New Delhi: Planning a winter holiday but anxious about flight delays and sudden cancellations? This season, many travellers are choosing to bypass airport chaos entirely and return to the joy of the open road. Road journeys allow space for spontaneity—unplanned chai stops, scenic detours, carefully curated playlists and the quiet satisfaction of arriving unhurried. When paired with well-designed luxury stays, these drivable escapes offer a deeper, more personal way to travel.

Across India’s metro cities, road trips are fast becoming a preferred choice for those who value comfort, control and meaningful stays over rushed itineraries. From heritage gardens and wildlife lodges to coastal villas and river cruises, these journeys blend landscape, culture and indulgence—turning travel time itself into a luxury experience.

Beyond the obvious Jaipur circuit, travellers are increasingly choosing slower heritage escapes like Samode Bagh in Chomu, a 16th-century Mughal-style garden retreat set amid fountains, pavilions and manicured lawns. Its refined tented suites and understated hospitality make it ideal for winter road trips, with the drive unfolding through mustard fields and historic fort silhouettes.

Adding to Delhi’s luxury road circuit are forest-led wellness retreats around Chandigarh and spa destinations near Rishikesh, where travellers are extending weekend drives into restorative stays—prioritising space, silence and curated experiences over crowded tourist centres.

A drive through Mysuru into coffee country leads to Coorg Wild Walk, where safaris at Nagarhole National Park, plantation hikes and warm, personalised hospitality come together seamlessly. Access through the quieter Nanachi Gate improves wildlife sightings, making the journey feel immersive from the moment the forest begins.

Bengaluru’s road-travel trend is also seeing renewed interest in wildlife-forward luxury around Kabini and heritage-rich drives towards Hampi, where travellers are choosing properties that offer storytelling, nature immersion and slow-paced exploration.

The scenic East Coast Road remains one of India’s most relaxed highway drives, leading travellers to Puducherry’s French Quarter. Palais de Mahe delivers colonial elegance and refined dining, while Résidence de l’Evêché, a private heritage villa, caters to those seeking exclusivity and privacy.

Beyond Pondicherry, Chennai travellers are increasingly exploring heritage coastline stays near Mahabalipuram and quieter hill drives inland—preferring short, scenic routes that allow for long lunches, sea views and unhurried check-ins.

Winter transforms the drive to the Great Rann of Kutch into one of India’s most visually striking journeys. The route passes craft villages and salt-pan horizons before arriving at Rann Utsav in Dhordo, where culture, folk performances and regional cuisine take centre stage. The Tent City by Evoke Experiences elevates the stay with premium tents, curated activities and moonlit desert experiences.

Ahmedabad’s luxury road travellers are also gravitating towards heritage-led stays within Gujarat itself—choosing depth of culture and landscape over cross-country flights.

For those willing to take longer drives, the journey to Odisha’s Gupti Jetty opens into an exceptional riverine escape. Antara Cruises’ Bhitarkanika expedition offers private catamarans with just two cabins, complete with a chef, naturalist and crew, allowing guests to explore mangroves teeming with wildlife by day and sleep to river silence by night.

Kolkata’s evolving road-travel culture is increasingly centred on experiential journeys, where the destination is as much about nature, storytelling and stillness as it is about comfort.

Luxury today is measured less by speed and more by intention. Road trips give travellers autonomy, flexibility and the chance to engage deeply with landscapes, something flights often take away.