There’s something about road trips that brings out every emotion — excitement, frustration, joy, and even a little bit of chaos. Our latest family adventure to Ramnagar Sitabani, near the lush forests of Jim Corbett National Park, was no different. In fact, it started with a bang… quite literally.
We had just performed a traditional car puja — you know, the good vibes ritual before your new car hits the road. I proudly smeared a little “Om Namah Shivaya” on the dashboard, said a prayer, and took the wheel. Moments later, I managed to crash the car into a spot where even crashing felt impossible. Total rookie mistake. The guilt hit harder than the dent. Dad wasn’t exactly thrilled either — let’s just say his scolding echoed through the car like a temple bell.
But, in true Indian parent fashion, after the storm came calm. He sat me down, gave me the pep talk, and reminded me that it’s all part of the journey — literally and figuratively. And so, with a bruised ego and a banged-up bumper, we packed up for our trip to Sitabani near Jim Corbett.
Cruising (and Bumping) Through Ramnagar
The next morning, we set off. Spirits were high. So was the noise level — you try fitting parents, grandparents, siblings, and a spirited little dog named Chulbul in one car. My driving was still under heavy parental surveillance, but hey, we were on the road again.
The route to Sitabani is nothing short of cinematic — shaded jungle paths, winding turns, and the occasional monkey cameo. But what’s a trip without a few wrong turns? The resort owner had sent a location pin, but the roads were so remote we weren’t sure if we were heading to a resort or a secret wildlife hideout. Every fork in the road came with debate — “Go up!” “No, take the lower one!” “Where’s the CC road?”
Eventually, after much confusion (and a few prayers), we arrived.
Wild Laughs, Warm Fires & Daal-Chawal Dreams
The resort was nestled deep in forest territory. With the entire property to ourselves, it felt like we had rented our own private jungle. Bonfires crackled, chai flowed, and we even had that classic “uncle walking the dog at sunset” moment as dad paraded Chulbul like a local celebrity.
Of course, no family trip is complete without a few culinary highlights. Lunch was simple — daal, chawal, roti — but after hours on the road, it tasted divine. We ended the day with full bellies and warm hearts, tucked under cozy blankets in our five-star-worthy rooms.
A Trip That Was More Than a Destination
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that road trips aren’t just about reaching somewhere. They’re about the memories created between pitstops, the people you travel with, and the stories that spill out at dinner tables for years to come.
So yes, I may have dented the car. But we also dented our routine with some much-needed laughter, forest air, and the warmth of family.
And in the end? That’s the kind of crash we all need once in a while.
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