchanting beauty of the surroundings will make you travel back in the ancient times.
5. NH 1D, Srinagar to Leh
You need to travel on this road if you want to experience the beauty of treacherous terrains. This landscape is aptly called ‘the Indian Grand Canyon’ due to its rugged appearance.
6. NH 22-Hindustan Tibet Road, Ambala to Khab
This stretch has earned a place in History channel’s “IRT Deadliest Roads”,. The sudden appearance of dangerous bends will make your heartbeats stop but it’s totally worthy of everything.
7. Rann of Kutch
This endless sweep of salt desert, is definitely a must-visit for all bike aficionados. This region is marked by places like Dholavira, one of the sites of the Harappan civilization. Give it a shot for a fast and furious brake free cruise along this barren landscape.
8. NH4, Mumbai-Pune Expressway
This six-lane expressway will enthrall you with all its beauty . Tearing through the beautiful Sahyadri ranges, this breathtaking route is scenic at its best. Experience the different sounds while driving through the long tunnels which will make you feel like talking to the winds.
The long drive routes depicted here are very popular among fun finders. Among them Srinagar to Leh and Leh to Manali routes are best from my point of view. The shadow of the Great Himalayas shivers you. The snow covered roads mesmerize you the feelings of polar region. The hill station at Manali quenches your thirst of traveling in every possible way. The pleasure of long drive is not known to all. This kind of choice is really seen in free minded folks who give utmost priority to enjoyment throughout their lives.