If long roads, lush greenery, gushing waterfalls and remote terrains are your thing, a road trip to the Western Ghats is just what you need. It comprises the Sahyadri Mountain Range that runs for almost 1,600 km along India’s Western coast.
You can visit innumerable places in this region, where the breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna are sure to make it a trip to remember.
Here is a list of the top places to explore in the Western Ghats to help plan your road trip.
7 Places to Visit in the Western Ghats in Your Car
1. Mollem, Goa
When people think about Goa, usually beaches and all-night parties first come to mind. However, Mollem in Goa is a village that is surrounded by mountains. It offers scenic views of woods and waterfalls and enables you to get a glimpse of the quiet side of Goan life.
Moreover, to get a feel of adventure, you can trek through the Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and head over to the Dudhsagar Falls.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
2. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
There are several beautiful places to visit in Maharashtra, among which Mahabaleshwar occupies the centre stage. Almost every part of the hill station is accessible by car, and you can find everything here, from forests to temples and even farms.
What’s more, if you want the authentic feel of nature, you can go on a stroll through the woods!
Best Time to Visit: November to February
3. Agumbe, Karnataka
If you are in the mood for a drive that offers scenic landscapes and biodiversity, Agumbe in Karnataka can be your pick. The town is surrounded by picturesque scenery, and the 14 hairpin bends leading to it can make way for a fun but challenging driving experience.
Furthermore, this is where the famous Malgudi Days serial was shot and houses several temples and monuments.
What’s more, due to its heavy rainfall, Agumbe is known as the Cherrapunji of South India and is home to a large number of reptiles, especially the King Cobra.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
4. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Coonoor is one of the top hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Surrounded by the Nilgiri Hills, it offers a glimpse of the colonial lifestyle, scenic landscapes and tea plantations. What’s more, the roads hug the hills, providing you with a stunning view of the surrounding tea plantations.
Apart from this, you can spot various birds and drive or take the toy train up to Ooty or Kotagiri.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
5. Wayanad, Kerala
If you want a long drive through the forest, visiting Wayanad is a must. Here you will find rich vegetation, mountains, waterfalls and, if you are lucky, you may also spot some wild animals. Moreover, you can explore untouched landscapes on hilltops and even caves, where you can find paintings from ancient times.
You can also visit the Banasura Sagar Dam, where you can go river rafting, ziplining across the lake, horse riding and more.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
6. Dandeli, Karnataka
Located on the banks of the Kali River, Dandeli features lush green forests and a suite of adventure sports. They range from whitewater rafting, trekking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and more.
Additionally, you can go for a wildlife safari at the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and spot black panthers, leopards, bison and other animals.
Best Time to Visit: October to May
7. Valparai, Tamil Nadu
Valparai is a plantation town and biodiversity hotspot located in the Anaimalai Hills. The road to this location will take you through dense evergreen tropical forests with 40 hairpin bends. Along the way, you can spot several wild animals like tigers, leopards, elephants, etc.
Moreover, breathtaking waterfalls like the Aliyar Falls and Monkey Falls add to this hill station’s charm.
Best Time to Visit: October to November and March to May
Things to Keep in Mind Before Setting Out on a Road Trip
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Get Your Vehicle Ready
Take your vehicle to a repair shop to detect and fix any underlying issues. Carry some extra fuel and also a puncture repair kit. Furthermore, opt for a car insurance policy which provides a good number of cashless garages network and roadside assistance.
It will provide financial cover in case there are any unforeseen mishaps on the way. Especially for a road trip, consider opting for an insurer with a good number of cashless garage networks and roadside assistance.
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Pack an Emergency Kit
Be sure to carry a roadside emergency kit just in case, including a spare tyre, jack, jumper cables, flashlight, first aid supplies, and basic tools.
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Plan Your Routes
When making your itinerary, it is essential that you thoroughly plan out the route. Select roads with adequate petrol pumps, eateries, public washrooms, hotels and garages.
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Pack All Essential Items
Make sure that you pack all essential items. These include a first-aid and toiletries kit, medicines, blankets, extra pillows, a torch, a power bank, water bottles and some healthy snacks.
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Plan Your Budget
Estimate the cost of fuel, accommodations, meals, and activities to create a budget for your trip.
Several other places belong in the list of top places to explore in the Western Ghats. So, make sure to research them beforehand and plan your route accordingly to avoid the rush.
