10 Most Beautiful and Scenic Highways in India

India is home to a diverse landscape of mountains, hills, forests, waterfalls, seas, lakes, deserts, and more. A road journey allows a traveller to get first-hand exposure to this beauty and enjoy the freshness of the natural landscape.

If you are looking to experience it, there are the 10 most beautiful highways in India that provide more than what’s mentioned, like faster interconnection between cities. They give travellers an eye-catching view of the environment around them and more. Read for more details!

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List of the 10 Most Beautiful Highways in India

The 10 most beautiful highways in India to go on a road trip are as follows:

1. National Highway 48| Total Length: 2807 KM

National Highway 48 is a crucial national highway as it connects Delhi and Chennai. NH 48 takes you through some of the most beautiful spots of India as it traverses through seven major states of India. From Karnala Bird Sanctuary in Navi Mumbai to Campinglamping in Achrol there are numerous tourist attractions scattered throughout the way.

Starting and Ending Point: Delhi to Chennai.
Distance Covered: 1759 km.
Average Time to Pass: 22 hours (with an average speed of 97 kmph).
Main Cities It Connects: Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai.

2. National Highway 66 | Total Length: 1640 KM

National Highway 66 was earlier popular as NH 17. In the category of national highways with four lanes, NH 66 is the longest and busiest of all. On a road trip on NH 66, tourists can witness waterfalls, seas, hills, and lush green valleys. In addition to this, some of the parts of this highway are famous for being haunted.

Starting and Ending Point: Panvel to Kanyakumari.
Distance Covered: 581.6 km.
Average Time to Pass: 13 hours 38 minutes.
Main Cities It Connects: Goa, Mumbai.

3. National Highway 13 | Total Length: 1559 KM

To travel via NH 13 the tourists must have an Inner Line Permit or ILP. This allows entrance to the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Along the road, there are multiple attractions like ancient monasteries, high mountain passes, lakes, Gyapa-Khazi, a local rice dish, and more. Also, tourists must be careful of the steep slopes and steep hairpin bends of roads here.

Starting and Ending Point: Tawang to Wakro.
Distance Covered: 457.4 km.
Average Time to Pass: 12 hours 35 minutes.
Main Cities It Connects: Tawang, Guwahati.

4. National Highway 32 | Total Length: 657 KM

The NH 32 is a safe 4-lane road, also popular as East Coast Road. One of the most picturesque sights is the view of many pine trees. Apart from this, the road is most popular among couples for taking long rides. Speaking of its top attractions, Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO world heritage site found here and Khowsuey is its traditional food delicacy.

Starting and Ending Point: Chennai to Tutticorin.
Distance Covered: 152 km.
Average Time to Pass: 3 hours.
Main Cities It Connects: Pondicherry, Cuddalore, Chennai.

5. National Highway 3 | Total Length: 556 KM

One of the most scenic highways in India, which usually remains cut off for 3 – 4 months during heavy snowfall. Sitting above at a height of 13000 ft, tourists can enjoy views of the highest peaks of Pir Panjal, and their uniquely made chocolate balls. Rohtang Pass is one of the most difficult to cross because of weather changes and less visibility.

Starting and Ending Point: Atari to Leh.
Distance Covered: 472 km.
Average Time to Pass: 13 hours 30 minutes.
Main Cities It Connects: Lahaul, Manali, Leh, Spiti.

6. National Highway 75 | Total Length: 533 KM

Also known as Mysore-Masinagudi Route, it is one of the most beautiful highways in India. Tourists can see lines of Eucalyptus trees, hills, and lush green forests. Its top sights are Nilgiri Hills and Mudumalai National Park. However, tourists must be careful of the 36-hairpin bends, strong winds, and sharp turns on the highway.

Starting and Ending Point: Bantval to Vellore.
Distance Covered: 315.2 km.
Average Time to Pass: 7 hours 19 minutes.
Main Cities It Connects: Mulbagal, Mysore, Bangalore, Ooty, Kolar

7. National Highway 49 |Total Length: 668 KM

National Highway 49 linked Kochi and Dhanushkudi. It connects Kerala and Tamil Nadu and crosses the famous Pamban Bridge. This is one of the largest projects that NHAI has implemented in Namil Tadu in recent times. On this highway Areeckal waterfalls in Muvattupula, to Arulmigu Ramanatha Swami Temple in Rameshwaram there are several tourist attractions to answer to.

W Starting and Ending Point: Bilaspur to Kharagpur
Distance Covered: 355 km
Average Time to Pass: 10 hour 30 minutes
Main Cities It Connects: Mandapam, Rameshwaram, Pamban

8. National Highway 516E | Total Length: 406 KM

It is famous for being one of the top beautiful highways to witness the changing scenic beauty of the southern coastal area. Its topmost attraction spot is Galikonda viewpoint in the Araku Valley. Besides, other nearby places to visit are Padmapuram Gardens, Chaparai Water Cascade, etc. Also, a dish you should miss trying is Bongulo chicken.

Starting and Ending Point: Rajamundry to Vizianagaram.
Distance Covered: 151.5 km
Average Time to Pass: 4 hours 12 minutes
Main Cities It Connects: Visakhapatnam, Araku

9. National Highway 206 | Total Length: 126 KM

National Highway 206, is a highway in Meghalaya. Starting from Jowai near NH 106, this picturesque highway trails via Dawki and ends at Mylliem. Additionally, it is a part of Shillong-Sylhet road.

Starting and Ending Point: Jowai to Mylliem
Distance Covered: 62.4 km
Average Time to Pass: 2 hours
Main Cities It Connects: Cherrapunjee, Shillong

10. National Highway 310 | Total Length: 87 KM

Famous for Tsomgo Lake and Silk Route, this highway was earlier known as the corridor between Tibet and India. It is placed at an altitude of 43110 metres above sea level, and the highway is surrounded by high snowy mountains and many eye-catching gorges. The road has multiple sharp bends, narrow widths, and steep valleys.

Starting and Ending Point: Ranipaul to Nathula
Distance Covered: 69.3 km
Average Time to Pass: 1 hour 24 minutes
Main Cities It Connects: Gangtok

FAQs About Most Beautiful Highways in India

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Which highway is the most beautiful in India?

The Mumbai Pune National Highway No. 48 is most commonly tagged as the most beautiful and smoothest highway in India. It passes through the western ghats, where tourists can witness the unending view of forests, lush green trees, and comfortable weather conditions.

What speed should travellers adhere to on the National Highways of India?

According to the rules and regulations of speeding on National Highways, the speed limit on expressways is 120 km per hour, and for other lanes, the speed limit is 60 km per hour.

Which national highway in India is the fastest?

The fastest national highway in India is Yamuna Expressway. This highway helps in the socio-economic development of its nearby places such as Mathura, Aligarh, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Agra.