Get More Out of Your Festive Weekends with These Road Trips

Over the last few months, many people have made peace with the changes their lifestyle has gone through due to the ongoing pandemic. People have rekindled their interest in old hobbies or have found new ones, and masks and sanitisers are regular features when you go outdoors today.

Even travelling has become more mindful – whether it is to a nearby park or a weekend getaway. So, if you’re amongst those who simply need to get out and see a little of the world, you can do so. But keeping safety in mind, it is advisable to choose offbeat or lesser-known places so that you will have fewer people to deal with.

To satiate your quest for travel, we are bringing for you off-beat road trip ideas from your city under our #TravelLocal series. Each week, we will bring you suggestions driving holiday suggestions to places that will help you unwind, without compromising on your or your family’s safety. Click here to read about off-beat weekend destinations from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai.

So, if you are in Kolkata, Hyderabad or Pune, read on for some worthy road trips that you must plan in your Ford.

Kolkata:

Shankarpur, West Bengal

If you and your family are looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway, this small beach-town located about 180km from Kolkata via NH16 makes for a quintessence escape. The perfect time to visit Shankarpur is from September to February, when you can enjoy cool breezes and gorgeous sunsets. Spend some time relaxing at either of the two popular beaches around here – Mandarmani and Digha.

Pack your bags and head out to this quaint beach town in your Ford Figo. This hatchback’s peppy engine will make your journey even a lot more fun.

Panchalingeswar, Odisha

Panchalingeswar is a secluded yet scenic town located in the hilly areas of Balasore district in Orissa, about 285 km from Kolkata. A suitable time to visit is during autumn and winter. A famous spot that you can consider a quick visit to is the Panchalingeswar Temple, known to be the shrine of Lord Shiva. If you are looking for something less spiritual, the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandipur Beach and Kharasahapur Beach are places you can head to.

The drive from Kolkata will take about six-hours, so make sure you carry road trip essentials to avoid unnecessary stops along the way. Your Ford Aspire will make the journey a pleasant one with features like the Automatic Climate Control and touch screen infotainment system. This way you can keep your eyes on the road while enjoying music, audiobooks or podcasts.

Bangriposi, Odisha

At a distance of 220 km from Kolkata is a charming village located right below Thakurani Hills. The best time to visit Bangriposi starts in October and ends in June. When here, you can indulge in some adventure by trekking to catch a breathtaking view of the hills or take a stroll on the banks of river Buribalam. Also, visit Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls.

If you love wildlife the Simlipal Tiger Reserve, located just 60-KM from Bangriposi, is a must visit. The drive to the tiger reserve is quite tricky as the roads are unpaved and narrow. But the Active Rollover Prevention and Hill Launch Assist on your Ford Freestyle are particularly helpful while driving through hilly regions & negotiating sharp turns. It will enable you to navigate uphill climbs and turn at narrow edges safely.

Hyderabad:

Bidar, Karnataka

A city rich in history, Bidar is just 145 km away from Hyderabad. The ideal time to visit here is between November and February. Here you can get a glimpse of awe-inspiring structures like Bidar Fort, Mahmud Gawan Madrasa and Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib, Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple and the 108-feet Statue of Basaveshwara. Along with leaving you awestruck, these sights also offer an abundance of information about India’s interesting past.

Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

Another place to spark the interest of history buffs is Kurnool, which is a 212 km drive from Hyderabad. The most pleasant time to visit is from October to March. Kurnool has a rich history, having been ruled by the Chola Dynasty, Kakatiya Dynasty, Vijayanagar Empire and the Mughal Empire. This could only mean one thing – it hosts a plethora of magnificent attractions; Ketavaram rock paintings that date back to the Palaeolithic Age making them almost 40,000 years old, the Konda Reddy Fort, Belum Caves – known to be the second-longest cave in India and the Tomb of Abdul Wahab.

While driving on long highway stretches to reach Kurnool, turn on the Cruise Control in your Ford EcoSport Automatic to enjoy the wonderful drive.

Pune:

Tamhini Ghat, Maharashtra

Looking for a peaceful and tranquil escape from the city? Head to Tamhini Ghat, where you will be surrounded by thick evergreen mountains and waterfalls. Located at a distance of 112km from the city of Pune, this place offers adventure seekers the kind of activity they have been craving for months. Take a long hike or opt for a quick swim at the Tamhini Waterfalls. And if you just want to spend some quality time with your loved ones, the nearby Mulshi is a perfect spot for picnics.

Shrivardhan, Maharashtra

If a trip to de-stress from everything the world has thrown at you over the last few months is what you need, Shrivardhan Beach is the place to do it. It is situated about 160 km from Pune via Tamhini Ghat road. The best time to visit is between October to December, when the sand is not scorching hot, and the breeze feels cool and crisp. The small town here is called the ‘Town of Peshwas’, as it is said to be the home of the first Peshwas. If you aren’t much of a beach person, you can visit places like Kal Bhairav Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ganesh Gully where you will find an idol of Lord Ganesha submerged 30 feet underwater.

If you are travelling to Shrivardhan in your Ford Endeavour, make sure to open up your Electric Panoramic Sunroof to enjoy the sea breeze. Your Endeavour also has tons of storage space to pack fun beach games that will make your trip more exciting.

So, as several long weekends draw closer, make the most of what is left of this year and plan a trip or two and get out of the city for a change of scenery. But wherever you choose to go, make sure to follow all safety norms to keep you and your family safe. Be wary of your surroundings and avoid places that are crowded. Make sure you and your travel companions are in good health and carry essentials like sanitiser, disinfectant spray and masks.