Perfect Drives & Charming Treks To Enjoy The Rains

The monsoon season evokes feelings in us like no other season does. If you are a homebody, roaring thunders and pattering raindrops make you want to cuddle under a blanket and read a book by the window. The atmosphere is particularly ideal for putting on a sentimental playlist, and the weather gives you an excuse to have another cup of chai. But if you’re a traveller at heart, the rainy season brings with it the desire to head out and conquer the lush surroundings. Whether you are an avid trekker or not, the idea of being outdoors and doing something adventurous is exciting, especially if you have been cooped up inside your home for the last few months. So, here’s a list of some blissful monsoon treks across the country. Even if you don’t feel like trekking, a drive to these beautiful locales will help you make the most of the rains. Read on:

Sinhagad, Maharashtra

If you live in Mumbai or Pune, then Sinhagad is probably one of the best places to head for a mid-monsoon trek. It is a three-hour drive from Mumbai and takes about 50 minutes if you’re in Pune. The trek covers 17 hills in the Sahyadri mountain range which are surrounded by dense forests. The end of the trek won’t just reward you with a stunning view of Pune and the Khadakvasla dam, but also the magnificent Sinhagad Fort.

The last 20-minute stretch of the drive to Sinhagad is hilly and steep with treacherous turns. Nonetheless, with your Ford EcoSport, the drive is safe and effortless; its Hill Launch Assist will keep you safe by preventing the car from rolling back, no matter how steep the climb might be. And even if you don’t want to do the trek, you can still head to Sinhagad for a quick escape into nature. Make sure to carry some snacks and water/ juice from home so that you don’t have to stop on the way.

Paithalmala, Kerala

Tucked away in the Western Ghats, Paithalmala is a little hill station, about a two-hour drive from Kannur. The best part about this trek is that there are two separate routes, one starts at Kappimala, which is better suited for seasoned trekkers and the other begins at Pottenplave and is more manageable. Remember to carry your jacket or hoodie because once at the top, you’ll be greeted with a delightful layer of fog and a whole lot of tranquillity. If the fog isn’t too heavy, you’ll be able to see the villages below dotted with tiny houses.

The breath-taking view of the valleys of Coorg on one side and the plains of Kannur on the other, make it a popular trekking destination in the monsoon. Fortunately, driving through the rain in your Ford Figo will be hassle-free thanks to its rain-sensing wipers which automatically turn on, whether it’s drizzling or pouring. Additionally, its compact size is perfect for zipping along narrow, windy roads.

Ananthagiri Hills, Telangana

A two-hour drive from Hyderabad, the Ananthagiri Hills is the perfect getaway for all nature and travel enthusiasts around the area. The trek, through the forest trail, is a scenic one; and if it’s raining, you may get lucky enough to spot a peacock! Either way, you’ll hear a variety of birds chirping along the way. In addition to the trek, there is also the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple nearby and kayaking in the Kotepally lake. However, considering the current scenario, you may have to leave visiting these places for another time.

Avid camper will particularly enjoy this place since the Ananthagiri Hills has several safe camping sites. The spacious Ford Endeavour is perfect for carrying necessary camping equipment, thick blankets, torch lights, food and other essentials. With just the press of a button, you can fold and flatten the third row of seats to create all the extra space you need.

Nag Tibba, Uttarakhand

If you are someone who likes to take the road less travelled and avoid the famous touristy places, then Nag Tibba, a three-hour drive from Mussoorie offers a perfect trek. This offbeat and exhilarating trek is popularly called ‘Serpent’s Peak’ since the trek route is circular. And during the trek, you’ll be able to see contrasting landscapes – Gangotri Peaks, Doon Valley, Kedarnath Peak, Bandarpoonch Peak, and Cedar and Alpine forests, each taking a stunning avatar during the monsoon.

While driving from Delhi, the roads become narrow and uneven as you reach Uttarakhand since Nag Tibba is located in the Lesser Himalayan region. But your sturdy and powerful Ford Freestyle will make the drive smooth. Its Active Rollover Prevention technology will give you greater control and grip as you drive thread through the trickiest of terrains. The lateral force sensor and advanced braking system can regulate the car’s power and engine speed in tight spots, preventing the car from going off track.

Be smart. Be safe

While experiencing nature at its charming best in the monsoons is something you probably cannot wait to do, it doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind, get into your Ford car and drive off. It is essential you acknowledge the sensitivity of the pandemic, which is still ongoing. So, do not take unnecessary risks. If these places are not close enough for you to head out in the morning and come back the same day, avoid going to them at all. Instead, drive to a scenic spot within your city and in your own car, if you want to get away for a few hours.

Remember, the most important thing to do right now is to prioritise your health and stay safe. These trekking trails will still be there when the pandemic ends. So, you can plan to take on this adventure at a later date, when it is safe to do so. Until then, a drive to these places for a day-long picnic with family or a night at a cozy homestay can work as pure magic.