Road trips in India are an amazing experience in themselves, but a road trip during monsoon is something that is most likely to stay with you forever. With the monsoon showers transforming the landscapes into a lush green paradise and adding freshness and transparency to the surroundings, it can be said that nature decks up in its best look during the Season of Showers. The urge to venture out in the monsoon and experience it all is natural, but a monsoon road trip calls for extra caution because of the unpredictable weather, unreliable conditions of the rain-washed roads and other reasons. So, here are some tips for a safe and enjoyable road trip during monsoon.
Keep A Track of the Weather Forecast
Given the uncertain weather conditions during the monsoon season, a light drizzle might develop into a torrential downpour in no time, and poor visibility can ruin the whole experience. So, don’t get fooled by the seemingly ideal weather conditions. Instead, keep yourself updated about the weather forecast of your destination for the entire week. This is especially important when you are planning a monsoon road trip in the Himalayan regions and other mountainous terrains, where landslides and cloudbursts are most likely to occur.
Make Sure Your Vehicle is in Perfect Condition for a Monsoon Drive
The most important thing to do before setting out for a monsoon drive is to check the condition of your vehicle. Ensure that your vehicle is completely fit to face wet roads, uneven terrains, hidden potholes, slippery paths, etc. Double-check the condition of your tires, brakes, wipers, headlights, brake lights etc. and get your vehicle serviced, if needed. Also have vehicle spare parts like tires, a radiator cap, windshield wiper blades, fuses, and mud flaps in handy.
Also Read:Five Epic Road Trips in India That You Must Take at Least Once in Your Lifetime!
Wear Synthetic Clothes & Waterproof Footwear
It is always important to dress yourself up in climate-appropriate clothing to avoid discomfort when traveling, and monsoon is no exception. Since the synthetic fabric is light in weight and dries up very quickly, it is the ideal choice for a monsoon road trip. Likewise, choose the right footwear, i.e., waterproof boots or shoes. Always pack an extra pair of synthetic clothes and a waterproof jacket too (which you might need if the weather turns unbearably chilly). Needless to say, raincoats and umbrellas are a must.
Waterproof Your Electronic Devices
Waterproofing your belongings, especially smart gadgets, wallets and credit cards, is one of the most important things to take care of when planning a road trip during monsoon. Waterproof bags and zipper bags serve the purpose of keeping your valuable belongings dry and safe. So, always carry a couple of waterproof bags to safeguard your mobile phones, chargers, power banks, cameras, and credit cards from becoming wet and damaged.
Include These Must-Have Items in Your Emergency Kit
It is always advisable to have an emergency kit in your car to be prepared at all times. Apart from your regular medication and first-aid essentials, do carry a waterproof flashlight, an extra power bank with cables, towels, a hairdryer, boot fresheners, and silica gel for your gadgets. If you are planning to camp somewhere during your monsoon road trip, then don’t forget to include insect repellents in your emergency kit.
Be Careful of What You Eat
Although you might be tempted to pull over at a roadside stall and relish hot and delicious street food in the rainy season, it is best to put your cravings in check and eat only well-cooked food at hygienic places. Avoid junk food at all costs. Carry your own food and water. You can pack light snacks such as energy bars, protein shakes, nuts, etc. to munch on while you are on the go.
It’s already June, the official start of the monsoon season in India. Are you booking flight tickets to India from the USA for a monsoon trip? You can consider going on a monsoon road trip in the country for the best experience of rain-drenched landscapes. Lower your car window slightly and let the cool and fresh breeze blow into your face. Gaze in awe at the mist-covered landscapes, the cloudy skies, and the waterfalls flowing in full vigor, as you pass by them!
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