Driving the NH 183A Road in Kerala is Not for the Faint of Heart
India, asia
174 km
1,184 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Kerala, South India, on NH 183A. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious curves – thousands of 'em! This 174 km (108 mile) stretch from Kumily (or Kumaly if you prefer) to Sasthamkotta (aka Sasthamcotta) will have you gripping the wheel.
Word to the wise: Kerala gets its fair share of rain, and this road gets slick. Landslides can make sections impassable after a downpour. Plus, expect narrow stretches, super steep climbs, and a max elevation of 1,184m (3,884ft). Stunning views, yes, but maybe pack some motion sickness pills if you're prone to feeling queasy. It's a wild ride!
Where is it?
Driving the NH 183A Road in Kerala is Not for the Faint of Heart is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 22.7316, 81.1014
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 174 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,184 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 22.7316, 81.1014
Related Roads in asia
hardWhy Was the Road Through Chamkang Built?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're tackling the Chamkang Pass, straddling the border of Xinjiang and Tibet in China. This ain't your average Sunday drive – we're talking serious altitude, nearly 20,000 feet! It might just be the highest motorable road on the planet! So, why does this road even exist? Well, it's a strategic route connecting Chinese military outposts after a bit of history with India. Think remote, think crucial, think military. Getting there is, shall we say, an adventure. We're talking about driving through desolate landscapes, places that have seen conflict. You absolutely need to be prepared – we’re talking limited traffic, zero cell service in spots, and a whole lotta "you're on your own" vibes. Now, about access… this area is tightly controlled by the military, so unless you're authorized, you're out of luck. The weather? Wild. High altitude means things change in a heartbeat, and the wind is relentless year-round. Snow is a constant threat, even in summer, and winter? Forget about it – brutally cold. Expect unpredictable road conditions, with ice and snow always lurking. Listen, this isn't a joyride for everyone. The air is thin up here, so if you've got health issues, especially respiratory, maybe sit this one out. The low oxygen will affect you and your engine. But if you're up for it, Chamkang offers views and an experience that’s hard to beat. Just go in knowing what you're getting into. Stunning, yes, but also seriously demanding.
hardHow to Drive the Hairpinned Road to Sapi La?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Sapi La, sitting pretty at 14,425 feet in Ladakh's Kargil district, is calling your name. Get ready for a wild ride through this Indian union territory gem! This isn't just any road trip – we're talking hairpin turns galore! Sapi La, also known as SapiLa, is mostly paved with a few unpaved patches, but the surface is generally pretty good, and you won't be fighting through tons of traffic. Just a heads up: if you get carsick easily, maybe pop some Dramamine before you go, because those hairpin turns are relentless. You can only tackle this beauty during the summer months. Winter slams the door shut with massive snowfall, isolating the pass for seven or eight months, so plan accordingly! Clocking in at just over 20 miles, the road snakes its way east-west from Shargole to Batambis. Get ready for views that will blow your mind!
moderateKotal-e Faramoz
🌍 Afghanistan
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! Let's talk about Pereval Faramoz, a mountain pass that hits a dizzying 10,311 feet (3,143m) in the remote Yakawlang District of Bamyan Province, Afghanistan. Fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump-and-grind. Think of it as an off-road rollercoaster! The window to drive this pass is small, typically only July to September, as snow makes it impassable the rest of the year. This one’s definitely for experienced off-roaders with a reliable 4x4. Stunning scenery? Absolutely! But remember, safety first. The security situation can be unpredictable, so get the latest intel before you go. Seriously, check in with your embassy in Kabul for the most up-to-date information. This drive is an epic challenge, but be smart and stay safe out there!
hardMedo La: a new military road on the Chinese-Indian border
🇮🇳 India
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Medo La! This border-crossing beauty sits way up high at a staggering 19,406 feet, straddling China and India. We're talking one of the planet's highest motorable roads, folks! The road itself? Well, it’s mostly paved, but don't get too comfy – it quickly turns to a rough unpaved track. Military access only, so leave the sedan at home and grab your 4x4. The ascent is brutal, a real lung-buster thanks to the crazy altitude. Seriously, the air is THIN. Oh, and did I mention it's steep? Finished in 2021, Medo La links Sikkim in India with Kamba County in Tibet. Getting permission to tackle this one is a mission in itself, even for locals, as it's in a super-sensitive area near the Indian border. Get ready for an isolated adventure unlike any other!