[Abhinav V]

Sometimes we all need a little nudge to get started with doing things in life. This trip was one such experience.
The plan was only Vrindavan to attend an event, but monkey-minded me couldn't resist the urge to see the mountains.
Driving, for me, is the most soul-satisfying activity, and driving on curvy roads, chasing the apex, and following racing line excites me more than anything else. I wasn’t going on this trip unless I drove the Himalayan roads.
This led to the plan getting delayed.
But everything changed when my aunt gave us the nudge and my mom finally relented to the idea of going to the mountains. That was when the trip looked like it was meant to happen.
However, Dasara was just around the corner, and I hate crowds. I hesitated to travel during the holiday rush.
After everything was agreed upon, and the dates set for Diwali week, I started to do serious planning and made bookings on Gandhi Jayanti.


For the rental car, I chose RBTS car rental. After reviewing their catalogue, I decided on the Hyundai Venue. It was compact enough, and I wanted to drive a manual transmission, something I missed back home. After sending them a booking amount of ₹5000, I turned my attention to flights and hotels.
I booked with Air India, hoping for a chance to fly on the new Airbus A350.

Then came the hardest part – waiting for D-Day.

Unexpected Twist with the Rental Car
Just hours before we were to leave for the airport, I received a surprising message from RBTS. The Venue I had booked hadn't arrived, as the previous renter had extended their booking. I was offered a choice between the Toyota Innova, Kia Seltos, Toyota Rumion, and Jimny 4x4. The Innova seemed like overkill, and while the Rumion was within budget, I wasn’t keen on driving it.
At first, I opted for the Kia Seltos, a diesel, but something didn’t feel right. The Seltos was nearly five years old, and the other cars were all under two years old. The car choice was crucial to me as the entire trip depended on it, and I couldn’t imagine sitting in a taxi the entire time.
I chose Jimny, which was newer, and after a bit of negotiation, we agreed on a price that worked for both of us.
With that sorted, it was time to set everything in motion and get some sleep before the trip.

During the planning phase, two members of Team-BHP provided invaluable support—Distinguished BHPian SS Traveller and Kashi053.
Kashi053’s experiences with RBTS gave me the confidence to choose them for the car rental, while SS Traveller helped with route planning to exit and enter Delhi as smoothly and as easily possible and also suggested Surkanda Devi temple. I’m immensely thankful for their guidance.

[Abhinav V]

The Journey Begins – October 29th
Our flight was scheduled to depart at 5:45 AM.
This was our first time using the newly added Terminal 2, and it looked lavishly built. The only holdup came at the entry, where the CISF personnel manually checked our IDs and boarding passes since we hadn’t opted for Digi Yatra for seamless entry. After that, we went to the self-baggage drop kiosk, and the staff assisted us. We were done quickly, and to my surprise, we had been upgraded to premium economy.
After clearing security, I received a call from Air India staff informing me that boarding had begun and would close in 15 minutes. They asked if I needed assistance with anything, which I found surprisingly thoughtful. We reached the gate with only moments to spare and boarded the plane. Although I had hoped to fly on the new A350, we ended up in an older Airbus A320 with the old Air India livery. But that didn’t matter much because the flight took off on time.
On the Flight
Once settled in our seats, the crew handed us hot and cold towels to freshen up. The sun was rising on our right side, and the orange rays of light were piercing through the windows. On the back of the seat in front of us, we found the menu cards with options for North and South Indian breakfast. As we reached cruising altitude, the captain announced that the crew could begin the food service.
We all opted for the South Indian breakfast since we planned to have North Indian food later in the trip. The food tasted good, and the sambar really stood out. After breakfast, we had coffee, which kept me awake for the remainder of the flight. I tried hard to sleep knowing fully well that I had a really long drive ahead but to no avail.
The flight was smooth, and time passed quickly as my book had kept me engaged. The captain announced the start of our descent, and before long, we were landing in Delhi, 20 minutes ahead of schedule. After landing, I received a call from the RBTS driver, who was waiting for us with the car at the multi-level car park.

[Abhinav V]

We freshened up and made our way to baggage collection, where we were in for a pleasant surprise. All of our luggage had already been taken off the conveyor belt and placed together, waiting for us. Air India’s efficiency really impressed me. After collecting the bags, we headed to the car park, where the black Jimny was parked and ready for our journey.

We finished the paperwork, I transferred the remainder of the rental amount, and the driver helped us pack the luggage into the boot. This turned out to be a handy move, as we would soon find out. I paired my phone, connected it to Android Auto, and installed the dashcam I had bought for this trip.

Thanks to SS Traveller, who had sent the pre-loaded the route to Meerut, all I had to do was touch the link, and it loaded instantly.
As we exited the airport, everything was going smoothly, but as soon as we left Aerocity, the environment changed.
I took it easy, ignoring the occasional rerouting prompts from Google Maps. Driving in Delhi’s rush hour was hectic, but I wasn’t too nervous. I was more concerned about making a wrong turn, and sure enough, I did! I ended up on a different road, entering some colony before finally rejoining the main road.

Google Maps had a moment of its own when we approached the underpass near AIIMS. It kept rerouting, not recognizing that I was already inside the underpass, and only stopped once I emerged on the other side.
Finally, we reached the Meerut Expressway, and the drive began to settle into a smoother pace.

With the arrow-straight roads of the expressway and the speed restrictions, our stomachs started to grumble. Although we had had breakfast on the flight, the hunger pangs were hard to ignore. The first rest area came into view, and I quickly exited the expressway to park at the food court.


Jimny getting pre heated


Haalat Kharaab!

There were many options, but we headed straight to an Udupi restaurant. We filled our stomachs, and timing was crucial—any longer delay would have caused a headache. Once we were done, we stepped out of the restaurant and encountered the blazing heat of North India. The heat was intense, and the black car was toasted. I cranked up the A/C to full blast and continued our journey.



We continued with the journey. The traffic thinned the moment we crossed Muzaffarnagar, and the pace picked up. We entered Uttarakhand at Roorkee, and I felt a sense of happiness entering Devbhoomi. It was special because I was driving myself.



The road widening work was underway, but soon, we were back on wide, smooth roads till Haridwar. As we entered the flyover that would bypass Haridwar town, we caught a glimpse of the grand Shiva statue at Har Ki Pauri. The sight was refreshing, and with the evening sun now behind us, the weather had cooled down, lifting my spirits. Crossing the statue helped ease the headache that had been bothering me earlier.

As we continued our drive, the mountains began to make appearance far ahead. The first glimpse was enough to make me feel like a little kid jumping for joy after finishing his homework. The excitement was palpable, but it didn’t last too long.

We exited Haridwar and entered Rishikesh, only to be stuck at a junction. It was Ganga Aarti time, and all the traffic was heading to Triveni Ghat. The chaos at the junction added stress, but I remained calm, finally crossing the stretch and making our way to the hotel in Tapovan.


Absolute chaos

After checking in, moving our luggage, and freshening up, we decided to head to Triveni Ghat, hoping to reach before the end of Ganga Aarti. However, the scene was chaotic—there was so much traffic that we had to park the car somewhere far and take a rickshaw to the Ghat.
When we arrived, the Aarti had just finished, and most of the crowd had already dispersed. Still, the atmosphere was surreal despite the tiring journey and long day. We sprinkled some water and took in the surroundings.

It was time for dinner

The experience at Kake Di Hatti wasn’t as good as what I had in Bengaluru, but no complaints about the taste. We finished our meal and called it a day. We were exhausted, but I couldn’t help feeling grateful for the experience so far.


Jimny at Kake Di Hatti

[Abhinav V]

October 30, 2024

The next day, I woke up early and went for a walk to the riverbank, which was close to our hotel. The solo early morning walk was so refreshing that I made it a point to do this every time I'm on vacation


First Glimpse of Ganga






The riverbank was empty and peaceful. I sat on a rock, taking in the views, inhaling the clean mountain air, and reflecting on the fact that I had driven all the way here. It was hard to believe.
An elderly couple soon arrived and smiled at me. Being an introvert, I hesitate to meet people, but I managed a slight smile. They started the conversation, introducing themselves. It turned out that the elderly gentleman was an army doctor, and he shared stories about his army days and various postings.
We talked about my travel plans, and when he heard that it was my first Himalayan drive, he offered words of encouragement. After a short walk, we reached a fork in the road, where we parted ways. I headed back to the hotel.


We exited the hotel and joined the main road, which led us to the highway. I pulled over to load Google Maps, setting our first destination as Devprayag. I was eager to see the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, where the River Ganga begins its long journey. The sight of their colours merging at the Sangam point had been calling me for a long time




But as we continued our drive, a small change in plans began to unfold. At a tea stall, a friendly chat with the stall owner shifted our course. He mentioned that the Dhari Devi temple would be open upon my enquiry and that there was no time restriction.

The temple had fascinated me for a while, I had seen it in a video, and the excitement of visiting a place I had only seen in videos added an unexpected thrill to the moment.

I updated the destination in Google Maps and we set off toward Dhari Devi. The road was wide and winding, and I embraced the mountain drive, knowing that patience was key. I let the faster vehicles pass, determined not to let anyone’s rush disrupt the peaceful pace I was savouring in the Jimny.
We exited Shivpuri and saw glimpses of a tunnel being constructed for the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag corridor.



The vastness of the landscape made me feel like a tiny dot, dwarfed by the towering peaks. The Ganga flowed deep below, and rocks hung precariously as we chugged along, heading deeper into the mountains.


Soon we neared a random temple by the side of the road, we decided to stop. Perched on the edge of the mountain, we could hear the Ganga flowing fiercely below even before we reached the temple. The temple was quiet, with the panditji at home, but he kindly welcomed us and opened the sanctum. After a brief explanation about the temple, we felt a sense of positive energy that seemed to permeate the entire area.




We continued on, excited for the journey ahead, and the tea stall owner’s suggestion still lingered in my mind.
With the new plan in mind, I resumed the drive and reached Devprayag. We crossed the vantage point from where we could see the Sangam and decided not to stop, planning to return later. The road was packed with vehicles heading toward the Sangam, and it took a significant amount of time to get past this stretch, which ate into our progress.
As we continued, the road wound from one mountain to another, and soon we had the Alaknanda River flowing below us. After a while, the pace picked up once we exited the town, and we enjoyed the drive towards Srinagar.
For a second, I was puzzled when I saw a billboard showing the distance to Srinagar. In about an hour's time, we entered the town, and like most towns in the Himalayas, the highway passed right through it. Once again, we found ourselves stuck in traffic, crawling through the town.

Navigating through the hustle and bustle of the market, with cows blocking the road, we finally managed to exit the town. Dhari Devi temple was now only half an hour away, and with lunch time approaching, our stomachs were growling, but we decided to press on, determined to finish the darshan before stopping for a meal.



We reached the point where we had to exit the highway and took a narrow road, perched on the edge of the hill, with the temple visible far away in the distance, sitting in the middle of the river. Here, the Alaknanda was no longer furiously flowing; the water was calm and pleasant. The sky was clear, and we could see the reflection of the mountains on the river, adding to the serenity of the moment.


It was scorching hot when we stepped out of the car, but as soon as we crossed onto the footbridge leading to the temple, a cool breeze from the mountains swept across our faces, providing a refreshing relief. We reached the temple and entered its premises. The atmosphere was calming and the crowd was well managed. We decided to sit down and have an elaborate pooja experience.

Normally, I roll my eyes whenever I'm asked to visit a temple, but this was one of the few temples I had truly wanted to visit.
When I stepped inside, it felt like a dream come true. The panditji patiently attended to each group of travellers, and when it was our turn, he performed the Archana procedure with such attention to detail that I had never witnessed before. The experience left me deeply moved, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to receive the goddess's darshan.
With our souls satisfied, we stepped out of the temple, no longer bothered by hunger. We video-called our friends and family, sharing the beautiful temple experience with them.

Afterward, we began our journey back to Devprayag and stopped along the way for lunch at 4 PM. We chose a Dhaba atop a house, run by a family on the edge of a hill, with the Alaknanda river flowing below. The setting was so special, and the thali we had was absolutely delicious, making the meal even more memorable.

With our tummies and souls filled, we resumed our drive in the evening. Somewhere along the way, the transition to darkness began, as the sun, with every passing second, gradually made way for the night. Sunset in the mountains are absolutely spectacular. As the sun disappeared behind the towering peaks, the sky shifted from vibrant orange to soft pink, and then to twilight, eventually fading into complete darkness.


All of this unfolded as I drove, with towering mountains ahead, the Alaknanda River flowing below, and winding roads beneath my wheels. It was an incredibly special moment, witnessing nature paint its colours while I enjoyed every twist and turn of the road. The experience felt like a perfect harmony of adventure and natural beauty, with the setting sun marking a memorable part of my journey.

We reached Devprayag, and instead of driving into town, we decided to park near the vantage point and continue on foot. The moment we stepped out and into the narrow lanes, the sound of the raging torrent of the river below grew louder. It took us about 20 minutes to walk through the bustling bazaar of Devprayag, and finally, we found the staircase that led down to the Sangam point.

We climbed down the stairs, each step bringing us closer to the confluence of the two mighty rivers. Standing at the point, we dipped our feet into the cold, raging waters of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, both rivers merging right in front of us. It was a surreal, sacred moment—we stood there in awe, numb from the cold yet deeply grateful to be in that extraordinary place.

Despite it being dark, with the colors of the rivers hidden from view, the experience still felt profoundly special. We soaked up the vibes as much as we could, relishing the connection to nature, the mountains, and the sacred waters before us.
Eventually, we turned back, retracing our steps up the stairs to the car, and resumed our journey back to our base in Rishikesh, carrying with us the calm and wonder of the moment.

[Abhinav V]

31 October, 2024.

We woke up early, eager to mark the first day of Diwali with a special experience—taking a dip in the holy Ganges. Our first stop was the white sand beach, where I got a chance to test the 4x4 capabilities of the Jimny. For the first time, I truly felt that the Jimny was the perfect vehicle for this trip. I couldn’t help but thank my stars for the events that had led me to choose it.



However, the river conditions at the beach were dangerous for a dip, so without hesitation, we decided to head to Triveni Ghat, where it was safer to enter the water.

The moment we stepped into the icy cold waters, it was like nothing I had ever felt before. There’s something so surreal about immersing yourself in the Ganga, especially in the early morning hours. They say that a dip in the Ganges washes away one’s sins, and I couldn’t agree more. The current was so strong that it felt like I was being washed away literally. As I took a deep breath and plunged in, holding on to the chains for support, I could feel the force of the water trying to sweep me away. If not for the chains, I’m sure I would have been carried by the current.

It was an incredible experience—humbling and energizing. After that tremendous moment, we headed back to the hotel, finishing breakfast and gearing up for the day’s drive. The sense of peace from the dip stayed with me.

I had always wanted to see the Tehri Dam, and SS Traveller had suggested a visit to the Surkanda Devi Temple along with it. The route was Rishikesh-Chamba Road, which sounded perfect for a scenic adventure.

As we exited the bustling Rishikesh town and veered off toward Chamba, the transformation was immediate. The traffic vanished, and the surroundings grew eerily quiet. The road began its ascent, and no matter how much energy I had, the mountains had a way of humbling me. I quickly found myself struggling to keep up with the climb. The first 2 kilometres felt exhausting, and I had to remind myself of the mantra I had followed the day before: take it slow and enjoy the journey. With that in mind, I eased off, and the drive became more enjoyable.


Rishikesh Chamba Road


Unlike the day before, this road was narrow at some places and steep, offering a true taste of the Himalayas. The sheer drops on the side of the road added to the intensity, and I found myself completely immersed in the experience. Every turn felt like a step deeper into the real Himalayas.


Chamba visible in the distance

We pressed on until we reached Chamba, where the town was jam-packed, but we were determined to push through and continue our journey to the Tehri Dam and Surkanda Devi Temple. The drive was proving to be more than worth it, with each stretch offering a new sense of awe and wonder.

Navigating through the crowded streets of Chamba took some serious manoeuvring, and by the time we managed to exit the town, it was well past noon. I hadn’t prepared for a late lunch today, so I decided to stop at the first place that seemed promising.

We ended up at Chacha Sip n Dine, on the road to Kanatal, where the owner greeted us with a warm smile and welcoming attitude. He asked where we were from and then mentioned his YouTube channel where visitors from Bangalore had shared their experiences. He suggested checking it out to get an idea of what food to order.


View from our table

The food arrived, and it was nothing short of fantastic. Pahaadi khaana needs no special mention—just simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. What made it even better was the breathtaking view of the valley in front of us, making the meal feel even more special. It was one of those perfect moments, where everything—food, company, and surroundings—just clicked together.

We pressed on, and the view outside felt like a scene straight out of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, but this time, we were in a Jimny, enjoying the ride through the majestic mountains. The air was crisp, and the landscape was so captivating it.
Our drive led us through the town of Kanatal, which felt like something straight out of a dream, with its misty beauty and peaceful atmosphere.





Eventually, we reached the base of Surkanda Devi Temple, where we were faced with two options: Take a cable car or trek 1.5 kilometers to the temple. With limited time and a desire to reach Rishikesh in time for the Ganga Aarti, we decided against the trek.

Unfortunately, as it was Diwali, the cable car service was closed, so we didn’t get the chance to experience the sweeping views of the majestic snow-capped mountains that we had highly expected.

However, we were still treated to glimpses of snow on the distant peaks as we drove, a small consolation that only added to the magic of the journey.







With a heavy heart, the return journey began. The excitement of the day was wearing off, and the thought of not making it back in time for the Ganga Aarti only added to the pressure. Driven by a sense of urgency, I pushed the Jimny harder on the narrow mountain roads, and soon, my driving became a bit maniacal. I focused solely on speed, hoping to make up for lost time.



But as always, the mountains had their way of humbling me. No sooner had I started pushing the car than I felt my energy drain. The effort I put into keeping the pace high started to cause exhaustion, reminding me of the mountain's ability to slow even the most determined of drivers. I had to slow down, accept the rhythm of the journey, and embrace the pace the mountains had set for me.

Thankfully, we reached Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh ahead of time. I parked the Jimny far from the main road because the local taxis had taken up all the space on the hard shoulder near the turn for Triveni Ghat. After circling around, I found a spot in front of an Innova taxi from Haryana and parked the Jimny there. I asked the driver how long it would take to walk to the Ghat, as my folks had already gotten out of the car earlier and were ahead of me.

I also made sure to ask if the parking spot would be safe. I'm particular about parking and always want my car to be in sight. He assured me that he would be in his car and would keep an eye on things, so feeling assured, I started my brisk walk toward the Ghat.
When I arrived, the crowd had already gathered, and I couldn’t spot my folks.

The Ganga Aarti had already begun. It was such an amazing experience, with the sound of bells, chanting, and the visual spectacle of the flames. Although it was beautiful, I couldn't help but think of the sheer grandeur of the Aarti in Varanasi, which felt more majestic in comparison. Still, the peaceful energy of the Ganga in Rishikesh was an experience in itself, and it was a moment I wouldn’t forget.

After an early dinner, my folks decided to go shopping, so I handed them the keys and walked alone back to the hotel room. It was a quiet moment, just me and the night. The streets of Rishikesh were still buzzing with energy, but the solitude gave me a chance to reflect on the day. The rush, the experiences, the sights—everything felt surreal as I walked back, taking in the cool evening air. It was a peaceful end to an eventful day. As I reached the hotel, I felt a sense of satisfaction from everything we had witnessed and experienced.

[Abhinav V]

1 November, 2024.
Today, we bid farewell to the mountains with a heavy heart, beginning our journey back to the dusty plains. It’s hard to let go of the serenity and the majestic beauty we’ve been surrounded by, but at the same time, there’s a sense of excitement as we head towards Mathura. The birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Honestly, I wasn’t too keen about it—I’ve always rolled my eyes when asked to visit a temple that’s always crowded. Still, I was curious to see Mathura, as it felt like an important part of the journey, and who knows, maybe it would surprise me.

The route was the same as before, and we cruised along until we reached the outskirts of Delhi. By now, I had become completely familiar with the traffic and the roads. Jimny and I were in sync, like we had become one. It felt like an extension of my body, so natural and responsive. With the confidence gained from days of driving through the mountains and winding roads, I floored the throttle and started overtaking everything in sight. The compact Jimny felt like a beast on the road, and I was loving every second of it, speeding through the traffic with ease.

We stopped for lunch at Naivedyam, and after days of mountain food, a South Indian meal felt like finding an oasis in the desert. The flavours were so comforting and satisfying that we ate to our hearts' content, completely stuffed ourselves. It was the perfect break from the long drive. Refuelled and refreshed, we continued the journey and, before we knew it, reached the exit of the Delhi Meerut Expressway in no time, ready to keep going.

Following SS Traveller's suggestion, we took the Eastern Peripheral Expressway towards Hodal. The road was smooth and traffic-free, making for a much more peaceful drive. After that, we joined NH44, India's longest highway, and I got a chance to stretch the legs of the Jimny. As I crossed Hodal, the roads became incredibly inviting to push the Jimny. To my surprise, it handled the drive with absolute composure, at high speeds, with the full luggage in tow. The car felt stable, and I was truly blown away by its performance. It was a thrilling experience, and the car was living up to every expectation I had for it.

The journey was uneventful, and we finally entered Mathura. One turn, and the road narrowed completely, leading us directly to our hotel. After having driven through the chaotic streets of Chamba, Srinagar, and Rishikesh, Mathura's maniacal local traffic, though intimidating at first, didn’t bother me as much. I was now so used to navigating such challenging roads that I handled it with ease. Despite the congestion, I reached the hotel without much trouble, feeling a sense of accomplishment after the drive.

The Hotel Brijwasi in Mathura was amazing, with spacious rooms that added to the comfort of the stay. I highly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting the city. On a side note, I purposely didn’t mention the hotel I stayed in Tapovan, Rishikesh, because Rishikesh can be incredibly congested with limited space. It’s much better to stay in Shivpuri than Tapovan or Rishikesh if you want a more peaceful and spacious environment. The difference in experience was definitely noticeable, and Shivpuri provided a better atmosphere for relaxation.

We parked the car in the basement and took an e-rickshaw to the Janambhoomi temple. Now, as I had mentioned earlier, I often roll my eyes when I’m asked to visit crowded temples. But the Janambhoomi temple was something else. It completely changed my perspective. Visiting the actual prison where Krishna was born was such a surreal experience. There was a certain energy about the place that made it feel deeply significant, and it left me with a sense of awe. I hadn’t expected to be moved in this way, but it was truly a moment to remember.

We exited the temple, still soaking in the surreal experience, and headed to the bustling food street right outside the temple complex for dinner. The street was lively, with the aroma of food in the air. We indulged in some delicious food, which was the perfect way to end the day. After a satisfying meal, we made our way back to the hotel, feeling content but exhausted after the long drive from Rishikesh. It was time to rest and reflect on the incredible day we had just experienced.

*At most of the places, we had left our mobile phones in the cloak room and did not click much pictures in Vrindavan and Mathura.

[Abhinav V]

2 November, 2024.

The day finally arrived for the actual purpose of the trip. We started the morning by taking an e-rickshaw to Vrindavan, eager to cover as many significant places as possible before the hotel check-out time. Each spot we visited felt deeply spiritual, as though the stories of Krishna’s life were coming alive before us. The energy and atmosphere of Vrindavan truly made the experience unforgettable.

After returning to the hotel, we freshened up, packed our bags, and checked out. Though there was a tinge of sadness in leaving Mathura, we felt fulfilled with the time spent exploring this sacred city.

From there, we drove to Vrindavan, again, to attend the event that was the very reason for this trip. The anticipation heightened as we neared the venue, reflecting on how the journey had unfolded so perfectly—mountains, rivers, temples, and now Vrindavan. It felt like every moment had conspired to bring us here, right where we were meant to be.
We parked the car in car park and braced ourselves for the next leg of the journey—navigating the dusty, chaotic, and narrow lanes of Vrindavan in a rickshaw. The ride was far from pleasant; the bumpy roads and overwhelming filth left us exhausted and irritable.

But as soon as we reached our destination and laid eyes on the idol of Lord Krishna, all the weariness and negativity vanished in an instant. It was as though the divine presence had the power to cleanse our minds of every discomfort. The radiant idol, adorned beautifully, seemed to exude peace and joy, filling us with a sense of serenity and gratitude.

In that moment, the journey's hardships felt insignificant compared to the bliss of being in such a sacred place. We stood there, captivated, soaking in the spiritual energy of the place that made everything worthwhile.

After completing the event, we began our walk back to the car. This time, the heat, dust, and filth of the narrow Vrindavan lanes didn’t seem to bother me as much. The spiritual energy we had soaked in at the temple left us feeling lighter and more at peace.

The same chaotic streets that had earlier felt overwhelming now felt almost welcoming, and our spirits were high as we retraced our steps. By the time we reached the car, the earlier discomfort was long forgotten, replaced by a sense of fulfilment and gratitude.

The final leg of our return journey to Delhi began.

I seized the opportunity to once again push the Jimny to its limits on the inviting stretches of road. This machine never ceased to amaze me with its agility and fun-to-drive nature, even after such a long and demanding trip.

By the time we reached Delhi, I felt completely at ease despite the distance covered. We arrived at the hotel in Mahipalpur/Aerocity, unloaded our luggage, and settled in. As we were running late, RBTS was unable to pick up the car, so we had to drive to their office to return it ourselves.

Before heading to RBTS, something truly special happened—Distinguished BHPian SS Traveller and his wife came to meet us at our hotel, even though it was Bhai Dooj.
Despite the festival, they took the time to meet us, and it was an incredible moment for me.
The plan to meet had become dicey due to our late arrival in Delhi and I was feeling sad to be leaving Delhi without meeting him.
He really took the trouble of driving to Mahipalpur to make me happy!

I had been following his content long before I became a member of Team-BHP, and meeting him in person felt like meeting a mentor I had admired from afar. Their warmth and kindness made the ending of the trip even more memorable.

Massive shoutout to DBHPian SS Traveller

We headed back to the hotel room, knowing we had only a few hours to rest before our morning flight back to Bangalore. With Instagram reels fresh in my mind showing chaotic scenes at crowded airports, I had wisely booked an Uber for 4 AM. The proximity of the hotel to the airport—just 4 kilometers—gave us some relief, and within 10 minutes, we arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

As expected, the airport was a scene of chaos, packed with travellers navigating the Diwali holiday rush. The long queues only reaffirmed my decision to leave well in advance. Despite the crowds, I was ready to end this incredible journey on a high note, cherishing all the memories we had created along the way.

And to add the perfect finishing touch to this remarkable journey, our flight back to Bangalore was aboard the brand-new Airbus A350. The difference in comfort was noticeable right away—the economy seats were far more spacious than the premium economy seats we'd experienced on the Airbus A320.

The meal served this time was a delectable North Indian spread, adding to the pleasantness of the journey. The flight itself was exceptionally smooth, and the landing in Bangalore was nothing short of magical.
The sounds of the flaps deploying, the landing gear engaging, and the hydraulic pumps at work felt like they were straight out of a science fiction movie, enhancing the experience.
The touchdown was so smooth it felt like butter gliding on a pan.

What stood out most, though, was Air India's transformation. The crew's hospitality was stellar, dispelling all notions of the airline being a typical "Sarkaari" entity that it was before Tatas took over. Even in economy class, I felt genuinely pampered. Air India is definitely on the right track, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to conclude this trip.

With that, my first Himalayan driving adventure came to an end. It was a journey filled with incredible moments, unforgettable experiences, and the promise of many more to come.

Here's to the next adventure!

[Kashi053]

Abhinav, seems like you had loads of fun during your first himalayan drive. Thanks for sharing.

[MaanSingh]

Originally Posted by Abhinav V

I chose Jimny, which was newer, and after a bit of negotiation, we agreed on a price that worked for both of us.

If you didn't mind me asking, what was the per day rental for Jimny (including or excluding fuel)?
You can Direct message me instead of typing it here.

I plan to rent Jimny in future for hilly trips because of its narrow dimensions and this info will be useful.

[MobileThunder]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience.

I actually did a similar ride last year in my new Jimny when I drove down from Hyderabad. However, I did not manage to cover all the places in my itinerary. But I hope to do so this year, albeit with with lesser time at hand (boss not sanctioning a longer leave ).
I might go for a rental Jimny, since you did not face any hassles, so please share the per day rental (including/excluding fuel) including contact details via DM if it is ok with you.

[sureshkishore]

My friends had rented a Seltos from Mychoize last month for their drive from Delhi to Badrinath. It was an yellow plate car.

As informed by the company they had to pay UP and Uttarakhand Road Permit and on the return back MCD Toll.

But what came as a shock and a caused loss of valuable time and extreme inconvenience, was when they were stopped by police at Rishikesh and was asked to pay Green Tax and also Take 'Hill Driving permit'.
The car has to be inspected by Rishikesh RTO for fitness for use in hill. And the official asked to buy a waste bin, a first aid kit and a wooden block to prevent car from rolling back.

For the hill driving permit they said they had to go through an awareness session and after which they would endorse the licence with the permit.

All this took a days time and an additional expense of around 4k.

They said they were the only ones who was there at the RTO for getting this done, so they were having doubts whether they were ripped off.

I visited badrinath in my own car in October and faced no hassles at all. So the officials must be insisting on following the process for Yellow plate cars alone.

Driving in the hills require lot of skill, patience and empathy.

In the interest of safety of all road users motoring along the congested and dangerous route, you certainly don't want wannabe Schumachers taking sharp hairpins as if he is driving along a race track.

So the process seems logical and much needed.

If anyone can share more insights into this kindly do share.

[Abhinav V]

Originally Posted by Kashi053

Abhinav, seems like you had loads of fun during your first himalayan drive. Thanks for sharing.

Hey Kashi053,
Thanks a ton!
This trip wouldn’t have been the same without your encouragement.
I was so skeptical about Jimny’s power and performance, but your words gave me the courage to go for it—and boy, am I glad I did!

It was an absolute gem on the mountain roads.
Honestly, you were spot on—it's a fun to drive car and made the journey unforgettable.

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by Abhinav V

Massive shoutout to DBHPian SS Traveller

Thanks, Abhinav, but I really didn't do much, so no point in glorifying me . I'm glad you had a very enjoyable and safe road trip, especially your first one in the Himalayas.

It was a pleasure to meet you and your mother that evening, even though for a short while.



About 4 weeks after you toured that area, we passed through that route on our way to a little-known place called Kholachauri, for some rest & relaxation. Wasn't really a travelogue-worthy trip, but sharing a few pictures here.

Originally Posted by sureshkishore

...they were stopped by police at Rishikesh and was asked to pay Green Tax and also Take 'Hill Driving permit'.
The car has to be inspected by Rishikesh RTO for fitness for use in hill. And the official asked to buy a waste bin, a first aid kit and a wooden block to prevent car from rolling back.

Thanks for mentioning this - this would be a recent development after this incident, though ideally it should only apply to drivers with a Transport Licence, and not an NT driver.

[Abhinav V]

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

Thanks, Abhinav, but I really didn't do much, so no point in glorifying me . I'm glad you had a very enjoyable and safe road trip, especially your first one in the Himalayas.

It was a pleasure to meet you and your mother that evening, even though for a short while.

It was a pleasure meeting you as well and your family too!

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

About 4 weeks after you toured that area, we passed through that route on our way to a little-known place called Kholachauri, for some rest & relaxation. Wasn't really a travelogue-worthy trip, but sharing a few pictures here.

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

Attachment 2707725

Driving along this stretch of road reminded me of the China episode of The Grand Tour, showcasing their awe-inspiring, gigantic viaducts. From here, I could also catch a glimpse of RVNL’s impressive tunnels, part of the ambitious Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

Attachment 2707726

I’ll be sure to add this place to my list the next time I’m heading toward the Garhwal side of Uttarakhand

[varun_25]

Thanks for sharing your beautiful journey, loved seeing all those captures.