Most of us begin planning our summer vacations as soon as the school year ends so that we can make the most of our time off. The UK is a well-known tourism destination that attracts a large number of visitors each year. Adventurers have lately begun taking to the roads from India to the UK.
India to London by road ? You must be flabbergasted! Is it in your car? It's not as difficult as it seems, and in fact, it's a lot more thrilling and riskier than sitting on a plane for a few hours and arriving at your destination. Of course, you'll need to put in a lot of time and effort planning, preparing, and documenting your journey, but it'll be worth it in the end.
First and foremost, bear in mind that if you're considering this proposal, it will likely take you a year to prepare and execute. If you make a lot of stops along the way, you can accomplish the 15 nations you'll pass through in around 6 weeks.
In order to make this journey a reality, you will need to know all the necessary permissions, routes, and other technical details. To make this work a little simpler, we've produced the following list, which includes almost all of the relevant information you'll need to ensure a successful trip.
India To London By Road Map
People from India who want to go to the UK may use both Pakistani and Chinese routes, but only one of them is direct. China seems to be the only option, as it is very difficult to get permission to enter Pakistan. The following is a map showing the approximate path to the final destination, which passes through 15 different nations.
The countries of India, Myanmar, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom are all represented in the group.
Time Required
At the very least, it will take you six weeks to cover these 15 nations, but if you want to spend part of your time in the countries you're passing through, you'll have to extend your schedule appropriately.
When is the right time to start the journey?
From October through May, Myanmar has the driest season. As a result, April or May would be the best month to start this voyage. Another advantage of choosing this period is that summer vacation often begins around this time, making it the ideal time to begin your trip.
If you want to traverse Kyrgyzstan following China, this time of year is good, since it falls immediately after the winter season but before the rainy season. The country's roadways would be far more navigable if the snow had melted.
Documentation Required for Your Trip from India to London
Passport
For the sake of your own safety, you should always carry a copy of your passport. Also, make sure that your passport expiration date is at least a year away and that it has plenty of empty pages since you'll need them because you'll be traveling through more than 15 countries.
Visas
You'll need tourist visas for a number of countries along the way, including China, Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Russia, the UK, and Schengen, much as when flying. Preparation is the key, so do your research ahead of time to learn about the visa application procedure and the required paperwork.
International Driving Permit
You'll need an International Driving Permit, you can apply for it online which will take 15-20 minutes for you to get an International Driving Permit or it can be given by the Licence Authority in your area or the Automobile Association of India.
Passport in Douane form CPD)
For those unfamiliar with the term, a Carnet is an Indian customs document that is required for anybody who wants to transport their car outside of the nation. Having a CPD permits you to import your car into several countries’ duty- and tax-free.
India To London By Road Countries
Week 1- India, Myanmar and Thailand
Anyone up for a life-changing adventure? Your life is about to become much better over the next 52 days. Ancient pagodas, beautiful lakes, and friendly locals will have you falling in love with Myanmar in no time.
Bagan and Golden Rock's meditative ambiance will soothe your senses. Make your way back to the Myawaddy - Mae Sot border after spending five nights in Myanmar. As you acquire a taste of Thailand, it's time for pad Thai, Panang curries, and sticky mango rice.
Week 2- Laos, China
To enter Laos, exit Thailand and cross the Mekong River bridge. Before continuing on to China, drive through Laos' beautiful rubber fields and spend the night in the small but picturesque village of Luang Namtha. Take a deep breath and prepare to be mesmerised by the splendour and majesty of this world's fourth largest nation.
Enjoy Sichuan cuisine, historical history, the Great Wall of China, and cutting-edge Chinese highways, tunnels, and bridges over the course of 18 days. Considered the world's biggest stone Buddha, Leshan's Giant Buddha is carved into the slope of Mt. Lingyun and dates back more than 1,300 years.
Week 03 - China
Sichuan's national animal, the panda, and the fiery mainstay of Sichuan cuisine, the hotpot, are the two most common associations with Chengdu. Additionally, a visit to the Great Wall of China is in the works. As a bonus, you won't be surrounded by tourists while admiring the magnificence of China's Great Wall.
Slide or ride an ATV across China's Gobi Desert as you continue your journey through some of the country's most undiscovered regions. Explore China's most populous area, Xinjiang, which is surrounded by eight nations. You can see some of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture as you wind your way through the narrow lanes of the city.
Week 4- China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan
You'll move on to 'Stan' nations after you've mastered your chopstick technique and have a better understanding of the vibrant Chinese culture. As you drive over Kyrgyzstan's Irkeshtam Pass, the Pamir Glacier, and the steep valleys and snow-capped mountains, you'll experience the highest point in Kyrgyzstan. To get to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital, you'll have to take a lengthy but breathtaking trek from China.
From Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, you go to the second-largest city in the country and the birthplace of the Mughal Empire's founder, Babur. Before continuing our journey down the historical Silk Road to Uzbekistan, our next destination, spend some time seeing this historic city's old bazaars.
Week 5- Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, often referred to as the "crown jewel" of Central Asia, is a must-see destination. It's full of friendly people, stunning architecture, and historic towns steeped in the Silk Route's fascinating past. You pass into Kazakhstan from Uzbekistan, where you've seen some of the world's most breathtaking and underestimated mountain ranges.
You'll have plenty of opportunities to breathe in the desert air while travelling through centuries of history during our three nights in Kazakhstan. As you travel across the huge grasslands of Kazakhstan on your way to Russia, the world's biggest nation, prepare to enjoy the beautiful companionship of the vast Kazakh steppes.
Week 6- Russia, Latvia, and Lithuania
Driving across Russia will be nothing short of fantastic, with fairytale castles, vodka, and fascinating culture. Samara, Penza, and Moscow will all be well within your grasp in a matter of days. You'll have plenty of time to see Moscow's grandiosity and savour the experience of driving from India to Russia.
Your longing for Europe will overcome your reluctance to leave Russia. Benefits accrue to those who join the Schengen Zone. While flying from one nation to another, there will be no more border crossings. Explore Vilnius's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Europe's biggest baroque capital, while you're in town for the festivities.
Week 7- Poland, the Czech Republic; Germany; the Netherlands; Belgium; France; and the UK
In the last week before your vacation ends, you're supposed to keep going. Take some time to visit Warsaw, the capital of Poland, to get a taste of the country's culture. The next destination is Prague, also known as "the City of a Hundred Spires." After leaving the Czech Republic, the convoy will go through Germany and Belgium at breakneck speed. To cross the English Channel, take the ferry from Calais, France.
The party gathers at Westminster Bridge with the London Eye in the backdrop for our penultimate and final stop. Soak up your final dose of driving and experience the awe of how much you've seen with this excursion. Recalling this adventure with fondness and gratitude will be one of the greatest pleasures of your life.
Some Tips for Driving a Car while travelling from India to London
● Ground clearance and regular maintenance (i.e., no breakdown in the middle of nowhere) should not be an issue for your car. To be eligible, the car must be registered to one of the travellers. It's also been reported that travellers who hire cars may run into issues during the course of their journey.
● It's a good idea to have at least a 20-litre jerry can of extra fuel on hand if you're travelling through parts of Central Asia, China, or Russia where having your vehicle tank filled with gasoline may be problematic.
● You should also have a supply of replacement parts on hand in case your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and you need to fix it so you can continue your trip.
●The basic tool kit and vehicle components, such as a few spare tyres, Fan Belt, Alternator, Extra battery, Bulbs, Air Pump, Wipers, Puncture Repair Kit, etc., should be included. Parts that are special to your vehicle should also be transported if you cannot locate them in the country through which you are travelling.
Conclusion
It's time to start planning and preparing for your road trip from India to the UK now that you know the essentials of what you'll need to bring with you.
while travelling these countries by car is usually a smart option. This enables you to travel around according to your preferences and needs, making as many stops as you like. There is, however, a major hurdle that could potentially threaten to ruin your holiday mood and a very easy solution to that is getting an International Driving License. With a few simple clicks, you may apply for an international driving licence and obtain your international drivers permit via the IDP website. With this permit in hand, you are free to travel between these nations whenever and wherever you like.
Additionally, whenever you come across an obstacle on your journey, keep in mind how proud and nostalgic you will feel years from now when you look back at your wonderful road trip photographs. Have a Happy and Safe journey!