HT City

ESCAPE THE ORDINARY: TIME TO HIT THE ROAD

Feed your wanderlust and get off the beaten path to explore some breathtaki­ng routes that will only leave you asking for more

- Ananya Raghavan htcity@hindustant­imes.com

With the Covid-19 infection rates going down, vaccinatio­n coverage increasing and the festive season blessing us with ample leaves, there isn’t any better time to plan a holiday than now.

Be it travelling through hills, valleys, forest stretches, desert or sea beaches, a road trip offers unparallel­ed thrill and most immersive experience­s. From getting adrenaline rush on the hairpin bends of hill destinatio­ns to driving along the coastline with sea breeze washing away all your stress, trips on the road, with family, friends or colleagues, are equal parts memorable and adventurou­s.

So pack your bags, tank up your car and set off for the road trip of your dreams, to make the most of this festive season. And to help you decide on an itinerary, here are some scenic route options that are out of the ordinary and waiting just for you, to give an experience of the lifetime!

KASHIPUR TO BINSAR

A road trip from Kashipur to Binsar in Uttarakhan­d gives you a splendid view of Nature with lush green sides and picturesqu­e surroundin­gs. Located at an elevation of approximat­ely 2,412 m above the sea level, Binsar is known for its natural beauty and pristine environmen­t. Starting from Kashipur and going all the way up to Binsar WildLife Sanctuary, located on the top of Jhandi Dhar Hills, one gets to witness majestic views of Himalayas with mountains touching the clouds.

Anmol Gill, a traveller who has covered this stretch multiple times, says, “The drive through the Himalayas is beautiful and the icing on the cake is the destinatio­n. The roads are good but as you get closer to the jungle, narrower patches do come your way.” The trip takes about five to seven hours depending on how many stops one takes.

DARCHA TO PADUM

A road trip from Darcha in Himachal Pradesh to Padum in Zanskar valley of Ladakh is ideal for biking enthusiast­s and those seeking adventure. Almost a 10-12 hour drive, the entire route is full of scenic landscapes. However, considerin­g steep climbs and dirt trails, travelling in an SUV or a high-powered bike could be the best option. Rajat Singh, a regular trekker and road trip fanatic, says, “There is no other route like this in the country.”

Read on to know some more route recommenda­tions that one can explore for a memorable road trip.

A ROAD TRIP FROM DARCHA IN HIMACHAL PRADESH TO PADUM IN ZANSKAR VALLEY OF LADAKH CAN TRULY BE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FOR TRAVEL ENTHUSIAST­S AND BIKERS

 ?? PHOTO: SHUTTERSTO­CK ?? Road trips allow you to customise your itinerary and explore hidden gems along your route
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTO­CK Road trips allow you to customise your itinerary and explore hidden gems along your route
 ?? ?? Binsar is known for its natural beauty and pristine environmen­t
Binsar is known for its natural beauty and pristine environmen­t

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