Route 66: America's Iconic Road and Its Connection to India's Travel Culture

When people talk about Route 66, the historic highway stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles that became a symbol of American freedom and adventure. Also known as the Main Street of America, it’s where families packed their cars, musicians wrote songs, and travelers found themselves—not just destinations. It’s not just asphalt and neon signs. Route 66 is a mindset: slow travel, local eats, roadside quirks, and the joy of getting lost on purpose.

That same spirit is alive in India today. You see it in the solo traveler hiking to Everest Base Camp, the couple driving from Goa to Hampi, or the family exploring Panchgani’s Tuscan hills. India’s travel culture isn’t about ticking off monuments anymore—it’s about roads that lead to meaning. Just like Route 66, places like Kerala’s backroads, Rajasthan’s desert routes, or the mountain passes of Himachal aren’t just ways to get from A to B. They’re experiences. You taste chai at a roadside stall, chat with a truck driver who’s seen three states, or stop because a sign says ‘Best Momos 2 Miles Ahead’—and you do it because it feels right.

And here’s the real link: both Route 66 and India’s emerging road trip scene reject the idea that travel has to be polished. You don’t need a five-star hotel to have a great journey. You need curiosity. You need to be okay with detours. That’s why posts about budget travel India, Kerala safety, or Goa airport to beach feel so familiar to anyone who’s driven Route 66. It’s not about the miles—it’s about the moments you didn’t plan for. Whether you’re in a rented SUV in Maharashtra or an old Chevy on a desert stretch, the truth is the same: the best parts of travel happen when you stop following the map.

Below, you’ll find real stories from travelers who’ve chased that feeling—in India, and beyond. From how much money you actually need to explore India’s hidden corners, to why a tiny hill station is called the Italy of India, to what makes trekking more than just exercise. These aren’t just guides. They’re snapshots of people choosing the road, not the itinerary. And if you’ve ever wondered what Route 66 has to do with a temple in Rameshwaram or a food cart in Jersey City—you’re about to find out.