TRAVEL SPECIAL ....the high road

Taking the high road

Planning trips during the holiday break? Check out these locations ideal for a road trip

With the onset of winter and the Christmas break on its way, there isn't a better time to take a road trip. In the cold weather, cars are the best way to stay cosy and warm while you travel across exotic destinations. Here is a list of routes to choose from:

Sydney to Brisbane, Australia

For those who prefer the summer sun over winter chill, Australia is the place to be. The popular East Coast road trip from Sydney to Brisbane, which is known as the Legendary Pacific Coast, is one of the most travelled roads. Stretching 900 kms, this drive offers stunning beaches, green rolling hills, beachside towns, wildlife and water sports. The Hunter Valley, Port Macquarie, Coffs Coast, Byron Bay, Kingscliff and Gold Coast are the must see places on this stretch.

Mammoth Hot Springs to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

For those headed to the US this December, a road trip from Mammoth Hot Springs to Yellowstone National Park is worth a shot. The 52 miles drive on the Grand Loop Road has very little traffic and around this time of the season, you can spot wolves on the way. While the scenery is majestic, the driving conditions are more dangerous.

Sonmarg to Gulmarg, India

If you are up for a drive in the snow, then the trip from Sonmarg to Gulmarg is a must. The road allows for a splendid view of river Indus and the imposing, snowcapped Himalayas. The route passes through Kashmir, showcasing its 60 miles-long valley with a deep rock-girt gorge that opens to a grassy meadow with village-dotted slopes.

Guwahati to Tawang, India

This 500 km drive takes around 17-20 hours with one or two night halts. The road is beautiful in winters but one has to commence the trip early morning and take an overnight stop. The steep hill road crosses Sela Pass at 4,176 metres from Tezpur, Assam.

Bengaluru to Ooty via Mysore, India

The road from Bengaluru to Ooty is nestled in the lap of the Nilgiri hills and is one of those journeys every driver must undertake. The roads are a perfect combination of green and asphalt, and the drive is a great way to soothe your problems away.The road stretches 266 km along State Highway 17 with plenty of eateries on the route.

maleeva rebello

ETP25NOV16