Experience: A 4,500 km cross-country road trip in our Isuzu V-Cross

Could have rented out a self-drive in Chandigarh, but the itch to drive cross-country in a pickup was irresistible.

BHPian tazmaan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Ever since Covid, I have not been on a cross-country driving vacation which had become a kind of ritual ever since I bought the Isuzu V-cross.

Have done Ranthambore, Kanha, Tadoba, Mukteshwar, Gir, Pondicherry etc before the lockdown.

This time we decided to do Himachal at the last minute. It was a plan made and prepared for in less than 7 days.

Some details of the trip

1. Dates: 2nd May to 15th May 2022
2. Stay 1: Nirvana Homestay at Tandi, Jibhi, From 4th May to 8th May
3. Agenda: Relax, Trek and enjoy the woods.
4. Stay 2: Club Mahindra Manali, From 8th May to 13th May.
5. Agenda: Explore Manali, Rohtang and Atal tunnel.
6. Total Drive: 4500 Kms return trip
7. No of Drivers: One (just me).

The plan was for my wife and kids to fly to on Chandigarh 4th May where I picked them up and on the return flight back from Chandigarh on 14th May. I could have flown to Chandigarh too and booked a self-drive car but as usual, my the itch to drive cross country in a V-cross is irresistible.

Important Packing List

• All original papers and ID proofs
• Tool Kit
• Swiss Army Knife
• Head Torch 3nos
• First Aid Kit
• DSLR
• Caps and Sunglasses
• Moisturizer
• Ample of dry snacks
• Full list of meds for the kids
• Warm clothes
• Mosquito Repellant
• Offline Google map
• Extra crate of water
• Spare tyre tube
• Battery Pack for devices

I had got my Truck serviced, but since it's almost 6 years old I also changed the battery, engine belts, Coolant, Wipers and brake pads. I also installed HSRP number plates with the colour-coded sticker since it is mandatory at a lot of places in the North.

A teaser Pic

The idea was to reach Jibhi on the 3rd day of the drive after picking up the family from Chandigarh airport on the 3rd day.

Day 1: Mumbai to Kishangarh - 1040 km

• Start time: 4:30 am
• Reach Time: 8:00 pm
• Route taken: Mumbai - Vadodara - Godhra - Samalaji - Udaipur - Deogarh - Ajmer - Kishangarh

The drive from Mumbai to Vadodara is straightforward. After that Godhra - Samlalaji is 4 lane road with a decent amount of traffic and ample speed breakers. Once you join the Main Udaipur Highway progress is smooth till Dawer. Dawer to Beawar is single lane smooth road with few diversions. The progress here is slow but steady. Post that up to Kishangar is 6 lane highway with a few rough patches.

There is a speed van on the Godhra Road where I was stopped. Wiggled out of it speaking the local language. They didn't have any proof just assumed I was speeding. The XUV700 ahead of me was the one caught on cam.

Reached the Hotel Chitvan on the opposite side of the highway and called it a day.

Luggage at the start.

Ready to go

Start odometer reading

Don't miss the huge Shiva statue while driving through Nathdwara

End Odometer Day 1 (Pics taken next day morning)

Notice the error on the km reading, the distance as per google was 1,040 km but my tires are 5% oversized. Took the usual Breakfast, Lunch and Fuel stops. Could not take many pictures since I was driving solo.

Day 2: Kishangarh to Chandigarh - 650 km

• Start time: 5:45 am
• Reach Time: 3:30 pm
• Route taken: Kishangarh - Jaipur - Bhiwadi - Western Periphery expressway - Sonipat - Ambala - Chandigarh.

The entire drive is pleasant with good roads. The speed limit for the most part is 90 km/h and 120 km/h on the Western Periphery expressway. Post-Sonipat there are fixed speed cameras every 25/30 km and one has to be very careful all the way to Chandigarh.

Sunrise Day 2

Breakfast somewhere post Jaipur. Awesome Makkhan (butter) parathas.

Toll near Sonipat

Western Periphery Expressway

Reached Chandigarh Hotel: Hotel by Sarovar and relaxed.

PS: Upon entering Chandigarh I was stopped by cops. They checked car papers which were in order and eventually fined me INR 500/- for extra lights which were covered. I let it go since I was tired, said thanks paid the fine by card and headed to the hotel. One of those extra tolls we have to factor in.

Continue reading about BHPian tazmaan's road trip experience for more insights and information.