Top International Road Trips from India

How Many Countries We Can Travel by Road from India?

Not one, not ten- you can easily (somewhat) drive to more than 15 countries from India. However, none of this matters if you’re a traveller who can’t get enough of driving! It’s a bonus if you’re planning to go on a long drive with a group of friends, as some of these may be longer than you anticipated! As of now, these are the countries where you can drive from India:

As you decide on the country you want to visit next via road, don’t forget to buy travel insurance online before your road trip. It will keep you safe from a range of emergencies including medical expenses, medical evacuation, loss of passport, adventure sports cover and many more.

Foreign Countries to Drive to from India

Now that you know there is no shortage of international road trips for your next big holiday, let’s move on to some of the best countries you can visit via road from India. Since there is no shortage of them, we have picked crème de la crème depending on the ease of travel, distance, number of attractions and overall safety.

Nepal

Hope to Mt. Everest, Nepal is a border away from India and one of our friendliest neighbours. The country has made it to the top of this list due to its overall popularity, very few legal requirements and ease of travel. What’s more, this beautiful country is overflowing with stunning beauty, ancient attractions and no shortage of adventures and natural attractions.

1. Distance

   1,125 Km from New Delhi to Kathmandu, takes approximately 2 days or 20 hours.

2. Legal Formalities Involved

   No visa requirements, Indians only need a valid Indian driving licence and another ID proof if you have non-driving co-travellers.

3. Route

   The drive will take you through New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Before you can enter Nepal via Sunauli Border.

4. Best Time to Visit

   October to December is the best time to visit Nepal as the weather is slightly cooler with temperatures ranging between 18-22°C.

Thailand

While the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway is underway, you can still take a long road to this stunning country and have an adventurous time here!

1. Distance

   4,198 Km from New Delhi to Bangkok, takes approximately 70 hours of drive.

2. Legal Formalities Involved

   Thailand offers visas on arrivals to Indians but prior permission to drive through Myanmar is required. You can drive here with your international driving license. Travellers will need to carry their international passports and Carnet fees.

3. Route

   The journey requires you to travel across New Delhi to North-eastern Indian states and then cross through Myanmar.

4. Best Time to Visit

   November to April is the best time to visit Thailand with temperatures ranging from 29°C to 34°C.

Bhutan

Also known as one of the happiest countries in the world, Bhutan attracts not just tourists from neighbouring countries but also from the rest of the world. Its rich diversity and serene natural beauty makes it a memorable country for a long drive.

1. Distance

   2,005 Km from New Delhi to Thimp, approximately 39 hours.

2. Legal Formalities Involved

   Bhutan allows Indians to enter visa-free and all you need to carry is a valid driver's license. However, you need to get a travel pass from the Phuntsholing immigration office before heading to Thimpu. Indians with a valid passport and other travel documents can also get a 7-day stay permit.

3. Route

   The drive will take you across 5 Indian states: New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and then Bhutan.

4. Best Time to Visit

   You can visit Bhutan anytime, but March to May is the best time to visit this place as this is the spring season and you can admire the blooming flowers as well as warmer temperatures just after the winters.

Malaysia

Malaysia ‘Truly Asia’ is known for its shimmery night scene, serene beaches and sky-scraping buildings that offer something to different kinds of travellers. The country is full of luxury resorts and amazing theme parks, making it a perfect road trip destination for anyone driving from India!

1. Distance

   5,760 Km from New Delhi to Kuala Lumpur, approximately 101 hours or 7-8 days

2. Legal Formalities Involved

   Indian drivers can drive in Malaysia; given that they have been issued an international driving license in India. Tourists holding a valid Indian passport need to apply for the single entry visa or the eNTRI visa, where they can stay for up to 15 days. Travel documents also include the arrival and departure cards. A carnet will be required for the vehicle's entry.

3. Route

   Other than the Indian states, you will need to drive through two countries (Myanmar & Thailand). After crossing Thailand, you will reach Malaysia.

4. Best Time to Visit

   December to April is considered the best time to visit Malaysia. Other than a pleasant drive, you can easily try different outdoor activities and adventure sports that aren't available in other months.

Turkey

If you're really into long car trips, we have saved the best for the last! Turkey remains a traveller's paradise no matter how they come here. However, to be able to drive here offers you a lot of time to take in some of the best views of the country along with its well-maintained roads.

1. Distance

   4,546Km from New Delhi to Istanbul, approximately 58 to 60 hours.

2. Legal Formalities Involved

   Indian citizens need a valid visa before entering Turkey. For this, they will need to apply in advance accordingly. Indians who have a resident permit for Ireland, the UK, USA or Schengen nations can get an e-Visa upon arrival.

   You will also need an international travel insurance plan for Turkey as it's compulsory for all foreigners to have insurance before they can be issued a visa to enter Turkey.

   Other than this, an international driving permit issued in India will work for anyone driving to Turley. There will be a special permit and a Carnet required from the Turkish authorities.

3. Route

   To reach Turkey via road, you will need to cross 6 countries: China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia before you finally enter Turkey.

4. Best Time to Visit

   You should try to visit Turkey during transition months, i.e., Spring and Autumn. April to May and September to November is the best time to visit Turkey, especially if you want to explore its natural attractions in comfortable weather.

Over to You,

Thailand or Nepal, close or far, you should always prepare well for any vacation especially if it's abroad. Make sure to browse some of the right travel plans available in India on Policybazaar.com before you buy travel insurance online.