5 Coastal Road Trips in India That You Must Undertake

Most of India's long coastline is connected through roads. Many of these beautiful routes are ideal for planning your next road trip. The Arabian Sea in the west, the Indian Ocean in the south, and the Bay of Bengal in the East- India has a long coastline measuring about 7,516.6 Km. So it's no surprise that many Indian roads run along the coast, making them ideal for a road trip with friends and families.

Following are 5 such routes that can be ideal for your next coastal road trip.

• Mumbai to Goa

Ever since the coming-of-age movie “Dil Chahta Hai” came out, a road trip from Mumbai to Goa has been on the travel bucket list of every bachelor and friend group.

While you can save time on NH 48, NH66 is the more scenic route. Besides, the 4-lane road is well-maintained with low to moderate traffic will make your coastal road trip fun and memorable.

Once you reach Goa, you can explore the state while staying in the following Club Mahindra resorts, where you can experience a stunning view of the vast Arabian sea while staying within top-notch amenities. A Club Mahindra membership can bring you more offers and discounts on your stay in any of these Club Mahindra properties. 

• Club Mahindra Acacia Palms, Madgaon
• Club Mahindra Emerald Palms, Varca
• Club Mahindra Varca
• Club Mahindra Assonora, Bardez

• Mandapam to Rameshwaram (Pamban Bridge)

The famed Pamban bridge is a railway bridge connecting Rameshwaram to mainland India. The road bridge parallel to Pamban bridge is called the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge. It is the only road bridge that connects Pamban island at Rameshwaram to Mandapam in mainland India. You can drive through the 2.35 Km (approx.) long road in 20-30 minutes. 

With endless stretches of water on both sides of the bridge, a road trip from Mandapam to Rameshwaram would feel like you’re driving right in the middle of the ocean. 

Stay at resort in Rameshwaram, a Club Mahindra affiliate property and explore the city at your own pace before returning to Mandapam.

• Chennai to Puducherry

It takes approximately three hours to reach Puducherry from Chennai through the 152.3 Km long coastal drive along the Bay of Bengal. The sun’s reflection on the seawater changes all day long, providing you numerous moments to capture the mesmerising beauty of the east coast against the backdrop of the sea. 

The entire route is dotted with spectacular beaches and sightseeing spots. Moreover, many other scenic locations like Mahabalipuram, Marakkanam, Mudalipuram, Kalpakkam, and Idaikkazhinadu fall along this route. 

Check into Club Mahindra Puducherry at Manapeth to explore the mini France of India. The resort in Puducherry is located close to the sea with direct beach access. 

• Visakhapatnam to Gopalpur

The road from Vishakhapatnam to Gopalpur is mostly a straight road that runs along the Bay of Bengal. The 287 Km long seaside road is one of the most scenic and hassle-free roads to drive on. 

It would take approximately five and a half hours to reach Gopalpur from Visakhapatnam. Once you reach Gopalpur, you can indulge in various water sports at the beach. 

• Puri to Konark

While Puri is known for its sea beach and the magnificent Jagannath Temple, Konark is equally famous for its 13th Century Konark  Sun Temple, a UNESCO world heritage site. However, people often overlook the spectacular Puri-Konark Marine Drive that connects both places. 

The distance is just 36 Km, but the tree-covered road is perfect for a coastal road trip in India. With vast stretches of forest on one side and the majestic Bay of Bengal on the other side, the entire route provides countless sceneries to keep your camera busy. 

It’s hardly an hour’s drive, so don’t forget to make a stopover at Chandrabhaga beach and take some cool snaps for your social media account.

If you’re a driving enthusiast, you already know the thrill of a long drive and exploring new places while on the road. However, a coastal road trip in India on the routes mentioned here can offer you a completely different experience. 

Just fill the tank and hit the roads at the first light of dawn.