India is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s palaces, and Kerala’s backwaters. But beyond these well-known destinations, there are countless hidden gems waiting to be explored. From offbeat hill stations to secluded beaches, the best way to discover these untouched treasures is by renting a car and hitting the road!
In this guide, we’ll explore:
✅Why renting a car is the best way to explore India’s hidden gems
✅Top offbeat destinations you can visit with a rental car
✅Tips for road-tripping to less-explored places
✅Best car rental options for long road trips
Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Let’s go! 🚘💨
Why Renting a Car is the Best Way to Explore India’s Hidden Gems?
Taking a road trip with a rental car allows you to:
✔️Travel at Your Own Pace – Stop wherever and whenever you want.
✔️Explore Offbeat Locations – Visit places not accessible by public transport.
✔️Enjoy Scenic Routes – Experience India’s beautiful landscapes on the way.
✔️Avoid Crowds – Escape tourist-heavy destinations and discover peaceful spots.
✔️Ultimate Comfort & Privacy – No crowded buses or expensive taxi rides.
💡 Tip: Self-drive rentals give you full control over your journey, while chauffeur-driven rentals allow you to relax and enjoy the ride!
Top Hidden Gems in India You Can Explore with a Rental Car
1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – A Himalayan Paradise 🏔️
📍 Best Route: Guwahati → Tezpur → Tawang (Approx. 500 km)
🚘 Recommended Car: SUV (Mahindra XUV700, Toyota Fortuner)
Tawang is a breathtaking hill station in Northeast India, known for its snow-capped mountains, ancient monasteries, and scenic roads. The drive from Guwahati takes you through winding Himalayan roads, pristine forests, and stunning lakes.
Must-Visit:
✔️Tawang Monastery – The largest monastery in India
✔️Sela Pass – A stunning high-altitude mountain pass
✔️Madhuri Lake – A beautiful hidden lake surrounded by snow peaks
💡 Tip: Rent an SUV for this trip as the roads can be challenging in the mountains.
2. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh – A Music Lover’s Retreat 🎶
📍 Best Route: Guwahati → Itanagar → Ziro Valley (Approx. 450 km)
🚘 Recommended Car: SUV or Compact Sedan
Ziro Valley is a hidden paradise with lush green landscapes, bamboo forests, and traditional tribal villages. It is also famous for the Ziro Music Festival, which attracts independent musicians from across the world.
Must-Visit:
✔️Apatani Tribal Villages – Experience the unique culture of the Apatani tribe
✔️Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary – A paradise for nature lovers
✔️Ziro Music Festival – A must-attend event for music enthusiasts
💡 Tip: Travel during September to enjoy the Ziro Music Festival.
3. Gokarna, Karnataka – A Secluded Beach Escape 🏖️
📍Best Route: Goa → Karwar → Gokarna (Approx. 150 km)
🚘Recommended Car: Hatchback or Sedan (Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20)
Gokarna is an offbeat alternative to Goa, offering pristine beaches, yoga retreats, and peaceful vibes. Unlike Goa’s crowded beaches, Gokarna offers hidden coves and less-commercialized beach experiences.
Must-Visit:
✔️Om Beach – A beautiful beach shaped like the symbol “Om”
✔️Kudle Beach – Perfect for relaxing and unwinding
✔️Mirjan Fort – A historical fort surrounded by lush greenery
💡 Tip: Rent a hatchback for this trip as the roads are smooth and well-maintained.
4. Majuli, Assam – The World’s Largest River Island 🌊
📍Best Route: Jorhat → Nimati Ghat → Majuli (Approx. 40 km + ferry)
🚘Recommended Car: SUV or Compact Sedan
Majuli is a unique river island located in the Brahmaputra River, known for its rich Assamese culture, monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes. To reach Majuli, you’ll need to drive to Nimati Ghat and take a ferry.
Must-Visit:
✔️Satras (Monasteries) – Experience the spiritual heritage of Assam
✔️Mask-Making Villages – Watch artisans create traditional masks
✔️Sunset at Brahmaputra River – A mesmerizing view
💡 Tip: Ferries have limited capacity for vehicles, so book in advance if you plan to take your rental car on the ferry.
5. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – The Land of High Passes 🏔️
📍 Best Route: Manali → Kaza → Spiti Valley (Approx. 200 km)
🚘 Recommended Car: SUV (Mahindra Thar, Toyota Innova Crysta)
If you love adventure and road trips, Spiti Valley is the ultimate hidden gem. The region is filled with desert mountains, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking valleys.
Must-Visit:
✔️Key Monastery – A 1000-year-old Buddhist monastery
✔️Chandratal Lake – A stunning high-altitude lake
✔️Komic Village – One of the highest villages in the world
💡 Tip: The roads to Spiti are challenging, so a 4×4 SUV is the best option for this trip.
Best Rental Cars for Road Trips to Hidden Gems
🚗 Hatchbacks (Budget-Friendly):
✔️ Maruti Swift – Great for smooth roads
✔️ Hyundai i20 – Fuel-efficient and comfortable
🚙 Sedans (Comfortable for Long Drives):
✔️ Honda City – Spacious and smooth for long road trips
✔️ Hyundai Verna – Comfortable with good mileage
🚘 SUVs (Best for Mountain & Off-Road Trips):
✔️ Mahindra Thar – Perfect for off-road adventures
✔️ Toyota Innova Crysta – Great for group travel
Tips for Exploring India’s Hidden Gems with a Rental Car
✅Book Your Car in Advance – Hidden gems often have limited rental options.
✅Choose Unlimited Kilometers – Avoid extra charges on long-distance road trips.
✅Check Road Conditions – Some locations have tough roads that require SUVs.
✅Carry Extra Fuel & Supplies – Many offbeat places have fewer fuel stations.
✅Use Offline Maps – Mobile networks may not work in remote areas.
💡 Tip: Renting from Yatracar ensures well-maintained vehicles, flexible booking options, and affordable pricing for road trips!
Final Thoughts: Discover India’s Best-Kept Secrets!
Exploring India’s hidden gems with a rental car allows you to experience the country beyond the usual tourist spots. Whether it’s a beach escape, a mountain retreat, or a cultural adventure, a self-drive rental or chauffeur-driven car makes the journey even more special.
✔️Best for Budget Travel: Hatchbacks 🚗
✔️Best for Long Road Trips: Sedans 🚙
✔️Best for Off-Road Adventures: SUVs 🚘
Looking for a rental car for your next road trip? Yatracar offers the best deals on self-drive & chauffeur-driven rentals across India. Book now and start your adventure! 🚗✨
