3000 km road trip

I took a 3,000-mile road trip across America's West. From Flaming Hot Cheetos to podcasts, here's how I survived the long drive.

• In October, I embarked on the longest road trip of my life, and I did it alone.
• The drive would cover 3,000 miles and six states. 
• I survived it by packing spicy snacks, preparing for breakdowns, and listening to podcasts.

As I hopped in the driver's seat of the Ram ProMaster van I had rented for the next two weeks , reality set in that I was embarking on the longest road trip of my life .

In the next 13 days, I'd drive through six states, cover 3,000 miles, and conquer eight-plus-hour days of driving.

It was a massive feat to do alone, but I was prepared. Between snacks, distractions, and preparation, here's how I survived the long road trip.

I prepared beforehand by packing a few safety items and planning my route.

Envisioning a 3,000-mile drive also meant picturing all the things that could go wrong.

Knowing myself, I feared I would spend the long drives imagining worst-case scenarios. I could picture myself running out of gas with no stations anywhere in sight, or having a dead battery and no way to jumpstart my car.

Picturing these worst-case scenarios would make long drives stressful. And stress is exhausting.

I did my best to prepare beforehand to avoid those thoughts and prevent them from turning into reality.

I made sure I had a jump starter, a first aid kit, and my roadside assistance number through my insurance company handy. I mapped out my drive and flagged areas where gas stations were few and far between.

This preparation gave me the confidence that I could survive the trip — no matter what obstacle I encountered.

Quirky roadside attractions were more energizing than gas-station stops.

Instead of looking at a four-hour drive with the goal of getting from point A to point B, I looked at the longer drives as an opportunity to explore.

I made pit stops visiting places like a small crochet museum and an abandoned waterpark in a California desert .

These stops — especially compared to my quick, routine breaks at gas stations — left me energized.

That's because the roadside attractions gave me a reason to get out of my car, stretch my legs, and learn something new.

By breaking long drives up with interesting pit stops, my long drives felt more like a handful of short drives. This made the days when I was driving more than eight hours feel much more approachable.

And perhaps most importantly, they made the road trip feel worth it. The drive felt more about the journey, and I came home with more stories and highlights to share that I would have otherwise missed if I simply drove without stopping.

I picked intentional snacks that kept me awake and occupied.

As I roamed the aisles of Costco, Target, and Trader Joe's looking for snacks for my road trip, I picked items that I thought would help keep me alert.

For example, I grabbed a bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos from Target and the spicy Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips from Trader Joe's. These spicy snacks were the jolt I needed when long drives got exhausting.

I also packed plenty of sunflower seeds. The food requires effort to eat, which was a helpful distraction for drives — plus, it made sure I wasn't endlessly snacking on unhealthy foods.

And finally, nuts like walnuts and almonds were with me on the drive. These protein-rich foods helped keep me energized throughout the 13-day trip.

I opted for podcasts over music.

Before hitting the road, I asked a few friends for podcast recommendations.

I figured I'd spend hours listening to music in the van, but I also wanted to discover new podcasts as well.

After just a few days into my trip, I realized I was almost always opting to listen to a podcast instead of music.

It felt similar to binging TV shows. I'd get sucked into a storyline and could easily spend hours immersed in a podcast while cruising down the highway.

A handful of times throughout my trip, I realized I didn't want the drive to end simply because I hadn't finished a podcast episode.

For future road trips, I'll come prepared with more podcasts and maybe even an audiobook or two.

I packed items that made the drive comfortable.

If I was going to be in the driver's seat for two weeks, I wanted that atmosphere to be as comfortable as possible.

So I thought ahead and packed items that would allow for easy drives.

For example, I made sure I had a phone mount and phone charger. This way I could always see my directions and change music easily without worrying about a dead phone.

I also packed a jacket that I could easily put on or take off depending on the weather.

And I brought multiple pairs of sunglasses in case I lost one or they started bothering my face.

These small items made a huge difference in keeping me at ease in the driver's seat.

These tips made long drives a breeze.

I was prepared to never want to drive again after this road trip, but by the end of two weeks, I didn't want the adventure to end.

By preparing for worst-case scenarios, bringing items to keep comfortable, and packing distracting snacks, I tackled the long drives without worry.

And for future road trips, I'll hop in the driver's seat much more confident. I know I can take on any drive — no matter the length.

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Arunachal Pradesh road trip of 3000 km from Kolkata

The plan for Durga Pujo 2022 holiday was always in mind. I wanted to do something daredevil this year. Recent articles and movies about the extreme northeast region of India made me lock Arunachal Pradesh. But with our new SUV could not let go of the mouthwatering prospect of the Arunachal Pradesh road trip from Kolkata. My spouse and four years twin boys joined me on the ride. The journey was 1500 km each way and went through West Kameng district towns Bomdila, Dirang, and Sangti Valley and entered Tawang through Sela Pass and went to the Indo-China border Bum la Pass. Sounds thrilling? Then read through for our detailed experience.

Blog Contents

Preparation For Arunachal Pradesh Road Trip

Inner line permit.

An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel document issued by the Government of India to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected area for a limited period. Indian citizens from outside those states must obtain a permit to enter the protected state. As Arunachal Pradesh falls under a restricted area, one must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP). 

Getting ILP is a straightforward process, with an online application option. Each application shall include your photo, identification/address proof, districts for the visit, hotel/homestay address and duration/purpose of visit. Apply for each tourist separately. We also applied eILP for four years twins. The application gets processed within a day, and in the case rejected can reapply with rectification. Do not go for group applications of all tourists together as that online application only takes supporting evidence from the applicant; hence the application will be rejected for all. The checkpoint gate verifies the approved eILP printout. For the Arunachal Pradesh road trip, we entered through the Balemu checkpoint.

Vehicle Readiness for the Arunachal Pradesh road trip

Before embarking on a long Arunachal Pradesh road trip, the driver should ask himself if he is confident enough to drive through some treacherous mountain roads and the amount of drive one has to do each day on a continuous stretch. Whatever vehicle type you drive needs good ground clearance. Also, if you are travelling with your family, prepare them mentally.

• Do complete vehicle service before the trip.
• Do check the lubricants, oil and coolant levels.
• For emergencies, carry a strong tow hook, tow cable and battery jumper cable.
• Newer tires will have a better grip on treacherous roads. Also, check the spare tire.
• Must know how to use a jack and change the tire.
• A first-aid medical kit inside the glovebox is a must.
• Be aware of your car boot space so you can plan packing accordingly.
• Validate if all five seat belts are functional.
• Download an offline Google Maps for offline navigation.
• Save your trip stop plan on the map for the whole itinerary.
• If you do not have an infotainment system, carry a tough mobile stand.
• Do not drive more than 12 to 14 hours on highways and 6 to 8 hours on the hills daily.
• Each day’s driving hours will help you to set your road trip duration.
• Keep enough high-tempo songs in your playlist.

Route Plan for Arunachal Pradesh road trip

Bomdila is a small town with about 10,000 people and is 8800 feet above sea level. The road to Tawang is long and arduous, so using Bomdila as a stop on the way to Tawang is a highly convenient way of making the journey more pleasant. Whether you want to soak in the blissful views from the town, go monasteries-hopping, or savour local food. But if you have time, Bomdila deserves at least a few days.

Bomdila Monastery

The 1962 war caused a lot of casualties in the town. Nonetheless, Bomdila returned better quickly and retained its calming charm, enticing more and more tourists and curious travellers every year. Bomdila Monastery was established in 1965, located in the heart of the town. The monastery, overlooking the city and the beautiful valleys, is a sacred abode to Buddhist monks who reside and visit for higher learning and practices. The large prayer hall leading to the sanctum, home to a massive Buddha statue, is adorned with jewels and gifts. You can find intricate paintings on the wall and the interiors depicting various tales and mythological scenes from Buddhism.

There are few accommodation options for hotels in Bomdila, but Doe Gu Khil Guest House – the monastery guesthouse is a wonderful option. The guest house is quaint, cosy, and homely, and the warm smiles of the hosts were enough to warm our hearts too. Ground floor family rooms are large with comfortable beds, clean toilets and hot water from a geyser. The kitchen served a warm home-cooked dinner which we enjoyed immensely. The guest house has a tuck shop for snacks and drinks with a huge parking area. For booking call +917085160806.

Chillipam Monastery

The Chillipam Monastery, or Chillipam Gompa, is offbeat Bomdila – situated 30 km from Bomdila. The monastery on a hillock offers a sweeping panoramic 270-degree view of the surrounding Himalayan valleys. The road to the monastery is tricky; unless you are an expert motorist. The holy sanctuary has intricate murals, wall paintings, and artwork depicting scenes from Mahayana Buddhism. The Chillipam Gompa is the only Indian monastery built exclusively by a Chinese architect. Therefore the monastery has a large amount of Chinese architectural evidence. A cafe with limited snacks and drinks is also present here. This secluded sanctuary is worth adding to your list of the best offbeat places in Bomdila.

Elegant Restaurant

If heading to the town centre, head to Elegant Restaurant for Tibetan Momos and Chicken Dumpling Soup. A no-frill eatery with two small rooms does serve some fantastic delicacies. The Chicken Momos with peanut chutney was smooth and slurpy. But the Chicken Dumpling Soup got excellent garlic and cilantro flavour – it amps up the taste bud. A must-try!

Also, read about Darjeeling’s offbeat places .

The following morning we checked out early from the monastery guesthouse. But first walked to the Bomdila monastery to witness prayers and gained backdoor access to the monastery kitchen to enjoy fantastic morning tea. It’s now time to hit the road towards Tawang – the most important destination of the Arunachal Pradesh road trip.

Hotel Samjhana

For breakfast, we stopped after 57 km at Hotel Samjhana – a Nepali dhaba on NH13. What impressed me was that the place seemed to be owned and run by women. There are provisions for veg and non-veg thali. Outside the dhaba, there are stalls to stock up your snacks, candy and fruits, as there are few options ahead before reaching Tawang town.

We opted for roti and poori thali. Rotis are prepared on a wood fire, leaving a subtle smoky flavour. The ideal breakfast before hitting the twist and turn of Sela Pass. Another must-try!

En route Sela Pass

Sela Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in the world that connects Tawang to the rest of the world. The road from Sela Pass to Tawang is a beautiful but complex one. One will reach Sela Pass through bumpy, winding roads through mist, rain and mud. Due to drizzle and recent landslides, the streets are slippery. Hence drivers have to be extra cautious at steep bends.

One can have a quick toilet stopover at the army-managed Baisakhi Army Cafeteria to catch your breath and stretch your legs. Sip some tea and have options to buy military-grade warm clothes. Tea here is extra sweet as military personnel need an extra dosage of glucose for their physical activity. Sela pass is also a strategic location on the Indo-China border, so one will find military truck convoys, army camps and soldiers nearby.

• Sela Tunnel will be the longest twin-lane tunnel above 13,000 feet worldwide.
• Will cut down travel time to Tawang by at least one hour.
• The tunnel will provide access to Tawang throughout the year.
• Planned opening on January 2023.

After crossing Sela Pass at the summit, there is a gate to enter the Tawang district from West Kameng. The gate is an entrance to cross, which can be closed due to inclement weather. The region has 101 lakes, but Sela Lake lies at the pinnacle of the pass. The pass is snow-covered throughout the year, and the lake freezes during winter. Even during October, please do not dare to step into the water, as it will be a bone-chilling experience.

Nuranang Waterfall

En route 40 km before Tawang lies Nuranang Waterfall. The fall is also known as Jang Falls, located near the town of Jang. The waterfall originates from the Nuranang River over the slopes of the mighty Sela Pass. The beautiful two-step fall drops down 100 meters from high mountains is by far one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. But a few years back, hardly anyone knew about it until a Bollywood movie featured the spot in a song sequence. The entry fee is Rs 40 per adult. There are a series of steep steps that lead down to the falls. Although walking down was easy, climbing back was a bit challenging.

You can go near the falls and feel the water spray on your face. Be careful as these rocks are always wet and hence highly slippery. Suggest visiting during the afternoon to witness a beautiful rainbow – the closest one can get to any rainbow!

We reached Tawang town around sunset. By then, we realised it was too late to visit Tawang monastery for the day. We checked in at Bliss Homestay, close to Tawang Monastery. The two-storied house is neatly maintained, and the ground floor has multiple guest rooms. The rooms are enormous and have comfortable beds. The most crucial factor is the neatness of the place. The food was cooked with hygiene in mind, but the taste was okayish. For booking, one may call +919436229701.

Sangha Elated Cafe

The homestay owner informed us about a new cafe, Sangha Elated Cafe, in the neighbourhood, which is run and maintained by Tawang Monastery. After a tiring 10 hours drive, it was the perfect reason to indulge in a caffeine intake session with some local bakery. The spick and span cafe serves only vegetarian food at a reasonable price. We had a cappuccino and blueberry cheesecake. Food is decent at the menu price but does not expect quality and taste like cafes one will find in metros and cosmopolitan cities.

We were excited about the following day’s journey through the Bum la Pass trail. Signed off the day with home-cooked food at the homestay and moments later crashed into the comfortable beds.

Also, read about Gangtok’s food trail .

Bum la Pass

The homestay caretaker knocked on our door with morning bed tea. For Bum la Pass, the homestay had arranged a Scorpio with a local number plate as the army does not allow cars with other state number plates until Bum la Pass. The rate is fixed at Rs 5500 per car with permit fees.

Bum la Pass, at 15200 feet, is a strategic India-China border post only at 35 km distance from Tawang. In 1959, the Dalai Lama, on his way from Tibet to India, is believed to have escaped via Bum la. In the India-China War of 1962, the Chinese army invaded the Bum la Pass. Hence, it can be said that Bum la lies at a strategic location in Arunachal Pradesh. The pass itself is buried in snow for most of the year due to the high altitude location. There were efforts to re-open the Bum la Pass for trade in 2006.

En route Bum la Pass

Bum la Pass needs a separate permit (not ILP) from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Tawang district and then evaluated multiple times by the Indian army check posts. One needs to leave early, by 8 am, because as the day progresses, the weather deteriorates at Bum la Pass. Every day, a limited number of tourist vehicles are allowed to ascend to the top of Bum La Pass. We were not too lucky with the weather – it was an overcast sky and scattered drizzle. The road to Bum la is treacherous. For the Bum la Pass trail, always visit the border first and then the lakes. The army closes the border after 2 pm, and as the day progresses, the weather becomes unpredictable. As the wheels rolled over the treacherous road, the astounding beauty of the rugged mountains overwhelmed us.

In many parts, the trail is a dirt road. Bunkers, tanks and Bofors guns are stationed at both sides of the road, and some areas are strictly no photography zones due to national security. Being a border location, it is always advisable to maintain protocols and act responsibly.

At Bum la Pass

At the Bum la Pass, the ice-cold wind hit us as soon as we got out of the vehicle. Army officers directed us to the reception hut for tea and biscuits while they prepared the batches for the actual border visit. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a few hundred meters walk. There is a small souvenir shop also in the hall from where we got Indian Army winter caps as souvenirs. Once we reached the LAC, the army representative gave us a brief about the border management system being followed by India and China and various restrictions, which we needed to obey during our temporary stay at Bumla. Witness Chinese troops also patrolling the border at their end.

My eyes welled up at the realisation of the efforts and sacrifices our soldiers go through to keep us safely tucked inside the cosy comforts of our homes, even in such harsh, unforgiving conditions. My respect for the brave hearts increased multifold. We spent about an hour at Bum la Pass till it started pouring. However, if you can not make it to Bum la on a day, permit for the next day. So in Tawang, at least three days is a must for the Arunachal Pradesh road trip.

Tongpen la Cafe

We stopped to have hot coffee at Tongpen la Cafe a few meters ahead on the return. The army-maintained cafe serves only Maggie, tea or coffee. It is claimed to be the world’s highest cafe, but it’s incorrect but one of few cafes in the world at more than 15000 feet. The coffee was very average for Rs 40, but once in a lifetime experience. Richen Cafe at Khardung la is the world’s highest cafe at 18360 feet.

Sangetsar Lake

After crossing the Y-junction, amid hills in the rugged terrains, one could suddenly see a patch of water, giving you the feel of an oasis. Sangetsar Lake, commonly known as the Madhuri Lake – after Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit shot her film Koyla here with Shah Rukh Khan. The lake, originally a gazing ground at an altitude of 12000 ft, was formed in 1950 during an earthquake. But the tectonic plate shift caused the lake to move to today’s location, thus submerging a significant chunk of pine tree forest. And even today, one can see the top of the tree trunks popping out of the water. There is a beautiful walking path around the lake for a lazy stroll. Visitors can also enjoy their food from the café in the open seating area amidst the pristine surroundings. Army manages the cafe and a counter to buy warm caps and gloves from the counter at nominal prices. The small stretch of land adjacent to the café is a beautifully manicured park with yellow fences, open seating arrangements, and neat pebbled pathways.

Further ahead lies Pankang Teng Tso Lake, famously known as PTSO Lake. The charming lake offers mesmerising views of the mountains, clouds and calm waters. It gets its name from the Pankang tree, whose log was collected in 1914 by the Tibetan Government. If you have time, climb down the slope to the lakeside for a more captivating sight of the lake and a wooden bridge. Be aware of steep climbing back.

Dragon Restaurant

On reaching Tawang, we realised the town has few food options, and Dragon Restaurant is the only terrace-seating restaurant. An indoor seating option is more popular for climatic conditions. We went for local flavours and ordered Chilli Pork and Pork Fried Rice. Kids preferred steamy chicken momo after a tiring journey from Bum la.

The restaurant is always busy for the upscale ambience, so the order-taking process was painstakingly slow! It took me a lot of time to understand if the Chilli Pork was boneless. Arunachal Pradesh has fewer boneless meat preparation options. The momo was served after 30 minutes of wait and was decent, soft and steamy but nothing extraordinary. The kids had no complaints, and we got a piece from their plate.

They served Pork Fried Rice and Chilli Pork inside a steel casserole. For a restaurant, that was weird and never experienced, even in roadside dhabas or shacks. The Chilli Pork was more like mild watery gravy with fatty pork pieces. More fat portion than meat. Not sliced meat or semi-dry gravy, which we generally prefer. Pork Fried Rice was a complete waste with hard, over-cooked, chewy pork meat topped on dry fried rice. I will suggest sticking food from your homestay – better and cheaper. Or stay near Tawang monastery for the nearby cafes.

The following day, car horns and the local hustle and bustle woke us up. Life starts very early in the morning in Tawang. Tourists prefer to stay in hotels and homestays near the monastery to be a part of the morning prayer that is held daily. Tawang is located at 10000 feet, the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, thus of immense importance to Tibetan Buddhists. Tawang monastery was established in 1860 and is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. The monastery’s traditional name is Galden Namgey Lhatse, which means “celestial paradise in a clear night.” Tawang Monastery is a big three-storied building with an assembly hall, residential quarters, a school and a centre for Buddhist cultural studies. About 400-450 monks stay at the monastery. It has about 65 residential quarters, accommodating up to 700 monks.

Tawang Monastery

By 6 am, we reached the monastery. The young monks were assembling for prayer. The spiritual atmosphere created here by the sound of the drum and horn was hypnotic. We stood there silent while the prayer was in process. The view of the Buddha statue from the first floor gives a different perspective. Tawang Monastery is the definition of tradition and cultural values still alive today. Even the kids were sitting quietly and watching the simple daily life of the monks. Walking through the narrow alleys of the monastery takes you back 400 years in a time machine. In the 21st century, it’s so easy to forget the world outside of our phones and social networks. Keep extra time in hand to soak in the monastery life.

It’s a shame we had to return early as we wanted to stay longer at Tawang. We headed to a local coffeehouse for breakfast, and the return journey started through Sela Pass. But we still have Sangti Valley as the last leg of the Arunachal Pradesh road trip.

Dharma Coffee House

On our way to Sangti Valley, we stopped at Dharma Coffee House for brunch. The cafe is about a km from the monastery and is the best in town for its coffee and food. But aside from the cafe, it is also a library with several books to read, and one can donate too. This an excellent opportunity to read some interesting books on Buddhism and Tibetan culture. The cafe always plays soothing music, complementing its airy ambience and wooden furniture. The only place in town where they serve fantastic cappuccino and dark chocolate cake. But the Veggie Burger was the showstopper. It was fresh, crispy vegetables and a flavourful patty. We were full before our long treacherous journey back through Sela Pass.

Sangti Valley

Tourists, in general, en route to or coming back from Tawang, only think about visiting or stopping at main towns like Dirang and Bomdila. But 7 km offbeat Dirang lies the hidden, gorgeous and secluded Sangti Valley. The valley is tucked away in the mountains, with the flowing Sangti river snaking through it. The riverside accommodation adds to the definition of serenity. But, due to the bumpy, potholed, narrow roads, the drive will take around 40 minutes. Instead of the hustle and bustle, one will only hear the river flowing, birds singing, cattle roaming, and the greetings by the locals. So, if you are visiting for peace, Sangti Valley will be your shrine. The people here are Mahayana Buddhist Monpas. They grow corn and hang it out to dry to get the seeds for the next season. There are also apple and kiwi farms. There was no kiwi farm or apple orchard during October. Bird lovers may want to consider their trip with the migration of the black-necked crane during November.

Lanzom Homestay

Lanjom Homestay is one of the well-known accommodations in the valley. Lanjom Homestay, which includes rooms, riverside cottages and also a tent. The riverside tent stay is around 3,000 rupees per night, so it’s not cheap! But you are mainly paying for the location. We checked into the riverside tent. The tent accommodation has all the basic facilities, a western toilet and a geyser. We never had any issues while staying inside the tent. Prolonged and sloppy service but lots of decency among the owners and staff somehow compensates.

Do not have high expectations about food – it will still be expensive due to its remote location. However, I found the basic hygiene inside the kitchen was questionable in a few instances. Suggest being careful as the area is remote, and there are few options in the valley. The homestay arranges table chairs on the riverbed to enjoy breakfast or lunch – at extra charge. That was our best time in the valley with kids. However the, during winter months stepping inside the river will be suicidal. At night time, there is a barbeque provision. For booking, call +91 8258827576.

Mandala Top

Mandala Top is another new attraction from Sangti Valley, another 40 km, and a hidden gem. It will take about 90 minutes by car due to the narrow, winding uphill roads. Mandala Top is a series of 108 Buddhist stupas built in a circle on top of a mountain. It was built in 2018, and the central temple is still under construction. It is the first of its kind in India, where the mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ is inscribed on 108 pillars. Mandala Top or 108 Mane is a religious attraction; it is open round the clock for pilgrims and tourists. But it is recommended to visit early in the morning as the place is mostly covered with thick mist. In Buddhism, it’s tradition to walk clockwise around the stupa, so if you’re heading for a walk, make sure you clockwise. There is a wooden structure one could climb up and get an aerial view of the circle. Provision for seating and picnic tables too – so you could bring breakfast or lunch with family or friends to enjoy here.

Other Attractions

For Sangti Valley, there are provisions to visit Thupsung Dhargye Ling (aka Dirang Monastery), Dirang Dzong and Thembang Heritage Village. I intentionally skipped the monastery as I wanted to prioritise visiting hidden gems. Dirang Dzong was once a fort, but in its ruins – it is not worth it. Thembang Heritage Village is claimed to be a heritage place, but there is hardly anything left of heritage. You can only see the old stone boundary wall surrounding the village and the gate to walk through the town. Again, one can skip it if there is a time constraint.

Hotel Highway Inn

From Sangti Valley, it is time to drive back to Balemu to exit the state through the check-post. On the way, one may opt to have a lunch stop at either Shergaon or Jigaon. But I preferred Tenzingaon because of a roadside stall that prepares fantastic food. Hotel Highway Inn, a roadside shack, gives lively vibes from the friendly owner and travel-friendly tourists. The last option is to leave Arunachal Pradesh with a local taste in the mouth.

Pork Momo was the instant order. Steamed dumplings topped with chilli sauce popped inside the mouth. Momo oozed the pork juice and burst with flavour. We were reluctant to order Chilli Pork after the Tawang experience. We ordered Chilli Pork post assurance from the owner. The Chilli Pork was the perfect example of sliced pork tossed in sauces and green chillis. The lean pork was mildly spiced and soft as it could melt in the mouth. Finally, after having a cup of strong coffee, the long and tiring journey back to Kolkata commences. The mood was dampened as the holiday ended.

Also, read about Kalimpong’s monsoon .

Essential Points during Arunachal Pradesh Road Trip

• Fuel stations are located at around a 50 km gap.
• Refill fuel whenever the tank is half filled.
• Fill only air in car tires. No Nitrogen option is available.
• For toilets, use the fuel station facility.
• The mobile network is poor; hence offline Google Maps will help.
• Due to the long distance between towns, buy water and snacks from market areas.
• Road conditions are poor in Jang and Sela Pass; only SUV is recommended.
• Army convoys and trucks always get priority on the road.
• Lots of turns and steep rides. Whenever possible, try to take a break.
• Never take photos in a restricted military zone like Bum la Pass.

Best Time For Arunachal Pradesh Road Trip

Winters are the best season to visit Arunachal Pradesh. Winter months begin in October and extend up to March. Major cultural and music festivals take place during the winter months. During peak winter, places like Tawang and Bum la will be under snow and, in bad weather, may have travel restrictions. October month is still pleasant. During the daytime, you can expect the temperatures to range between 10 to 14 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures dip considerably at around 6 to 8 degrees. Alternatively, April is also a great time when the spring starts for the state.

Other options to reach Arunachal Pradesh

• By Air – Guwahati (GAU) airport for reaching the western side and Lilabari (IXI) airport for reaching the eastern side.
• By Rail – Guwahati (GHY) railway station enjoys the best connectivity in the region with the rest of the country.
• By road – Arunachal Pradesh is well-connected to other cities of India via road. One can self-drive either in a private car like me, or book from a rental agency. Bus service is not regular or connected to main cities.

For Arunachal Pradesh road trip queries, reach me by email at [email protected] or put your feedback/queries in the comment section.

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How long does it take to drive 3000 km?

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Breaking out of lockdown blues: A 3,000km road trip in our Tesla Model 3

• September 14, 2021
• No comments
• 3 minute read
• David Waterworth

We’d had enough of the intermittent lockdowns in Queensland and being stuck at home, so we planned a 3,000km electric driving adventure in Tess, our Tesla Model 3 standard range plus.

Our main concern was, of course, charging. We mapped out a route from Brisbane to Winton (1,357km) using a Tesla Supercharger (Gympie) and looking at QESH charging options at Childers, Gin Gin, Miriam Vale, Mt Larcom).

Then, as we went inland, we found motels that had destination chargers (Rockhampton’s Best Western Stirling, Emerald’s Midlander Comfort Inn, Barcaldine’s Country Motor Inn ) and a holiday unit that could trickle charge in Winton (Banjo’s).

We filled in the gaps with 15 amp power points at a hotel/motel in Alpha, caravan parks in Longreach and Dingo and an Information centre at Duaringa.

Let’s deal with the issues first. We found that the range predictor was consistently over-optimistic (a bit like Elon’s timelines) particularly between Winton and Barcaldine on the way back, as we battled a 40 km/h headwind. Once we left the coast we consistently arrived at our destinations with the battery in the red.

We found the Queensland Electric Super Highway charging network hard to use. Some of the instructions were vague and in areas of poor internet it didn’t work at all. However, the phone support was excellent. We called upon it 3 times and they were able to turn on the charger remotely.

I am often asked, “where do you charge it?” Because I have mainly driven in Brisbane in the two years we have owned the car, I have flippantly said “in any powerpoint.”

I freely admit now that I was wrong. A lot depends on how much time you have and where you are. Having said that, it is easy to occupy a few hours while you are getting a top-up at a country caravan park – walk into town and see the sights.

The car was very good at warning us when would not reach the destination typed into navigation – for example Winton to Barcaldine is only 286 km and we set out with a range of 350 km.

However, halfway to Longreach we got the yellow triangle of death warning and had to ring around the caravan parks till we found a generous manager. We had a great time in Longreach chatting to locals and eating lunch at the Merino Bakery (say “Hi” from us when you pop in).

One of my aims was to have conversations along the way about electric cars. I was amazed that most questions were from genuinely curious people and there was a distinct absence of FUD.

I gave people my business card and told them I was going to write the trip up. Hopefully this will be good publicity for the businesses we stayed at. We were also able to take some folk for a drive – they were impressed to say the least. Most had heard of Tesla, but once we left the coast, very few locals had seen one.

Autopilot was made for the long straight roads heading west – Tess was a joy to drive. The instant torque made it easy to overtake when we needed to. I used to drive a mini minor in the 80’s and Tess reminds me of that experience in the way she hugs the roads and takes the corners.

In all, I spent $40 on electricity to travel 3000 km (the accommodation did not charge us extra for using the destination chargers). Quite a difference to the almost $1000 it would have cost in my Sonata V6.

Within the next two years there will be QESH chargers installed in Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine, Emerald and Dingo this should take care of any range anxiety, and shorten the time taken for the trip (though it was great to have an excuse to wander through little towns, chat and eat).

I would encourage EV owners to make the effort and get out of the cities; the country folk are curious and hospitable. And there are lots to see – Dinosaurs, opals and sapphires were the highlight of our trip.

David Waterworth is a researcher and writer, a retired teacher who divides his time between looking after his grandchildren and trying to make sure they have a planet to live on. He owns 50 shares of Tesla. Majella Waterworth is an amateur gemologist and a wonderful grandmother.

David Waterworth is a researcher and writer, a retired school teacher who continues to provoke thought through his writing. He divides his time between looking after his grandchildren and trying to make sure they have a planet to live on. He is long on Tesla.

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Taking a 3000 KM journey back in time

When Kelly McLellan hit the highways earlier this summer for a 3000 km journey in his 'newly bought' Ford Model A, you'd think the Unity man was signing up for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

McLellan's latest trip somehow made it on the list of many bucket-list-type moments.

"My wife and I have taken a '68 Coupe Deville to Vegas. We got re-married in a drive-thru wedding chapel on our 10th anniversary," shared McLellan, "We've taken a bulletproof van we bought off the FBI in Chicago all the way down to Mississippi and Alabama, and back up to Canada."

McLellan is clearly proud of his latest international commuter, that's a lot older than he is.

"The car is a mostly original 1934 Model A. It's an original motor, transmission, and differential. It does have overdrive. It's been converted to a 12 volt electronic ignition."

McLellan and his uncle were the two crazy enough to take the trip that began just north of Des Moines, Iowa. The trip went through Nebraska, and then South Dakota where the pair experienced 'Deadwood Nights'. Leaving the state they drove the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, taking the Model A through the over 300 twists and turns their route had to offer.

"Pretty intense driving for an old car like that with no power steering, no power brakes." said McLellan, as these driving conditions meant for modern vehicles, made for quite the trip in the now-confirmed-trusty Model A.

Even though it ended up a storybook trip, things did get off to a rough start.

McLellan went back to the day he stepped foot in the United States.

"We got off the plane in Minnesota, it was 41 degrees there, and then flew into Des Moines, and it was 41 degrees there." said McLellan, foreshadowing what happened next. "We drove an hour north, and first five minutes of seeing the car, it caught on fire."

It took five and a half hours of work to get the car back on the road. McLellan could tell it had been a while since the Model A last moved.

"(Cleaned) two pounds of rust, and dead animals, and everything else out of the fuel system."

Once the car was ready to roll, McLellan departed Jefferson, Iowa for a 30 hour trek to Omaha, Nebraska to pick up his passenger.

With the car back home now, McLellan has been no stranger to getting it on the road. Any given night you might see the blast from the past driving down a west-central Saskatchewan street or highway.

McLellan is clearly no stranger to the automotive world. Road trips, rallies, you name it.

He already has plans to show off the car locally. 

"We are hoping to take in the Goose Festival with the Model A, and Dusty Wheels in Rosetown."

People who are lucky enough to see the classic vehicle will be blown away by its original features.

"Obviously it's been a well taken care of car. Somebody loved the car before us, and for a long time, so it is in really good shape."

Good shape other than that one time in North Dakota.

"We had to stop in the middle of North Dakota at a semi-shop and weld the fender."

Even that was a blast from the past.

"We couldn't find any modern welders, so we actually welded it with Acetylene, which is what it would have been welded with in the 30s. The only welding rod or filler metal that we could find to weld the fender with was a rusty fly swatter, so you know it kind of added to the adventure."

It's likely onto the next purchase for McLellan in the midst of the current Model A fun, and who knows where he'll end up. 

As far as he is concerned, people can have their standard vacations. 

"Some people go sit on the beach in Hawaii and bring back a towel. Some people go to Disneyland and bring back a t-shirt," chuckled McLellan. 

"I went to Des Moines and brought home a car."

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Driving in Saudi Arabia • 2-Week Road Trip » 3000 km

Table of Contents

Saudi Arabia is a country traditionally closed to tourism. At least tourism as we understand it, because the pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina bring to the country millions of people a year, but they are religious tourists.

Driving in Saudi Arabia came up as the perfect idea in order to explore this Arab kingdom independently. During two weeks, I drove my rental car 3000 km (1864 mi) along some of the most beautiful sites of the northern region of Saudi Arabia. Hopefully, I will visit Saudi Arabia once again, and explore the southern regions.

Saudi Arabia conservative nature leads it to reduce contact with the outside to the bare minimum, especially as far as the Western world is concerned. It is one of the countries in the world for which it is almost impossible to obtain a tourist visa, especially for an independent trip, but now there is news of a controlled opening .

The heir to the throne aims to boost tourism in Saudi Arabia, and talks about the opening of new resorts, to rival the neighboring United Arab Emirates on this front.

Mohammed Bin Salman wants 30 million tourists to visit his country by 2030. For now, authorities have created an e-Visa system that will expedite the process, as far as possible, of obtaining authorization to enter the country.

Read my page:

How to get a Saudi Arabia tourist visa

Why to visit Saudi Arabia?

Well, in addition to the bathing conditions on its shores, especially in the Red Sea, where tourism is planned, Saudi Arabia has a wealth of places of historical and natural interest.

The truth is that because it is so closed to tourism, the country contains wonders that remain unknown to travelers.

In the list of World Heritage of UNESCO there are five sites in Saudi Arabia, joined by nine other candidates.

Beautiful Old Mud-Brick Villages in Saudi Arabia

7 Famous places to visit in Saudi Arabia:

• Whoever heard of Madain Saleh, a Nabataean city with features similar to those of the famous Petra in Jordan? This is just an example, but anyone visiting Saudi Arabia will have a lot to marvel at;
• Jeddah itself, a traditional gateway for the pilgrims to Mecca, has a fascinating historical center;
• The Hejaz railroad, built in 1909 by the Ottomans to provide transportation for the pilgrims from Damascus, has a couple of segments in use that offer a unique experience;
• In Al Hula, in the north-west of the country, the visitor will find an immense ghost town made up of eight hundred mud houses, some of them with more than two thousand years old;
• Dhee Ayn is a fortified village built on a mountain of marble, a striking stronghold in a region known as the “land of a thousand and one towers” due to the many defensive structures there;
• Those who are more interested in natural phenomena will always have the delights of the desert, with its deafening silence, the endless sands, the nights under the stars;
• But there are specific places that will interest adventure travelers, such as Al Wahbah, an apparent impact site of a meteorite that is actually volcanic.

Now that doubts about the attractions of Saudi Arabia have been dispelled, it must be made clear that this is a very particular country, with its own rules, sometimes severe and with serious consequences for offenders. It is best to carefully study what you can and can not do during your visit to stay safe from incidents with the authorities.

Is Saudi Arabia a dangerous country to travel?

Ethnically, the 90% overwhelming majority of citizens are Arabs. The remaining 10% are Afro-Asians. But these numbers do not take into account the foreign residents. Official government data, published in 2014, point to 10 million foreigners residing in the country, or 33% of the total population.

My itinerary in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Road Trip

• Start : Jeddah
• Usfan Pilgrimage fort
• Khlais Fortress
• Al Khamrah village
• Castle Al Jafa
• Ras Atiyah Beach (White Sand Beach)
• Souq Bir Said ruins
• Wasit Ottoman Castle
• Buwatah Station
• Al Buwir Station
• Istabl Antar Station
• Hadiyah Station
• Hadiyah Bridge
• Train blown by Lawrence of Arabia
• Mogayra Castle
• Old Ushayqir
• Uthaythiyah
• Old Tharmada
• Qulban Tharmani Fort
• Old Raghbah
• Eye of the World
• Qusur Al Muqbil
• White Canyons
• End : Riyadh

Map of rental car trip in Saudi Arabia

Total KM: 3105 km (1929 mi)

Top 9 Favorite places

Saudi Arabia Geography

Saudi Arabia has a lot of dunes and a lot of rocky mountains. If you like to drive endless asphalt roads built on top of sand, Saudi Arabia has it!

In people’s minds, Arabia and the Arabs are confused with Saudi Arabia.

The name of the country greatly contributes to this, as well as the importance of Mecca and Medina, which are located there, for the Arab world. But the truth is that the most enduring capital of the Arab Empire was Baghdad in Iraq .

Visit Baghdad – City Adventure Guide to the capital of Iraq

Two weeks in Saudi Arabia

Small video of my two-week trip to Saudi Arabia.

Observing the map of the region helps to understand the situation: Saudi Arabia occupies 80% of the Arabian peninsula, and its size is far superior to any of the other Arab countries in the Gulf.

It has a considerable area, covering an extension equivalent to half of the European Union, but has only 27 million inhabitants. That is, it is sparsely populated.

Riyadh, the capital of the country, is at the center of the map. Medina, Mecca, and now Jeddah, are located in a relatively small area, on a strip near the west coast, bathed by the Red Sea.

Basically Saudi Arabia borders the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf to the west and east, with Yemen , Oman and the United Arab Emirates as its neighbors to the south. To the north, Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait . Little Qatar and tiny Bahrain are like enclaves on the eastern shore of Saudi Arabia.

This position gives Saudi Arabia tremendous strategic importance. Its coasts control two main sea routes: the Persian Gulf, through which a large part of the world’s oil trade passes, and the Red Sea, the port of entry and exit of ships passing through the Suez Canal transit between Europe and the coast eastern parts of Africa and much of Asia .

Let us now read the geographical aspects of the map of Saudi Arabia. To the south, running from east to west, one sees a huge desert, the largest contiguous sand area in the world, which they call Rub ‘al-Khali, with a length of 647,500 km2.

From here it rises to the north what can be considered an extension of this zone, but in fact practically the whole country is a set of deserts connected to each other that gives the global name of Desert of Arabia.

Driving in Saudi Arabia means that you will have to drive long distances which is easily achieved due to the excellent road network.

World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia

Despite the difficulties in getting a tourist visa, and the country’s resistance to Western visitors, it can not be said that Saudi Arabia has little to offer. Its beaches, especially on the Red Sea coast, are fabulous, but we can take a look at the list of World Heritage Sites maintained by UNESCO, which is always a great way to embrace at a glance the best that a country has to present to its visitors. I had the chance of visiting three of these UNESCO places in Saudi Arabia. I also arrived at Mada’in Saleh (also called Al-Ḥijr), but it was temporarily closed due to rebuilding.

1. Historic Center of Jeddah

Jeddah has served since the 7th century as a connecting point between the Red Sea and the city of Mecca and still today is where a large number of pilgrims come to the holy city of Islam, whether by sea or by air.

This function shaped the city according to multi-cultural influences, resulting in a unique combination within Saudi Arabia. Today, one can observe some of these testimonies, like the tower houses, being the most remarkable example of this line of construction the one of Roshan, erected in the 19th-century.

The historic center of Jeddah is made up of several elements that contributed to the inclusion in the list of UNESCO, which happened in 2014: the old city walls, mosques, markets and palaces.  

3. Rock Art in the Hail Region

In this region, located in the mountain range of Jabel Umm Sinman, there is a remarkable density of petroglyphs. The inscriptions were made with stone hammers, used by the population that was established there in communion with a lake that existed near the foot of the mountain range and that in the meantime disappeared.

3. At Turaif District in Ad Diriyah

Located a few hundred kilometers northwest of Riyadh, it was founded in the 16th century and was chosen as the first capital of the Saudi kingdom. The citadel is a repository of Najdi architecture, representing the construction techniques characteristic of the center of the Arabian Peninsula, such as the use of adobe in larger buildings and the application of a decorative sense based on geometric lines.

It was from here that in the 18th-century emanated the teachings of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdul Wahhab, on which Wahhabism is based, the Sunni Islam strand that is followed by the Maya of the Saudis.

It is true that some of the buildings of the citadel are in a state of ruin, but in general the preservation of the place has been maintained and it seems there are conditions for this to be maintained.

At-Turaif was added by UNESCO to the list of World Heritage of Humanity in 2010, based on the decision in criteria IV, V and VI.

Photos that will make you want to visit Saudi Arabia

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3,000 km Road Trip Review.

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I wanted to do a YouTube video, but I lacked time to prep for this. I took my Mirage on a 2,955km road trip from Southern Ontario to Thunder Bay in Northern Ontario last week. That's about 1,477 km each way. I thought I would record my experience. My car is a 2017 5 speed with 85,000km. I drove 105-110km/h pretty much the entire way. I made no particular attempt at driving economically. Fuel consumption was a very predictable 4.7L/100km. I think my only complaint was the lack of power for driving up hill in the 2nd half of the drive in the mountains. This was especially apparent when the person ahead of me is driving slow, then speeds up to 120km/h once we hit a passing lane, sometime while going up hill. This happened multiple times and got pretty annoying. There were a few 5500rpm 3rd gear pulls. Sometimes just to keep up with traffic. I half expected comfort to be an issue on my 16 hour drive, but this was not the case. I made this trip on 2 other occasions in SUVs. First time was a GMC Acadia, and the 2nd time was a Ford Escape. Both vehicles certainly have a more comfortable interior, amd V6 power was great for hill climbs, but not at the gas station. I'm over 6 feet tall and far from skinny, yet I found that I was less fatigued driving the Mirage. My sciatic nerve issues didn't even show themselves in this small car with no arm rests. All in all, it was a very positive experience and the cost of $82 in fuel each way was a huge bonus. Especially since Northern pumps were over $1.50 per liter. The photos don't do it justice but the views were incredible. Also I'm glad I brought a full size spare as I had a blow out on the way home.

'17 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2L ES Plus 5MT '94 Ford Ranger 5.0 Turbo 3 Speed

The Following 8 Users Say Thank You to Pimp_Daddy_Patty For This Useful Post:

Dirk Diggler  (08-12-2021), dspace9  (08-12-2021), fanfare  (08-14-2021), Fudge  (08-11-2021), Fummins  (08-09-2021), inuvik  (08-10-2021), MetroMPG  (08-09-2021), MigWay  (08-12-2021)

Originally Posted by Pimp_Daddy_Patty I took my Mirage on a 2,955km road trip from Southern Ontario to Thunder Bay in Northern Ontario last week. That's about 1,477 km each way. I thought I would record my experience. My car is a 2017 5 speed with 85,000km. I drove 105-110km/h pretty much the entire way. I made no particular attempt at driving economically. Fuel consumption was a very predictable 4.7L/100km . I think my only complaint was the lack of power for driving up hill in the 2nd half of the drive in the mountains. This was especially apparent when the person ahead of me is driving slow, then speeds up to 120km/h once we hit a passing lane, sometime while going up hill. This happened multiple times and got pretty annoying. There were a few 5500rpm 3rd gear pulls. Sometimes just to keep up with traffic. 4.7 L/100km = 50 mpg I believe. That's quite good! Despite the higher RPMs of the 5-speed manual, it still does quite well under 70 mph (112.7 km/h). I have about the same mileage on my 2017 Mirage, & I am also quite pleased with its performance & driving comfort. I am in the habit of carrying a full size spare on longer trips, too! Sounds like a wonderful trip!

Beautiful pic! Going along the north shore of Lake Superior is a very pretty drive. Tell us about the blowout! Puncture? It almost looks like a sidewall failure.

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Originally Posted by MetroMPG Beautiful pic! Going along the north shore of Lake Superior is a very pretty drive. Tell us about the blowout! Puncture? It almost looks like a sidewall failure. These are the tires that came with the car. My first winter, I slid into a curb mangling the steelie, but the tire was ok. I got proper snow tires shortly after. I had these original tires mounted on another set of steelies prior to going on this trip. Pretty sure the tire that blew out was the same one I hit the cur with. It was looking slightly weird before I left, but I decided to YOLO that **** and just bring a spare snow tire. The tire blew out 45 minutes into my return trip. Looks like the bead itself actually split. Just a pop, and some noise, no drama, I didn't even feel the flat tire until I felt the car slow down due to additional rolling resistance.

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4.7L/100km is also about the same mileage I get if I somehow manage to get the Mirage running at a steady 100km/h for two hours. I have a 2013 5-speed.

View my owner review: 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage GLS 5-speed (Philippine spec)

The Following User Says Thank You to Alpha_One For This Useful Post:

MetroMPG  (10-13-2021)

Originally Posted by Pimp_Daddy_Patty I wanted to do a YouTube video, but I lacked time to prep for this. I took my Mirage on a 2,955km road trip from Southern Ontario to Thunder Bay in Northern Ontario last week. That's about 1,477 km each way. I thought I would record my experience. My car is a 2017 5 speed with 85,000km. I drove 105-110km/h pretty much the entire way. I made no particular attempt at driving economically. Fuel consumption was a very predictable 4.7L/100km. I think my only complaint was the lack of power for driving up hill in the 2nd half of the drive in the mountains. This was especially apparent when the person ahead of me is driving slow, then speeds up to 120km/h once we hit a passing lane, sometime while going up hill. This happened multiple times and got pretty annoying. There were a few 5500rpm 3rd gear pulls. Sometimes just to keep up with traffic. I half expected comfort to be an issue on my 16 hour drive, but this was not the case. I made this trip on 2 other occasions in SUVs. First time was a GMC Acadia, and the 2nd time was a Ford Escape. Both vehicles certainly have a more comfortable interior, amd V6 power was great for hill climbs, but not at the gas station. I'm over 6 feet tall and far from skinny, yet I found that I was less fatigued driving the Mirage. My sciatic nerve issues didn't even show themselves in this small car with no arm rests. All in all, it was a very positive experience and the cost of $82 in fuel each way was a huge bonus. Especially since Northern pumps were over $1.50 per liter. The photos don't do it justice but the views were incredible. Also I'm glad I brought a full size spare as I had a blow out on the way home. Wow the forest its so beautiful! I hate the California desert!

mitsu's in the family 2024 Mirage SE 2021 Mirage ES CVT (Sold) 2021 Outlander Sport 2.0 ES CVT (trade in) 2018 Mirage G4 1.2 ES CVT (ex wife's car, crashed) 2017 Mirage G4 1.2 ES CVT Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) System(Crashed) 2015 Lancer SE 2.4 AWC (sold) 2014 Mirage DE 1.2 Manual and BT (sold) 2004 Galant DE (mom's sold) 2000 Mirage DE 1.8 Auto (sold) 1988 Cordia L Turbo (trade in)

Nice trip, nice report. One of these days I'm gonna have to get up there to see the beautiful great white north. I'll have to go in the warmest part of the summer, when the snow is only knee deep...

Originally Posted by 7milesout Nice trip, nice report. One of these days I'm gonna have to get up there to see the beautiful great white north. I'll have to go in the warmest part of the summer, when the snow is only knee deep... This particular stretch is full of amazing views. The 16 hours seems to fly by. I hope to do the same trip one day, but south of the Great Lakes, through the U.S.

Originally Posted by Pimp_Daddy_Patty but south of the Great Lakes, through the U.S. Lots of "interesting" sights in Gary, Indiana!

Originally Posted by 7milesout Lots of "interesting" sights in Gary, Indiana! It's a good thing I am something of an urban explorer.

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Taking a 3000KM road trip - What should I do to my car before the trip?

• Last Updated:
• Jun 24th, 2013 8:12 pm
• Search this thread

Jun 23rd, 2013 4:04 pm

• Reply with quote

Jun 23rd, 2013 4:06 pm

Jun 23rd, 2013 4:16 pm

Jun 23rd, 2013 4:29 pm

Jun 23rd, 2013 4:31 pm

djemzine wrote: ↑ Well besides filling up air and such, make sure to top off the windshield washer fluid. Otherwise you pretty much summed it. Perhaps have the road side assistance # handy lol?

Jun 23rd, 2013 4:32 pm

booblehead wrote: ↑ A Map (if your car does not equip with a factory nav)

Jun 23rd, 2013 4:33 pm

Jun 23rd, 2013 4:37 pm

Jun 23rd, 2013 4:39 pm

hightech wrote: ↑ I don't have roadside assistance as it does not come with my car. Are there any credit cards or services I can subscribe to for this just for the month? I don't really need it as I have 2 cars and rarely travel far from home (except this road trip).

goofball wrote: ↑ Check all fluids. Check the spare tire and make sure it is at proper PSI. Do the oil change a week in advance, just to ensure that it is done properly and no leaks. Otherwise, enjoy the road trip! Hope you enjoy Ottawa! Check out some of the food trucks if you can. Too bad you just missed ribfest. Maybe you'll be in town for Canada day? Oh, and the star wars exhibit, you have to visit that!

Jun 23rd, 2013 5:31 pm

Jun 23rd, 2013 5:32 pm

Jun 23rd, 2013 5:36 pm

djemzine wrote: ↑ Wait! Your car didn't come with road side assistance? Was it bought used from a private sale or used car dealership? Because if it was bought from a dealership new, it has the basic coverage which includes road side assistance as well. FYI about road conditions in Ottawa - on the 416N from the 401, there's some construction going on and at times it becomes a 1 lane. Speed limit is initially 80KM/H and then goes back up to 100KM/H. Also OPP love to hide out at the 416 highway so be cautious and don't speed lol. Also on the 417 if you plan on taking the Nicholas St/Lees Avenue exit, the off ramp onto Lees is closed. Bronson Avenue west of the 417 has construction and is closed off after a point. I was driving around that area during my weekend trip to Ottawa and realized some of the construction/road closures.

Jun 23rd, 2013 5:46 pm

djemzine wrote: ↑ Wait! Your car didn't come with road side assistance? ..

Jun 23rd, 2013 6:10 pm

hightech wrote: ↑ Good point. I bought my 2012 Camry in Nov 2011 brand new. I should check if it has roadside assistance.

l69norm wrote: ↑ Isn't this part of the basic warranty?

Jun 23rd, 2013 7:23 pm

Jun 23rd, 2013 7:45 pm

deal_with_singh wrote: ↑ I don't believe Toyota's come with it. My Lexus came with Road Side assistance, but my dads 2013 Camry as far as I know doesn't have it.

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20-day road trip in my Audi A3: Drove for 70 hours & covered 3000 km

We travel a lot but road trips are special. There are so many special moments & places we would not see otherwise.

BHPian Dracoon recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi Friends,

Wanted to share my recent road trip experience in my Audi A3. While I had done road trips previously but never this long. I planned it for months and am glad to say it went exactly as planned or even better.

• Pune - Goa - Gokarna - Mangalore - Calicut - Kochi - Thekkady - Kodaikanal - Ooty - Chikamangalur - Hampi - Fratelli vineyard - Pune
• Time - 20 days
• Driving - ~70 hours
• Distance covered - 3008 Km+
• Mileage - ~19 kmpl

The driving experience overall was quite good. While we encountered some bit of rough patches, I must say the roads in South India are quite good. Here is how we did it.

Pune to Goa - The longest I have driven in a single day (422 kms). Originally we had planned to go to Mahabaleshwar and then to Goa but had to change plans. But the roads are great (though also the maximum toll). We started around 9 and reached 5, only took a break for lunch in Kolhapur.

Goa to Gokarna - We initially planned to say in Goa for 2-3 days but again had to cut some days. We have also lived in Goa for 1.5 years so were more keen to drive south. Goa to Gokarna drive is excellent. I found the roads in Karnataka the best. It was the first time I drove on a road which is just beside the sea. Stayed in Gokarna for a couple of days in a nice jungle resort. Visited the pristine Om beach and Mahabaleshwar temple.

Gokarna to Mangalore (Detour to Yana Caves) - We had to drive to Mangalore which was only a 5-hour drive so we had some time. We decided to take a detour to Yana Caves which is one of its kind rock formation. It was magnificent but did involve a lot of stair climbing. But it was so worth it.

Mangalore to Calicut - Ok so this was probably the most testing driving condition. The highways are all 2 lanes, they are being expanded to 4/6 lanes but for now, it's only 2 lanes everywhere. The buses drive like crazy in Kerala (especially the pink ones). I have studied in Kerala to had already warned my wife. Anyways coming to the fun part, I told my wife I'll take her to a beach which is one of a kind in India. She gave a reaction "mehh… whatever…" then when we reached Muzhappilangad, she was like where is the parking… where are you going… and then she realized we are going to drive on the beach. Mind blown! Wow that was fun. It is a must-do for all car enthusiasts. It was so much fun.

In Calicut - I studied in Calicut so went to college, some old places.

Calicut to Kochi - Stayed for 3 days in Kochi. Did a backwater tour, explored Kochi fort city, some shopping. Met some friends. Spend good quality time.

Kochi to Thekkady - Halfway through the trip we were a little tired, and rested for a day. Then next day planned to do Periyar wildlife sanctuary but did not get a ticket as it was the new year rush. We did a safari which took us to a spice plantation, some offroading, boating, tea plantation etc. It was nice.

Thekkady to Kodaikanal - It was a short drive. Good roads, driving on hills is another kind of experience. We spent the new year in Kodai. Visited all the famous spots, but it was misty so didn't see much.

Kodaikanal to Ooty - It was a long and windy road journey but we did it with a few small breaks in between. We like Ooty better than Kodai, maybe the new year rush had passed, but it had a more rustic charm.

Ooty to Chikamangalur - We didn't actually see Chikamangalur, it was again a pit stop. But the Gateway Taj property is amazing. It was totally worth it, would again come here for sure.

Chikamangalur to Hampi - Hampi had been on our list for a long time. It is an amazing place, with history oozing from everywhere.

Hampi to Fratelli vineyard - Amazing find again. Must experience for those who like wines.

Back to Pune.

We travel a lot, but road trips are special, there are so many special moments. Places we would not see otherwise.

To end a few quotes from my wife during the trip which I found funny:

• "Why do people drive like snakes in India" - In the context of overtaking trucks who are driving left and some right side.
• "These are not speed breakers, they are car breakers" - We should standardize how speed breakers are built, some of them are outright dangerous.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

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