Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh — My First Long Drive in a Tata Nexon

A 4000 km journey that brought faith, family, and childhood full circle.

Some journeys are more than travel — they become a part of your story. Our recent road trip from Mumbai to Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, was one of them.

We covered nearly 4000 kilometers, with 3900 km driven by me alone in our Tata Nexon petrol. What started as a plan to attend a wedding in our native village turned into a soulful blend of pilgrimage, family bonding, and raw experiences that no train/flight could ever give.

The Car, the Route & the Drive

The Tata Nexon petrol was flawless — smooth, stable, and comfortable for long hauls. We took the Samruddhi Mahamarg Expressway, which made a huge difference in both time and comfort.

• Onward Journey: We drove straight with only essential stops — for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and washrooms.
• Return Journey: More relaxed, with a few scenic breaks near Samruddhi to rest and reset.

A Father’s Pride Behind the Wheel

Of the 4000 km we traveled, I drove 3900 km. My father, who taught me to drive years ago, rode shotgun most of the way. Watching him smile silently, seeing his student handle long stretches like a pro — that moment is now locked in my memory.

But the most touching moment came unexpectedly — when my father reunited with a childhood friend after nearly 30 years. It happened purely by chance. What started as a casual walk turned into hugs, laughter, and stories from a simpler time. Two old friends picking up right where they left off — no phones, no formalities, just warmth and genuine connection. I felt lucky just to witness it.

A Co-Pilot Who Knows Me Too Well

While I may have driven 3900 km, my wife deserves full credit for talking me through at least 3000 of them. The moment she even smelled I was getting tired or sleepy, she’d activate like a real-life Alexa — but with no mute button. From childhood stories to conspiracy theories about hotel bedsheets, she kept the conversations flowing like a roadside dhaba’s endless chai.

Sometimes I’d wonder if the Tata Nexon came with a co-passenger who runs on pure concern and unlimited talktime. Turns out, marriage does.

Our Kids Discover the Real India

Our twin toddlers — who had only seen animals on screens — came face-to-face with peacocks, buffaloes, cows, goats, rabbits, foxes, and a variety of birds.

They:

• Rode tractors
• Played in mud puddles
• Splashed in open village water tanks
• Rode animals and rolled on the ground with joy

For them, this wasn’t just a trip — it was a portal to a whole new world.

Sacred Stops — Pilgrimage Highlights

1. Ayodhya Dham & Hanuman Garhi The birthplace of Lord Ram, Ayodhya was a spiritual high. We visited the newly built Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir and climbed to Hanuman Garhi, where it’s believed Lord Hanuman watches over the city. The divine energy was overwhelming.

2. Maa Barahi Temple, Pratapgarh A powerful Shaktipeeth dedicated to Maa Barahi, this temple holds great local significance. Tucked in nature, it felt like a spiritual reset.

3. Belha Devi Temple, Bela Pratapgarh Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this historic temple is known for its peaceful vibes and large footfalls during Navratri. My father shared stories from his childhood visits here.

4. Bijethua Mahaviran Temple, Sultanpur Said to be the spot where Lord Hanuman defeated the demon Kaalnemi, this temple exudes strength and devotion — a must-visit for any Hanuman bhakt.

Not Everything Was Smooth — The Hiccups

Every trip has its share of bumps:

• Scratches Galore: Village lanes were tight, chaotic, and often crowded. My Nexon picked up more than a few scratches — an unfortunate but expected part of rural driving.
• Rowdy Roadside Seller: A fruit seller near a junction in UP blocked the road, tried to overcharge, and got aggressive when I refused. It was a moment that shook us, but we handled it with calm and caution.

Tips for First-Time Family Road Trippers

• Stick to expressways like Samruddhi — clean, safe, and fast.
• Drive early mornings and take proper breaks.
• Carry a bag of essentials: wipes, extra clothes for kids, snacks, water.
• Download offline maps & playlists.
• Expect hiccups — not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay.
• Let kids explore — the dirt washes off, the memories don’t.

Budget Breakdown — Tolls, Petrol, and Planning Fuel Stops

One of the most common questions for long road trips is: How much will it cost? Here’s a transparent breakdown from our experience.

Toll Charges

We used FASTag throughout the journey. Here’s an estimate of the tolls we paid:

• Mumbai to Pratapgarh (via Samruddhi Expressway, NH 44 & NH 31):₹2,710
• Round trip total tolls: ₹5,400 — ₹5,500 approx.

Petrol Cost

Our 2023 Tata Nexon petrol gave us an average mileage of 17–18 km/l depending on road type and AC usage.

• Total distance: ~4000 km
• Fuel used: Approx. 229 litres
• Average petrol cost: ₹103/litre (varied slightly across states)
• Total petrol spend: ₹23,410

Planning Refills — Practical Tips

1. Refuel when you’re at half tank, especially in rural or unfamiliar areas.
2. Use apps like Google Maps to find nearby petrol pumps along your route.
3. Jio-BP, Indian Oil, HP, and Bharat Petroleum stations are common and trustworthy.
4. Avoid refueling late at night in isolated stretches — plan refills before 8 PM.
5. On expressways like Samruddhi, reliable pumps are available at most rest areas.

Pro Tip: Carry cash/change for smaller pumps in remote areas, just in case they have network issues for digital payments.

Conclusion

This journey wasn’t just about attending a wedding — it was about reconnecting with roots, watching my father’s pride, and seeing my children experience a piece of life we grew up with.

From the majestic temples of Ayodhya to the tractor rides in our village, from the long drives to little mishaps — every part of this trip became a memory.

If you’re thinking about a long road trip with family, just do it. No flight or train can match the freedom, joy, and discovery that the road gives you.

Thanks for reading! Have you done a long family road trip? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments.

Glimpse