Iconic Road Trips You Should Plan
There’s something uniquely freeing about the open road — the hum of the engine, windows down, a playlist rolling, and miles of adventure ahead. Iconic Road Trips You Should Plan Road trips aren’t just travel experiences; they’re soulful journeys packed with scenery, spontaneity, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re chasing coastal winds, mountain passes, or desert sunsets, some road trips are simply iconic — must-dos for every travel lover’s bucket list.
In this blog, we’ll take you through some of the most iconic road trips across India and the world — from high-altitude adventures to ocean-hugging highways. Iconic Road Trips You Should Plan We’ll also give you practical tips to help you plan the perfect road trip.
🛣️ Why Road Trips Are Worth the Hype
Before diving into routes, let’s understand why road trips hold such appeal:
- Freedom to Explore: You’re not tied to train schedules or airport timings.
- Hidden Gems: Road trips lead to offbeat towns, secret cafés, and scenic detours.
- Flexible Itinerary: Want to spend an extra day in a mountain village? No problem.
- Bonding Time: Whether solo or with company, road trips offer quality time with yourself or loved ones.
- Therapeutic Experience: Long drives and changing landscapes are often more calming than you expect.
🌍 Iconic Road Trips Around the World
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)
Route: San Francisco to Los Angeles
Distance: ~750 km
Why it’s iconic:
Cruising down the Highway 1 with the Pacific Ocean on one side and rugged cliffs on the other is a cinematic dream. Iconic Road Trips You Should Plan Stop at Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Barbara for some of the most photogenic spots in the US.
Best for: Beach lovers, photographers, and first-time US road trippers.
2. Great Ocean Road (Australia)
Route: Torquay to Allansford
Distance: ~250 km
Why it’s iconic:
This Australian coastal journey is famous for the Twelve Apostles, limestone cliffs, lush rainforests, and seaside towns. Don’t miss stops like Apollo Bay and the Otway Rainforest.
Best for: Scenic drives, nature lovers, and wildlife spotting.
3. Ring Road (Iceland)
Route: Full circle around Iceland
Distance: ~1,300 km
Why it’s iconic:
If glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and waterfalls thrill you, Iceland’s Ring Road delivers it all. Iconic Road Trips You Should Plan You’ll drive through otherworldly landscapes and spot the Northern Lights if you’re lucky.
Best for: Adventure seekers, solo travelers, and nature buffs.
4. Garden Route (South Africa)
Route: Mossel Bay to Storms River
Distance: ~300 km
Why it’s iconic:
This diverse journey includes beaches, forests, lagoons, and wildlife reserves. Perfect for those wanting a mix of coastal serenity and safari adventure.
Best for: Families, couples, and road-trippers with a taste for variety.
🇮🇳 Iconic Road Trips in India You Must Plan
1. Manali to Leh (Ladakh)
Distance: ~480 km
Best Time: June to September
Why it’s iconic:
This high-altitude drive through the Himalayas is a rite of passage for Indian travelers. You’ll witness mountain passes, barren landscapes, and Buddhist monasteries.
Highlights: Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Pang, Magnetic Hill
Caution: Prepare for altitude sickness, rough terrain, and unpredictable weather.
2. Mumbai to Goa
Distance: ~590 km
Best Time: October to March
Why it’s iconic:
A classic coastal route that takes you through scenic ghats, coconut groves, and vibrant Konkan towns. Iconic Road Trips You Should Plan A perfect blend of nature, culture, and cuisine.
Highlights: Chiplun, Ratnagiri, and quaint roadside eateries.
3. Chennai to Pondicherry via East Coast Road (ECR)
Distance: ~160 km
Best Time: November to February
Why it’s iconic:
A short but sweet ride hugging the Bay of Bengal. Stop for ancient temples, beachside cafés, and French colonial charm in Pondicherry.
Highlights: Mahabalipuram, Auroville, Serenity Beach
4. Jaipur to Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
Distance: ~560 km
Best Time: October to February
Why it’s iconic:
From royal palaces to the Thar Desert, this drive gives you a taste of Rajasthani culture, colors, and endless sand dunes.
Highlights: Jodhpur, Osian, Desert Safari in Jaisalmer
5. Bangalore to Ooty via Mysore
Distance: ~270 km
Best Time: October to June
Why it’s iconic:
From city buzz to serene hill station, this drive through Bandipur forests and winding hill roads is perfect for a weekend escape.
Highlights: Mysore Palace, Bandipur National Park, Ooty Tea Gardens
🚗 Road Trip Planning Tips
- Check Your Vehicle: Get a full service done — brakes, tyres, lights, fluids, etc.
- Carry the Essentials: First-aid kit, spare tyre, flashlight, power bank, printed maps.
- Download Offline Maps: Network issues are common in remote areas.
- Create a Playlist: Good music = Great mood.
- Don’t Overpack: Leave space for local souvenirs or items you pick up along the way.
- Keep Local Cash: Not every dhaba or toll booth accepts digital payments.
- Stay Flexible: Detours often lead to the best stories.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re driving through misty mountains, desert dunes, or coastal cliffs, iconic road trips are less about the destination and more about the journey. They offer time for reflection, freedom from routine, and a sense of adventure that no packaged holiday can match.
So fuel up, set your GPS (or not), and hit the road. Your next great story is waiting just a few kilometers away.