Mumbai to Matheran 

The pristine and lush beauty of the Western Ghats is best explored by road. Driving through deep valleys, rolling hills, tunnels and numerous waterfalls, which turn milky white during monsoon, is an experience that makes the journey as special as the destination. Matheran, about 80 km and about two hours-drive by road from Mumbai, is one of the most popular hill-stations in the Western Ghats. Other than its pristine beauty, what also adds to its popularity is its convenient location near Mumbai.  

Matheran, known to be Asia’s only automobile-free hill station, is an eco-sensitive zone, and one has to take a pull-cart ride into the town. Maybe that's what keeps its air cool throughout the year and its verdant slopes covered in dreamy mist. There are a few steep turns once you start driving up the hilly roads but the road is in good condition. Once you reach Neral town on the Mumbai-Pune highway, ask for directions so that you don't get lost. On the way, stop at the lookout points for breathtaking views of the landscape. You can't drive into Matheran, but safe parking facilities are available at Dasturi car Park, just outside town. 

On the road: The road is winding but well-maintained, offering several scenic pitstops. And if you are travelling just after a heavy shower, take time to drench yourself under one of the several unnamed waterfalls on the way. Traffic can get heavy on weekends. There are several roadside eateries offering traditional Maharashtrian specialities like sol kadhi (a drink made of kokum juice and coconut), rice or misal-pav (sprout curry with bread). 

Time & Distance: 2 hoursand 30 minutes, 83 km from Mumbai

Chennai to Mahabalipuram

One of the most popular short road-trips from Chennai is to Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram. Around an hour's drive from Chennai, the sandy beaches of Mamallapuram stand witness to the vagaries of time. Once a bustling seaport, the destination is today a serene weekend getaway telling stories of yore. 

As the broad East Coast road leaves the hustle of Chennai, settle in a take in the views. The ocean keeps company throughout, on your left, peeping through fences of private sea-facing farms. Stop on the way and if you have time, walk down to the blue water through some of the sandy paths open for public. The palm-fringed golden sand becomes more visible as your approach Mahabalipuram. About 40 minutes from Chennai and about 20 km before Mahabalipuram is Kovalam, a small fishing village and a quaint beach resort. Stop here for lunch and a quiet walk along the quiet beach. 

On the road:The highway is wide and not too crowded. There are some coconut stalls on the way and some refreshment points. Try out a helping of rich coastal seafood at one of the shacks lining the Kovalam beach. 

Time& Distance: 1 hr 15 minutes, 57 km from Chennai.

French colonial trail through Chandannagar

West Bengal has a rich colonial history with scores of Europeans, including the Danish, French, Dutch, and the English establishing trading outposts in various parts of the state. Chandannagar, a bustling town around an hour by road from Kolkata, was once a French colonial settlement and still offers memories and monuments from those times. 

While Pondicherry used to be the administrative capital of the French East India, Chandannagar used to be the cultural capital. It's an easy drive from Kolkata along the Grand Trunk (GT) road, which has witnessed history unfolds for more than 2,000 years! The road is busy with traffic, but as it leaves the peripheries of Kolkata behind, it becomes emptier and concrete buildings on the two sides are replaced by verdant greenery of rural Bengal. Small towns, even smaller villages with lotus-filled ponds line the road, which often snakes through canopies of trees.  

While Pondicherry used to be the administrative capital of the French East India, Chandannagar used to be the cultural capital. It's an easy drive from Kolkata along the Grand Trunk (GT) road, which has witnessed history unfolds for more than 2,000 years! The road is busy with traffic, but as it leaves the peripheries of Kolkata behind, it becomes emptier and concrete buildings on the two sides are replaced by verdant greenery of rural Bengal. Small towns, even smaller villages with lotus-filled ponds line the road, which often snakes through canopies of trees. 
 
On the road:The road to Chandannagar is lined by sweetmeat shops especially as it crosses major towns. So stop to try out the decadent liquid filled Bengali sweet jolbhora. You can also take the new highway which reduces travel time and avoids the traffic buildups, but you also miss out on these food-stalls.  

Time & Distance: 1 hour, 47 km from Kolkata.

Agra beyond the Taj

A couple of hours away from the National Capital Delhi lies Agra, the magnificent city of the Taj Mahal, the wondrous mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. One of the most popular weekend drives, the travel time between Delhi and Agra by road has shrunk since a new highway has been constructed. Try to start early from Delhi so that you can avoid the busy traffic intersections before you hit the main Yamuna Expressway that leads to Agra. Once you are on the expressway, the drive becomes smooth and effortless. If travelling on a winter morning, enjoy the sun rise, spreading its warm glow through the mist. Be very careful of speed restrictions and bird-hits! If you are driving back from Agra at night, be careful of small wild animals that can meander onto the road. 

If you can arrive in Agra on time, you can also go around Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th century town founded by Mughal emperor Akbar. Interestingly, other than the Taj Agra has several other examples of Mughal architecture: Akbar's mausoleum; tomb of Mirza Ghyas Beg grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal; and I'timad-ud-Daulah, also known as the baby Taj. 

On the road: The highway is safe and well-maintained with regular fuel points. The refreshment points along the highway are clean and offer both traditional meals and fast-foods. Once in Agra, don't forget to dig into some scrumptious Mughlai fare and delectable kebabs and curries. 

Time & Distance: 3 hours and 15 minutes, 230 km from Delhi.

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