Ultimate Road Trip from Jodhpur to Shimla via Bharatmala Expressway – Detailed Day 1 Itinerary

Day 1: Long Drive, Scenic Stops

Jodhpur to Shimla, India on April 18, 2025

3:30 AM

Departure from Jodhpur

Begin your journey early morning from Jodhpur, ensuring both Tata Harrier and Maruti Brezza are fueled and packed with essentials. Head on NH-114 to Osian, about 1.5 hours drive to start the road trip fresh.
INR0, 1.5 hours

5:00 AM

Drive via Osian to Nagaur

Continue north from Osian, planning quick stops if necessary, and join Bharatmala Expressway near Nagaur bypass for a smooth, fast drive covering the next leg of your journey.
INR0 (Toll charges apply on Bharatmala), 3.5 hours

8:30 AM

Breakfast at Bikaner Bypass – Chhotu Motu Joshi Hotel or Bhikharam Chandmal

Enjoy a hearty Rajasthani breakfast at either Chhotu Motu Joshi Hotel or the popular Bhikharam Chandmal outlet near Bikaner bypass, known for traditional snacks like kachori and lassi. Both open early and perfect for a refreshing break.
Approx. INR 150-250 per person, 45 minutes

9:15 AM

Drive from Bikaner to Suratgarh

Post breakfast, resume your drive towards Suratgarh. Use this time for scenic desert landscapes and maintain fluid driver rotations every 3-4 hours for safe travel.
INR0 (Tolls), 3 hours

12:30 PM

Tea Break Near Suratgarh

Take a short tea and refreshment break near Suratgarh. Use restroom facilities and stretch to stay fresh for the next leg. Quick snacks and bottled water recommended.
Approx. INR 50-100 per person, 30 minutes

1:00 PM

Drive to Bathinda

After the tea break, continue your journey towards Bathinda, preparing for the lunch stop. Keep an eye on fuel levels and top up if required on route.
INR0 (Tolls may vary), 1 hour

2:00 PM

Lunch at Haveli Bathinda or Zaiqa Dhaba

Savor authentic Punjabi cuisine at Haveli Bathinda or the rustic Zaiqa Dhaba. Both places serve wholesome meals with local flavors ideal for refueling after several hours of driving.
Approx. INR 300-400 per person, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Drive from Bathinda to Patiala and onwards to Chandigarh

Resume drive post lunch, heading through Patiala towards Chandigarh outskirts. Use this stretch for driver swaps and enjoy rural Punjab's scenic countryside.
INR0 (Tolls applicable on some highway segments), 3 hours

6:00 PM

Tea and Fuel Stop at Zirakpur, Chandigarh Outskirts

Refuel both cars and grab some tea at Zirakpur. This stop helps recharge vehicles and passengers preparing for the final leg to Shimla.
Approx. INR 100 for tea, Fuel cost depends, 30 minutes

6:30 PM

Drive to Shimla

Final drive from Chandigarh to Shimla, transitioning from plains to hilly terrain. Drive cautiously on winding roads, use engine braking as advised.
INR0 (Tolls rare here), 2.5 hours

9:00 PM

Hotel Check-in and Dinner in Shimla

Check in to your pre-booked hotel in Shimla. After freshening up, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant or nearby options offering local Himachali and Indian cuisine, winding down after an intense drive.
Dinner approx. INR 300-500 per person, 2 hours
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