When the hills beckon
So, you are heading to the hills with your family for the very first time?
Till you get there though, the ride can be difficult as driving around hairpin bends is a different ball game altogether. Shift your mental gears and make your vehicle mountain ready.
To begin with, call up friends whose Facebook pictures of their hill station holidays made the idea take root in your head! Hearing them talk might give you a I-know-it-all-now feeling but remember, the experience differs vastly from vehicle to vehicle, condition of roads, and the experience of the driver. You will anyway look up antarjala for guidance! Antarjala…?? Internet, of course.
So, it’s a good idea to make a check list of dos and dont’s to make the drive safe, easy and comfortable. Doing a trial practice at a terrain with slopes would definitely stand you in good stead, but if not possible, no sweat!
Top of your checklist must be vehicle preparedness. There should be a clear view of the roads, especially as rain showers are common in the hills, make sure your wiper blades, water tank and nozzles are in good condition. As traction on the hills can be less due to curves and hair pin bends, ensure your tyres and brakes are in tip-top condition. Check out for the various oils and fluid used in a vehicle – brake fluid, antifreeze, power steering and transmission fluid. A servicing prior to your trip should take care of all issues.
A spare tyre, tool kit, a puncture kit, length of sturdy ropes and torches would be your life savers in emergencies. Ah yes, carry a battery bank for charging the cell phone – for real time social media updates, and don’t forget to keep your regular and general medicines. Travel sickness can be common so plan your food accordingly.
Do you have a Plan B? Do store important phone numbers which include that of a medical care centre and rental car service. Find out people who may be natives of the hill station you are visiting, or related references and call them to understand about the journey and the place. You will be surprised at how assured this makes you feel.
Get ready to look down at green plains covered with mist, wisps of clouds floating around you, sip a hot brew and snack on spicy munchies from hill tops……go on and refresh yourself!
