THE WINTER LIST INDIAN ROAD TRIPSAssamisthegatewaytotheverdantnortheast.Guwahatihas the
largest airport in the region, so this is also the starting point for
most travellers to this corner of the country. Shillong in Meghalaya
is just about a 100km from the capital of Assam, and National
Highway 6, which connects the two places, is smooth and offers up
many twists and turns, along with some picturesque vistas. A little
bit of traffic congestion, typical of most big cities, might bother you
as you make your way to the outskirts of Guwahati but, once you’re
past the toll gate outside the city, it’s easy to settle into a gentle
rhythm. There are huge trucks ferrying all kinds of goods down
this highway, yes, but, for the most part, they’re well behaved and
stick to the slow lane as they struggle uphill. Sweeping corners and
some tunnels en route provides entertainment for the one
manning the wheel, while the hilly terrain throws up lovely scenes
for the passengers to enjoy. You’ll also spot several vendors by the
side of the road, selling all manner of things. Do stop at one of these
makeshift stores, but take utmost care to get off the highway and
not block traffic. Colourful jars of pickles, made with everything
from bamboo shoots to pork, are enticing and taste as good as they
look. There are also some handicraft items on offer here. You might
even want to duck into one of the small villages on the way for a
spot of grub; the produce is fresh and yum. Stretch this three-hour
drive to even double the time, and you won’t regret it.Smallvillages,colourful street stalls
on the way are a thrill for your sensesGUWAHATI
TO SHILLONG100
kmPHOTOGRAPHS: RACHATA CHINTAWONG/123RF (MAHABALIPURAM), NISHANT CHINNAM/123RF (ARAKU VALLEY), HIMANSHU PANDYA (LONAVALA), ALIAKSANDR MAZURKEVICH/123RF (SHILLONG)
On any given weekend, throngs from Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra descend
upon Lonavala, creating kilometres-long traffic snarls and making the entire
experience rather horrid for pretty much everyone there. But, if you do manage to
make your way to this hill station on a weekday, the drive up to Aamby Valley from
Lonavala is a revelation. While most of the other journeys in this feature are about
the picturesque landscape around, this route is mostly about the road itself. All you
need to do is get your hands on a sporty set of wheels and the rest will follow
naturally. The drive from Mumbai or Pune, the closest big cities, is pretty
straightforward. Stop for a spot of grub at the Lonavala main market, perhaps pick
up some of the fudge or chikki this place is famous for. The last fuel station for a
while is also here, so make sure to fill up. After that, make your way past the agiary
behind the market, and head on up. The road winds past shops selling handicrafts
and other bric-a-brac, tea and snacks, until you come to a bridge. This is a great
place for some photo ops and a cup of hot chai on a cold morning. After this, the
shops and houses become scarce, as the road winds up the hill. The canopy of trees
cuts off your view of the surrounding scapes until you arrive at Tiger Point,
a popular vantage point at which visitors generally gather. There are parking lots
and restroom facilities too, which we’d recommend using as there will not be many
opportunities after this. Carry on ahead and the roads really open up with hardly
any traffic save for a few villagers going about their daily chores. The focus here is
on the road, and, if you have a suitable car or motorcycle, on that. There are corners
aplenty, allowing you to throw your vehicle around and have a ball of a time. You’re
not going to notice the scenery around, even though it’s quite captivating, that’s
how engaging this road is. The way to Aamby Valley is a mix of smooth, well-paved
roads and gravel tracks, and, once you do get to the destination, it’s time for a
downhill climb. Getting across hills doesn’t get more fun than this. As long as you
manage to avoid the crowds, that is.LONAVALA TO
AAMBY VALLEYForget the scenery outside, this one is a love
affair between the road and your vehicle25
km