Amit Amola
They say it's not about the destination, but about the journey to get there. This list proves exactly that! Here are some scenic routes throughout India, which are just as enticing as the destinations they lead to...
This route is open for only about four and a half months in a year in summer between May or June, when the snow is cleared by the Border Roads Organisation of Indian army, and mid-October when snowfall again blocks the high passes.
The Delhi To Jaipur highway is controlled access highway or the expressway on the line of the National Highway 8. Distance between Delhi and Jaipur is 238 km and takes around 4 hours to travel through the two colorful state of India. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are also known as Golden Triangle and counted as one of the most beautiful road to drive in India.
Matheran is a Hill Station and a municipal council in the Raigad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a hill station in Karjat Tahsil and is also the smallest hill station in India. It is located on the Western Ghats range at an elevation of around 800 m (2,625 feet) above sea level. It is located around 90 km from Mumbai, and 120 km from Pune. Matheran's proximity to many metropolitan cities makes it a popular weekend getaway for urban residents. Matheran, which means "forest on the forehead" (of the mountains) is an eco-sensitive region, declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. It is Asia's only automobile-free hill station.
State Highway 49, also known as East Coast Road (ECR) is a two lane highway in Tamil Nadu, India, built along the coast of the Bay of Bengal connecting Tamil Nadu's state capital city Chennai with Cuddalore via Pondicherry. Presently, the East Coast Road has been extended up to Thoothukudi via Chidambaram, Karaikal, Nagore, Nagapattinam, Thiruthuraipoondi, Muthupet, Adirampattinam, Meemisal, Thondi, Ramnanathapuram. The total length of the road is 690 km from Chennai to Thoothukudi. The expansion of ECR from Tuticorin to Kanyakumari via Tiruchendur and Koodankulam at a cost of 257 crores sanctioned and is in progress. There are fabulous beaches and places to see and visit in between the route.
The Nilgiri Ghat road in Mysore side is arguably the most scenic with a long stretch that runs through the Mudumalai National Park, and if travelling in the early mornings or late evenings, you will definitely spot wildlife feeding along the road, even spot the odd carnivore. There are majestic stands of Eucalyptus amidst well tended tea estates as you near Gudalur, and then you drive past the Pykara Dam and Pykara falls.
The Kodaikanal–Munnar Road (old SH-18) was located in Dindigul District and Theni District of Tamil Nadu and Idukki district of Kerala in South India. It covers 81 kilometers (50 mi) from Kodaikanal to Munnar. The road was improved by the British in 1942 as an evacuation route in preparation for a possible Japanese invasion of South India. With a maximum elevation of 2,480 meters (8,140 ft) just south of Vandaravu Peak, it was among the highest roads in India, south of the Himalayas, prior to its closure in 1990.
This comes under National Highway 5 which is a major National Highway in India that runs along India's east coast through the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It is formerly NH-5.The northern terminal is at Jharpokharia in Odisha and the southern terminal is at Chennai in Tamil Nadu. NH 5 is a part of the Golden Quadrilateral project undertaken by National Highways Development Project.
There are some magnificent places to visit in between this journey. One can even plan to make a beautiful trip. Ghum toy train ride,Tiger hill, Drive to Tsongmo Lake, Yumthang Valley, etc come in the way.
Facilities such as one-of-a-kind military and historical museums to environmental education centers will be easily identified as part of the 42-mile corridor that makes up the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway. Best the corridor’s best feature isn’t its bricks and mortar. What makes the Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway extraordinary is the view from the sandy, coastal dunes that drift out into the Atlantic Ocean to the mangrove-covered banks of the Indian River Lagoon – home to more than 4,000 species of plants and animals, including 50 species that are endangered or threatened.
The roads are moderately good. The first half is on tar road and makes for a comfortable drive. There is a small stretch of road which is rough owing to the rugged terrains of the region. However, all through the driving route, the many interesting picturesque mountain ranges serve as a mesmerizing backdrop making the drive absolutely worthwhile!
Mussoorie is 38 Kms from Dehradun and provides unmatched driving experience. The trip offers a wonderful view of the Himalayan snow ranges to the north-east and the Doon Valley, with Roorkee, Saharanpur and Haridwar to the South, creating an almost serene atmosphere for the tourists.
Mussoorie, the queen of hill stations, is famous for its scenic beauty, gay social life and entertainment. The excellent climate makes it an attractive holiday resort.
Chopta is also known as Mini Switzerland of India and is a commencement point of the trek to Tungnath & Chandrashila. It is short and easy trek which runs parallel to the sky-scraping Himalayan Treks. During this hiking, one can enjoy clear view of majestic peaks of Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, Nilkanth and Kedarnath.
Life is full of challenges. Wise people choose to meet them. Foolish people choose to run from them...
