Travel: Go On A Scenic Road Trip To Ring In The New Year!

There’s something so postcard-pretty about miles of snow, majestic views of the mountains or even the wide expanse of sandy desserts, that you can drive surrounded by the winter chill. In fact, that’s just what is on the agenda for many this year end, who would rather trip the night away under the stars than in a discotheque. If you are looking to make that quick road trip, too, here’s where you can head. We got travel lovers to share a peek into their fave road trips...

6 Road Trips Across India

1. Road Trip From Kolkata To Darjeeling

One of the most charming road trips to embark on is from Kolkata to Darjeeling. Dareer Malik, lawyer by profession and adventurer has done the route a few times and loves it. He says, “The road trip from Kolkata to Darjeeling is a must as the roads are nice and scenic and the distance is manageable. It takes roughly 13-14 hours with breaks and is around 620 kms from Kolkata. You'll cross mesmerizing views of the tea gardens, mountains and valleys to reach the place which is also called the Queen of The Hills. There are parts of the road trip when people can literally feel like they are travelling in a cloud! The mall and vibrant crowd of Darjeeling also sets the right vibe for NYE. Overall, it's an amazing experience that everyone should experience once in their lives.”

2. Chandigarh To Spiti Valley via PEO

Little compares to the beauty of Spiti, especially at this time when it turns into a white wonderland. Kevin Harding, travel consultant, shares more on its terrain and his experience there. He says, “The journey from Chandigarh to Spiti Valley via Peo is a winter adventure unlike any other. Covering approximately 500 km, this route is a gateway to one of the most isolated yet awe-inspiring regions of India. The drive passes through Shimla, Narkanda, Rampur, and PEO, offering an exhilarating experience as you traverse winding roads and rugged terrain that overlooks pristine valleys. Winter transforms Spiti into a snow-laden wonderland, making it the perfect destination for thrill-seekers. The extreme cold, often plummeting to -20°C, coupled with icy roads and frozen rivers, demands endurance and a sense of adventure. Must sees here include the Key Monastery on a hilltop, and the ancient Tabo Monastery covered in snow. Also, crossing frozen streams and witnessing a glistening, ice-covered Chandratal Lake is an unforgettable experience. The route via PEO also introduces you to local life in remote Himalayan villages like Nako and Kaza, where residents endure harsh winters with inspiring resilience.

3. The White Rann of Kutch That Glows Under The Moonlight

The White Rann of Kutch is not just a destination, believes Delhi resident Niharika Arora. She loves the road trip to this place and says, “It’s an experience that leaves you in awe every single time. I’ve been lucky enough to visit this salt desert twice, and both times, I returned with a heart full of memories. Nestled in the Greater Rann of Kutch, this salt desert truly feels like a natural wonder of the world.” Niharika adds, “Exploring the White Rann during the full moon is an absolute must. The salt desert glows under the moonlight, creating a surreal landscape that feels otherworldly. And while the White Rann is the showstopper, the Little Rann of Kutch is no less fascinating. During my stay, I had the privilege of being at a tent city just 5 minutes away from the White Rann and it was nothing short of luxurious.”
The region has a lot of beauty and tradition and she says, “My journey didn’t stop there. I visited Kala Dungar (Black Hill), where you can see the India Bridge—the last accessible point before the Pakistan border. The panoramic views of the endless white desert from Kala Dungar are simply breathtaking. I also explored Gandhi Ni Gam (Ludiya), a charming village known for its traditional Bhunga houses, offering a glimpse into the authentic lifestyle of Kutch. If you’re planning to visit, don’t miss the Rann Utsav.”

4. Culture, Colour And Fun On A Trip to Jaisalmer

A road trip to Rajasthan, specifically Jaisalmer, was an unforgettable experience for businessman and gearhead Atique Memon. He says, "We started from Mumbai to Mehsana, roughly 600 kms and then made an overnight halt; Jaisalmer is 450 approximately kms after that.” There was a lot to see here as he describes, “Visiting the Golden Fort which is a majestic fort made of yellow sandstone to Patwon Ki Haveli, a stunning example of Rajasthani architecture to shopping for beautiful silver anklets and camel skin blankets outside the Haveli, it was all so interesting. You must head to Gadi Sagar, a serene lake with beautiful temples and mangroves. The Sam Sand Dunes is a must-visit to experience the thrill of camel safaris in the vast Thar desert. You get to watch the sunset over the dunes and camp under the stars, immersing yourselves in Rajasthani culture with the traditional music , dance and cuisine. I got an opportunity to pay homage to the Tanot Mata Mandir in Jaisalmer, close to the Indo-Pak border. It was overall a blissful experience.” He adds, “Our next stop on our road trip to Rajasthan was Ranthambore.. I still can't get over the feeling of driving while watching beautiful mustard fields on the opposite side throughout the trip; so scenic! Ranthambore is a must visit for anyone who loves animals and the serenity of nature, like me.”

5. Catching The Sunrise At Ganpatipule

Avid biker Vinay Maurya makes a suggestion. “If you’re planning a New Year’s road trip, ditch the crowded highways and take the scenic inroads along Maharashtra’s Konkan coastline — trust me, it’s worth it.” He shares how to get there, “Start from Mumbai and let the journey lead you through emerald green jungles, quiet villages, and stretches of road where it’s just you, your bike, and the open sky Stop and camp for a night at Dapoli, a peaceful coastal town, before heading towards Dabhol for a short but memorable ferry ride. From there, the road transforms into a thrilling jungle stretch, with every turn offering a postcard-perfect view.” The highlight? “Pitching a tent atop the cliffs near Aare Ware Beach, after crossing Ganpatipule, where the sunrise paints the endless ocean in hues you won’t forget. And honestly, I don’t think there’s a better ocean view anywhere in India — it’s that spectacular. It’s raw, it’s thrilling, and every moment feels like it belongs in a travel diary. If you want beauty, adventure, and a break from the ordinary — this route delivers it all,” he adds.

6. On A Vineyard Trail In Nashik

Mumbai-based couple Nikita Gogri and Kamal Savla have a serendipitous escape plan - unveiling Mumbai-Nashik's hidden roads. Talking about when they did this, Nikita says, “This road trip was more than just a journey; it had been a transformative experience that had invigorated our senses, soothed our souls, and created memories that would last a lifetime. Nashik's hidden treasures had revealed themselves to us, leaving us forever grateful for the beauty and wonder that this region holds.” She adds, “As we veered off the main highway and onto a smaller, hidden trail, the road made way to the gentle sounds of nature. It was like we were enveloped in a verdant embrace, surrounded by mountains, trees and ponds. The route meandered through small villages and we felt a deeper connection to the natural world. The worries and stresses of everyday life seemed to melt away, replaced by a sense of peace and tranquility. As we emerged from the trail, we felt refreshed and rejuvenated. The hidden paths of the countryside had provided us with a sanctuary, a place to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the beauty of nature. It’s perfect as you bid goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one.”