कुछ दिनों पहले मुझे दिल्ली से लखनऊ जाने का मौका मिला, तो मैंने इस यात्रा की योजना बनाली ।

लखनऊ कई रास्तों द्वारा जाया जा सकता है, लेकिन मैंने तय किया कि मैं रास्ते में मुगल नगरी आगरा धूमूँगा । नए बने ताजा यमुना एक्सप्रेसवे के रास्ते यह यात्रा लगभग ५३३ कि.मी. की है। हिंदी फिल्म पीकू में इस एक्सप्रेसवे को देखने के बाद, मुझे अपनी आंखों से देखने की इच्छा हुई ।

लखनऊ- नवाबों का शहर :- बचपन से लखनऊ के बारे में बहुत सुना था, इसलिए यहाँ जाने की इच्छा रखता था। उत्तम, शाही कोठियों के अलावा लखनऊ शानदार मुगलई खाने के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। उत्तर भारत की राजधानी में ढेरों प्राचीन जगहें कौर उत्तम खाने पीने के ठिकाने हैं ।

रुट मैप – सड़क मानचित्र –

दिल्ली से लखनऊ जाने की सड़क आगरा होकर जाती है ।

दिल्ली > मथुरा > आगरा > कन्नौज > लखनऊ

यमुना एक्सप्रेसवे और फिर आगरा-लखनऊ एक्सप्रेसवे

कुल दूरी:  लगभग ५३३ कि.मी.

दिल्ली से लखनऊ पहुँचने में ७ घंटे ३० मिनिट लगते हैं।  गाड़ी मे लंबे सफर में गाड़ी के सभी कागजात और पर्याप्त नकद साथ रखें। आपकी गाड़ी में फास्टैग होना जरूरी है। नए मोटर व्हीकल एक्ट में अनिवार्य किया गया है ।

मैंने दिल्ली से सेल्फ ड्राइव कार किराए पर ली, ताकि गाड़ी की स्थिति अच्छी हो और कागजात पूरे हों। अगर आप अपनी कार से जा रहे हैं, तो टायर और बाकी मैकेनिकल हिस्सों की अच्छी तरह जांच कर लेनी चाहिए । लंबी यात्रा से पहले गाड़ी की सर्विस करवाना जरूरी है।

दिल्ली से आगरा रोड ट्रिप :-  अब यमुना एक्सप्रेसवे की वजह से दिल्ली और आगरा के बीच की दूरी सिर्फ २१२ कि.मी. रह गई है। सुबह ६ बजे दिल्ली से निकला और १० बजे आगरा पहुँचकर वहाँ की बेड़मी पूरी और आलू कद्दू की सब्जी का नाश्ता किया, भल्ले की चाट खायी।

हाईवे पर कुछ अच्छे ढाबे थे, लेकिन भूख न होने के कारण मैंने शहर में जाकर ताजमहल देखना तय किया।  ताजमहल देखे बिना आपकी आगरा यात्रा अधूरी है।

ताजमहल – प्यार का प्रतीक :- मैं ताजमहल के पश्चिमी गेट के पास “ई-रिक्शा” से टिकट काउंटर पहुँचा।  रास्ते में सरकारी हस्ताशिल्प बाजार भी है, जहाँ स्थानीय कारीगरी के नमूने मिलते हैं।

टिकट काउंटर से स्मारक तक पैदल चलते हुए, कई जगह रुककर ताज की खूबसूरती निहार सकते हैं । मैं दोपहर में पहुँचा, लेकिन सोचा कि सुबह की धुंध और उगते हुए सूरज में यह नजारा देखने में अद्भुत होगा। कुछ समय बिताकर मैं आगे की यात्रा पर निकल पड़ा।

राजा सुमेर सिंह का किला – इटावा :- यमुना एक्सप्रेसवे के बाद आगरा-लखनऊ एक्सप्रेसवे पर चलते हुए मैंने इटावा में राजा सुमेर सिंह का किला भी देखा।  यह आगरा से १२४ कि.मी दूर यमुना नदी के किनारे बना हुआ है।

इस किले को “बारह द्वार किला” भी कहा जाता है। लेकिन आजतक इसका बारहवाँ  दरवाजा कोई भी ढूंढ नहीं पाया। पुराना किला समय के साथ खंडहर हो गया, जिसे सरकार ने फिर से बनवाया है। यह पहाड़ी पर स्थित है, कभी इसमें गुप्त सुरंगें होने की बात कही जाती है।

कन्नौज – ऐतिहासिक महत्व का शहर :- इटावा से लगभग ११० कि. मी. दूर गंगा किनारे बसा कनौज, कभी उत्तर भारत का प्रमुख नगर था। यहाँ के सरकारी पुरातात्विक संग्रहालय में मौर्य साम्राज्य (325 ईसा पूर्व) से लेकर गुप्ता साम्राज्य (३१ ई -६०० ईसी) तक के सिक्के, मिट्टी के बर्तन, मूर्तियाँ  और टेराकोटा संरक्षित हैं । यहाँ कुछ प्रागैतिहासिक हड्डियाँ भी मिली हैं ।

मैंने गंगा किनारे स्थित ५०० साल पुराने सिद्धेश्वर मंदिर का भी दौरा किया। शरद पूर्णिमा की रात यहाँ विशाल मेला लगता है।

कनौज इत्र (परफ्यूम) के लिए भी प्रसिद्ध है। लखनऊ रवाना होने से पहले मैंने यहाँ से कुछ इत्र खरीदे ताकि पूरी यात्रा की खुशबू याद रहे।

कन्नौज से लखनऊ – अंतिम पड़ाव :-  कन्नौज से लखनऊ १२३ कि.मी. दूर है। सफर में आगरा का ताजमहल, राजा सुमेर सिंह का रहस्यमयी किला, और सिद्देश्वर मंदिर की शांत गंगा – तट यात्रा।

लखनऊ पहुंचकर मैंने रूमी दरवाज़ा, छोटा इमामबाड़ा,, द रेजीडेंसी, दिलकुशा कोठी, सफेद बारादरी जैसे कई ऐतिहासिक स्थलों का दौरा किया। लखनऊ की मिठाई में गिलौरी बहुत मशहूर है।

यात्रा सुझाव:- आप यदि दिल्ली से लखनऊ रोड द्वारा सफर करें तब आगरा, इटावा और कनौज जरूर देखें। हो सके तो कुछ दिन रुककर इन जगहों को अच्छी तरह घूमें या फिर डिटूर लेकर इनकी खूबसूरती का आनंद लें।

“शुभ यात्रा”

The post एक स्मरणीय रोड ट्रिप : आगरा होते हुए दिल्ली से लखनऊ तक। appeared first on Roadtales.

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PowerDrift has drawn 1.9 million subscribers, and they call their community “PDArmy.” Not only likes and views, but PowerDrift YouTube videos also have a huge engagement on the comments sections of their videos.

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The post Top 10 Automotive Related Youtubers in India appeared first on Roadtales.

It felt like a really long time since I did what I love, so I decided to go on a road trip to the beautiful hill station Igatpuri. Road trips can change our perspective on life. Leaving behind the past and looking ahead on a vast, endless road can be an enthralling experience.

I will narrate my experience from Mumbai to Igatpuri, which offers breathtaking views with lush greenery, waterfalls, valleys and more.

Stop By Bhatsa River Valley

Just before you enter Igatpuri from Mumbai, stop by the Bhatsa River Valley. The valley is a great spot to begin your voyage to Igatpuri. Savouring the rich vegetation and rugged rock formations at the end of Thal Ghat is a surreal experience.

Soak In Nature At Camel Valley

Located at a distance of 4 km from Igatpuri, Camel Valley was our next stop. The valley is a few clicks from the picturesque Bhatsa river valley. During monsoons, the valley comes to life with lush greenery and roaring waterfalls that dive 1,000 ft from the valley, creating some of the most dramatic and splendid views.

Draped in clouds, the valley looks magical and is a visual treat. Apart from watching the scenic beauty of the valley, one can also indulge in adventurous activities such as river rafting and river crossing.

A Visit To Ghatandevi Temple

From the Camel Valley, a small road leads to Ghatandevi Temple. The locals pray to Ghatandevi Mata and believe the temple to be the ‘protector of the ghats.’ The temple is the most popular pilgrimage place and must-see places in Igatpuri. The majestic peaks of Harihar, Durbar Utvad, and Trimak make this shrine more impressive and eye-grabbing. Entry to the temple is free, and it is open from 6 am to 6 pm.

Connecting Dots At Tringalwadi Fort

On the ancient trade route passing through the Thal ghat behind Ghatandevi Temple stands the Tringalwadi Fort at an altitude of 3,000 ft above sea level. The place attracts trekkers and hikers. From the top of the fort, you can capture the scenic view of the surroundings. The top of the fort looks like a turban. If you are good at photography, you can click amazing pictures using your own imagination at this fort. At the foot of the hill lies the Tringalwadi lake with a hanuman temple. Talegaon Lake has situated a short distance from the fort.

Catch The Simple Delights At Vaitarna Dam

Forty kilometres from the Camel Valley near JenJon lake lies the Vaitarna Dam, which supplies electricity and water to major parts of Mumbai. It is accessed via NH160. The dam draws water from the mighty Upper Vaitarna river. Vaitarna Dam is also called Modaksagar Dam. It gives spectacular views of the mighty Western Ghats. Standing at this dam and watching fishes and birds, and children play is a simple yet great experience. The beautiful lagoons, spectacular peaks in the background, and trenches of the ghats enhance the beauty of the dam and is more delightful during nights.

Myanmar Gate – Entry To Relax & Unwind

I drove 45 km from Vaitarna Dam to Myanmar Gate – grand entrance to the famous Dhamma Giri Math and Vipassana Meditation Centre in Igatpuri, Maharashtra. Driving through the narrow winding road, we reached the mighty gate bedecked in ornate decorations and majestic architecture. Before heading towards the Vipassana centre, we marvelled at the Thailand-inspired architecture and clicked many pictures. The gate is highly regarded for photoshoots and filming because the distant sublime mountains and a small garden nearby creates picturesque ambience.

Next, we went to the Vipassana Meditation Center to live through a rejuvenating experience. The Vipassana Meditation Center gets its serene charm from the misty Sahyadri range in the background. We were lucky to have a volunteer from the centre guide us and explain the significance of Maharashtra’s most visited pilgrimage. Additionally, we were shown a 15-minutes video on the centre’s meditation techniques.

Trek To The Everest Of Maharashtra

At 5,400 ft, Kalsubai is an offshoot mountain range peak in the Sahyadri Ranges and the highest peak in the State. It is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra. Trekking to the majestic mountain range accompanied by lush green forests is a treat for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. This isn’t to say that the trek to Kalsubai is easy; you will need to be tough and resilient to scale this mammoth of a peak. The peak offers panoramic views of several mountain ranges including Alang, Mandangad, Kulang, and Ratangad to the southwest, and Pabargad, Ghanchakkar and Harishchandragad to the south. Once you have reached the top, you will feel a sense of achievement. If you have no zeal to trek or find the activity intimidating, you can climb the man-made stairs to reach the peak. Perched on the peak is Kalsubai temple, the main destination of the pilgrims.

Unveil Mysteries At Maharashtra’s Grand Canyon

The Sandhan Valley is in the Sahyadri region, Ahmednagar, north Maharashtra. The valley and canyon merge between two mountain ranges in the Samrad village near the Bhandardara region. The deep rock lures adventure enthusiasts. You need trekking experience and stamina to go on this challenging trek. The Valley is surrounded by many mountain ranges, including Madan, Kulang, Alang, Ajoba and Ratangad.

The valley is 200 feet deep and 2 kilometres long and offers scenic views and outdoor activities. The sun rays couldn’t penetrate through some places in the valley for which it is called ‘the valley of shadows.’

Igatpuri is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers with mystic valleys, rugged terrains, dense forests, and mountain peaks, covering large parts of the Western Ghats. The ancient temples and meditation centres are also tourist attractions in Igatpuri. This hill station is a perfect getaway for people who are searching for an escapade from everyday life and thrill.

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The post Experience The Blend Of Nature & Adventure At Igatpuri appeared first on Roadtales.

Reconciling With The Nature At Venna Lake

Venna Lake is 5.8 km from Berry Hill Resort, which is about 15 minutes from the hotel and is one of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. This man-made lake receives less tourist attention; thanks to my travel buddy for suggesting this placid lake as it was indeed a good surprise and a soul-rejuvenating experience. We were moved by the beauty and tranquillity of this place with the lush greenery and still water which was soothing for our minds.

The stunning vistas kept us awestruck for a while. Later, after recovering from the nature-induced coma, we gorged on Maharashtrian street food in the kiosks by the lake. Craving for some activity, we went on a horse ride and stayed at the lake to catch the sunset. The lake is open for tourists till 7 pm, and boating and paddling charges are quite affordable.

A Short Detour To Pratapgarh Fort

At a distance of 24 km from the hill station lies Pratapgarh Fort. It is the most popular medieval fortification in Mahabaleshwar. If you are a person who loves to connect with the history of our country just like me, then this short detour to Pratapgarh Fort is worth the drive. The fort is a precious relic of the Maratha Empire, reflecting the freedom (Swaraj) struggle during Chhatrapati Shivaji’s reign. We spent a day soaking in the lush terrains, small ponds, tree-lined walkways, and the history and grandeur of the fort.

Savouring The Richness Of Lingmala Falls

Lingmala Falls is 6 km from Mahabaleshwar Hill Station. The foamy waterfalls and cold weather creates a terrific ambience during monsoons. Though the waterfalls are steep (at a height of 600 ft), the green background with vegetation enhances the beauty of this place. Lingmala Falls is perfect for couples, families, as well as solo travellers. My friend and I had a great time at this natural treasure and clicked Instagram-worthy pictures. It is a joy to capture the cascading seasonal falls, majestic waters, and abundant flora with your buddies. With caution, you can trek and swim at these waterfalls. When you are tired, you can listen to the gushing waters and relax.

Drooling & Binging On Berries

Your trip to Mahabaleshwar is not complete without visiting the strawberry farms. Cream Corner and Mapro Garden are the famous strawberry farms in Mahabaleshwar and are totally worth visiting. Strolling along with the strawberry farm, breathing the appetising smell of the fruit and picking them are simple treasures of life. Mahabaleshwar has a variety of berries including gooseberries and raspberries too.

Mahabaleshwar is a heaven of jams, jellies, squashes, and marmalades. You can sample them at Mapro Garden. You can also visit licensed bee farms and have a look at how the beekeepers work and get a tour of the bee farming.

Shopping To The Heart’s Content

Mahabaleshwar has plenty of options when it comes to shopping. If you have a knack for bargaining and getting good deals, head to Town Bazaar where you can buy unique products. Trinkets, handicrafts, leather goods, wooden toys, decorative items and more are available at the local shops for the best prices. We went on a shopping spree at Pratapgarh, where different types of items are available in one place. You can get a good deal on clothes and jewellery shopping at the local shops in Mahabaleshwar with good bargaining skills.

Catching The Golden Hour At Arthur’s Seat

Arthur Seat, a mountaintop, is the most popular tourist spot in Mahabaleshwar. The place is named after Arthur Malet who lost his wife and a one-month-old daughter in a ferry accident in Savitri River. Since then, Malet used to come to this place and stare at the river. We got teary-eyed after learning about this tragic story. The Arthur Seat is at a height of 1,470 m. There are five other points, Echo Point, Hunter Point, Tiger Spring Point, Window Point and Malcolm Point along with Arthur Seat.

Arthur Seat was originally called Madhi Mahaal and popularly called as Queen of the Points. The point is famous for floating of objects, that is if you throw lighter objects like bottle caps in the valley they come back to you by what is called the Magnus effect. Picturesque vistas dividing Kolkan and Deccan will melt your heart. There are monkeys at the Arthur Seat. Be careful with them as they may grab your things and run away. We watched a monkey snatch a bottle of a tourist and finish the fruit juice in it in a gulp! Watching the sun go down from the Arthur Seat is a sacred experience.

Such Hidden Gems: REVVING TO THE COFFEE LAND OF KARNATAKA: CHIKMAGALUR

The Other Points…

Opposite to Arthur Seat, there is a window-shaped mountain, Window Point. Echo Point, as the name suggests, echoes sounds. We screamed toward the valley until we were out of breath and had fun at this point. Tiger Spring Point has natural waters with shores teeming with wild animals. From the Malcolm Point, you can catch good views of Tornagad, Pratapgad and Savitri Valley. The Hunter Point was used by the British for hunting during the Colonial rule.

A Surfeit Of Adventures At Panchgani

Panchgani is not only a scenic spot but also a host of adventure activities and is a perfect place to attain an adrenaline rush. You can hike, paraglide, bike, parasail and more per your thrill. Paragliding clubs at Panchgani offer short air travels which you shouldn’t miss if you love to fly. You can get a bird’s eye view of temples, dams of Wai, green landscapes and stunning vistas while paragliding. If you still have time, then go shopping at Shivaji Market Circle for quality leather goods, wooden handicrafts, and other knick-knacks. If you are not a shopaholic and would rather grab a bite, then the famous Maharashtrian sweet – chikki is a must-try.

A Feast For The Eyes At Sydney Point

Sydney Point is located 21 km from Panchgani and is a visual treat for nature lovers with its astounding views of the Krishna Valley, Dhom Dam, Kamalgad Fort and the city of Wai it offers. The views of hill ranges of Pandavgad and Mandhardeo are worth living for. Sydney Point is named after the then Commander-in-Chief of Bombay Sir Sydney Bechwarth in 1830. The Point looks more magical during monsoons, but the route becomes a bit challenging during the pouring days.

Horse Riding On Asia’s Second Largest Plateau

Table Land is Asia’s second-largest plateau, and it becomes difficult to cover the vast length of the plateau by feet. A whopping 95 acres of the plateau is covered with dense foliage of bonnet grass. The views of majestic hills and deep valleys are truly spellbinding. Apart from horse riding, people go there to witness the magic in the sky during the sunrise and sunset. We couldn’t stay there for the sunset as we were getting late. Table Land also hosts fun activities; horse riding, trekking, merry go rounds and arcade games. All in all, Table Land is a treasure trove of scenic beauty and fun activities, making it an ideal getaway. If you are bound by time, visiting Table Land alone will be enough to make most of the trip.

Mahabaleshwar has a mystical aura that will hypnotise anyone. We couldn’t escape its beautiful spell. Whether it is solo travelling or a romantic getaway, or an adventure voyage with friends, Mahabaleshwar fits all. You can make the most of this trip by travelling the 210-km stretch via NH66 in your vehicle.

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Whether it is the sloppy roads of hill stations or the labyrinth of wilderness, India is one of the countries with a lot of gut-wrenching thrills to offer. A trip to the routes mentioned in this list is a daring escapade; brace yourself for a virtual road trip to the most dangerous roads in India. The following road routes are risky, consider your safety before attempting to scale them.

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Shimla-Spiti Valley – Notorious Roads

A road trip to the cold desert mountain of Spiti Valley through Kinnaur from Shimla is filled with thrills; the dirt tracks and unpaved roads make this road trip quite challenging. The road after Jeori is narrow, which will test your riding skills as you will have to maintain your balance throughout the dirt-filled rocky roads and treacherous uneven terrains.

The 432-km ride from Shimla to Spiti Valley is packed with emotions; the slush-fenced roads will make you forget about the rough ride, and the air of shrines and monasteries is calming. Drive along the scenic routes, apple orchards and breathtaking valleys.

Leh-Manali – Fickling Weather

The 474-km Leh-Manali highway is one of the most popular road trips in India. The Rohtang Pass, which is en route to Leh-Manali is ambushed by snowstorms and blizzards. Even in the summer, the Leh-Manali stretch is teeming with snow, making the road trip daunting.

The narrow roads and sharp turns via Khardung are dramatic and prone to landslides, and the snow cover makes the roads slippery. You have to be on guard at all times again the unpredictable weather. Amid all the chaos, the beautiful snow-laden peaks will melt your heart, and the grasslands and rocky mountains will make your Leh-Manali road trip enchanting.

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Kishtwar-Kailash – Nerve Racking

If you have a thirst for adventures, then you should visit Kishtwar (a district in J&K) and head to Kailash. The stretch is only 114 km, but it is the scariest routes in India. Riding along the overhanging cliffs and the narrow valley can be a nerve-racking experience. The road has no guard rails, and the unsecured edges of the roads make it more difficult to navigate.

The roads through Kishtwar-Kailash are not safe. Tourists have named it a “killer” road as it is layered with gravel, sand and stone. Moreover, cars do not fit properly in these almost impassable roads. If you are not good at driving on such roads, better hire a designated driver. Note that the Kishtwar to Kailash road trip is not for the faint of heart.

Guwahati-Khasi Hills – Slippery & Skiddy Roads

Ride through the lush forest between Guwahati and Khasi Hills. The roads in this region are generally wet due to the damp weather; be attentive while driving as roads tend to be slippery. Also, pay attention while turning as your vehicle’s tyres may lose grip.

That being said, the beautiful waterfalls and living root bridges stretching through the route will ease your journey. The 119-km trip to the hills is a trial, albeit elating. If your vehicle tyres manage to whiz past the moist roads, then this road route will be beautiful and refreshing.

Kolli Hills Road – ‘Mountain of Death’

Also known as Kolli Malai, Kolli Hills is a mountain range in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. The Kolli Malai Ghat road is said to be one of the most dangerous roads as it has 70 continuous hairpin bends. You need to make your way through the numerous curves to reach the majestic hilltop. Kolli Hills Road starts at Kalappanaickenpatti. The first 25 bends are easy. Later, the route goes bad. Potholes and patches will make your trip strenuous. Hairpins are too narrow, leaving no room for two vehicles to take a turn at the same time. The route is teeming with picturesque and rich flora and tropical forests. Venture on the spine-chilling twists and turns at the Kolli Hills Road passage. If you are skilled at driving, then a road trip to Kolli Hills Road will be a truly magical experience.

Gata Loops – Spooky

At a height of 17,000 feet above sea level, Gata Loops is a 21-hairpin road to one of the highest motorable passes in Ladakh, Nakee La. Gata Loops has a reputation for evoking creepy narratives, making a road trip to this mysterious attraction a daring experience. Some people believe that the roads of Gata Loops are haunted. For this, people shower food and water, even cigarettes to please the “spirits.”

A road trail to Gata Loops is bone-crunching – the sharp hairpin bends are quite challenging. During winters, the road becomes harder to parse as it is covered in incessant ice sheets. The view of the snowy mountains are the Gata Loops offers for those who dared to travel through it.

Plan a trip during the months of June, July, August and September.

Sam Dunes – Wind Swept

In general, sand dunes are tough to drive on because of the loose and soft sand and the dusty wind. To overcome this, you will need a bike with good tyres and great driving skills. If you have a thing for bike riding in sand dunes, you should go for the Jaipur to Sam Dunes trial.

The 705-km stretch from Jaipur to Sam Dunes is well-maintained. However, withstanding the wind-swept sand dunes is a challenge in itself, and maintaining the balance of the vehicle also becomes hard. The unparalleled views of golden sands is worth all the struggle.

Zigzag Roads – Shot of Adrenaline

The three-level Zig Zag Roads in Sikkim are dizzying, with more than 100 hairpin roads in a 30-km stretch, these Zigzag Roads are famous worldwide. You will experience an adrenaline rush on these curvy roads. Driving along these roads may make you nauseous. The panoramic views of this place are breathtaking. Especially during the snow, the landscapes of the Zigzag roads look magical.

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Definitely, driving on the Zigzag roads is not for the fainthearted. If you can endure the dizziness and whirling, only then should you go for this test of will. Catch amazing views during the golden hours. The breezy winds and the majestic views will make an ideal adventure seeker’s dream.

Zoji La – Worth The Ride

Zoji La is a mountain pass nestled between Srinagar and Leh. The pass is located on NH1 and is a major link between Ladakh and Kashmir. Also known as the lifeline of Ladakh, Zoji La is worth exploring because of the stunning sight of the Himalayas it offers. Before taking a road trip to Zoji La, check the weather conditions. Also, the link will be closed for six months during winter, for obvious reasons.

The high winds and snowfalls make a dent in the travel experience. Narrow roads and steep drops make the road trial more risky and thrilling. There is no railing between you and the abyss. The snowcapped mountains and dense jungles are “spiritual” to say the least.

Quench your thirst for adrenaline-charged road trips, explore the might of nature in India on wheels, escape the chaos of everyday life, and challenge yourself. These road trips are filled with the kind of thrill and risk that you will seldom experience at any other place in the world.

The post Adventurous Road Trips In India Only for The Bravehearts appeared first on Roadtales.

Honda City, the most loved cars in India, is into its fifth edition. It indeed is an epitome of evolution and comfort. The new model, Honda City 2020, was unveiled in Thailand, is scheduled to be launched in India mid-2020. It is going to turn heads as it looks amazingly different than its predecessors. The new model has got the styling and the sportier interior. Let’s have a quick look at these features so that you can decide whether or not upgrading your car would make sense.

Specifications:

Length: 4553mm

Widtg: 1748mm

Height: 1467mm

Wheelbase: 2589mm

Kerb Weight: 1165kg

Fuel Tank: 40 liters

Fuel Type: Petrol

Tyre Size: 185/60 R15

Engine and Transmission

• No of cylinder – 4
• Valves Per Cylinder – 4
• Transmission Type – Manual

Style/Exterior –

Honda City is known for its eye-catchy and stylish exterior. The new car features make it unrecognizable and would make you doubt if it’s actually Honda City. Wondering what makes a huge difference? Well, the new car has got a thick chrome band right above the grille that gets sharper and larger and wraps around the headlights. Now, headlights are LED for a smooth and clear vision when you’re driving at night. These LEDs are equipped with DRLs on the car’s high spec models. The grille is larger than the present variant and the bumper is made sharper and stylish to give it a classy and amazing look.

As you move towards the sides, you’ll notice a prominent shoulder line that goes from the headlight till the taillight. This, in the present variant, starts from the taillight and ends at the driver’s door. The new Honda 2020 has subtle creases towards the lower part of the doors and the wheels have diamond-cut alloy.

Moving towards the back, the new Honda City 2020 has got a wraparound tail-lights that extends further to the side of the car. The lights are LED but now have a 3D design, the upper section is blacked-out. Even the reflectors are different in this new variant. This car has got vertically positioned reflectors that enhance the overall look of the car. However, in the present variant, these reflectors are positioned horizontally. This new variant doesn’t have the chrome strip running between the tail-lights.

Interior –

Only a ravishing exterior isn’t enough, a comfortable interior is equally important. In the new Honda City 2020, the makers have introduced an amazing new dashboard that has got no similarity with its previous variants, at all. The car introduced recently at Thailand had all-black interior, however, it’s speculated that the Indian version of this car, it will be all beige-on-black combination. This aligns well with the present version of the car.

In addition to this, the makers have retained brushed piano and aluminium theme dashboard as it uplifts the cabin. The new version has an asymmetrical dashboard that makes it look chic and attractive. This design has made way for an 8-inch touchscreen that has vertically positioned vents. In this version, makers have also ditched touch panel-based climate control system and have replaced it with a conventional and user-friendly three-rotary-dial setup. As for the instrumentation, the new version is going to have twin-analog dials with a decent usual size multi-info display. The position, however, in the new version, the MID (Multi-info Display) is placed in the middle of the dials as opposed to the right side in the current version.

As for other features, the new Honda City 2020 will have some of the present top-spec such as ABS with EBD, six airbags, cruise control, automatic climate control, a large touchscreen information screen and LED lights. In the presently introduced Thai version of Honda City 2020, the car is equipped with hill-start assist and vehicle stability control. However, it’s not clear if these features will be added to the Indian version of Honda City 2020.

Gearbox and Engine –

Honda City 2020 will have two engine options for India. One will be a 119hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine whereas the second one will 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine. It is supposed that the petrol variant will have a 5-speed manual or an automatic gearbox, whereas the diesel variant will have a 6-speed manual as standard.

With BS6 coming into effect from April 2020, this new car is BS6 compliant in all variants. The makers, perhaps, have planned not to change the transmission options. As a part of all the City cars, this one will also have a 1.5-litre petrol engine that’s joined with Honda’s compact i-MMD tech, and it recently made the international debut with Honda’s Jazz. However, the company yet to introduce the world with its hybrid powertrain.

In the recent unveiling of the Thai version of Honda City 2020, it was noticed that the car has an all-new 122hp, 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine that’s was coupled with a new CVT gearbox. Now, all we have to see if the Indian version is going to have this option, or not. Only time will tell.

The Thai version of the new Honda City 2020 gave us a sneak-peak into what the Indian version might look like. Honda City is a well-appreciated car within the Indian buyers and now, with the news of new BS6 compliant, amazing interior, eye-catchy exterior and powerpack engine, people are waiting for this car to launch in India, soon. The aforementioned review of the car with entire details of it will give you a better picture if this is what you’d like to upgrade yourself or not. The final review can be done only when the car is up for a test drive by all the automobile reviewers who can then explain if the features and price do any justice to it.

The post Honda City 2020 – All you need to know appeared first on Roadtales.

Tyre Comparison

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso gets two tyre options. The smaller one with 145/80 R 13 measurement is for the lower trims like STD and LXi, whereas the bigger 165/70 R 14 tyre comes as standard with VXi and VXi+ variants. On the contrary, the Renault Kwid facelift across variants runs on 165/70 R 14 radial tyres.

Dimensions Head On

The Renault Kwid facelift is bigger, wider and has a longer wheelbase here which should account for better space inside the cabin. It also gets a marginally bigger boot and ground clearance. The only aspect where Maruti Suzuki S-Presso takes lead is the height.

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Exterior Face-Off

Comparing the front fascia, the S-Presso doesn’t stand anywhere near the modern and composed Renault Kwid facelift’s front fascia. While the S-Presso gets Vitara Brezza-inspired design with sleek grille and boxy headlamps on its either side, the Kwid facelift has been adorned with a redesigned grille, two-tier headlamps, prominent fog lamp housing and smart lower grille.

The side profile of the S-Presso makes you feel like it’s a car built for off-roading thanks to the thick border of black cladding all around. However, small tyre wheels in large wheel arches are an eyesore. The upright stance is evident from sides as well. You might see a Maruti Suzuki Ignis in the S-Presso, especially from the sides, the major difference is that the Ignis looked and felt premium. On the other hand, the Renault Kwid facelift continues to retain its original architecture on sides except for the addition of new wheel covers.

At the rear, the S-Presso gets an upright stance with the chubby rear bumper and rectangular tail lamps with curvy edges – strikingly similar to the Kwid. The only change to the rear of the Kwid facelift is that the tail lamps have been given LED treatment.

Interior Confrontation

Step inside the cabin of the Maruti S-Presso and you are likely to be surprised by its MINI-like circular centre console which gets the instrument cluster details along with Suzuki’s 7-inch SmartPlay infotainment unit. With the unusual positioning of the instrument cluster, it takes a while before you get used to it. Seats are positioned higher so you get a commanding view of the road. This is true for rear passengers as well. However, 6-foot+ passengers will find it a little difficult as they would have a limited view of the road. It’s best suited for 4 people as it isn’t too wide to embrace 3 at the rear.

The Kwid facelift, on the other hand, continues with similar cabin set-up as its predecessor albeit minor tweaks. The highlight of the Kwid’s cabin is, of course, the bigger, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with updated controls. The dark theme has gone a bit darker giving its cabin a more upmarket feel. The piano black touches on the central console, leather-wrapped steering, 4-way adjustable driver seat, sporty orange and white fabric seat upholstery, redesigned LED digital instrument cluster all to add to the premium quotient of the Kwid.

Mechanicals Under Hood

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso shares the BS6 compliant 1.0-litre petrol engine of the Maruti Alto K10. The engine puts out max power of 68 bhp at 5500 rpm and peak torque of 90 Nm at 3500 rpm. It is linked to a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox. While the manual S-Presso returns 21.7 kmpl, the AMT delivers 21.4 kmpl of fuel efficiency.

The Renault Kwid facelift, quite surprisingly, continues with the same old BS4 compliant 1.0-litre engine (we have skipped the 0.8-litre version for this comparison). It generates the utmost power of 68 PS at 5500 rpm and higher torque of 91 Nm at 4250 rpm. The Kwid facelift is offered with both transmission options – 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT. The Kwid manual gets a healthy 23.01 kmpl of fuel mileage whereas the automatic variants deliver 24.04 kmpl.

In-Cabin Appointments

The S-Presso gets a whole bunch of convenient features such as AC, reclining and sliding front seats, remote keyless entry, front power windows, internally adjustable ORVMs, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, steering mounted audio and voice control, twin-chamber headlamps, full wheel covers and high seating position.

The updated Kwid, on the other hand, has added a few more to its long list of features. It gets traffic assistance mode, AC, rear seats with foldable backrest, sliding and reclining front seats, 12V power socket at rear, fast USB charger, optional rear power windows, intermittent front wiper & auto wiping while washing, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Push to talk (voice recognition), digital tachometer and many more.

Safety Gears

Being from the entry-level segment both the cars get adequate safety features if not excess.  The S-Presso is packed with driver-side airbag, ABS with EBD, seat belt reminder with buzzer, reverse parking sensors, speed alert system, immobiliser, childproof rear door lock, speed-sensitive auto door lock, centre door locking, passenger-side airbag, seat belt pre-tensioner with force limiter, door ajar and low fuel warning in the touchscreen unit.

The Renault Kwid facelift gets new reverse parking camera with guidelines, driver airbag, optional passenger airbag, ABS with EBD, seat belt reminder, speed alert system, rear ELR seatbelts, child lock, remote keyless entry and central locking are offered among others.

Pricing

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is tagged in the price bracket of Rs 3.69 lakh – Rs 4.91 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi) whereas the Renault Kwid facelift falls in the range of Rs 2.93 lakh – Rs 5.02 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

Verdict

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso may look appealing in pictures but when seen in the flesh, it looks like a toy car with overgrown proportions – the small tyre size and larger wheel arches is to be blamed for this.

On the flip side, the Kwid was always a proportionate car with fabulous style; the facelift has further pushed its appeal. On the feature and safety front, both the cars are neck and neck. When it comes to the interior space, the Kwid scores full marks.

Hence, we can safely rate Renault Kwid facelift as a better product compared to the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso.

The post Maruti S-Presso or Renault Kwid Facelift; Who beats whom? appeared first on Roadtales.

1. Love it or Hate Its Looks

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is inspired by its elder sibling Maruti Vitara Brezza, especially from the front – its U-shaped grille elements and sleek grille flanked by squarish headlamps. The upright stance, high ground clearance and thick body cladding at the front and rear try to give it a rugged look. From the side profile too the car looks like a micro-SUV, however, the small wheels in large wheel arches spoil the fun. The rear is quite simple and featureless with nothing to highlight except the cladding. What’s more, the overall proportion, especially the front and sides, appears a bit quirky and seems coerced, which some may like, some not.

2. Notable Tyre Choices

The S-Presso gets two tyre options – 13-inches and 14-inches, both tubeless radials. The smaller 145/80 R 13 tyres are factory fitted in lower variants such as Std and Lxi whereas the larger 165/70 R 14 wheels are adorned on higher Maruti S-Presso variants – Vxi and Vxi+.

3. Upright Dimensions

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is not the biggest in the segment but definitely a good four-seater small car. It is 3565 mm long, 1520 mm wide and 1549-1564 mm tall. It gets a wheelbase of 2380 mm and a boot space of 270 litres.

4. Cool-looking Interiors & Roomy Cabin

The centre of attraction in the S-Presso is actually in the centre of the dashboard – the circular centre console. It may divide opinions on the interior looks. The speedometer leaves its conventional position and now gets merged with the centre console. The body-colour around the air-con vents and bordering the centre console breaks the monotony of dark theme. Fit and finish of the cabin is spot on. The cabin appears quite airy thanks to large glass area and a commanding SUV-like seating position. The rear seat is good for two passengers; seating three will be a squeeze.

5. Peppy Engine & Smooth Transmission

Powering the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is the 1.0-litre petrol engine of the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10. The BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) compliant motor generates a maximum power of 68 bhp at 5500 rpm and highest torque value of 90 Nm at 3500 RPM. The micro-SUV can be had with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT transmission as well. The fuel mileage figures of the S-Presso read 21.7 km/l with the manual and a good 21.4 km/l with the AMT gearbox.

6. Engaging Feature List

Falling in the entry-level category, the Maruti S-Presso gets adequate features which include reclining & sliding front seats, internally adjustable ORVMs, AC, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, remote keyless entry, full wheel covers, front power windows, Bluetooth, steering mounted audio and voice control and twin chamber headlamps to name a few. However, the absence of tachometer is a bit surprising.

7. Upright Safety

The small car from Maruti Suzuki is equipped with a bunch of protective gadgets which comprise of driver and co-driver side airbag, speed-sensitive auto door lock, ABS with EBD, speed alert system, immobilizer, seat belt reminder with buzzer, reverse parking sensors, child door lock, centre door locking, seat belt pre-tensioner with force limiter, door ajar and low fuel warning displayed on the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit.

8. Pleasing Accessories

The carmaker has recently released the list of accessories for the newly launched Maruti Suzuki S-Presso. It gets LED DRLs, skid plates, side and wheel arch claddings, upper spoiler, rear spoiler, boot lid, bezels on the bumper, grille garnish and body side moulding among others. For the cabin, you get a host of seat covers (fabric as well as leather), door sills, colour co-ordinated upholstery, floor mats, chargers, speakers and others along with fixed Packs as add-on embellishments.

9. Tempting Price Label

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is tagged in the price range of Rs. 3.69 lakh – Rs. 4.91 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). It is offered in four variants – Std, Lxi, Vxi, and Vxi Plus.

*AT= Automatic Transmission

10. Cut Throat Competition

The direct rivals of the Maruti S-Presso are the Renault Kwid and the Datson Redi-GO. However, with its pricing, the buyer may also want to check out its siblings Maruti Alto 800 and Alto K10.

The post Maruti Suzuki S-Presso – 10 Things You Should Know appeared first on Roadtales.