When people think of taking trips road trips in North India, Delhi to Agra or Delhi to Dehradun are some of the most common options that people explore. In the west, Mumbai to Pune has long been a favourite, while Bengaluru to Mysuru continues to attract weekend travellers. These routes remain among India’s busiest. But not anymore! Fresh travel data suggests that many people are now looking beyond the usual favourites.
As per the latest Uber Intercity Travel Index (April-June 2026), several lesser-known intercity routes are seeing a noticeable rise in popularity. Many of these connect Tier-2 cities, making shorter, more spontaneous road trips easier than ever! So whether it is a pilgrimage, a heritage getaway or simply a change of scenery, these routes are now becoming the country’s next travel hotspots.
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Ahmedabad To Vadodara Is Growing Fast
This happens to be one of the biggest surprises in the report. It is also among the fastest-growing intercity routes in the country.
The journey takes around two hours, making it ideal for a quick escape. While Ahmedabad is known for its vibrant food scene and UNESCO-listed old city, Vadodara offers beautiful palaces, museums and gardens. The short travel time means many people are choosing it for day trips or relaxed weekend plans instead of longer holidays.
Indore To Ujjain Is More Than A Pilgrimage
Ujjain has always attracted devotees – all thanks to the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple. However, the report suggests that more travellers are making the trip from nearby Indore than before. The drive between the two cities is comfortable and takes roughly an hour. Many visitors also explore local food, street shopping and sightseeing – turning it into a well-rounded weekend outing rather than just a temple visit.
Thrissur To Kochi Is The New Favourite!
Kerala’s beauty has never been a secret, but the Thrissur-Kochi route is emerging as one to watch. For the unversed, Thrissur is known for its rich cultural heritage, temples and festivals, while Kochi offers a completely different experience with its waterfront cafes, colonial architecture, art galleries and vibrant food scene. The short drive allows travellers to experience two distinct sides of Kerala in a single trip.
Ranchi To Jamshedpur Is Another One On The List
Jharkhand may not be the first state that comes to mind for road trips, but the Ranchi-Jamshedpur corridor is seeing a surge in interest. The drive passes through green landscapes and offers an easy weekend option for travellers looking to explore a different side of eastern India. Ranchi’s waterfalls and Jamshedpur’s parks and lakes make for a refreshing combination.
Kanpur To Lucknow Continues To Gain Popularity
Lucknow and Kanpur have always been a favourite and now the route is now emerging as one of India’s growing travel corridors. The short journey makes it perfect for food lovers, history enthusiasts and even shoppers. Many travellers are choosing to spend a day exploring Lucknow’s famous kebabs, heritage buildings and bustling markets before returning home.
Why These Short Trips Are Becoming So Popular?
One clear trend stands out from the latest travel data is that people are increasingly choosing shorter journeys over elaborate travel plans. With improved highways, flexible work schedules and the growing popularity of weekend travel, many travellers are opting for destinations that are just two to four hours away. These trips require less planning, are easier on the budget and still offer a break from everyday life.
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The classics like Agra, Dehradun and Mysuru still continue to attract visitors, but they are no longer the only names on travellers’ lists. As the Uber Intercity Travel Index shows, India’s next big road trip might just begin on a route that has been overlooked for years!