KR Salil and Rajesh Thayil, natives of Kochi, are on a fascinating journey. A journey that will stretch over 4 months to cover 28 states and 6 Union Territories. Their grand plan is to enjoy the culture and diversity of India. The voyage, which began on September 1, covered 12 states and covered more than 13,000 kilometers. According to them, there is a special high in travelling and witnessing the beautiful sights around.
Salil works in the field of tourism. Rajesh, who has returned from the Gulf, is also enjoying the journey. They had dreamt of this whole India tour for a long time. That is how the journey in the car begins. They started the journey from Kanyakumari and are planning to travel across the country. The group travelled straight from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Goa to Ladakh. They stayed there for more than a day. It’s just not to travel alone, they are keen to explore the diversity of each state. They are also planning to educate people about the need for vaccination and the environmental and forest conservation situation. They also have stories to tell of how each state welcomed them with open arms.
It was while preparing food at a makeshift tent in a Punjab village that a man invited them to his house. Though they were hesitant, he was persistent, and finally, they gave in. They were given food and asked to rest there for the night. The two returned as they had already set the tent. The next morning, Rao Mehraj came back to them. He invited relatives and others to his house to meet them and listen to their stories. After a village tour, they bade goodbye to the kind villagers. Another interesting memory was attending a 3-day wedding celebration in Rajasthan.
Despite Covid restrictions in many states, their journey went smoothly. The vehicle is equipped with a mini kitchen and other accommodation facilities. Their next stop is Uttarakhand. Then to the North-Eastern states. Although they have been to many countries, nowhere will you get the diversity that India offers.
5 best road trips in India
Mumbai To Goa: Preferably take the Pune-Kolhapur Route as it is the safer and smoother road. In case you are taking a bike, take the Chiplun-Ratnagiri Route that gets rocky, tricky, and narrow at many places. While on the Chiplun-Ratnagiri route, you can also check out the Karnal Bird Sanctuary. The best time to take this road trip is between December and January. If you did not already know, there are two routes from Mumbai which will take you to Goa. One is the 14-hour coastal road which probably is more scenic and has fewer tolls. The other is the highway which has multiple tolls, but the roads are excellent, and navigation through Google maps is easy. To enter Goa before it is dark, it is best to start at the crack of dawn. Try to start as early as 5 am in morning.
Guwahati To Tawang: Tawang is a fabled destination located at an altitude 2,669 m above sea level. It’s not only a natural paradise it is a unique combination of Buddhist culture and Tibetan heritage. The road journey to Tawang from Guwahati is a destination itself that passes through gorgeous hills, lively deodorant forests, and sprawling rivers. You can witness the marvels of the Buddhist culture in the North-East. Driving up the winding paths on the hills requires skill and experience. The best time to take this road trip is between March and October, like the rest of the time the roads may be blocked due to snow.
Jaipur To Jaisalmer: Witness the colours, culture & beauty of Rajasthan as you ride past the many villages lining the roads from Jaipur to Jaisalmer. Make a stopover at Jodhpur to indulge in the true Rajasthani heritage and flavours. One can also visit Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary on the way. The roads on this route are in perfect condition, granting you a smooth ride.
Chennai To Pondicherry: It is among the best road trips in India as it’s one where the journey will fetch you more memories and greater experience than the destination itself. On the way, one can enjoy magnificent views of the beaches of Southern India and stop by to have a coconut or two whenever they feel like it. One will find that the East Coast Road is in perfect condition for driving or riding down. You can make a stopover at Mahabalipuram to enjoy the beaches and indulge in the street food.
Bangalore to Munnar: The route is a sea of windmills & gorgeous waterfalls on each side, with coconut trees lining each side of the roads. The surrounding landscapes are dotted with several forest patches, streams, tea gardens, & wooden bridges, making the entire journey magical. The roads are great and well maintained, providing for a smooth road trip throughout.
