The Road Less Travelled: 7 Underrated Roadtrips in India That Deserve Your Attention

When most people think of roadtrips in India, their minds jump to the usual suspects — Manali to Leh, Mumbai to Goa, or the Golden Triangle. But for those who seek something more raw, more scenic, and far from the Instagrammed crowds, India offers hidden gems where the journey becomes the destination. Here are 7 offbeat roadtrips in India that will surprise even seasoned travellers.

1. Jorhat to Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Route: Jorhat – Lakhimpur – Yazali – Ziro

Distance: ~275 km

Best Time: October to March

Ziro is famous for its rolling meadows and the Apatani tribal culture. The road from Jorhat takes you through dense forests, suspension bridges, and tranquil mountain towns. It’s a soul-stirring journey through India's untouched Northeast.

2. Bikaner to Jaisalmer via Khichan (Rajasthan)

Route: Bikaner – Khichan – Pokhran – Jaisalmer

Distance: ~330 km

Best Time: November to February

Skip the highway and take a scenic desert detour through Khichan, a sleepy village known for hosting over 20,000 migratory Demoiselle Cranes every winter. You’ll also pass ancient havelis and desolate dunes that paint a magical landscape.

3. Chopta to Gopeshwar via Mandal Valley (Uttarakhand)

Route: Chopta – Mandal – Gopeshwar

Distance: ~60 km

Best Time: March to June, September to November

This short but magical route winds through dense rhododendron forests and alpine meadows with the Garhwal Himalayas as your constant companion. Mandal Valley is almost a secret – a peaceful paradise for nature lovers.

4. Kaza to Nako via Tabo (Himachal Pradesh)

Route: Kaza – Tabo – Nako

Distance: ~110 km

Best Time: June to October

A mystical route in the cold desert of Spiti, this stretch is dotted with ancient monasteries, high-altitude villages, and lunar-like landscapes. As part of our Spiti roadtrip, this leg takes you from the lively cafés of Kaza to the ancient Tabo Monastery (built in 996 AD), and onward to the tranquil village of Nako, where the stillness of the lake mirrors the vast Himalayan silence.

5. Aizawl to Reiek (Mizoram)

Route: Aizawl – Reiek

Distance: ~30 km

Best Time: October to March

Just an hour away from Aizawl, Reiek offers dramatic cliffs, caves, and panoramic views of the Mizo Hills. It’s ideal for a short road trip with huge rewards — nature trails, waterfalls, and local Mizo homestays.

6. Wayanad to Nilambur via Meppadi (Kerala)

Route: Wayanad – Meppadi – Nilambur

Distance: ~120 km

Best Time: June to December

A misty route cutting through the Western Ghats, this drive is a symphony of tea gardens, rainforests, and colonial-era bungalows. The teak forests of Nilambur and charming mountain cafes make this one of the most underrated roadtrips in India.

7. Tezpur to Tawang via Bomdila (Arunachal Pradesh)

Route: Tezpur – Bhalukpong – Bomdila – Tawang

Distance: ~320 km

Best Time: March to June, September to November

Though not for the faint-hearted, this route rewards you with jaw-dropping views of Sela Pass, Buddhist monasteries, frozen lakes, and tribal culture. It’s a spiritual and scenic journey through one of India’s least explored corridors.

Pro Tips for Offbeat Road Trips:

• Carry fuel cans; petrol pumps are rare in remote areas.

• Download offline maps and keep a physical map handy.

• Opt for a reliable vehicle with high ground clearance.

• Always check weather and road conditions in advance.

• Respect local customs and leave no trace.

  
  

Final Thoughts

If you're craving the thrill of discovery and the joy of quiet, scenic roads, it's time to ditch the crowded highways and explore these underrated roadtrips in India. Sometimes, the best stories begin where the tourist map ends.