Think back on your most memorable road trip.
The road trip emphasizes the joy of self-driving through diverse landscapes, particularly to Uttarakhand’s mountains. It reflects on the challenges of traffic and road conditions but highlights the beauty and excitement of nature. Whether you’re planning a road trip or a casual car journey, you will enjoy memorable stops. Your personal experiences and the connection with the environment create an enriching journey.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The article captures the joy of a car journey through diverse landscapes, particularly in Uttarakhand.
- Self-driving enhances the experience as the focus shifts from destination to enjoying the natural beauty along the way.
- Road conditions can be challenging, but they don’t detract from the memorable moments and scenic views.
- Stopping in places like Bareilly and Haldwani allows for moments of relaxation and exploration during the journey.
- Visiting Corbett National Park adds excitement, highlighting the connection between nature and the thrill of adventure.
Introduction
Travelling on freeways, highways, or expressways is thrilling. The thrill and excitement become manifold when one is in the driver’s seat and taking a car journey. The command of the moving vehicle and road presence becomes enjoyable. This allows self-control and techniques of controlling and manoeuvring the vehicle. Coordination among the mind and body, with alertness and judgment, is important to enjoy the ride. It gives immense joy when the car smoothly glides on the road. It swiftly passes through soul-soothing, enchanting rustic landscapes and crosses the rivers
Road Journey
(a) Self-driving
While driving one’s private car, the traveller enjoys the road journey. The path becomes more enjoyable than the destination. Journey is usually beautiful when it is taken with a free mind and the purpose of enjoying natural beauty. The means can be different, but self-driving is a pleasure. Driving at a moderate speed allows the mind to act properly and allows the person to enjoy. The increased infrastructure, good road conditions, and safety features made the journey memorable.
(b) Panorama changes
Years ago, the roads were not in good condition. Driving on rough roads and the car journey was cumbersome. Still, the liking for driving used to make the journey enjoyable. The panoramas change as one passes from one location to another. The transition between the two is not only enjoyable but also gives a glimpse of changing culture, customs and language. It becomes even more rewarding when the journey is in hilly regions. Driving on a mountain road is a little risky and requires more concentration, but the beautiful scenes compensate for it.
(c) Enjoying views
The double-lane road passing from the plains to the hills allowed him to enjoy the view. Large sugarcane and mint fields dotted with trees and waterbodies were mesmerisingly beautiful. He reminisced about his joyous and memorable road trips to the mountains of Uttarakhand in India. It was the time when Uttarakhand was a part of Uttar Pradesh.
Journey started
(a) Early morning is tricky on roads
As usual, he started early in the morning to cover a large part of the journey by noon. The judgment proved not fruitful. The road was loaded with heavy trucks and containers of various sizes. The average speed of his car was moderate. The highway traffic did not allow fast movement. The poor road condition, potholes and frequent repairs were impediments to the swift movement of his car. Nevertheless, he was enjoying the drive and his journey in the car. Overall, the journey was pleasant as it unfolded many things which intrigued and surprised him.
(b) Driving at moderate speed
Driving at moderate speed on the rough roads, he was enjoying the views. Sitting in the driving seat, he was steering the car. To his satisfaction, the car was responding very well on its journey. Shady trees and verdurous fields flanked the road. Villagers and pageants were busy with their work in the fields.
(c) Daybreak
As the dark sky became lighter, the truckers switched off the headlights of their trucks. This considerably comforted him from eye strain. The road became clearer, and Nature emerged with its full glory. Running at a moderate speed, the car had, by now, travelled more than two hundred and fifty kilometres.
(i) Bareilly
Bareilly was approaching. The sun had started shining with brilliance. An important city of Uttar Pradesh, Bareilly is famous for its Kohl (“Surma”) and imitation jewellery, especially ladies’ earrings “Jhumka”. Passing past Gandhi Park in the Civil Lines area of the city, he took a brief halt and strolled in the park. It was like stretching the body. After spending some time in the park, he cranked the car to life and moved on.
Towards Haldwani
Enjoying the road ahead, trees and fields, he was approaching Haldwani, in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. In the way the car crossed Kichha and Lal Kuwan. Haldwani is situated in the foothills of the Shivalik. It is 1391 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL). The city lies in the Bhabhar region. Traversed by the Gaula River, it is densely populated. Haldwani is the gateway of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. (Wikipedia)
Night halt
(a) Stay at a hotel
After about an eight-hour drive, he reached Haldwani. The sun was on its downward journey. He was to take a night halt in the city. After having rested and slept, he was to go to the famous Corbett National Park. Parking his car in a hotel, he freshened himself and took evening tea with light snacks.
(b) The room
The room was moderate and comfortable. The diffused lights were adding to the cosy look. Quietly sitting, he glanced at the room and scanned it. To get a feel of the city, he got up, locked the room and came out for a stroll. The silhouetted mountains occupied the background of Haldwani. The dark sky with streaks of crimson coloured clouds looked pretty good. The city lights glowed and made the vibrant town look glittering in the night. The place is plain amidst hills.
(c) Dinner and rest
Coming back to his room, he rested for a few moments. Called the hotel restaurant on the intercom, he ordered his dinner. The dinner was served in a few moments. Having finished dinner, when the crockery was cleared, he paced up and down in the room and outside the gallery.
(d) Sound sleep
He had a sound sleep. The next morning, awaking at his usual time, he was feeling refreshed and agile. It was dawn, and the sky was becoming clear. The hustle and bustle of the city had started. After having a cup of tea and a refreshing bath, he was ready to move. After having a light breakfast, he resumed his journey.
Journey resumed
Meticulously packing his bags, he kept them properly in the car boot, checked out the hotel and set off. Passing through various city roads he arrived on a road which was going to Ramnagar. Leaving the city behind, his car was moving ahead. It was a rural area. People were living in the shadow of the Shivalik hills. The ambience was very peaceful and salubrious. The village life was simple and beautiful but distinctly different from that of areas of the plains.
Kaladhungi
Running on a narrow, serpentine but romantic road, the car reached Kaladhungi. It was the place where the great hunter turned naturalist of his time, Jim Corbett, lived during his heyday.
(a) Edward James Corbett
The colonial-style decent house is properly kept and is under the control of the Forest Department. The property is now a museum. It displays items related to Edward James Corbett, aka Jim Corbett. Visiting it is worth it and takes a nature lover back in time. The great hunter hunted down many “Man-Eaters of Kumaon”. He wrote many iconic books and later became an even more passionate naturalist. Corbett led a decent, humble life, who later opined that shooting a tiger with a camera is more difficult than with a gun. (Times of India)
Spectacular sights
Slithering on curvaceous, sometimes serpentine roads, his car was moving amongst some of the most spectacular visual sights. Small houses, fields and cattle all presented beautiful, serene scenes. By the time he reached Ramnagar, the rain had started.
Corbett National Park
It was the month of February. The winter was saying adieu. The rain, which started a few moments ago, had intensified. By the time he reached the gate of Corbett National Park, it had mellowed down to drizzle. Completing the formalities, he entered the park area. The car was slowly moving on the dirt road of the park. The petrichor was soothing. Mixed with the forest fragrance, it smelled intoxicating.
(a) Tea in the jungle
The rain regained its momentum. He took a brief halt at Sarpduli. The forest staff were preparing tea. They offered him the tea, which he accepted with thanks. It was a small rest house surrounded by lush green forest drenched with rain. He enjoyed the refreshing tea, sipping and watching the jungle beauty.
(b) Spectacular Sight
As he was quietly enjoying the music of the rain in the thick forest, he saw a spectacular sight. A graceful antelope with impressive antlers appeared in the open space in front of the building where he was standing. What an absolutely spectacular sight! He couldn’t believe his eyes. Nothing could be more beautiful than spotting a spotted deer in the wild! After a moment’s halt, the deer darted into the nearby jungle and vanished.
(c) Dhikala
After the rain mellowed down, he resumed his journey. Travelling through the jungle and its beautiful environment, he reached Dhikala, where he was to stay for two days. The park road on which he was driving was properly maintained by the park authorities. It was the buffer area but the verdurous environment and hilly terrain made it thrilling. He felt excited because he was able to feel the rain in an internationally acclaimed forest area.
Epilogue
It was a memorable car journey in more than several ways. Nature has always been the source of inspiration and joy for him. Coming across natural drama and feeling thrilled always gives him a feeling of elevation and happiness. Nature is sometimes seen red in tooth and claw, and at times, it becomes precarious too. Watching Nature in all its forms is thrilling and exciting. He thanked the Almighty for allowing an opportunity to feel Nature. He felt all the more obliged and needed to keep harmony between humans and Nature.
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