The excitement of a road trip in a country like India is definitely beyond imagination. You dream about spotting grand heritage structures, towering mountains, serene lakes, pristine beaches, lots of emerald stretches and meeting with the locals. However, one needs to plan in advance for a hassle-free road trip in India.
Here are some tips for those planning a road trip in India
Consider Your Ride
India often surprises travellers with its diverse kinds of terrains. On one hand, you face simple plains whereas, on the other hand, you are dumbstruck by extreme landscapes where driving is challenging for a newbie. Thus, make sure you read about the roads and route before embarking your road trip. Also, pick the car you are booking/driving in accordance with the region you are travelling to. SUVs are usually the most ideal cars for long-distance road trips.
Get Your Car Checked
Before any road trip, one must get the car fully checked to get reassured about its good health. Nobody likes to get stuck with a non-working vehicle in the middle of an unknown road.
When to Travel
Every region of India experiences a different climatic condition in different months. In some areas, road trips are officially closed due to unfavoured climate and road conditions. For instance, many parts of Leh remains inaccessible during winters and many wildlife sanctuaries also remain closed during monsoons. Thus, pick your destination as per the month and weather.
Check Posts & Tolls
You will come across many tolls and police check posts during your trip. Always carry change to pay at tolls quickly. Also, do not forget to carry your documents like driving licence, registration, car insurance and pollution for a hassle-free police check.
Ask Whenever Required
The following map is even though a good idea while travelling to unknown destinations, there is no harm in asking the locals for directions. You can even stop at police checks to reconfirm the route you are taking.
Carry Enough Cash
Even though all parts of India now have enough ATMS, carrying enough cash with you is always a great idea. Also, keep some loose change for quicker and expedient payments at tolls or snack shops.
What to Pack
No matter where you are travelling to, you ought to create memories. Carry a good camera or charge your phone’s battery well in advance to click beautiful pictures during your road trip. Travellers must also carry a charged power bank to avoid running out of battery.
Always Carry First Aid
Another important thing to carry is a first aid kit with some necessary medicines.
Avoid Tap Water
No matter what, one must avoid drinking tap water during travelling. Always carry filtered water from home or buy some mineral water bottles to stay away from water borne diseases. One should also pack from light snacks for munching.
Keep the Tank Full
Kick start your trip with a full tank of fuel. One should always buy fuel from company-owned petrol stations in major towns. Do not wait for the fuel indicator to turn red. Get the tank filled whenever the fuel needle hits 10-20 per cent.
Have a safe journey. Don’t drink and drive.
