[F10D_Estilo]

To begin with, I apologize for the delayed write-up. I've been busy with the car restoration and work. Now that that’s out of the way, grab a can or glass of your favourite beverage—this one’s gonna be a long one. Without further ado, let’s dive into the blog, shall we?

All this began about a year ago when I officially bought my first car: a 2008 Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo Vxi. I’ve already written a review of my Estilo, which you can check out on my profile. To give a quick backstory, this was originally my dad’s car, which was later sold to my grandma—and finally, my grandma sold it to me. It's been a part of our family ever since it rolled out of the showroom.

Soon after my purchase, I got the itch for a long trip in my ““latest possession””, accompanied by my favourite people. The first person who came to my mind was none other than my good friend Roshan. We met in 11th grade and have been good friends ever since. On a casual visit one day, I asked him, “How about we go somewhere far in my Estilo—like a road trip or something?” I honestly wasn’t expecting a positive response since I thought he would hesitant to travel that long in such an old car. Some of my other friends used to hesitate planning trips beyond 100 km, worrying it might leave them stranded if pushed too hard. To my surprise, Roshan’s reply was enthusiastic—he didn’t care about the car’s age and thought it was a great idea. Hearing this, my happiness and respect for him grew even more, as he believed in me and my ride. However, due to personal matters and budget constraints, the trip kept getting postponed until November 2024.
One fine day, I heard a rumor at my workplace that the upcoming week would have four consecutive vacation days, including a Sunday. If there’s one thing to know about my workplace, it’s that such rumors are almost always true. When I heard the news, I immediately called Roshan to inform him and ask if he’d saved enough for a long trip. His positive response filled me with excitement, and I quickly arranged a meeting at his place to finalize the destination. We shortlisted two locations: Kerala and Araku Valley. Kerala is a dream destination for both of us, but the budget and time weren’t sufficient. Araku Valley emerged as the more feasible option.

Now that Araku Valley was decided upon, we needed a few more people to join us and split the budget—typical broke grown-up stuff. Since I had no other close friends in India, I turned to my workplace colleagues, but that idea flopped as everyone was keen on visiting their hometowns. All hopes shifted to Roshan, who somehow managed to convince his childhood best friend Siddhanth to join us for the trip. With the budget split three ways, the trip was officially on!

Days passed, and our trip was just two days away when, during a chat with a colleague, he suggested Mahabaleshwar as an alternative. It was closer to Hyderabad and had both historical and natural attractions. My stingy nature started to reconsider the plan, as Mahabaleshwar would be more economical. That night, I called Roshan to discuss the idea. After some research, he had no issues visiting Mahabaleshwar but was concerned about traveling to a different state altogether—and Siddhanth shared the same hesitation.

The final day arrived. After work, I packed my suitcase and headed to Roshan’s place to spend the night, as we needed to start early the next morning. Amid last-minute discussions and YouTube binge-watching, we narrowed it back down to Araku Valley for two reasons:

1. This was our first long road trip, and we didn’t want to risk traveling to an unfamiliar state with limited help in case of emergencies.
2. Araku Valley had more natural attractions compared to Mahabaleshwar’s historical significance. I’m more of a nature and hills person than a history buff, so Araku Valley won hands down.

All the planning wrapped up by 1:00 AM, leaving us with barely four hours of sleep before our early start. Excitement kept us awake until 2:00 AM, but eventually, we managed to catch some sleep.

At 5:00 AM, the alarm woke us up. We took a quick bath, filled the Estilo with petrol at a nearby COCO pump, and set out to pick up Siddhanth. Despite being pumped with excitement, there was a hint of nervousness about how the trip would unfold. During casual chatter, it turned out that neither Roshan nor Siddhanth could drive. While Roshan was worried about how I’d manage driving alone, I was thrilled, as:

1. I absolutely love driving absurdly long distances.
2. I don’t have to be worried about how he would drive my Estilo. (Some of my friends have driven her in the past and it would RIP my heart every time they changed gears as they were not used to driving an old school Rod linkage transmission and not to mention the amount of clutch slipping they do just to get moving).

We reached Siddhanth’s place, where I quickly pasted the new FASTag I’d bought just days earlier from a local vendor—my nearest bank branch had proved incompetent in issuing one. Siddhanth greeted us warmly, we loaded his luggage into the boot, and set off on our first long trip in the name of God.

Our journey began with the first toll at Nehru ORR, where we were greeted by a stunning eight-lane highway. Although running slightly behind schedule, we decided to take it slow and cruise at 80 km/h on the left lane. The highway was a breeze for the Estilo, which felt comfortable cruising at 80–90 km/h while we enjoyed JBL Stage 1 speakers and the chilled AC. Midway, we realized we didn’t have a valid PUC. Luckily, we weren’t caught and managed to stop at an RTA pollution testing van, where the Estilo passed with flying colors. With all documents in order, we resumed our trip with the same enthusiasm as before.

First Toll of the Trip at Nehru ORR


It was 9:00 AM, and we were already about 200 km from Hyderabad according to the trip meter. While the Estilo showed no signs of fatigue despite running non-stop for 200 km for the first time in its 16 years of ownership, we had started to lose our endurance before the car did and were beginning to feel hungry. Roshan took it upon himself to find a nice food truck where we could indulge in some tasty South Indian breakfast. After a few minutes, we finally spotted one with a decent crowd, which we took as a sign of good food.

We parked the Estilo, stepped out to stretch, and I was pleasantly surprised to find myself not tired at all. Credit goes to the super comfy seats of my Estilo, which feel more like a couch. I’ve driven our Xylo over similar distances, but somehow, its leatherette seats don’t provide the same level of comfort as the cloth seats in my Estilo.

We began our breakfast journey with hot dosas and idlis, gradually moving on to vadas and puris. I must say, this was hands down the most delicious breakfast I’ve ever had—especially the dosas. With our hunger satisfied and spirits high, it was time to get back on the road. I cranked up the Estilo, and the F10D roared to life, ready to take on whatever the day had in store.
Since we were on a budget, we opted to filter out toll roads on Google Maps, hoping to save a few bucks. This decision turned out to be a classic case of penny-wise and pound-foolish. The route took us through Khammam, with countless villages and single-lane country roads, constantly re-routing us. While the scenery was beautiful, it wasn’t fun dodging cursed potholes on those narrow highways. Some of them were so deep that they looked like they could flip a car! Thankfully, it was noon, or I might have launched a strut into space for sure! Lesson learned: skimping on tolls isn’t worth it sometimes; the potential repair costs far outweigh the savings. I quickly turned off the toll-free filter and let Maps choose the best route, even if it meant paying tolls.

After about 250 km of bone-jarring roads, it was time to refuel both ourselves and the Estilo. We found a shady spot under a tree along the highway and stretched out. Roshan brought out his mom's tasty pulihora which we enjoyed having. With our stomachs satisfied, it was the Estilo’s turn to be fed. We topped her up at a fuel station and continued towards our destination.

As the sun began to set, we were about 200 km from Araku. Darkness started to creep in, but the roads towards Visakhapatnam were smooth, free of potholes, and a joy to drive on. About 100 km from Araku, Vizag raised a key decision: stop for the night or continue to Araku. As the driver, I led our in-car "round table" and made the final call.
The pros and cons were debated. While the adventurer in me considered tackling the hills to Araku at night for the thrill, the pragmatic side prevailed. It was wiser to halt at Vizag, especially since it was my first time driving such long distances and climbing hills in a petrol car. With the decision made, my friend began the nerve-wracking task of finding accommodation during Diwali. Many places were either out of our budget or fully booked, but after scrolling through multiple apps, we found a room stay named Grand Mantralayam that fit both criteria. We called ahead to reserve the room, and a collective sigh of relief followed.

Upon entering Vizag, we were greeted by smooth, well-lit roads, lot of fire cracker sounds (being Diwali) and a welcoming vibe. We reached our home stay, which looked like an ordinary apartment building with a watchman’s room doubling as a reception. After parking the Estilo, we were welcomed by the receptionist and shown to our Non-AC room. It was modest—an ok queen-size bed, a small TV the size of a laptop screen, and a just-okay bathroom—for ₹1200. Given the circumstances, we couldn’t complain. Thanks to my Roshan’s bargaining skills, we managed to bring the price down to ₹1000, provided we checked out before 6:00 AM.
We unloaded the Estilo and headed out in search of dinner. However, most restaurants were closed due to Diwali, leaving us with limited options. After roaming around the city, we settled for chips, cool drinks, and some food ordered online. Back in our room, we munched on snacks, chatted, and laughed while waiting for our food. Time flew by, and soon enough, our Chinese takeaway arrived.

After 800 exhausting kilometers on the road, a good meal and a comfortable bed were all I could ask for. Despite the sound of crackers exploding outside, I drifted into a deep sleep almost instantly, ready for the adventures the next day would bring.

At 5:15 AM, my friend woke me up, telling me to hurry and get ready. Although he had intentionally let me sleep longer to give me maximum rest, I still felt like I could use a little more sleep. Nonetheless, I forced myself to wake up. After a quick bath, I felt fresh and ready to take on the day. We checked out of the room about 10 minutes before the Redline, paid the receptionist for the night, and were all set to resume our journey. I cranked up the Estilo, and the trusty F10D came to life without missing a beat, ready for the next adventure.

We started off around 6:00 AM from our accommodation. Google Maps showed the distance to Araku as roughly 100 km with an ETA of 2 hours. Driving through Vizag city early in the morning felt refreshing but also a little unusual. The roads were wide, well-maintained (aside from leftover cracker junk from the previous day), and surprisingly divided into three lanes—with the middle lane allocated for pedestrians out for morning walks. I had never seen something like this in Hyderabad. At one point, I mistakenly entered the middle lane but quickly returned to my original lane when I realized it. Fortunately, the cops were lenient and didn’t issue a challan, likely noticing my non-local license plates.

After leaving the city, we found ourselves on a single-lane highway leading to Araku. The roads were draped in medium-density fog, which created a serene ambiance but also added a layer of driving risk. About 70 km into the drive, we stopped for some much-needed morning coffee. One sip of the steaming Araku coffee, and whatever lingering traces of sleep we had vanished. Fueled by the extract of Mother Nature, we pressed on, determined to explore as many locations as possible for the day.

Foggy Road leading to Araku


Morning Coffee before Araku


A while later, we reached our first toll booth of the day at the entrance to the Araku hills. Due to a glitch with the FASTag scanner, we had to pay in cash—thus officially beginning the fun part of our journey. As the road started inclining, I noticed the F10D working harder to keep us moving. When I glanced to my right, I saw a deep valley below, confirming that we were indeed climbing the hills. I stopped short-shifting and let the F10D rev higher to maintain momentum comfortably.

Soon, we approached the first hairpin bend. I shifted from third to second gear and, while prepared to drop to first gear if needed, the Estilo effortlessly handled the medium steep bend at around 2000 RPM in second gear. I was amazed at the torque the F10D produced—it’s incredible for a dinosaur age naturally aspirated 1.1L engine. Even the Xylo’s 2.5L turbo diesel bogs down off-boost in similar situations. To my surprise, the F10D even managed mild steep stretches in fourth gear. In general, Hairpin bends required second gear, medium steep sections were handled in third, and mild straight climbs were manageable in fourth. First gear was needed only if I lost momentum.

F10D pulling up a hair pin at just 2000 RPM


I kept an eye on the temperature gauge to ensure the engine stayed cool. Even with the A/C running, the needle stayed dead center—truly a testament to Suzuki’s reliability and engineering. As we gained altitude, our ears started popping, much like when an airplane takes off but the F10D didn’t feel like it was losing power as one would expect from a Naturally Aspirated Engine. It felt eager and lively as ever.

Not long after, we stumbled upon a picturesque spot. It featured a beautiful stream of clear water flowing over shiny river rocks under a bridge, surrounded by lush greenery. We couldn’t resist stopping to soak it all in. With just the right amount of sunlight and a stunning background, I clicked photo after photo of my Estilo. One of those photos still serves as my desktop wallpaper. This little spot was easily one of the highlights of the trip, a reminder that happiness often comes in the small packages. After about half an hour of splashing around and taking photos, we headed to our first destination in Araku Valley.

My wallpaper Picture


Araku's most beautiful location period!




Our first stop was the Sunkarametta Baptist Church, a beautiful structure dating back to the World War II era, built in Gothic style. Although we couldn’t admire its architectural beauty from the inside, its exterior and surrounding views were stunning. We accidentally entered through the back entrance, possibly avoiding the entry ticket—a win for our wallets. The church is perched on a hill with breathtaking views of Araku. Within its courtyard, we spotted a unique tree that looked like a supersized Bonsai from Japan.

Sunkarametta Baptist Church




Supersized Bonsai Tree


Our next destination was Chaparai Waterfalls. On the way, we passed a place offering both camps and rooms. However, since it was eerily isolated, we simply took down their contact information as a last resort. Upon reaching Chaparai, we were greeted by the aroma of mouthwatering food, particularly the famed “Bamboo Chicken” and “Bamboo Biryani.” We parked and decided to explore the waterfall before indulging in lunch.

After buying tickets for ₹70 per head, we went in with high expectations, only to be met with disappointment. The waterfall was a dry stretch of river rocks with barely any water. It felt like a waste of money, especially after the beautiful unmarked stream we had visited earlier. I have attached some images below for you guys to decide. Nevertheless, we decided to lift our spirits with some Bamboo Biryani.

Chaparai Waterfall Entrance


Chaprai Waterfalls


As Hyderabadi, we love our Biryani nice and spicy. Though nothing can beat our city’s legendary Dum Biryani, we wanted to give the Bamboo Biryani a shot. My friends ordered Chicken Bamboo Biryani while I opted for Veg. Prepared fresh from scratch, it took some time, but the wait was worth it. The chicken biryani was the highlight—my friends couldn’t stop raving about it and still crave it to this day, months later. While the Veg Biryani was decent, it couldn’t compare. Although pricey (₹500 for two Chicken Biryanis and ₹200 for one Veg), the experience made it worthwhile.

Bamboo stems for cooking Araku's Famed "Bamboo Biryani" and "Bamboo Chicken"



Our final stop for the day was Araku Pinery. We purchased entry tickets and wandered through the serene pine forest, with pine cones scattered across the ground. We picked up a perfectly shaped pine cone as a souvenir. The area had empty camps and bonfire setups that were yet to open. The washrooms appeared well-maintained, and the spot offered plenty of picturesque locations for photos.

Araku Pinery


As the sun began to set, we realized we were tired. What better way to rejuvenate than with a good old cup of coffee?
To finish off the day, we visited the Coffee Museum, nestled in what seemed to be the heart of Araku Valley. After quickly parking the car, we bought entry tickets and stepped inside. The museum housed intriguing pictures and clay models depicting the history of coffee in Araku Valley. Learning about the evolution of coffee here was quite fascinating. There was even a projector setup to narrate the story, but we skipped it, conscious of our dwindling time. The museum also featured some picturesque spots where we couldn’t resist capturing a few snaps. After exploring, we joined the long queue to grab a cup of authentic Araku Arabica coffee. The coffee was even better than what we’d had en route to Araku.

Coffee Museum Enterance


Coffee at Coffee Museum


The museum’s in-store offerings extended beyond coffee to include pastries, brownies, donuts, chocolates, and more. On a tight budget, all we could afford was a packet of Arabica coffee powder to take back home. After gaining a burst of energy from the coffee, our next task was to secure a place to stay. Being in the heart of Araku Valley, we decided to inquire in person at several places to hunt for the best deal. Eventually, we found a room at Vijay Residence, that was slightly over our budget but significantly better than our previous accommodation in Vizag. The room was booked, our belongings were stashed away, and we headed out for dinner.

Since we had skipped breakfast earlier in the day, we had some leftover funds for a proper dinner. We decided to dine at Harita Resort, owned by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The food was delicious, and our tummies were happily content. After dinner, we returned to our room, planned the next day’s itinerary, and slept.

The next morning marked our final day in Araku. We woke up at 4:30 AM, quickly freshened up, packed, and were ready to start the day’s adventure. Despite the freezing temperatures outside, the F10D fired up effortlessly—though the revs shot up to 3000 RPM initially. The revs dropped gradually and we set off. Our first destination was the Gallikonda View Point.

We hurried towards the location, determined not to miss the sunrise. Along the way, we encountered several other cars heading in the same direction. The roads, however, were atrocious. As we neared the viewpoint, we spotted a settlement and a traffic jam leading to the hilltop. Local volunteers and auto drivers suggested we park in the settlement, claiming there was no parking available at the top. Trusting their advice, we parked the car and began the trek to the hilltop—a decision we would regret.

The walk turned out to be a steep, half-kilometer climb that drained our energy and ate into our time. Meanwhile, cars that were behind us drove past, reaching the top with ease. Many visitors took local share autos to the hilltop, a service we were unaware of. It became clear that the locals had been eager to make a quick buck, intentionally misleading us. After much grumbling and struggling, we finally reached the hilltop.
By the time we reached the hill top, the sun had already risen. The location itself was underwhelming, for three reasons:

1. We felt cheated by the locals.
2. The view wasn’t as stunning as we had anticipated.
3. The place was overcrowded, leaving little room to enjoy or even take decent photos.

The spot offered activities like archery, shooting, tribal folk dancing, and dressing in tribal attire (mostly for women) for photoshoots. There were breakfast stalls and hot beverages available as well. Frustrated and exhausted, we descended the hill on foot, unwilling to spend extra money on a local auto ride. While the descent seemed easier, it was still taxing on our already depleted energy levels. Back at the car, we fired up the Estilo and drove to get some much-needed breakfast.

View from Gallikonda View Point




Breakfast was at a modest eatery in the heart of Araku. The food was decent, especially considering the crowd it had drawn. Feeling somewhat rejuvenated, we embarked on our downhill run. For me, this was Araku’s version of Akina, with my Estilo as the AE86 and other road users as my rivals (Initial D fans, you’ll get it ��). While my 15-year-old Estilo and I were thrilled, my friends and wallet were not as enthusiastic (they didn’t want this ride to be their last ride).

But hey, what’s the fun when you can’t smoke newer cars with an old underpowered car on a downhill course? All it took was some revs and the F10D was singing while making most of the road users feel like a grandma driving to church. As the turns grew sharper, the Estilo proved nimble and eager to carry speed through the corners, much more so than the Xylo. The symphony made by the F10D during rev-matching and engine braking was pure music to my ears. Every corner and hairpin felt exhilarating, leaving me feeling overjoyed and fulfilled. Aside from the occasional RTC hooligans disrupting the experience, the downhill run was a dream come true.

The Estilo’s engine braking capabilities were stellar. By keeping the car in the right gear, the engine maintained and even reduced speed, making service brakes practically unnecessary except at hairpin bends. I’d say the trip was entirely worth it just for the opportunity to experience my Estilo’s performance on mountain passes.

After some thrilling downhill driving, we arrived at our final destination in Araku Valley—“The Ziplines,” near the Borra Caves. We parked our trusty Estilo and, as soon as we stepped out, were greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of delicious food. A parking lot attendant was eager to pitch us the famed Bamboo Chicken and Bamboo Biryani, tempting us to place an order for after our visit to the Borra Caves. There were plenty of stores near the caves selling the same dishes, but since we had already sampled them earlier, we politely declined and headed toward the ziplines.

Unfortunately, our must-do zipline adventure was thwarted—it was temporarily closed, leaving us with no choice but to proceed to the Borra Caves. After waiting in a decently long queue for tickets, we finally entered the caves. They were lit with colorful lights, deep, yet reasonably well-maintained. For those interested in their history, there’s information available on the picture I’ve included below, along with some great shots to admire.

History of Borra Caves


Pictures of Borra Caves





Some Places which we would have visited if not for time and financial constraints:
• Katiki Waterfalls: Skipped due to time constraints.
• Hot Air Balloon: Dropped due to both time and budget constraints (Rs. 1500 per person).

By noon, we wrapped up our visit to Araku Valley’s final gem—the Borra Caves. Staying on schedule, we planned to reach Vizag by afternoon to leave enough time to explore the city. Wasting no time, we fired up the Estilo for a nonstop 100 km drive back to Vizag. Almost immediately after leaving the parking lot, we hit traffic. A pseudo-SUV was struggling to climb a steep hairpin—easily a 40% grade, if not more didn’t inspire much confidence about my own attempt.

With the F10D producing less torque than a cheap battery-powered impact, I was feeling really anxious about facing that steep hill. Meanwhile, the "pseudo SUV" guy ahead of me was putting on a live demonstration of "How to Roast Your Clutch 101," somehow crawling up the slope while likely converting his clutch into molten lava.

As the traffic began to clear, I inched closer to the steep section, my heartbeat syncing with the rhythmic thunk thunk of my nervous thoughts: “Make it or break it, Estilo.” With all my faith loaded onto the trusty F10D, I slotted into first gear, gripped the wheel like a man bracing myself for the challenge.

And guess what? The Estilo didn’t flinch. No clutch slipping, no desperate gas-pedaling—just calm and composed climbing at 1500 RPM. The F10D handled the hill like it was a gentle slope instead of a steep monster. My friends and I were left in silence, while other cars sounded like they were auditioning for "The Hills Have Screams."

From that moment, the little F10D officially became a legend in my book. It transformed from an "underpowered little engine" to "King of the Inclines," proving it could handle anything I threw its way. The Estilo and the F10D earned my respect and also its place in my username for Team BHP—it’s a badge of honor!

We encountered more steep grades along the way, though not as daunting as the first, and the Estilo conquered them all without breaking a sweat. Soon, we transitioned into downhill driving and were back on the highway to Vizag, marking the end of a remarkable adventure in Araku Valley.

Estilo posing on a highway in Araku Valley


On the way back, we stumbled upon a picturesque reservoir and decided to take a break. While stretching out, I captured some shots of the Estilo in the beautiful surroundings. Later, we realized it was the Tatipudi Reservoir, constructed in the 1960s and serving as a water source for Vijayawada. Its serene, uncrowded beauty made us appreciate the joy of road trips—discovering hidden gems like this that might otherwise go unnoticed. I've included some pictures for you to enjoy.

Estilo posing in front of Tatipudi Reservoir


By around 4:00 PM, we reached Vizag and began the hunt for a cheap, good AC room—a rare combination. We scrolled through booking apps while roaming the city, but the search proved exhausting. Stopped at a signal, I grew tired of my friends rerouting me to different locations and took matters into my own hands. I took a left from the main road to stop the vehicle to the side when I spotted a banner for “A1 AC Rooms”. With modest expectations, we checked out the place. The car was parked in the basement, and we took an elevator to the reception on the top floor.

To our surprise, the reception was well-decorated, and the staff greeted us warmly before showing us the available rooms. As soon as they opened the door, we were impressed by the quality—it felt like a 3-star hotel, complete with AC, Two Sofa Chairs, a queen-sized bed, pristine bathroom and a decent-sized TV. Although I was skeptical about striking a good deal, Roshan’s bargaining skills saved the day yet again. Since the hotel wasn’t listed on booking apps and seemed mostly vacant, he negotiated the rate down from Rs. 1500 to just Rs. 1200 per day—a steal considering the mediocre accommodations we had endured earlier for similar prices. I’ve attached their visiting card below for anyone looking for an affordable, quality stay near RK Beach.

Visiting Card of A1 Premium AC Rooms


After settling into the room and freshening up, we set out to explore Vizag. Feeling tired and hungry, I opted for a quick bite at a local fast-food joint similar to Burger King nearby. While the food was okay, the lack of menu options left much to be desired. With energy restored, we began exploring the city.

At 5:00 PM, we headed to Kailasagiri, a peaceful hilltop destination with pristine roads—some of the best I’ve ever seen. It’s a great spot for family outings and offers ropeways and rail cabs, though we skipped those due to time constraints. The viewpoint provided breathtaking views of Vizag city and the coastline—a perfect photo opportunity.

View of Vizag Beach from Kailasagiri View Point


As evening approached, we moved on to the submarine and aircraft museums, both located near the beach. Parking proved to be a challenge, as neither site had dedicated parking. Although road signs warned against parking along the roadside, many vehicles were parked there anyway. Reluctant to take risks as an outsider, I searched for legal parking but eventually conceded and parked on the roadside like everyone else.
We bought tickets for both museums and decided to explore the Aircraft Museum first, as the Submarine Museum was overcrowded. The TU142M aircraft is an old Indian Navy patrol plane, that served for 29 years before being decommissioned and converted into a tourist attraction. It was powered by a sovient built 15000 HP Turbo Prop Engine making it the most powerful turbo prop engine ever. The plane also showcased equipment like sonobuoys, propellers, engines, survival kits, anti-submarine missiles, and data recorders—all detailed and fascinating to explore. As an engine enthusiast, I couldn’t resist snapping a picture of myself with with the aircraft engine. For those curious, I’ve included an image below with detailed information about the engine.

Me with the Kuzhnetsov NK 12 MP TurboProp Engine


Spec Sheet of the Kuzhnetsov NK 12 MP TurboProp Engine


By the time we finished exploring the Aircraft Museum, the crowd at the Submarine Museum had thinned, allowing us to enter without much wait. The submarine, named INS Kurusura, was built in 1969 by the Soviets for the Indian Navy and served for 31 years before being decommissioned and converted into a tourist attraction. Stepping inside was a remarkable experience, with green pipes running throughout its interior. Among the first things I spotted was one of the three engines that powered the submarine. Although I couldn't find specification of the engine, based on my knowledge, it looks like a 6-cylinder, 2-stroke overhead valve engine equipped with a mechanical injection powered by pushrods. Reportedly, each engine produces 2000 HP, totaling 6000 HP to propel the submarine. While this might seem standard for a marine engineer, for someone like me with an automotive background, it felt insanely powerful.

The submarine also featured various war equipment and missiles, though the living spaces were incredibly cramped, with only a few beds for the crew. Experiencing the tight quarters gave me a profound appreciation for our Navy personnel, who endure immense challenges—risking their lives and living in tough conditions—to ensure the safety and peace of our country. It left me feeling deeply thankful for their sacrifices. I've included some images for you to enjoy.

Me in front of INS Kurusura


Next on the itinerary was RK Beach. The night breeze by the beach felt refreshing and therapeutic, made even better by the absence of crowds. The taller waves, typical at night, added to the soothing sound of gushing water, which felt like nature’s calming therapy. We spent some time there, dipped our feet in the water, and wished we could stay longer. Unfortunately, due to our tight schedule, we had to leave.
Through all this, I had one persistent worry—whether my Estilo was safe, or if the cops had towed it away. Being parked in a "No Parking" zone, and as a non-local car, I feared it wouldn’t escape their notice. My panic peaked when I couldn’t spot the car upon leaving the museum—it was like a mini heart attack! Thankfully, Roshan came to the rescue and found it for me. I had simply been searching in the wrong place. The relief I felt was unmatched—it was as if life had returned to normal.
However, one of the tires seemed to have lower air pressure. After firing up the car, we took it to a nearby tire shop and discovered a long nail lodged in the tubeless tire. The mechanic sealed the hole with a rubber insert, and we were back in action. Returning to our room, we enjoyed the comfort of the AC, ordered Paneer Butter Masala with naan for dinner, packed our suitcases, and prepared to take home the many cherished memories of the trip. With our alarms set, we fell into the best sleep we had in a while.

To be Continued.......

[F10D_Estilo]

The next morning, at 7:00 AM, reality set in—it was time to return to our routine lives, much to everyone's disappointment. Though we all wished the happiness of the trip could last longer, we had to accept the inevitable. We freshened up, settled the remaining room bill, loaded our luggage into the Estilo, and set the map for Hyderabad, marking the end of an incredible journey.

Estilo doing what she loves the most- Medium Speed Highway Cruising


We reached Vijayawada around 2:00 PM and were greeted by the stunning view of the Prakasam Barrage. After capturing a few pictures, hunger set in, and we opened the maps to find a place to eat. With so many options, we felt overwhelmed and decided to ask a local Xerox shop owner for his recommendation. He suggested Casserole Grand restaurant as the best in town. Without wasting time, we set the maps and reached the restaurant quickly.

Prakasam Barrage


Our first impressions were positive—the place was clean and well-maintained, which felt promising. The food was decently priced, and we feasted on delicious biryani. For less than ₹500, all three of us ate to our hearts' content, ready to embark on the nonstop journey back to Hyderabad.

Fast forward to around 8:00 PM, we were still about 100 km from Hyderabad, stuck in traffic for hours. It seemed like everyone was returning from their Diwali vacations on the same night. The Estilo, being a Swiss Army knife of cars, maneuvered through narrow, beaten paths on the far-left side of the road, saving some time—but not enough to make a significant difference. After a while, the roads cleared, and we finally hit the ORR (Outer Ring Road). Frustrated by the wasted hours in traffic, I decided it was time to blow off some steam.

Cruising at night with some modern car blasting his high beams from behind


With the recent increase in ORR's speed limit on the right lanes to 120 km/h, I pushed the Estilo to its limits, cruising at 120 km/h—a feat for a 17-year-old hatchback that originally cost less than ₹5 lakh. Disclaimer: No high-ground/Pseudo high ground-lane hoggers were harmed in the process.

The F10D got quite vocal at those speeds, turning at around 4000 RPM, but was well within its abilities. Stability was not great at those speeds, though I had to grip the steering tightly and make minor adjustments to counter wind deflections typical of lightweight tall-boy cars.

But hey, how can things go so smoothly? It's the ORR, not the German Autobahn—so, as expected, there were still some useless drivers crawling at 80 km/h in a 120 km/h lane. While some moved aside with the dipper and horn, others refused, forcing me to split lanes. The looks on their faces—“NANI?!”—were priceless. Who would’ve thought this old-school JDM Kei car still had it in her?

My 64HP rocket in action


After about 50 km of cruising at 120 km/h, our exit finally came, ending all the fun. I dropped the boys off at their homes and headed back to my place, concluding an epic 1800-odd km road trip spanning four days and three nights, with unforgettable memories to cherish forever.

Trip meter when I reached home


If you’ve made it this far without quitting, I sincerely thank you for reading my very first blog on Team BHP. I look forward to catching up with you all below. Salman signing off with one of my favorite quote.

“Take care of your car in the garage, and the car will take care of you on the road.” – Amit Kalantri

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[Carzman]

Beautiful car and beautiful journey. This is the very essence of owning an automobile. It doesn't matter which brand or what budget your vehicle belongs to, if you truly love your machine, take care of it and maintain it regularly, drive with knowing its and your own limits, it will always show the same love back. Happy motoring. Wishing many more amazing miles with your car.

[ampere]

Absolutely amazing pictures! Brilliant location. It's a great place for a vacation!

[HennyMK]

Originally Posted by F10D_Estilo

The next morning, at 7:00 AM, reality set in—it was time to return to our routine lives, much to everyone's disappointment. Though we all wished the happiness of the trip could last longer, we had to accept the inevitable. We freshened up, settled the remaining room bill, loaded our luggage into the Estilo, and set the map for Hyderabad, marking the end of an incredible journey.

Estilo doing what she loves the most- Medium Speed Highway Cruising
Attachment 2743912

We reached Vijayawada around 2:00 PM and were greeted by the stunning view of the Prakasam Barrage. After capturing a few pictures, hunger set in, and we opened the maps to find a place to eat. With so many options, we felt overwhelmed and decided to ask a local Xerox shop owner for his recommendation. He suggested Casserole Grand restaurant as the best in town. Without wasting time, we set the maps and reached the restaurant quickly.

Prakasam Barrage
Attachment 2743914

Our first impressions were positive—the place was clean and well-maintained, which felt promising. The food was decently priced, and we feasted on delicious biryani. For less than ₹500, all three of us ate to our hearts' content, ready to embark on the nonstop journey back to Hyderabad.

Fast forward to around 8:00 PM, we were still about 100 km from Hyderabad, stuck in traffic for hours. It seemed like everyone was returning from their Diwali vacations on the same night. The Estilo, being a Swiss Army knife of cars, maneuvered through narrow, beaten paths on the far-left side of the road, saving some time—but not enough to make a significant difference. After a while, the roads cleared, and we finally hit the ORR (Outer Ring Road). Frustrated by the wasted hours in traffic, I decided it was time to blow off some steam.

Cruising at night with some modern car blasting his high beams from behind
Attachment 2743907

With the recent increase in ORR's speed limit on the right lanes to 120 km/h, I pushed the Estilo to its limits, cruising at 120 km/h—a feat for a 17-year-old hatchback that originally cost less than ₹5 lakh. Disclaimer: No high-ground/Pseudo high ground-lane hoggers were harmed in the process.

The F10D got quite vocal at those speeds, turning at around 4000 RPM, but was well within its abilities. Stability was not great at those speeds, though I had to grip the steering tightly and make minor adjustments to counter wind deflections typical of lightweight tall-boy cars.

But hey, how can things go so smoothly? It's the ORR, not the German Autobahn—so, as expected, there were still some useless drivers crawling at 80 km/h in a 120 km/h lane. While some moved aside with the dipper and horn, others refused, forcing me to split lanes. The looks on their faces—“NANI?!”—were priceless. Who would’ve thought this old-school JDM Kei car still had it in her?

My 64HP rocket in action
Attachment 2743902

After about 50 km of cruising at 120 km/h, our exit finally came, ending all the fun. I dropped the boys off at their homes and headed back to my place, concluding an epic 1800-odd km road trip spanning four days and three nights, with unforgettable memories to cherish forever.

Trip meter when I reached home
Attachment 2743901

If you’ve made it this far without quitting, I sincerely thank you for reading my very first blog on Team BHP. I look forward to catching up with you all below. Salman signing off with one of my favorite quote.

“Take care of your car in the garage, and the car will take care of you on the road.” – Amit Kalantri

Absolutely brilliant! Your post reminds me of the time when I took my first car for a similar trip way back in 2007 and has definitely inspired me to do many more in the future Thank you!!

[F10D_Estilo]

Thank you, everyone, for the greetings! My friend found this old bill from the breakfast we had when we started our journey from Hyderabad. I thought it would be great to share it here so everyone planning for this trip can have a good breakfast.

Here it goes...




Happy Journey!