India in the monsoons is beautiful almost everywhere, as the earth explodes to life and lush fields of green carpet the countryside. We have enjoyed the journey on trains and buses, as we chased the monsoon through South India last year, but there is a distinct added pleasure when doing it by car, on your own time at your own pace. We love it because it gives us the chance to stop at random places, drink tea with villagers, gaze at the beauty around us and take photographs at will, which is obviously a key element for Hoshner.

After our driving stint around Arunachal and Gujarat, we decided to explore Maharashtra by car as well. The plan was to tackle the coastal region first and then the north and central region. The eastern region is largely forested and tiger country, and the monsoon not being the best time for safaris, we plan to tackle that at a later stage. And whilst the costal leg of our journey was somewhat cut short by torrential rains and flooding, driving through the western ghats and central Maharashtra have been stunning, distinct in their topography, flora, fauna, food and culture, but both equally beautiful. There are miles of green fields full of wheat, bajra, turmeric, sugarcane and other crop we couldn’t identify; wildflowers that dot the undulating hills and slopes; thick forests in parts and of course the occasional cow and goat herd. We’ve had tea out in the open fields and climbed small hillocks by the roadside to see giant windmills stretch across the countryside.

Driving around, especially when the roads are good, is an absolute pleasure. Indians have always been big on road trips in many forms and shapes over the ages, and we are happy to perpetuate that in our little blue car. Good music, the company, startlingly green countrysides with changing landscapes, fresh cool wind in your face and random stops that lead to conversation with strangers all make for a great journey exploring our 14th state across the country.