7 cities to explore on India’s Golden Quadrilateral road trip

Here are seven cities to consider on India's Golden Quadrilateral road trip:

1. Jaipur, Rajasthan - A natural stop for travelers on the Delhi-Mumbai stretch, Jaipur offers grand forts, palaces, bustling markets, and traditional Rajasthani cuisine.

2. Udaipur, Rajasthan - Known for its lakes and historic palaces, Udaipur provides an atmospheric detour on a Rajasthan road trip, with options for boat rides and exploring the old city streets.

3. Vadodara, Gujarat - Located on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai corridor, Vadodara is a useful stop for art, architecture, and history enthusiasts, with notable attractions like the Laxmi Vilas Palace and Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.

4. Bhubaneswar, Odisha - Along the Kolkata-Chennai corridor, Bhubaneswar is worth visiting for its temples and architectural heritage, including the famous Lingaraj Temple and nearby Dhauli and Udayagiri-Khandagiri.

5. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu - Close to Chennai, Mahabalipuram is perfect for combining road trips with history and coastal views, featuring UNESCO-listed rock-cut temples and the iconic Shore Temple.

6. Agra, Uttar Pradesh - On the Delhi-Agra stretch, Agra is an easy addition for Golden Quadrilateral travelers, with the Taj Mahal as its main attraction and Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh offering more reasons to stay overnight.

7. Nashik, Maharashtra - Located on the Mumbai side of the route, Nashik provides an interesting stop for heritage and food-and-wine experiences, with temples, vineyards, and proximity to the Godavari river.