There's been a steady rise of people taking road trips in India. In the last decade or so, this is being observed. Before this, there wasn't much news or know-hows of road trips by friends or people in general. Or may be I am the one who has observed this in recent times. Either way, there is no denying that a road trip now is something that almost everyone is doing & has become much popular than what it ever was. The mode of transport doesn't matter, be it on the classic & all-powerful Royal Enfield bullets (read Ladakh Road Trip that every second guy is going to - and nothing wrong in it) or in their 4 wheelers. For a grand experience to be felt, it is inevitable that you do careful planning & a lot of research on a lot of aspects. I have myself been on the road for about 5,000 Kms and made some mistakes. I give you below the 9 essentials for a perfect road trip in India, especially from an Indian context:
1) Funds at disposal, including Cash
Having Indian Rupees handy is crucial for a perfect road trip in India
The first and the most obvious essential for a road trip in India. You would have already noticed India's transition from a cash-based economy to a cashless one. Before you embark on this trip, doing your due diligence & getting to know what's this going to cost you is a BASIC. Once you are on the road, almost all towns & villages (country-side) accept digital payment with QR codes and what not, having a bit of cash is still useful, just in case. There could still be a strong possibility of having no ATMs for miles, depending upon where you are in India.
2) Vehicle Upkeep
In order to avoid any breakdown of your vehicle on the road, ensure that you do proper servicing of your vehicle, some days prior to your road trip in India. This will not only ensure you have a great time, you won't waste unnecessary time in fixing things, finding a mechanic, losing a lot of money due to scarcity of mechanics on the road and overall dampening of moods. If some kind of breakdown still happens - that was beyond your control - enjoy that as well ! And yes, do not forget your vehicle documents.
3) GPS System & MAPS
While you may have definitely done some great research, it would do well to carry a map and also a GPS system with you for any road trip in India. India is a vast and complex country, with a lot of adventures happening anytime, including not finding street boards or signs, sometimes not finding the roads at all for miles at stretch. It's fun but let's not make it troublesome. What say ?
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4) Light Snacks or Eatables During Road Trip in India
Having some healthy snacks is always good. While you can be sure of the availability of tea in India even in the remote corners, the same cannot be said about good food. Biscuits, Cookies, Cashews, Nuts, Dry Fruits etc will prevent stomach upset as well.
5) Some Awesome Songs
Listening to some great music is the best therapy possible. Imagine you are slow-riding the curves in the mountains and an awesome song plays in and you suddenly imagine about your, your life, how you stand nowhere in the Universe and that life is to be lived in it's present ! There is nothing better than this. Besides, even the best of friends can have mood swings during journey, you can hope Music can slow them down. LOL !
6) A Great Camera or Phone
Traveling anywhere in the world without a camera is like horrible, really ! You have to capture special moments near you, landmarks, attractions, of your close ones as well as the nature & it's beauty, which will then be your memory for years to come. Selfies have become a craze these days and good that it has. So a great camera or a good phone known for enabling good photography is one of the most crucial things to have for that perfect road trip.
7) First Aid Kit, Toiletries & Other Essentials
For any major or minor medical emergency, a First Aid Kit comes in really handy for the first line of treatment, before you reach the hospital. So, never underestimate the importance of this kit and always check the expiry dates of the products which are a part of this kit. Additionally, also have toiletries like napkins, facewash, soaps, cleaning wipes, shampoo, hand sanitizer, mobile chargers, comfortable footwear etc.
8) Willingness To Enjoy Quirky and Unique Things
India is a land like no other. If there is one nation that can give you a wholesome experience of it's culture, customs, traditions, uniqueness, quirkiness, adjustments... it's INDIA. Take a road trip here and feel it yourself. India doesn't need to make sense to you, she doesn't care about what your pre-determined notions are. Don't judge, just go with the flow. She asks that you open your mind, be flexible, witness her. Be willing to accept what comes and you never know, you may end up seeing some amazing things... You might as well end up becoming a tad wiser version of yourself !
9) Jump Starter & Car Fluids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec5P9pISGPk
I genuinely hope no one has to get to this point but in continuation to the Vehicle Upkeep part, there may come an occasion where your car still may die / won't start / have a flat battery. Always carry a jump starter and car fluids with you, so you don't have to wait for or deal with a mechanic taking his own sweet time coming in. Similarly car fluids like engine oil, coolant, water should always be handy, may be in a small bottle in your boot. Watch this video above on how to do a jump start to get an idea.
Are there any other things that you think I missed out ?
Share it with me !
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