Road-tripping in India is an ideal way to recharge, pause daily routines, learn about different cultures, and view the transition of landscapes from one region to another. For educators, road trips, like other forms of travel, also promote professional development. According to WorldStrides, traveling allows teachers to draw interdisciplinary connections between their content and others, and enjoy experiential learning. By visiting museums, historical sites, and unique landscapes along a chosen route, educators gain first-hand knowledge that refines their expertise, for example. The challenge lies in selecting a route that lets you become the influenced educator in Edtech or the traditional classroom while creating epic memories with your family. In this post, we’ll discuss the best India road trip routes educators and their loved ones can experience a mix of adventure, learning opportunities (history, culture, and spirituality), and nature.
The Konkan Coastline (Mumbai To Goa)
Taking a trip along the Konkan coastline and captivating Western Ghats is an opportunity to refine your knowledge of coastal geography, tropical ecosystems, and biodiversity. You also get exposure to the colonial heritage; of Portuguese architecture, forts, and churches in Goa. Perhaps your students, or even children, have been curious about the country’s spice trade. During your Mumbai to Goa road trip, you will learn how spice trading began and be in a better position to explain to learners during history lessons. Like with many car trip routes in India, the Mumbai to Goa road is quite long, spanning over 600 km. So, don’t overlook preparation if you want your family’s India road trip to be fun and educational.
Start with the car you’ll be driving. A model that’s sturdy, fuel efficient, spacious, and has safety tech features is your best bet for comfortable long-distance rides. To know if your desired road trip vehicle is perfect, look at its ratings on best cars and mid-sized trucks provided by previous customers. The right ride will have positive consumer testimonials on all its features. Now that you have your car ready, write your points of interest. You could plan detours to Lonavala, Khandala, Kolad, Satara, and the Ratnagiri district. Research family adventures you can enjoy alongside learning. For example, in Goa, you can beach hop on the coastline, swim, and try parasailing. Indulge in whitewater rafting, kayaking, and zip lining at Kolad. Take a nature walk at Satara or Valley of Flowers, take photos and visit Ajinkyatara Fort, a historical site.
The Golden Triangle (Delhi-Jaipur through Agra)
A drive from Delhi to Jaipur offers the best introduction to Indian culture, history, and lifestyle. This route is perfect for history or arts educators planning a family-friendly, educational road trip offering hands-on cultural experiences. In Delhi, for instance, you’ll have an epic adventure filled with rich history, driving through the Old City. You can drive to the iconic Red Fort, the Mughal Empire’s most luxurious fort and palace here. From there, head over to Jama Masjid, and take in the mesmerizing view of India’s largest mosque. Then visit the Old City’s vibrant market, Chandni Chowk. Before driving to New Delhi, stop by Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial place, Raj Ghat and emperor Humayun’s tomb (a perfect example of Mughal’s ancient architecture).
Driving through Agra to reach Jaipur is enticing. You’ll get to see ‘one of the world’s new seven wonders’, the Taj Mahal and the breathtaking Agra Fort. But before entering Agra, take a detour to Fatehpur Sikri, the UNESCO-listed abandoned capital of Mughal. In this fortified city, you’ll discover awe-inspiring architecture as you explore historic sites like Jami Masjid and Panch Mahal. In Jaipur, take a break from the car and take an elephant ride to the Amer Palace Fort. Stroll through Jaigarh Fort and the step-well, Panna Meena Ka Kund. Explore the City Palace and museum, then take photos at the Hawa Mahal, a palace for women made of red sandstone. Don’t leave Jaipur without enjoying a culinary adventure that entails learning how to prepare a Rajasthani meal (vegetarian dishes, desserts, and bread) with the kids and the guidance of a local.
Himalayan Highway (Manali To Leh)
Imagine exploring one of the remote and breathtaking places in India, passing through rugged terrain and high mountain gaps. The view of serene lakes and interaction with locals from different cultures will enrich your travel and teaching experience. Ideally, spending time with people from unique blends of culture (learning their lifestyle) fosters a deeper meaning of different cultural backgrounds your students may come from. This results in better communication and connection in the classroom. Navigating various terrains in the mountain region gives you better insights into glacial formation, river valleys, and mountain ecosystems, which you can share with students.
Besides learning, educators road-tripping to Leh from Manali with their families get their adrenaline rush fueled when driving on winding roads at Rohtang Pass, for instance. You can stop, take photos and marvel at breathtaking views of mountain vistas, melting snow, Rahalla Falls, and grazing yaks. You can camp by the Pangong Lake and get firsthand experience of the nomad way of life in remote villages. Note, that your journey will involve driving to Himachal Pradesh through Lahaul and Spiti. Then go through Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. When on this route, plan for detours to Tibetan monasteries and visit Deepak Tal Lake.
Aurangabad From Mumbai Via Nashik
For teachers and families who identify themselves as history aficionados, this route should be on your bucket list. Nonetheless, those with an interest in geography and religion (Buddhism) can enjoy it too. From Mumbai to Nashik, there are must-stop and see places like Kanheri Caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. What you’ll find here are Buddhist sculptures, cisterns, and stupas made in the 2nd century BC. There’s a lot of history and religion to learn from here. Thane offers a balance between natural attractions and historical sites. And the local street food Vada Pav and Misal Pav are worth trying.
Other places you shouldn’t miss are Trimbakeshwar, where you can recharge your spirituality, Ghoti Village to marvel at the tranquil beauty of Krishna River, and Sula Vineyards for a wine-tasting tour. At Krishna River, you can try paddle boating and kayaking. On your way to Aurangabad, make stops at Bani Begum Garden and see the elegant Mughal architecture style. Head to Grishneshwar Temple and touch Shiva Linga with your bare hands. Don’t miss the fun of shopping for anything you want, from clothing to footwear and jewellry at Gul Mandi.
The purpose of road-tripping is to unwind and get away from routine. But teachers can have a mix of relaxation, family time, and professional development during a road trip. The key is to find ideal India road trip routes that provide opportunities to enrich expertise on various subject matters like religion, geography, history, architecture, and culture.
