Best Places for Your Road Trip With Friends

Remember when you would spend hours talking to your friends; detailing every moment of your day with them, no matter how mundane it was? Busy work schedules, however, have made those carefree times seem like a bygone era. So, if you’re feeling a little nostalgic, the upcoming long weekends in August are perfect for recreating those memories with your gang.

How to do it?
Nothing screams fun like a road trip! Hopping into a car with your friends, and sing along to your favourite songs, while binging on snacks as you did in your childhood. So, we bring you some places that you can consider while planning an epic road trip with your best buddies.

Getaways from Delhi
Rishikesh

Set near the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a hub of ancient temples, yoga ashrams and adventure sports. A 240 km-drive from Delhi, it is an ideal getaway to indulge in some adrenaline-pumping experiences like white water rafting and bungee jumping.

The influx of tourists that Rishikesh sees every year means that you can choose from budget hostels to resorts to hotels, depending on your preference. A road trip in your Ford Freestyle would be perfect during monsoon when the river bank sports a beautiful green. Plan a trip any other time to enjoy some fun water sports with your friends.

McLeod Ganj

About 480 km from Delhi is McLeod Ganj, a hill station near Dharamshala, whose culture is a blend of Indian and Tibetan influences. Nestled amidst the majestic hills of Himachal Pradesh, this town is home to the Tibetan spiritual leader – Dalai Lama. This quaint little hill station is inviting, peaceful and safe, for travelers who want to swap the humdrum of city life for something more tranquil. And if you are up for a little adventure, you can even make a day trip to the neighbouring towns of Dharamsala, Bhagsu Nag and Kangra. And if you’re worried about the rough, mountainous terrain, don’t be. With your Ford Endeavor’s Terrain Management System, conquering roads or no-roads will be fun.

Kasauli

Nestled amidst pine forests and cedar trees, the small town of Kasauli is only a 300 km drive from Delhi. Located on the lower edges of the Himalayas, this hill station is perfect for a relaxed and peaceful vacation. With cosy homestays and hotels, tons of unique flora and gorgeous surroundings, you and your friends can choose to sit back and relax or add a little adventure to your road trip to Kasauli. As a bonus, the lush green landscapes and Victorian-style buildings from the British era make for the perfect backdrops for your Instagram accounts. So, jump into your Ford Aspire and discover the glorious past of Kasauli.

Getaways from Bangalore
Hampi

Approximately 350 km away from Bangalore lies the historically magnificent Hampi. The town draws history aficionados from across the globe who flock to see the ruins of a great city from the Vijayanagara Empire, considered be the second biggest during medieval-era after Beijing . If you want to give your trip a spiritual touch, visit Virupaksha Temple, Matanga Hill and Hemakunta temple. Or head to the vibrant and exciting Hippie Island. Here you can enjoy stunning views of the river and rice fields, gorge on delicious food and choose from multiple accommodation options like hostels, hotels and guest houses to stay at. With your Ford EcoSport, exploring Hampi’s narrow lanes and off-beaten paths will be an enjoyable adventure.

Gokarna

Located around 500 km from Bangalore, Gokarna remains laid back and tranquil, allowing visitors to drown in the sea’s lullaby and humble culture. Picturesque with rocky beaches and lush green mountains, there’s plenty to do here on your weekend trip. The beautiful Half Moon Beach and Paradise beach are ideal for a refreshing dip. Or head to the famous Om Beach and Kudle Beach, which are lined with shacks that offer rooms in the form of tiny huts and cottages, and spend a day basking in the sun.

Gokarna is a hot spot for tourists from across the world, primarily because it is safe and accommodative. And the scenic, winding coastal roads are sure to make your road trip more enjoyable than you expected.

Coorg

Coorg, rightly called the Scotland of India, is just 250 km from Bangalore. The breath-taking waterfalls, forest-covered hills, and misty landscapes make it perfect for you and your friends if you want to spend your weekend exploring the great outdoors. Indulge in some river rafting, microlight flying and quad biking. Or trek to Tadiandamol, Madikeri or Pushpagiri. The charming landscapes and long walk serve as an ideal setting to reminisce on the old times and make some new memories. Being a popular tourist destination, Coorg has several hotels and homestays.

Getaways from Mumbai
Kolad

Just 126 km from Mumbai is an excellent white water rafting spot in Maharashtra. A destination for adventure enthusiasts, head to Kolad with your buddies for some adrenaline-pumping rappelling, paragliding and kayaking. Take a trek through the rugged terrains or spend the night camping under the dark skies. Maybe even recreate memories of telling ghost-stories like you did when you were little.

If you’d rather explore the little village than seek the thrill of adventure sports, visit the Kuda caves, Tamhini falls, Kansai falls and Kundalika River. And if you’re worried about the changing weather getting you down, the Ford Freestyle’s Automatic Climate Control can give you the perfect climate to keep you comfortable throughout your trip.

Aurangabad

Known for its richly woven tapestry of sights hailing from the Mughal Empire, Aurangabad is 350 km from Mumbai. Take a trip back in history as you explore the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, the Mini Taj Mahal (a.k.a. Bibi-Ka-Maqbara) and Daulatabad Fort. It might just bring back memories of those school trips, on which you and your friends became steadfast friends in the first place.

While these are beautiful places to reconnect with those special friends in your life, remember it’s the journey and not the destination that will make your trip memorable. So, gather your favourite people and celebrate the bond you share on an unforgettable roadtrip in your favourite Ford.