Could there be a better way of unwinding than dumping your luggage in the car-boot and heading off to an unknown destination? Playing those infectious tracks on loop mode throughout the journey and enjoying a long drive which will only inject an unusual emotional feeling, that can’t be described using a few adjectives. So what exactly makes your road trip a priceless experience, apart from the company of your best buddies and some good music? You can’t deny that the picturesque stretches of roads through which you traverse, plays a vital role in making your journey an enchanting experience. Be it the challenging steep slopes on hilly terrains or the long stretch sandwiched between lush green landscapes, each road influences our emotions in a different way. Although every nation boasts of many such paths, here are seven amazing roads from around the world which are worth travelling. So, it’s time to take a break from work, pack your bags and hit one of these roads.
1. Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
This enthralling stretch of road, which has been created by chiseling parts of a gigantic mountain, is a traveller’s delight. Driving through the Guoliang tunnel, located in China, is nothing lesser than riding a roller-coaster. The most exciting part of this road is the alternating patterns of dark, closed spaces and open stretches that look more like towering bridges. Although driving through the scary Guoliang makes your heart pound faster, it is an experience you just can’t afford to miss. Many travelers have filmed their thrilling journeys through this tunnel and have shared it across internet platforms. These videos might give you a fair idea of what exactly it feels like to drive through the Goliath. The people who successfully passed through the Goliath and made it to the other side are of the opinion that one should travel through this stretch at least once during his/her lifetime.
www.losapos.com/guoliang_tunnel_road
www.complex.com/sports/2014/02/worlds-10-most-dangerous-roads-and-the-perfect-car-to-conquer-each/guoliang-tunnel-road
2. Kruger National Park
The Kruger national park, located in the northeastern part of South Africa is the pride of the entire African continent. Spread over 19,485 kilometers, this jungle is densely populated with some of the most endangered species, including the African Elephant. Unlike most other roads, driving through the Kruger National park is a hair-raising adventure in itself, as you can come in contact with the wild at any instant. Although forest authorities arrange buses, which ensure a safe Safari through the jungle, you can even explore Kruger in your own car. The most exciting (and a bit freaky) part of travelling through the reserve is that you never know when a carnivore or the mighty African Elephant could land up in front of your headlights. Although it’s a risky affair, driving through this stretch is worth experiencing.
newszoom.org/tag/kruger-national-park/
krugerparksafari.org/4-day-sunset-big-5-safari/
3. Seven Mile Bridge, Florida Keys
You might never feel like driving away from this beautiful stretch of road, once you reach this place. No, this is not an exaggerated statement, this long bridge that connects Knight’s Key and Little Duck Key regions of Florida is sure to steal your heart. Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Moser Channel, this bridge is totally a traveller’s delight. The bridge is inclined at the center, around 65-feet above the sea level and it is this arc inclination that makes this seven mile journey a priceless experience for most travel freaks. Not just motorists, the serenity of the road attracts many pedestrians as well. In the recent past, many marathon events were held at this stretch and have witnessed an overwhelming turnout.
www.travelsitescatalog.com/news/places-to-visit-in-florida/
4. Dunedin, New Zealand
Dunedin, one of the biggest and most happening cities of New Zealand is famous for an unusual reason, its roads. Driving through one of these roads is not any different than scaling a towering mountain and is literally considered to be an ‘uphill task’. Most roads in this city are steep-sloped and inclined at almost 45 degrees, thus making it a challenge for even the most experienced drivers or riders to reach the top. After reaching the peak, one gets to witness the captivating view of the picturesque surroundings, almost like a picture straight out of a story book. Places such as the Baldwin Street, located in Dunedin, have also found a spot in the list of ‘The steepest streets in the world.’ Moving through such roads during rainy weather can pose a real challenge to an average driver.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/DunedinBaldwinStreet_Parked_Car.jpg
Baldwin Street (world’s steepest street).
5. Lombard Street, California
You have probably seen this winding road in famous movies and sitcoms (for ex. Full House) and over the years, this road has become the hallmark of San Francisco, California. Apart from its mind-boggling hanging bridge, this is yet another attraction that San Francisco has to offer. Don’t be surprised if you mistake this spectacular stretch for a garden of roses. However, only one way movement of traffic is permitted on this street, wherein one can just descend the steep slope and never scale upwards. The highlight of this street is the presence of eight sharp turns, thus making it one of the most enchanting yet challenging paths in the world to be traversed. Many sources have even quoted this dizzy stretch as ‘the world’s most crooked street.’ The next time you land in San Francisco, you know which place to visit first. The Lombard Street has also been converted into a track for car races and similar competitive events in the past.
http://travel.wikia.com/wiki/File:Lombard_Street-_San_Francisco,_CA.jpg
http://www.questing-california.com/san_francisco.html
6. Furka Pass, Alps Switzerland
A mere mention of the words ‘Swiss Alps’ can envelope most people in a wave of excitement. And what could be more enchanting than driving long distance in a convertible through the scenic Alps? Nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Switzerland, the Furka Pass stretch is a dream destination for most travel buffs from different parts of the world. Imagine cruising along this lengthy stretch of smooth roads with a backdrop of cloud-kissing, snow-capped mountains and lush green landscapes on either sides of your vehicle. FYI, this meandering stretch was one of the locations where the iconic James Bond flick ‘Goldfinger’ was filmed. If you were looking for a reason to explore Europe, well, you’ve just found one.
https://www.facebook.com/ShowVideosandPhotostoyourFriendsFamilyandTheWorld/photos/a.524020551034747.1073741834.124222654347874/545248668911935/?type=3&theater
http://www.autoeurope.com/blog/luxury-car-rentals/captivating-driving-routes-fit-luxury-vehicles
7. The Atlantic Road, Norway
Talking about James Bond, you don’t have to have a water-car to feel like you are driving through the sea when it comes to this stretch. Luckily or unluckily, if you happen to traverse this stretch during unfavorable weather you might be on the receiving end of a series of lashing tidal bores, creating a feel that is nothing short of what you experience on an amusement ride at a water park. The road is considered to be one of the finest examples of construction in Norway and was even named the ‘National Construction of the Century in 2005’. A trip to Norway is never complete without cruising along this 5.2 mile long manmade marvel.
http://twistedsifter.com/2013/03/roads-to-drive-before-you-die/
http://www.autoeurope.com/blog/luxury-car-rentals/captivating-driving-routes-fit-luxury-vehicles
