Adventurous Indian Road Journeys with Exhilarating Hairpin Turns
Read on for an exhilarating rollercoaster ride through India's craziest roads lined with endless hairpin bends!
Buckle up for these adrenaline-pumping Indian road trips:
1. Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu
If 40 bends just don't cut it for you, strap yourself in for Kolli Hills. This death-defying road in Tamil Nadu houses a whopping 70 hairpin bends in just 25 km. Locally dubbed "The Mountain of Death," don't let the morbid nickname deter you - this heavy-metal drive through the South is as scenic as it is intense. Lush jungles, heart-stopping valley views, and zero traffic make this an unmissable ride. It's tight and narrow, so take it slow and savor the journey.
2. Kalimpong to Zuluk, Sikkim
Get ready for a racecourse fever dream with Zuluk. Known as the "Zig Zag Road," this stretch near the Old Silk Route serves up a jaw-dropping 32 hairpin bends jammed into a few kilometers. At one point, you'll see the entire snakey path from above - it's dizzying in the best way. Just remember, it's a high-altitude route, so pace yourself to avoid acute mountain sickness (AMS).
3. Neral to Matheran, Maharashtra
Prepare to ride a tightrope in Maharashtra's Matheran. At under 10 km, this route is short but legendary. Vehicles are banned past the Dasturi Car Point, but the first part of the climb boasts enough switchbacks to keep you entertained. Bikers and weekend warriors from Mumbai and Pune flock to this trail for the twisty ride. Pro tip: If you make it to the beacon, you can only reach Matheran on foot or horseback.
4. Wayanad Ghat Road, Kerala
Think 9 hairpin bends aren't a big deal? Think again. The Thamarassery Churam (Wayanad Ghat Pass) in Kerala will make you eat your words, carrying you through dense jungle and spice plantations. The air here smells sweet, thanks to cardamom and rain, and monkeys often drop by for snacks. You'll find tea stalls at every turn for Mid-bend fuel breaks.
Also Read: Ride the Wild Wind: The Craziest International Road Trips for the Ultimate Thrill
5. Valparai to Pollachi, Tamil Nadu
Get ready for a leafy odyssey with this ride through the Anamalai Hills. Valparai to Pollachi treats you to a lush 40-hairpin-bend rollercoaster ride, offering ever-changing vistas of verdant tea estates and majestic mountains. The best part? The road is smooth, well-maintained, and traffic-free - especially if you hit the road early. Local tip: Drive with your windows down for a minty hit of eucalyptus in the air.
6. Ooty via the Kalhatty Ghat, Tamil Nadu
Take a seat for this tall tale from Ooty. The Kalhatty Ghat is steep, even for the Himalayas, with 36 sharp curves in just 15 km. This exhilarating ride is a must-do for thrill-seekers, but it's best tackled during the day. If you're vehicle-challenged on hills, it might be worth reconsidering, as local restrictions often limit heavy vehicles on this route.
7. Gangtok to Nathula Pass, Sikkim
Get ready to conquer Mount Dragon! With sharp bends, unpredictable weather, and altitudes over 14,000 ft, the Nathula road in Sikkim is as dramatic as it gets. The views flip as fast as traffic signs, going from lush valleys to snow-capped peaks in mere minutes. Don't forget your Inner Line Permit - this route borders China.
8. Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Prepare for a tourist-ridden, rollercoaster ride up the Himalayas with Rohtang Pass. The route is filled with sweeping curves that'll test your nerves, especially when fog rolls in and visibility drops to zero. Famous for its high altitude and breathtaking vistas, this pass is open only from May to November, depending on the snow conditions. Make sure your car can handle steep hills before embarking on this adventure!
So, grab your keys, and gear up for the ride of your life across India! These hairpin-bend-packed road trips are sure to get your adrenaline pumping while delivering unforgettable views that will take your breath away.
Plan a home-and-garden adventure by revamping your lifestyle with scenic views of your very own hairpin-bend driveway, inspired by India's adrenaline-filled road trips. On the weekends, swap the twisty Indian roads for your travel-worthy slice of paradise, complete with a Sports car that'll let you enjoy the hairpin turns with ease. Alternatively, travel back through time and experience remarkable history by neighboring some of these zig-zag roads in a home nestled on the Old Silk Route. Whatever your chosen journey, make everyday living an exhilarating ride.
