Embarking on a solo road trip is a thrilling experience, and when the destination is the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats, it becomes even more exciting. That’s precisely what I did, driving the new Hyundai Alcazar 1.5-litre, Turbo GDi DCT petrol from Bangalore to the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary. With 157 HP and 256 nm of torque at your tap, the seven-speed DCT and seven seats, the Alcazar is a perfect choice of vehicle to drive into the wilderness.
The journey began early in the morning, and as I drove through the busy streets of Bangalore, I couldn’t help but feel excited about what lay ahead. Despite the city’s chaotic traffic, the Alcazar’s powerful engine and smooth ride made the journey comfortable and enjoyable.
As I left the city behind, the roads became narrower, and the terrain grew more challenging. But the Alcazar’s advanced traction control system and robust suspension made navigating through the rough terrain a breeze. I could easily make my way through even the most challenging stretches of the road. Our journey of over 200 km via the just opened NH948 took four hours, but this route is so scenic, and the Alcazar is designed to handle any terrain, with a powerful engine that allows it to navigate through smooth tarmac and ready to conquer the roughest roads with ease and all this while being entertained with its excellent sound system.
Finally reached, the Kabani, also called Kabini or Kapila, is a river in southern India. It originates in the Wayanad District of Kerala state by the confluence of the Panamaram River and the Mananthavady River, but that’s the historical side of it; the natural diamonds here are the Tigers. And here, people come from all over the world to spot any of the 93 Tigers or 100 Leopards, and there is apparently One Black Panther in Kabini. Once inside the sanctuary, the Alcazar’s true capabilities emerged. The rough terrain, steep inclines, and rocky surfaces were no match for the car’s power, handling, and stability. And with its spacious interiors and smooth ride, the Alcazar made for a comfortable and enjoyable journey, even in the midst of the wilderness.
As I drove through the winding forest roads, I was treated to sightings of various wildlife, from majestic elephants to playful monkeys. The Alcazar’s powerful engine allowed me to cover more ground, taking me deep into the heart of the sanctuary. When we finally reached the destination, a picturesque jungle resort, I was full of praise for the Alcazar. The car exceeded my expectations, proving to be reliable and capable, taking me into the wild and bringing me back safely. After two forays of Jungle Safari, unfortunately, I could not spot the Tiger. Still, Alcazar was the real Tiger braving through the roads and making you feel so secure and yet robust behind the steering; the sunroof and the greenery all around made this quest of Tiger hunting all the more adventurous.
Kabini is an excellent getaway from the hustle and bustle and tech city of Bengaluru to the Animal kingdom, and in life simplest of things give you the maximum pleasure. Alcazar proved to be a formidable companion, and even with seven seats, you will not miss any company. A solo trip to the unknown is as much enjoyable and adventurous as a road trip occupying all the rest six seats.
