The constant hum of the engine offset occasionally by a pothole or two, the changing scenery whipping past ranging from beautiful highlands to grassy plains and everything in the middle - all of them breathtaking.
It's more about enjoying the journey than reaching the destination. The utter pleasure of flooring the accelerator on an open stretch of road is indescribable, especially when you have a 2.5 litre diesel engine waiting at your disposal with bated breath.
Now, every journey, however short - should be taken in utmost comfort. Otherwise, its just another point A to point B travel trying to pinch some pennies in the process. Also, disturbing the individual alignment of your backside.
To address this issue -you have the awesome SUVs.
To address this issue -you have the awesome SUVs.
The Innova is a case in point - although it does not really qualify as an out-and-out SUV, it also does not deserve the tag of being branded as a people carrier. It sits, ensconced somewhere in the middle - and that middle is gargantuan. Calling it huge would be an understatement - It is cavernous!
And - pretty fast for a rock formation.
The 2.5L engine belts out enough thrust while making the loudest grunt possible to propel this rhino out of signals and right ahead with the Skodas and the Honda's. It is surprisingly agile for its girth although there is enough body roll during cornering; to encourage any 5 year old's system to give up their recently had lunch. That said, the comfort is excellent. Its like leaning on an American. Thick and loud!
So, enough about the vehicle. That's not what I'm talking about (not entirely). The countryside with the breathtakingly rolling hills and windswept roads is mesmerising. The lane markers zipping past under you is almost hypnotic. Not to mention the pleasantly sudden strains of a Kishore Kumar suddenly appearing out of nowhere on the FM that wasn't catching anything while in transit.
Another extremely indulgent aspect of road trips is the roadside dhabas. These are a brilliant concept probably spearheaded by Punjabi's and truckers (they are not the same, clubbing them is just coincidental) who know what to eat when on the road.
Or, it also could be the hunger that makes the most averagely tempered meal taste like manna. The customary taaaaaall glass of lassi or buttermilk (depending where you are in India) after finishing a most satiating meal is the right punch line to every food possible (yes, i am a glutton). Hitting the road on a content stomach is equal to a well fed army covering ground on a war footing.
Ok - taking stock - Food, nature, vehicle - Oh yes! company!
Traveling with the wrong kind of of people could easily amount to near death experience out of boredom.
If the company you keep believes in contemplating in the true nature of things, and, what mankind is doing to mother nature etc etc, please push them out!
And, if there is chatter going around that sounds like an incessant cacophony inside of a rain forest and makes the vehicle sound like its on loan for the mumbai zoo - throw these buggers out as well. The key is to select people who are the right mix of both (damn, i sound like an HR manager!)
The 'right' kind of company is essential in enjoying the true value of the journey. Getting caught with the wrong people is horrible - trust me!
For instance - let us say you were travelling to Ladakh - you would not really be looking for your Maasi to accompany you with her eldest daughter and son in law who have just been married; and; whose last trip taken was their honeymoon - 2 years ago. (you WOULD pass the dark tunnel to the other side with angels saying "I told you so...")
Alternatively, you would not be caught with your craziest buddies on a trip to Vaishno Devi. The kind of buddies with whom you have spent some really memorable times. Times - which, when you think back - you realise - That was so goddamn stupid!
Good company is relative. So i am not going to take a call on what good company should be. But yes - I can give discretionary services based on input factors!
That said - I do believe taking intercity road trips - heck - even a jaunt to the city outskirts is amazing. Clears your head and makes you put things in perspective. Personally, i have always thrown caution, tension, responsibility, Time etc (any of the deep dark depressing things that come to you when you grow up) to the wind.
As i said, very therapeutic and uplifting.
No comments:
Post a Comment