Have you noticed how winter always makes you want to go somewhere, but picking the right place feels confusing? You search for road trips in India or winter trips and still don’t get a clear answer.
The truth is, winter is the best season for road travel cool weather, clear skies, and stunning landscapes everywhere. Whether you love snowy hills, quiet forests, or coastal roads, winter road trips offer the perfect break.
So here are 6 winter road trips that bring beautiful views, easy routes, and memories you’ll carry long after the journey ends.
1. Delhi – Shimla – Narkanda Snowy Roads & Winter Charm
If you want a winter trip that mixes easy driving with real snow views, this route is perfect.The moment you leave the city behind, the scenery changes to cold breeze, winding roads, pine trees, and slowly… the first glimpse of snow.
Shimla gives you that classic winter feel, but the real magic begins when you continue toward Narkanda, which receives heavier snowfall and has quieter roads.
Why This Trip is Special
- Smooth roads, perfect for a first winter road trip
- Early snowfall in December
- Narkanda is peaceful with clean snow views
- Amazing food stops along the way
Travel Distance: Around 400 km
Travel Time: 8-9 hours
Tip: If you want less traffic and clearer snow views, leave Delhi before sunrise. The hills feel calmer in the early hours.
2. Srinagar – Gulmarg: A Short Drive Into a White Wonderland
Ever wanted a road trip where snow starts appearing sooner than you expect?
That’s exactly what the Srinagar Gulmarg drive feels like. Every curve brings new winter scenes: tall pine trees, snow resting on branches, and that cold, fresh smell that instantly tells you “winter is here.”
Why This Trip is Special
- One of the best winter trips for snowfall
- Frequent snow in December
- Amazing views at every turn
- Great for beginners exploring road trips in India
Travel Distance: 55 km
Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours
Tip: Tyre chains are easily available on the way. If the snow is fresh, use them for a better grip.
3. Chandigarh – Manali – Solang Adventure All the Way
If you’re the kind of person who can’t sit still and loves trying new things, this winter road trip is made for you.
The drive gets prettier after Mandi, and once you cross the Atal Tunnel, the snow views suddenly become unreal, thick layers of white everywhere.
Why This Trip is Special
- Solang Valley is perfect for skiing, ATV rides, zipline & snow play
- Winter views after the Atal Tunnel are breathtaking
- Perfect for December and January trips
Travel Distance: Around 300 km
Travel Time: 7-8 hours
Tip: Stay one night in Kullu or Naggar if you love calmer places, they have peaceful winter mornings.
4. Guwahati – Shillong – Cherrapunji Misty Roads & Forest Drives
Not all winter road trips are about snow, some are about mist, forests, and chilled mornings that feel refreshing.
The drive from Guwahati to Shillong is clean, scenic, and full of beautiful viewpoints. And when you continue toward Cherrapunji, the landscapes turn dramatic deep valleys, waterfalls, and endless greenery.
Why This Trip is Special
- Perfect for people who don’t want snow but want winter vibes
- Beautiful viewpoints throughout the route
- Easy-to-drive roads are great for beginners
Travel Distance: 150 km
Travel Time: 4 hours
Tip: Stop at Umiam Lake on winter mornings, where it looks straight out of a painting.
5. Chennai – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram Warm Beaches in Winter
Are you the kind of traveler who loves peaceful weather, wide skies, and slow, relaxed drives?
Then this road is perfect for you, it hugs the coastline, giving you open sea views, fresh air, and peaceful beaches.
Why This Trip is Special
- The ECR is one of India’s most beautiful coastal roads
- Perfect for December long weekends
- Great cafés, beaches, and sunrise views
- Zero winter rush compared to hill stations
Travel Distance: Approx 150 km
Travel Time: 5-6 hours
Tip: Leave early morning from Chennai, the sunrise along ECR is something you shouldn’t miss.
6. Jaipur – Udaipur Lakes, Forts & Winter Blue Skies
Some winter drives are meant for people who enjoy light sunshine and stunning scenery without freezing winds. If that sounds like your style, this route is made for you.
The moment you hit the road, the forts, lakes, and golden light create a calm winter feeling you’ll want to experience again.
Why This Trip is Special
- Perfect weather in December
- Beautiful roads and smooth driving
- Udaipur looks magical in winter evenings
- Family friendly winter trip
Travel Distance: 395 km
Travel Time: 6-7 hours
Tip: Take a short detour to Kumbhalgarh. Winter mornings are stunning.
Final Thoughts
Winter road trips are all about the small moments, the quiet roads, the crisp breeze through the window, the scenic stops, and the feeling of discovering places at their most beautiful. Whether you love snowy mountains, misty forests, beachside drives, or historic routes, winter in India gives you endless opportunities to explore.
Each of these six winter road trips offers something unique, from snow-filled adventures in Himachal and Kashmir to peaceful scenic drives in Meghalaya and Rajasthan. No matter which route you pick, the journey itself becomes the highlight: the music, the views, the food, and the memories you collect along the way.
And if this winter you want a beautifully curated trip without the stress of planning every stop, Towno’s Uttarakhand Nainital Corbett Mussoorie Tour 6N/7D is a perfect match. It covers some of the most scenic winter routes from Nainital’s calm lakes to Corbett’s forest drives and Mussoorie’s chilly mountain views. If you’re ready to enjoy winter the easy, hassle-free way, this Towno trip is a great place to start your next adventure.