Summer Road Trips in India – Scenic Routes to Take in 2025

Nothing beats the thrill of hitting the road with your favourite playlist, a car full of snacks, and an open itinerary. While everyone talks about Manali-Leh or Mumbai-Goa, let’s take a different route (literally). In 2025, skip the predictable and go for something refreshingly different. Here are some of the best summer road trips in India 2025, packed with unexpected surprises, budget-friendly stops, and unique experiences.

1. Pune to Diveagar – One of The Coastal Summer Road Trips to Experience

Most road trippers rush to Goa when they crave the sea, but Maharashtra’s Konkan coast has a hidden gem: Diveagar. The drive from Pune is about 170 km, making it one of the most budget-friendly summer road trips! You also get winding ghats, dense coconut groves, and a breath of salty air as you near the coast.

Why is it different?

• Instead of overcrowded beaches, you experience one of the best offbeat summer holiday destinations. This hidden summer vacation spot has quiet shores where you can spot dolphins if you’re lucky.
• Don’t miss the local food joints serving the freshest seafood thalis at a fraction of the price you’d pay in Mumbai.
• If you want a relaxing stay, book one of the villas near Diveagar for a peaceful break from city life.

2. Chennai to Kolli Hills – One of The Thrilling Summer Road Trips With 70 Hairpin Bends

Forget Ooty and Kodaikanal; Kolli Hills is where you test your driving skills. With exactly 70 hairpin bends, this Tamil Nadu route is not for the faint-hearted but promises an adrenaline rush like no other, making it one of the top road trip routes in India 2025.

Why is it different?

• Locals swear the curves here are more thrilling than the famous ones on the way to Ladakh.
• Visit the 2000-year-old Arapaleeswarar Temple, which has an unusual legend linking it to Lord Shiva.
• Unlike expensive hill stations, accommodation and food here are surprisingly cheap, making it one of the budget-friendly summer road trips. 

3. Ahmedabad to Kumbhalgarh – The Great Wall of India

Rajasthan in summer? Sounds crazy, right? But wait till you drive to Kumbhalgarh. Known for its massive fort wall (second only to the Great Wall of China), this trip is a history buff’s dream, making it one of the best summer destinations.

Why is it different?

• The fort is massive, but few people know that at night, it looks straight out of a medieval fantasy movie when illuminated. It could easily be a spot for summer vacations for families.
• The wildlife sanctuary nearby is home to leopards and wolves – something Rajasthan isn’t usually known for.
• Instead of overpriced resorts, stay in one of the stunning villas in Kumbhalgarh and experience royal Rajasthani hospitality at a fraction of the price.

4. Guwahati to Tawang – A Drive Through the Clouds and is One of the Best Summer Road Trips in India

The Northeast is full of surprises, and this one is a treat for mountain lovers. The 520 km journey from Guwahati to Tawang passes through dense forests, gushing waterfalls, and high-altitude passes that will make your jaw drop.

Why is it different?

• Unlike popular hill stations, you’ll find monasteries perched on cliffs, giving them an almost surreal appearance. Tawang is one of the best places to visit in summer as it is filled with pristine beauty to witness.
• Tawang is home to India’s largest monastery, yet it remains crowd-free compared to Ladakh’s Buddhist sites.
• This is one of the scenic road trips in India for summer that lets you experience genuine Tibetan culture without crossing the border.

5. Jaipur to Jaisalmer – Chase the Golden Sunset and Witness One of The Stunning Summer Destinations

While most tourists take flights, driving from Jaipur to Jaisalmer gives you an unmatched experience of Rajasthan’s changing landscape.

Why is it different?

• Stop at the haunted village of Kuldhara for some eerie tales before reaching the golden dunes.
• Ditch the fancy hotels and spend a night in one of StayVista’s serene villas in Jaisalmer, where you can stargaze in the clear desert sky.
• The camel safaris are fun, but quad biking on the dunes is the real thrill you didn’t know you needed.

6. Bangalore to Agumbe – The King Cobra Territory and One of the Best Summer Trips

While Coorg and Chikmagalur are everyone’s favourites, real adventurers head to Agumbe. This is where you get some of the heaviest rainfall in India and the thickest forests teeming with wildlife.

Why is it different?

• It’s one of the last remaining places in India where King Cobras roam freely (don’t worry, they won’t chase your car!).
• The sunsets here are legendary and were even featured in the iconic TV series Malgudi Days.
• You can stay in one of the villas in Agumbe, surrounded by forests, where fireflies light up the night sky.

7. Delhi to Munsiyari – The Secret Himalayan Getaway in India

Manali and Mussoorie are packed during summer, but if you want a real adventure, drive to Munsiyari. This hidden gem in Uttarakhand gives you snow-capped peaks even in May.

Why is it different?

• The drive takes you through little-known villages with amazing home-cooked food stops.
• You get an insane view of the Panchachuli peaks without battling crowds.
• Staying in a villa in Munsiyari costs less than a hotel in Shimla but gives you way better views.

8. Kolkata to Vizag – The Ultimate Coastal Drive

For those in East India, this 900 km road trip is a treat. Starting from Kolkata’s colonial charm and ending at Vizag’s pristine beaches, it’s an underrated route.

Why is it different?

• The drive takes you through Odisha’s unique black sand beaches.
• Unlike Goa, you’ll find unspoiled beaches where you can have an entire stretch to yourself.
• If you want something special, stay in a villa in Vizag right by the sea, without the hefty resort price tag.

Explore The Best Summer Road Trips with Scenic Routes

If you’re planning a road trip in 2025, think beyond the usual and make the best out of these summer road trips. From mountain passes to coastal highways, India has countless routes that remain unexplored. These top road trip routes in India 2025 promise adventure, delicious food, and plenty of budget-friendly stays. Whether you’re chasing sunsets in the desert, hugging the coastline, or winding through Himalayan roads, there’s something for every kind of traveller. So, fuel up, pick a playlist, and hit the road. Who knows? The best part of your trip might just be the unexpected detours along the way.

Also Read:
Summer Road Trips to Take in India Before the Monsoon Hits

Banner Image Credits: Utsav Verma via Flickr

Written By: Ruben Saha