#TravelLocal: Road Trips to Explore Places Around Your City Part II

One of the best things about travelling is that it doesn’t necessarily have to involve far-flung places. If you look carefully enough, you will find several places around your city that you can explore and learn more about.

If you need a change of scenery from the four walls of your home and are looking for ways to spend a fun day out with family or close friends, travelling locally could be the perfect answer! A good idea would be to take a road trip to an offbeat destination; someplace that isn’t too far from your city, and you could be in for a surprise. However, considering the current situation, a day trip in your own car is the safest option. So, here’s a list of places to get you started.

To satiate your quest for travel, we are bringing for you off-beat road trip ideas from your city under the #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 daytrip destinations from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai.

KOLKATA:

Bishnupur

Hidden away in West Bengal is the quaint town of Bishnupur, brimming with architectural brilliance just 140 km from Kolkata. The terracotta temples, built-in ‘Bengali hut’, is one of the main attractions here. Other ancient structures like Shyam Rai Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Jor Bangla and Ras Mancha will leave you awe-struck with their intricate carvings and attention to detail. A visit to Bishnupur is incomplete if you don’t take home a few terracotta horses or a famous Baluchari sari as a souvenir of your trip to this interesting place.

To make your drive to Bishnupur more enjoyable, turn on the Automatic Climate Control in your Ford Freestyle to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the journey. Equipped with Active Rollover Protection (ARP) and a powerful engine, this compact utility vehicle will help you conquer any terrain with ease.

Raichak

Raichak is just 54 km from Kolkata but is worlds away in terms of its atmosphere. Located on the banks of River Hooghly, it is a pristine, sleepy hamlet. Make the most of your day trip to Raichak by driving up to Diamond Harbour and catch the sunset from the promenade, where you are sure to get some great photographs.

If you want to fit a little more into your trip, visit the Buddhist archaeological sites of Dhosa and Tilpi. While driving along the highway stretch, turn on the Cruise Control feature in your Ford EcoSport to set a steady speed and enjoy a comfortable drive as you enjoy the views.

Junput

If a scenic view and some beach time are somethings you have been craving, plan a quick trip to one of the solitary beaches in Junput. This heavenly village is located just 155 km from the city of Kolkata. The serene, secluded beaches here often comprise of long stretches of sand and very few people, so it serves as the perfect getaway. With the 60/40 split rear seats in your Ford EcoSport, you can pack some games, and beach essentials make the most of a relaxing day trip here.

HYDERABAD:

Warangal

A beautiful temple town that illustrates the Kakatiya dynasty’s grandeur is located about 148 km from Hyderabad. While you’re here, visit the Thousand Pillar Temple, it’s an architectural marvel and the Warangal Fort. Besides ancient temples, you’ll also find beautiful lakes like Pakhal Lake and Laknavaram Lake with rich flora and fauna at which you can make a quick stop to take in the gorgeous views.

Anantagiri Hills

With a view of breathtaking vistas from its pinnacle, these picturesque hills make for an ideal outdoor getaway for nature enthusiasts. These hills are situated about 80 km from the city. They are accessible through two trekking trails; one commences at the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple while the other begins about half a kilometre away from the temple.

The good news, however, is that driving through the winding forest roads to reach the base of the hill is easy in your Ford Endeavour. This most capable premium SUV is equipped with various features such as Hill Launch Assist, Terrain Management System and Electronic Stability Control to ensure your drive is safe and effortless.

PUNE:

Kamshet

Nestled amid the Western Ghats, along an ancient scenic trade route, this hill station is a natural gem. It is located around 47 km away from Pune city and offers the chance to revel in the mystical beauty of the sprawling hills. Some places of interest you can explore are Kondeshwar Cliff and cultural landmarks, such as the Bhandar Dongar, Bhairi Caves and Kondeshwar Temple.

Malshej

About 120 km north of Pune lies a paradise for nature lovers. Malshej is a particularly great place if you are looking for a little adventure too. From exuberating trekking and hiking adventures along Naneghat and Harishchandragad to captivating bird watching escapades in the Malshei Valley, this is a destination that will leave you wanting more.

Finding your way to this stunning hill station will be no problem at all in your Ford Figo, which is equipped with a touchscreen-based navigation system. With Automatic Headlamps and Rain-sensing Wipers, your Figo lets you enjoy the drive without having to worry about the smaller elements of your drive.

KOCHI:

Kumarakom

Adorned with the beauty of lush greenery and intrepid backwaters, this town is ideal for delving into mother nature’s finest wonders. It is a 50 km drive from Kochi and is home to the remarkable Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary where you can enjoy an unparalleled variety of fauna and flora. So, don’t forget to take your camera on this short trip. Besides bird watching, you can take a stroll by the lakeside, enjoy a meal on the houseboat and drive a little ahead and reach the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls.

Vagamon

Popularly known as the “Scotland of Asia”, Vagamon is a paradisiacal escape for all travellers and is 105km from Kochi. While you can usually indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities like trekking, paragliding and rock climbing, these may not be currently available considering the pandemic situation we are still facing. But you can explore the immaculate splendour that surrounds this beautiful hill station.

AHMEDABAD:

Modhera

Home of the opulent Sun Temple, Modhera offers an eclectic glimpse of a wondrous bygone era. The town is a treasure trove of architectural marvels like Surya Kund and Shankeshwar Temple and lets you explore the rich local culture. This quick getaway of 100 km is an excellent choice for family picnics.

With your Ford Aspire’s infotainment system, you can turn on your favourite tunes to keep the entertainment quotient in check on your drive.

Champaner-Pavagadh

Acclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this archaeological park is a gold mine for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts. A 150 km drive from Ahmedabad will take you to a place that is home to monuments dating back to the 8th century including architecture from the Mughal era. Famous structures that you should visit are Jami Masjid, Sahar ki Masjid, Kalika Mata Temple, Pavagadh Hill, Citadel Walls, ancient gates at Pavagadh Hill and other ruins.

If you’re looking for an escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a trip to some of these relatively low-key destinations might be just what you need. So, head out and embark on a local journey. But keeping in mind the current situation, remember to be safe and carry for the necessary safety and hygiene precautions, such as staying away from crowds, wearing masks and using sanitisers.