Tips on planning a driving holiday in India
India is an ancient land with a 5000 year old history and a unique geographical character. It is full of manmade and natural wonders and invites you to visit its peaceful wildlife sanctuaries, picturesque hill stations, the world’s highest mountains, idyllic beach resorts, great galaxy of monuments and places soaked in history and a vibrant mosaic of cultures and traditions. It is my belief, that a “Driving Holiday’ is the best way to see this incredible country. A road trip holds a promise of adventure. Just around the next bend, over the next hill, past the next town is another discovery. Every path leads you to something different and just as you start thinking that you know India intimately, it springs a new surprise.
A motoring holiday not only lets you to see things seldom seen by ordinary tourists, but it also gives you the freedom to travel as and when you wish. It gives you the flexibility to spend more time in some places and less in others. You don’t have go through the tedious exercise of making reservations and booking tickets, and then being wait listed! Travel is supposed to be fun, but it turns into something more akin to work than play, when you have to be at a certain place at a certain time. It is a pure pleasure to get into a car and go exploring, and very often, the best part is in getting there. Being on the road in India is a celebration of life and the good things it has to offer. If you really want to experience India, then there is nothing like getting into a car and going on a ‘Discovery Drive’. Holidays cease to be a succession of planes, trains and taxis, and this brings back the romance in travel.
Every journey away from home needs some pre-planning. But, it is even more essential for a ‘Driving Holiday’. The first and most important rule is to always drive safely. Not just within the limits of the law, but also within the capacities of the vehicle and the confines of your driving experience.
Driving on Indian roads requires special talents and skills. One should “expect anything, and depend on nothing”. You will see familiar road signs and road markings, some in the right place, some in the wrong, some accurate and others misleading, some being obeyed and most being flagrantly disregarded. The key to motoring happily through all this is “Patience”. Patience with the character who appears on the wrong side of the road on a bend, patience with the ‘lane cutter’ whose vehicle is covered with battle scars, patience with the driver who indicates right and turns left, patience with the fool who without any warning, stops in the middle of the road to chat with a friend or pickup a passenger, patience with the tractor or overloaded truck, that slows you to a crawl just when you are struggling to climb a steep incline. The examples are endless, but the solution only one, ‘patience’!
It is also extremely important, to always stay alert. Motor at a speed that will safely allow you to make sudden lane changes and brake to a halt in the shortest distance possible. Stop every few hours to take a break and if you are getting tired or stressed, find a place to rest. It is best to start early and do most of the driving in the day. Driving after dark is not at all advisable and is something you should try and avoid. While the network of fuel stations has certainly improved, supply is yet not guaranteed in all areas, so it is advisable to refuel the vehicle at intervals of every 150/200 kms.
Your ‘Wheels’ will obviously play a vital role on any ‘Driving Holiday’, and it is essential that the vehicle be in first class condition. Before setting out, have it checked and properly serviced by the authorized dealer or service centre. Also ensure that the vehicle papers are in order and all taxes and insurance premiums have been paid. It is also advisable to carry along some basic spares like belts, radiator hoses and coolant, fuses, filters, oils, etc. A strong tow rope could also prove useful in case of a breakdown. Most Indian truckers are only too happy to give a tow for a small fee. Also ensure that you always have sufficient food rations and drinking water with you. Chocolates, chips, biscuits, cheese, dry fruits and other packaged food like noodles and soups are convenient to carry. You must also take along a bright torch with spare battery cells, mosquito repellents, clothes for warm and wet weather, and of course a medical box with all your prescribed medicines and first aid.
Finally, pack everything properly. To keep the centre of gravity low, stow the heavier stuff in the boot and put only the lighter and less bulky items on the roof carrier. It is best to pack all the gear in a systematic manner and ensure that everything fits snugly and does not rattle. Remember to keep all that you frequently need on top and in an easily accessible place. And please don’t keep any heavy objects lying loose inside the passenger compartment. In case of a sudden stop or impact, these could fly around and cause harm.
Exploring India by road can be an extremely rewarding experience and it helps to be well prepared. Happy and safe motoring!
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