Road trips are among the best ways to spend quality time with loved ones. What makes them special is the journey, which takes one through varied landscapes. India is home to stunning hills, huge deserts and beautiful green covers. What’s more, entire South India is home to some routes that are the epitome of beauty. So, plan a journey down these amazing routes, and be prepared to be blown away! By Anushka Goel
Stunning routes in South India for those who love road trips
Chennai to Yercaud
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The journey takes one from the coastal city of Chennai to the Shevaroy Hills in Tamil Nadu, where the stunning, quaint town is. A budget road trip, this journey takes one through landscapes and weather changes, as one leaves the humidity behind for some sweet, pleasant air. The journey also takes one through the Ghat road, which has 20 hairpin bends to appease the adventure lovers!
Distance: 347 kilometres
Kochi to Alleppey
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The stunning route takes about an hour or hour and a half and connects Kochi to Alleppey, or Allapuzha. Alleppey is known for its beautiful backwaters and a calm, serene vibe with lush greenery, and the roads connecting Kochi to the place are also full of green cover, making this short journey a stunning one.
Distance: 53 kilometres
Kochi-Ponmudi Hills
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One of the most stunning routes in South India, the Kochi-Ponmudi Hills road takes one through stunning forests and beautiful hills. Ponmudi Hills themselves are known for their deer park, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuary and more such sites, and make for a great road trip from Kochi.
Distance: 230 kilometres
Pamban Bridge
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The short stretch that connects Mandapam on mainland India to Rameswaram is built atop the sea. The scenic drive takes one on a journey that’s covered by water on both sides, making for some breathtaking views. What’s more, the train journey on Pamban Bridge is among the most dangerous but makes up for it with its stunning visuals!
Distance: 13.5 kilometres
Bengaluru to Ooty
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This road trip from Bengaluru to the Queen of Hills, Ooty, is popular among college students and youngsters living in the city. This stunning South India route takes one through winding roads, beautiful forests, and the beautiful Mysore (Mysuru), which is a great place to stop and explore some local sites. Ooty awaits the visitors with rolling hills, lush greenery, forests, resorts, and more.
Distance: 265 kilometres
Mangalore to Goa
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The journey from Mangalore to Goa should be on your bucket list, especially if you love the beaches. The trip lets you soak in the beautiful waters of the Arabian Sea, where you can stop en route and spend some time before you head to the vacation destination of Goa. Take a short detour to Gokarna for its quieter beaches, explore local cuisine as you drive through before you hit the sands of Goa and spend some time there.
Distance: 345 kilometres
Kochi to Kanyakumari
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Yet another journey for the sea lovers, this stretch is a delight as you get to explore some beautiful beaches, fishing villages and backwaters. What’s more, both Kochi and Kanyakumari have sites of importance that are historical and/or political in nature. Explore the yummy coastal cuisine, visit the ports and the old Jewish settlements, and make the most of your road journey down this stunning route in South India.
Distance: 297 kilometres
Vizag to Araku Valley
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Zip across the stunning rolling hills of the Eastern Ghats and drive down winding valleys on this road journey. You’ll pass through several small villages on this route and drive through roads that are surrounded by greenery, making it the trip of a lifetime.
Distance: 114 kilometres
Chikmagalur to Kudremukh
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The stretch between Chikmagalur and Kudremukh is a beautiful road filled with lush greenery, well-maintained roads and misty hills. Play your favourite music, open up the windows and soak in the sweet-smelling air as you drive down this road, which is among the most stunning routes in South India.
Distance: 107 kilometres
Bengaluru to Pondicherry
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The journey from Bengaluru to Puducherry takes one through the state of Karnataka, exploring its scenic beauty. Puducherry is home to some scenic beaches, Auroville, and gorgeous French colonial structures that will keep you engaged throughout.
Distance: 359 kilometres
Bengaluru to Coorg
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Engulf your senses in the fragrant coffee and cardamom plantations in Coorg when you reach, but before that, be sure to enjoy the stunning sites that you witness along the route – winding roads, misty skies, clean, pristine hills and more! This is sure to be a journey of a lifetime, as you transition from the advanced city life into a getaway that promises comfort in the lap of nature.
Distance: 265 kilometres
Bengaluru to Kolli Hills
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One of the most stunning road trips in South India is the one from Bengaluru to Kolli Hills. The hills have over 70 hairpin bends, making it a dangerous yet scenic route to drive on. The entire journey is filled with greenery, scenic plantations and more and will be sure to delight you throughout as much as it enthralls you.
Distance: 288 kilometres
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