Road trips are always exhilarating. And thanks to the 7,516.6 kilometre-long coastline of India, the country is home to some spectacular roads running along the sea. These roads breathtakingly blend the thrill of the drive with the marvellous beauty of the shores. The ocean breeze, the long stretch of sands, and the vast waters kissing the skies at the horizon make the road journeys absolutely striking and unforgettable. If you also love the sea and the roads, here are 6 coastal road trips you must take in India:
1. Beach Road, Pondicherry
This road runs along Pondicherry’s Promenade Beach and overlooks the beach rocks, golden sands and crystal clear Bay of Bengal. A large number of tourists throng to the beach to witness its splendour. Enjoy a soul-stimulating drive along this route for nearly 1.5 kilometres.
2. Pithrody Beach Lane, Karnataka
This lane is a beautiful strip of land between a river and a sea. In the small town of Udyavara, Udupi (Karnataka), you’ll find the stunning Pithrody beach best explored on a drive upon a small stretch of road. It sits serenely between the Udyavara River on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other.
3. Beach Line, Vishakhapatnam
This is the longest coastal road along the Bay of Bengal and stretches for 40 kilometres. Vishakhapatnam is a place for both beach lovers and mountain buffs. This road connecting Vishakhapatnam to Kailashgiri not only gives a gorgeous view of the ocean on one side, but one can also feast their eyes on lush green Eastern Ghats on the other side.
4. East Coast Road, Chennai
The East Coast Road stretches for about 777 kilometres and connects Chennai to Kanyakumari via Pondicherry and Cuddalore. It runs along the Bay of Bengal and offers surreal views of the sea, especially during sunsets. It is one of the most scenic roadways in India.
5. Marine Drive, Puri
Also known as Konark Marine Drive, this road in Odisha along the Bay of Bengal connects Puri to Konark. The road by the golden sands stretches for around 2.27 kilometres and is flanked by many regular, 3-star, 5-star hotels. The road crosses through stunning landscapes and magnificent temples.
6. Marine Drive, Mumbai
While talking about the best coastal roads, how can we not mention Mumbai? The Marine Drive stretches along the Arabian Sea in the shape of a ‘C’ from Babulnath to Nariman Point. Also, Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. The road looks bright and sunny during the day and wears another surreal look amid the quietness of the night.