International Travel Destinations From India By Road

While India is a land of diverse cultures, history, and natural beauty, there’s a world of wonder beyond its borders waiting to be explored. With the advent of international road travel, it’s now possible to embark on a road trip from India to neighbouring countries and beyond, offering a unique blend of adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

One of the most popular road trips from India is to Nepal, which takes you through the breathtaking Himalayas. The route offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, rushing rivers, and pristine valleys. Along the way, you can explore Nepal’s rich culture and history, visit ancient temples and monasteries, and indulge in thrilling outdoor activities such as trekking, rafting, and paragliding.

Another popular international road trip from India is to Bhutan, a land of natural beauty and spirituality. The route takes you through scenic mountain roads, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and lush green valleys. Along the way, you can explore Bhutan’s unique culture and architecture, visit ancient monasteries and fortresses, and indulge in adventure sports such as hiking and mountain biking.

For those seeking a more extended international road trip, driving from India to Southeast Asia is an option. The route takes you through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, offering a diverse range of experiences. Along the way, you can explore ancient temples and monuments, taste the local cuisine, and soak in the breathtaking scenery.

Let us dive deeper into the subject and find out why international road trips from India are worth trying out.

Vietnam

Taking a road trip from India to Vietnam is a unique and exciting adventure that offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. Driving through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, you’ll witness breathtaking scenery, taste mouth-watering cuisine, and soak in the rich history and culture of each destination.

Starting from India, the road trip takes you through the lush jungles and ancient temples of Myanmar, offering a glimpse into its unique cultural heritage. As you enter Thailand, you’ll be greeted with bustling cities, pristine beaches, and mouth-watering street food. The route then leads you through the tranquil countryside of Laos, dotted with temples, rice fields, and serene waterfalls.

The final destination of the road trip is Vietnam, a country with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay and Sapa, Vietnam offers an array of experiences that will leave you awestruck.

One of the highlights of the road trip is the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a legendary route that played a vital role in the Vietnam War. Driving through this historic trail, you’ll witness stunning landscapes, visit historic sites, and meet locals who will share their stories and experiences with you.

This road trip from India to Vietnam is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the lush jungles of Myanmar to the stunning landscapes of Vietnam, this road trip will leave you with unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

Thailand

Starting in India, the road trip takes you through Myanmar, a land of ancient temples, rich history, and diverse ethnic groups. Driving through Myanmar’s picturesque countryside, you’ll witness stunning landscapes, meet friendly locals, and indulge in some delicious local cuisine.

After crossing the border into Thailand, you’ll be greeted with bustling cities, pristine beaches, and vibrant street culture. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, offers a mix of ancient and modern, with ornate temples, bustling markets, and buzzing nightlife.

As you travel further south, you’ll discover Thailand’s stunning beaches, including Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui. These tropical paradises offer crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and a range of water sports and activities.

The road trip also takes you through Malaysia, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. The country is home to vibrant cities, such as Kuala Lumpur, historical sites, such as Malacca, and natural wonders, such as the Cameron Highlands.

Nepal

Travelling from India to Nepal by road is a popular option for those seeking a unique and adventurous travel experience. To make your journey smooth and hassle-free, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations governing travel between the two countries.

Firstly, Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal, and vice versa. However, you will need a valid passport, and it’s advisable to carry valid identity proof for border crossing formalities.

Secondly, your vehicle must have all necessary documents, including a registration certificate, a pollution certificate, and insurance papers. You’ll also need to obtain a permit to travel through the Indian states bordering Nepal, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. You can obtain these permits from the relevant state authorities or online portals.

Thirdly, ensure that you carry enough cash in the local currencies of both countries, as you may not find ATMs or money exchange facilities in some areas. It’s also recommended to carry a first-aid kit, sufficient water and food supplies, and warm clothing, as the weather in the Himalayan region can be unpredictable.

While driving through Nepal, it’s essential to follow traffic rules and regulations, such as wearing seat belts, using helmets while riding a two-wheeler, and avoiding drunk driving. The roads in Nepal can be challenging, with steep inclines, narrow roads, and unpredictable weather conditions, so it’s advisable to drive cautiously.

Bhutan

Travelling to Bhutan from India by road is an incredible adventure that offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and a unique travel experience. However, there are certain rules and regulations that you need to be aware of before embarking on this journey.

Firstly, all foreign visitors, including Indians, need a permit to enter Bhutan. The permit can be obtained from the Bhutanese embassy or consulate in India or through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Secondly, your vehicle must have all necessary documents, including a registration certificate, a pollution certificate, and insurance papers. You’ll also need to obtain a permit to travel through the Indian states bordering Bhutan, such as West Bengal and Assam. These permits can be obtained from the relevant state authorities or online portals.

Thirdly, the road trip to Bhutan takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Himalayas, including the famous Dochula Pass, with its stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. However, the roads can be challenging, with steep inclines, sharp bends, and narrow stretches. It’s advisable to hire a local driver with experience driving in the region.

While travelling through Bhutan, it’s essential to respect the local culture and customs. Bhutan is a deeply spiritual country, and Buddhism plays a central role in the daily lives of its people. It’s advisable to dress modestly, avoid smoking and drinking in public places, and follow local customs and traditions.

Bangladesh

Travelling to Bangladesh from India by road can be an exciting and rewarding experience, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. However, there are certain rules and regulations that you need to be aware of before embarking on this journey.

Indian citizens require a visa to enter Bangladesh, which can be obtained from the Bangladesh High Commission in India or through an online application process. You’ll also need a valid passport and other relevant documents, such as identity proof and vehicle papers.

Your vehicle must have all necessary documents, including a registration certificate, a pollution certificate, and insurance papers. You’ll also need to obtain a permit to travel through the Indian states bordering Bangladesh, such as West Bengal and Tripura. These permits can be obtained from the relevant state authorities or online portals.

The road trip to Bangladesh takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in eastern India and Bangladesh, including the famous Sundarbans, the world’s largest delta, and mangrove forests. However, the roads can be challenging, with uneven surfaces, potholes, and unpredictable traffic. It’s advisable to hire a local driver with experience driving in the region.

While travelling through Bangladesh, it’s essential to respect the local culture and customs. Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country, and you should dress modestly, especially in religious places. It’s also advisable to avoid public displays of affection, smoking in public places, and consuming alcohol in public.

Italy

Travelling from India to Italy by road is a challenging and exciting adventure that would require careful planning and preparation. This journey involves crossing multiple borders and different terrains, and it’s essential to be aware of the rules and regulations in each country.

The first step is to obtain the necessary travel documents, including a passport, visa, and international driving permit. It’s also essential to have valid vehicle documents, such as a registration certificate, insurance papers, and a pollution certificate.

The journey would require crossing several countries, such as Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria, and Slovenia, before reaching Italy. It’s essential to be aware of the visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and road conditions in each country.

Road conditions can vary significantly from country to country, and it’s essential to plan the journey accordingly. Some countries may have better road infrastructure, while others may have challenging terrain and weather conditions.

It’s also essential to carry sufficient cash and credit cards, as well as essential supplies such as food, water, and medical kits. It’s advisable to carry spare parts and tools for your vehicle, as well as a GPS navigation system.

Travelling from India to Italy by road is a long and challenging journey that requires careful planning, preparation, and a spirit of adventure. It’s an opportunity to explore different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes and create memories that will last a lifetime. However, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations, follow the local customs and traditions, and take the necessary precautions to make the journey smooth and hassle-free.

Switzerland

Travelling from India to Switzerland by road is a challenging and exciting adventure that would require careful planning and preparation. This journey involves crossing multiple borders and different terrains, and it’s essential to be aware of the rules and regulations in each country.

The first step is to obtain the necessary travel documents, including a passport, visa, and international driving permit. It’s also essential to have valid vehicle documents, such as registration certificates, insurance papers, and pollution certificates.

The journey would require crossing several countries, such as Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and France, before reaching Switzerland. It’s essential to be aware of the visa requirements, border crossing procedures, and road conditions in each country.

Malaysia

The journey from India to Kuala Lumpur by road will be quite the trip. The voyage will be an adventure rally, passing rivers, mountains, villages, and desolate territory.

The voyage leaves India and enters Bangladesh. To enter Myanmar from here, you will have to go over flooded rivers, monsoon rains, and dangerous terrain.

To get to Thailand, you must pass through Burma. Currently, Myanmar is not a simple place to travel through. There are aggressive natives and unfriendly locals. Simply use common sense and money to purchase a safe flight to Thailand.

Arriving in Thailand, take advantage of the welcoming locals, delicious food, and affordable alcohol. It’s a breeze to go to Kuala Lumpur from here.

Myanmar

The most common route is to travel from India to Myanmar via the Tamu-Moreh border crossing in Manipur state. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Mandalay or Yangon, two of the major cities in Myanmar.

To travel by road, you will need to obtain the necessary visas and permits. Indian citizens require a visa to enter Myanmar, which can be obtained at the Myanmar Embassy in India or through an online visa application. You will also need to obtain a special permit to enter certain areas of Myanmar, such as the Rakhine and Chin states.

The road conditions in Myanmar can be rough and unpredictable, and it’s advisable to travel with an experienced driver or a reputable tour operator. It’s also important to take necessary safety precautions, such as avoiding travel at night, staying on well-travelled routes, and carrying adequate food, water, and medical supplies.

Alternatively, you can also travel to Myanmar by air from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, which is faster and more convenient than travelling by road. Several airlines offer direct flights to Yangon and Mandalay, which take around 2-3 hours.

Conclusion

International road trips from India by road offer an exciting and unique experience for adventurous travellers looking to explore beyond borders. With well-planned routes, reliable transportation options, and beautiful scenic routes, travellers can enjoy the thrill of crossing international borders and discovering new cultures and landscapes.

Whether travelling solo, with friends, or with family, the road less travelled promises to be an unforgettable adventure. So pack your bags, hit the road, and explore the world beyond India’s borders!