Chasing Sunsets In Kachchh To Mangoes In Ratnagiri, This Group Of Indian Road Trippers Have Done It All

It is a popular saying that travel broadens the mind. And while the idea of group exploration is not for everyone, a road trip can be the perfect holiday for many. Ask the folks who have been on the road with Indian Road Trip Cruisers (RTC), who have curated a series of remarkable road trips that truly celebrate the rich cultural diversity of India. One such adventure led travellers to the Rann of Kachchh where the group immersed themselves in the vibrant local culture and explored heritage sites that tell the stories of the land. Another unforgettable journey took them to the picturesque coastal town of Ratnagiri, renowned for its succulent mangoes that make the region famous. Another time, the RTC organised breakfast rides to Nashik, where connoisseurs of food gathered to relish the spicy and aromatic misal, a local favourite. Along the bustling Gujarat highway, travellers also enjoyed the unique and hearty dishes of Parsi cuisine, adding to the rich tapestry of experiences these fantastic road trips offer.How Road Trip Cruisers Started Their EnginesThe idea for Indian Road Trip Cruisers came in 2018 when two friends, Deepak Ananth and Vineet Rajan, who had travelled extensively across the country on their respective Royal Enfield bikes, identified a unique opportunity in the travel segment. Having been active members of the biking community for nearly a decade, they decided to create a community for car owners. "The fundamental difference between biking and car travel is that biking tends to be a solo pursuit, while car driving is often experienced with family and friends. Solo car drivers are relatively uncommon, as most people travel with family, pets, friends, or partners," says Rajan while speaking to Outlook Traveller.With this shift in dynamics, Anant and Rajan realised the need for a fresh approach to build a community that would encourage these groups to hit the road together. Drawing on their experiences from their biking days, they launched the club, officially named "The Road Trippers Club" (RTC), on February 2, 2018. The inaugural drive took place over the weekend to Dapoli and featured a convoy of 10 cars with 30 participants, including children and pets. During this first drive, they discussed the future of the club, which is now celebrating its seventh year.Memorable Journeys Are Also BootcampsOver the years, there have been many memorable road journeys. One standout experience was the New Year celebrations in Goa from 2018 to 2019, which saw 25 cars from Mumbai and Pune come together. Another significant trip was the Ashtavinayak Yatra, where six families united for a divine drive to visit eight important Ganesh temples in the countryside.A road trip is an adventure, regardless of the distance you travel. However, every road adventure requires certain skills. An RTC group travelled to Lonar Lake in Buldhana district of Maharashtra for a 'Captain's Bootcamp.' This adventure challenged the drivers as they covered over 600 km in a single day. The bootcamp featured hands-on workshops on vehicle repairs, fixing flat tires, barbequing basics, and much more. The group also made it a priority to explore offbeat, non-touristy destinations such as Akheghani, Kolthare Beach, and Ganeshghule.About Newbies And StagsBefore COVID-19, the Road Trip Cruisers (RTC) was active in 11 cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Indore, Bhopal, Pune, Guwahati, Chandigarh, and Hyderabad. After the pandemic, RTC gradually regained its footing and rebranded itself as “The Indian Road Trip Cruisers.” Today, the club comprises over 350 travel enthusiasts, divided into two membership tiers. The first tier, known as "newbies," includes 250 members participating for the first time or aspiring to become full-time members. The second tier comprises nearly 100 members who have participated in at least three drives with RTC in the past two years. This structure inspires newbies to join the exclusive group of over 100 members who receive priority access to drives, engage in discussions, lead trips, and enjoy full membership privileges."Amongst the 350 odd community, we see certain trends," says Rajan. "More than 50 per cent of the members are families with at least their spouses. Around 20 per cent includes those with children and finally, the last 30 per cent includes stags who travel with friends. We have, over the years, also seen an increase in the number of pet owners joining the community."Diverse GroupsRajan highlights that the RTC community embraces diversity with strong representation of women drivers. The community welcomes solo adventurers as well as those travelling with families, children, or pets. Its members come from various backgrounds, including business owners, homemakers, corporate professionals, freelancers, healers, army veterans, and even seasoned international road-trippers. "Our routes, pit stops, speed of the convoy and activities are planned such that they cater to varying interests, budgets, and energy levels so no one feels excluded."Women On The RoadOver the years, some of RTC's most memorable and successful drives have been led by women. The women in RTC come from diverse backgrounds, including full-time mothers, entrepreneurs, professionals, and caregivers. "Despite their many responsibilities, their enthusiasm and commitment to the community is remarkable," says Rajan. "RTC's vision for the future is straightforward: we aim for more women to lead the way, fostering collaboration between men and women, and creating more memorable journeys."One of RTC's most moments journeys was the Independence Day Rally, where a convoy of 25 cars with families drove together, proudly displaying the national flag. "Led by Rubina Memon, the success of this drive showcased how women’s leadership can bring people together and create unforgettable experiences. Similarly, the Women's Day Rally was led by Shradha Bapat, a mother of two and a life coach." In December 2024, Kavita Ovalekar, the President of RTC was elevated to the status of ‘Co-Founder’ taking note of her various contributions to growing the community.Meet The Two Indian Women Driving Change By Organising All-women Road Trips Around The World