5 Best Road Trips to Relieve Your Quarantine Fatigue
It has been a tough year – frankly, exhausting. What with the monotonous work from home regime, staying home week after week, month after month, with no regards for long weekends or festivals or holidays! Yes, quarantine fatigue is real. We had to bid goodbye, once again, to all our promising holiday plans for 2021 due the endless lockdowns, curfews and self-isolation. For all you tired, overworked souls, a vacation might be exactly what you need to cure your quarantine fatigue.
As the country opens and lockdown restrictions ease, we have curated a list of 5 best road trips to relieve your quarantine fatigue and wanderlust.
1. Jaipur to Udaipur
One of the most romantic cities in India, Udaipur is known for its magnificent forts and palaces, beautiful lakes, picturesque gardens and charming lake-view cafes. People from all over the country and the globe visit this city and fall in love with its ancient history and royal culture. City Palace, Sahelio Ki Bari, Lake Pichola, Bada Mahal and Hathi Pol Bazar are a few attractions in Udaipur that are a must-visit.
Road Trip via NH58
The distance between Jaipur to Udaipur by road is 393 km and it takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes for the journey. The roads on the route via NH58 are extremely scenic and smooth with an excellent highway rating.
Sightseeing and food stops on the route
1. Kishangarh Fort – Built by the Rathore dynasty and known for its exquisite architecture.
2. Ajmer Sharif Dargah – The shrine of the revered sufi saint Moinuddin Chisti.
3. Cafe Coffee Day, Kishangarh – Take a small coffee or beverage break
4. Rajshree Restaurant, Beawar – Popular amongst travelers for its biryani delicacies and mouth watering pizzas.
5. Vrindavan Bagh – A well maintained garden with a huge kund and a Bhool Bhulaiya which would fascinate adults and kids alike..
How to Reach
Rent a chauffeur driven cab from Savaari for your road trip from Jaipur to Udaipur and enjoy a relaxed drive admiring the scenic vistas. The drivers are local experts on the route and will be your guide on the journey, helping you discover the best sightseeing spots, photography points and local food joints.
Where to Stay in Udaipur
Ditch the crowd of the city and stay in this secluded nature home stay just 30 km south of Udaipur in a tribal village, Oda. The homestay is surrounded by Aravali mountain range and situated in the vicinity of Kewra Reserve Forest and famous Jaisamand lake. These are the traditional eco-friendly, Bhunga huts with attached toilets. Well maintained swimming pool, a small artificial waterfall and lawn with garden swings, indoor outdoor games are sufficient to make your holiday a memorable one. Camping facility is also available within the homestay premises. Check more details of this traditional homestay in Udaipur
2. Kochi to Munnar
Munnar is a picturesque hill station in Kerala, known for producing some of the finest tea and spices in India. However, Munnar is not only about large expanses of lush green tea estates, but also charming hills, lakes and gorgeous surroundings which will leave you spellbound. Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate and Anamudi Peak are few of the must-see attractions in Munnar.
Road Trip via NH85
The distance between Kochi to Munnar by road is 130 km and it takes approximately 4 hours for the journey. The roads on the route via NH85 are extremely scenic and it is one of the most frequented road trips in South India.
Sightseeing and food stops on the route
1. Neriamangalam Bridge – Built on the banks of Periyar river, this bridge is popularly known as ‘The Gateway to the Highranges’ and offers breathtaking views of the river and the dense vegetation. Don’t forget to carry your DSLR.
2. Kallar Vattiyar – A part of the Idukki district, Kallar Vattiyar is known for its spice plantations. Stop by to get some incredible shots for your Instagram and shop authentic spices while you are at it.
3. Ira Restaurant & Bakers, Kothamangalam – Treat yourself to their mouth watering biryanis and desserts.
4. Cafe Louie – Stop here for a quick coffee and snack break.
How to Reach
For your Kochi to Munnar road trip, you can go for a convenient Savaari cab with an experienced driver. They are amongst the most affordable and reliable car rental services in Kerala with Kochi to Munnar fares starting at Rs 1925. Savaari drivers undergo a 30-point checklist on the best practices of personal and vehicular hygiene. And the cabs are disinfected before and after every ride.
Where to Stay in Munnar
Live in the midst of nature at this strategically positioned homestay on the top of a mountain just 7 km from the heart of Munnar. It overlooks pristine valley and mountains that are home to exotic species of flora and fauna and are ideal for bird watching. Being located in a no-pollution area it gives you a tremendous and breath-taking view of greenery from its premises. Check more details of the homestay in Munnar
3. Chandigarh to Shimla
Shimla, the queen of hill stations, is known for its rolling hills, massive lakes, evergreen forests, colonial style architecture and pristine beauty with panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas. Whether you are solo traveling, looking for a romantic getaway or vacation with family, Shimla has something for just about everyone. Mall Road, Summer Hill, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church and Chadwick Falls are few of the must-visit attractions of Shimla. You can also take a trip to the nearby towns of Narkanda and Chail for a peaceful time with nature.
Road Trip via NH5
The distance between Chandigarh to Shimla by road is 115 km and it takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes for the journey. The roads on the route via NH5 are extremely scenic, passing through the valleys and towns of Kalka, Solan, Kandaghat and Taradevi.
Sightseeing and food stops on the route
1. Monkey Point, Kasauli – This spot offers breathtaking views of Chandigarh and serves as an amazing photography point. Admire the views of Sutlej and visit the Hanuman Temple.
2. Tara Devi Temple – A temple dedicated to Goddess Tara, it sits amidst the Himalayan peaks. The architecture is mesmerising; take a stop to witness the sunset from the top. The view will leave you spellbound.
3. Wendo’s Pizza – A family restaurant serving the best pizzas and garlic bread in Solan to satiate your snack cravings.
How to reach
Although the road trip from Chandigarh to Shimla is a short one, taking a little over 3 hours only, the journey takes you through some hairpin bends and turns in the hills. While self-drive can be adventurous, we recommend you to opt for a comfortable cab with an experienced driver along this route, especially if you’re travelling with family. You can book Savaari’s Chandigarh to Shimla cab, and enjoy a relaxed drive admiring the scenic vistas outside. The fares start from Rs 1373.
Where to stay in Shimla
Go a little further and stay in peace at Mashobra homestay. It is snuggled between the woods away from the crowd of the city with picturesque surroundings. The main city hub is about 30 minutes drive from here. This comfortable stay offers all the modern amenities.There is an open terrace with an amazing view of snow clad mountains and sunrise.
4. Delhi to Nainital
Nainital, a sleepy hamlet in Uttarakhand, is one of the most popular weekend getaways for Delhiites. The hill station is blessed with unmatched natural beauty with stunning valleys dotted with quaint houses, lush vegetation and panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas. Land’s End, Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Khurpa Tal Trek and the 16th century Governor House are few of the prime attractions of the town.
Road Trip via NH9
The distance between Delhi to Nainital by road is 300 km and it takes approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes for the journey. The roads on the route via NH9 pass through gorgeous canopies of pine forests, magnificent hills and idyllic towns of Kashipur, Bazpur and Kaladhungi. The journey is as beautiful as the destination!
Sightseeing and food stops on the route
1. Rampur Fort – A breathtaking architecture built by the former rulers of Rampur, this fort is a must visit. It also houses the Raza Library which has an exquisite collection of oriental manuscripts in Asia.
2. Garhmukteshwar – Stop by the historic site of Hapur which is situated on the banks of Ganga. It was once ruled by the Hastinapur kings. There are two temples here, Mahadev Temple and Vedant Temple which are believed to fulfill your wishes when you visit them.
3. Sagar Ratna, Amroha – A south-Indian diner on the highway which serves piping hot dosas, uttapam and filter coffee.
How to reach
There are no direct trains from Delhi to Nainital. Road trip is the most preferred mode of travel for this journey, not only for the beautiful drive but also the convenience. No matter who you are travelling with, you can avail rent a car in Delhi from Savaari based on your requirement. Their experience in road travel will make your time on the road delightful and memorable.
Where to stay in Nainital
Stay at this beautiful heritage homestay with a stunning panoramic view of the Naini Lake and the surrounding hills. It is located in a peaceful residential neighborhood and has a huge garden and lawn. There are endless nature trails that start right outside the house. Go trekking or bask in the sun and read a book or enjoy the calm while sipping pahadi chai with the host family. Your stay in this homestay in Nainital will take all your quarantine fatigue away.
5. Guwahati to Shillong
There’s no denying that North-East India is surreal, and the beauty of Meghalaya needs no introduction. Shillong is a nature’s paradise and is rightly called the Scotland of the East. The city is home to crystal clear lakes, mountaintop viewpoints, sparkling waterfalls, museums, and unparalleled flora and fauna diversity. Ward’s Lake, Dawki, Nohkalikai Falls, Mawphlang Sacred Forest and Cherrapunji are a few of the must visit places.
Road Trip via NH6
The distance between Guwahati to Shillong by road is 100 km and it takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes for the journey. It is one of the most iconic road trips in the country, with the route being frequented by bikers alike. The winding roads pass through steep valleys, evergreen plantations, mountain streams and falls, providing incredible views throughout the journey.
Sightseeing and food stops on the route
1. Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary – A biodiversity hotspot rich in flora and fauna and home to the endangered species such as Rufous Necked Hornbill. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you must take a refreshing break at this sanctuary.
2. Umiam Lake – Head over to Umiam, which is a man-made reservoir surrounded by thick coniferous forests. The lake is a popular picnic spot among locals. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
3. Excelencia Restaurant Nongpoh – A family restaurant on the highway, to take a refreshing break and enjoy wholesome thalis and sandwiches.
How to reach
The journey to Shillong is best covered by road. We recommend you to take a convenient Guwahati to Shillong cab; leave the driving to the driver while you sit back, relax, and take a well deserved break while soaking in the view with your loved ones!
Where to stay in Shillong
While in Shillong, you must stay in this old colonial house in Boscobel Compound that was built by the British tea planters in 1942. It was bought by the local Khasi family in 1961 and now converted into a charming home-stay. Every corner of the house has a character of its own. And icing on the cake is the multi talented host who will do her best to make your stay memorable. Check more details of this homestay in Shillong.
Set out on your next adventure to relieve your quarantine fatigue – you have earned it!
Happy Vacations!
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