For The Love Of Long Drives

Driving through the Indian countryside.

Photo by Hari Panicker on Unsplash

I love those long drives, relaxing and no real pressure to reach the destination in certain time. Just cruise along some good roads. The road is fenced with shady trees. Passing through rural areas there are lush green fields on both sides. There is an occasional vehicle from the other side.

The group of young kids walking to school, the farmers carrying the feed for their cattle. The life seems relaxed in the village. But it’s full of action. They live every moment. Breathe the freshest air, I envy them living in urban areas there is no fresh air, most of it is polluted.

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[embed]Videos by Author. Fields on countryside and winding roads.

The road is never straight. It’s winding, constantly one must steer the vehicle, be ready to slow down suddenly for some potholes. The ignorant villagers really do not have much power over the rich road building contractors and they have to accept whatever comes their way. They negotiate those roads daily. They get the vitamin D from the sun in abundance. Their tanned skin is much more healthier than the “fair and lovely” cream users of the urban India. They do not have vitamin D deficiency and don’t need to take supplements. They walk a lot. Very hard to find transportation for small distances. And one household would have maximum one two wheeler. If that is already out the only option for others is to walk.

They don’t have side walks. If they have tarred roads then they are very lucky. The roads are not wide enough. When one vehicle is incoming and one is passing then there is no road left. There is no shoulder. Most two wheelers have to go off road when two cars are passing.

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The villagers are used to this. They are not blocking anyone. One must slow down though. Sometimes it’s required to slow down and ask for directions. The simple villagers are ready to show you the directions in case you are lost or need a better route. There is no cunningness, there is a pure simplicity in their eyes. They have nothing to gain and hence they help. They don’t expect anything from you.

On the way you would have to slow down for the cattle grazing farmers crossing the road, flocking their cattle. Don’t forget to spot, at the end of the flock there will be a trained dog helping the farmer, making sure no sheep is left behind.

There will be road side fruit sellers, they have the freshest fruit one can find, as it’s coming directly plucked from the farms nearby. They don’t expect much profits and are selling at meager value compared to the city. And the fruits are the best when you buy from the village road side. So many times we have stopped to buy them. Have little conversations with them. In the city everyone is in a mad rush. No one has any time to talk. But it’s not the same in the village. They even give you free samples. There is little convincing needed as the quality of fruit is most fresh. In cities mostly the fruits are refrigerated and then brought out for sale. In villages that is not possible.

Pictures by Author. Intricate handwoven baskets.

Then there are the road side sellers of hand made baskets. The sticks are woven so intricately. They have crude wooden spoons and other kitchen use articles. There is always something to buy on a bargain. They are happy to reduce the prices. They are even happier if you buy in bulk. They don’t have to wait to sell their stuff until evening. They are very smart in calculations. They don’t need a calculator.

Then there are the unmistakable sellers of corn which is freshly roasted on red hot coals. The taste is amazing. The cool open air adds to the ambience. There is absolutely no better day when it’s raining lightly and you spot a roasted corn seller on the road side. The taste is amazing.

On the highways we sometimes find the old banyan trees. These are some which have missed the axe. Due to road widening most of the trees are cut. But on a hot afternoon when we spot a beautiful shade of a banyan tree, one has to stop to take a break. Stretch out those legs, shoulders, look at the greenery and relax the neck and arms. The occasional shade giving trees on the highway are a boon for the driver. Even the hottest of summers it’s very relaxing to stop under the shade of a tree. Neem and Banyan are the best for shade.

Then of course the road side Dhabas are lip smacking places to have food. Every single paratha (stuffed flat bread rotis) freshly prepared in front of you. Usually double the size you get in the city and super tasty. The best part of the dhabas is that they deliver very fast. One has to keep waiting in restaurants but not at the Dhabas. On a cold morning someone had lit a bonfire and are happy to accommodate you to feel the warmth. That feeling is something one cannot get with heaters in the city.

The journey is made pleasant by so many things. I hardly put on the music. Rather many times open the windows and hear the chirping of the birds, the fresh air and the sounds of the cows mooing, the sheep baaing. On faster roads it’s required to speed up, roll up the windows and hit the gas.

When it’s possible speed up according to the limits. When it’s not — don’t push it, no aggressive driving, no dangerous overtaking. It’s only max an hour or so you will save. Don’t risk your life. You may have a dandy fast car, but it’s not worth risking as there are many factors which contribute to safety. Reaching the destination before sundown is sometimes necessary and also it’s required to close a story.

Until next long drive there will be more planning, more newer roads, more roads that are not travelled.

Adios!