India is the world's most exhilarating and challenging driving destination simultaneously. The roads vary from smooth six-lane expressways to rutted village tracks, often within the same journey. Most visitors wisely opt for a car with a driver, which is affordable and removes the considerable stress of city driving — but for experienced drivers, India's mountain roads and coastal routes offer experiences unlike anywhere on earth.
Best airports & pick-up locations
- Delhi (DEL) — Rajasthan golden triangle circuit, the Himalayan foothills, Agra and the Taj Mahal.
- Mumbai (BOM) — Maharashtra coast, the Konkan Highway, Goa.
- Kochi (COK) — Kerala backwaters, Munnar tea country, the Cardamom Hills.
- Bengaluru (BLR) — Karnataka, Coorg coffee estates, Hampi ruins.
Driving in India
- Drive on the left. Speed limits vary but are rarely enforced. Expect to share roads with cows, tuk-tuks, ox carts and everything in between.
- International Driving Permit required. An IDP alone is not sufficient — a locally valid licence or Indian licence is technically required, though enforcement varies.
- Hiring a car with a local driver is strongly recommended for city driving and unfamiliar routes.
- Himalayan mountain roads (Manali–Leh, Spiti Valley) require 4WD and considerable driving experience.
Local tips & best routes
The Manali–Leh Highway (479 km) crosses five Himalayan passes above 4,000m — one of the world's great adventure drives, open June–September only. In Kerala, the Munnar to Thekkady road winds through tea estates and cardamom forests. The Rajasthan Golden Triangle circuit (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur) is India's most classic road journey, easily done in 4–5 days.