How solo driving on Indian highways and Himalayas empowers me as a woman

How solo driving on Indian highways and Himalayas empowers me as a woman

I’ve always been fascinated by breaking myths, and cars have been my dream since I was a kid. As soon as I started making money, I was determined to own my own car. Back then, I had this wild idea of owning seven cars, one for each day of the week!
Growing up in an Indian family, my parents had a unique approach to car ownership. They believed that I should wait until I got married before getting a car. Their reasoning was rooted in the fear of societal rejection and the potential consequences of a car accident, especially if I had physical limitations.

​Celebrating my freedom with my car

After I started earning, I had numerous heated arguments with my family about my desire to buy a car. Undeterred, I eventually saved up enough money and the courage to purchase a small hatchback car, just the right size for me. I celebrated my newfound freedom by embarking on a week-long road trip, visiting various destinations before “inform[ing]” my parents about my new possession.
Of course, they weren’t thrilled about the news, but they had no choice but to warn me to stay within the city limits and avoid using the car on the highways. Little did they know that I had taken the car on highway drives every single day of the entire week.
During my time living in Pune, I was known for my social life. I relished the freedom that came with having my own car, allowing me to stay out late for parties without the hassle of public transport. On weekends, I could explore the beautiful destinations around Pune without any worries.

Driving my new i10 from Pune to Shrivardhan beach

​Breaking egos

I embarked on long road trips with friends, but I often found myself battling the egos of my male companions. They constantly sought to prove their driving prowess, yet lacked the courage or permission to take their dad’s car on these journeys. In the process, I developed patience on the roads.

Driving my new i10 on Worli sea link, Mumbai

​Taking safety measures on road for woman solo driving

Gradually, I became so engrossed in solo traveling that I yearned to relish my long drives alone. I started taking my car to Mumbai to meet my parents (of course, without telling them about it). Having driven to Goa multiple times with friends, I gathered the courage to embark on a solo journey from Pune to Goa. I was filled with apprehensions about executing this plan.

• The evening before, I visited a mechanic to gain a basic understanding of the engine.
• I ensured that all the tires were fixed and even learned how to jack up my car to change a wheel.
• I set out very early to ensure that I reached Goa by afternoon, leaving ample time before dark in case of any unexpected delays.
• I drove with the windshields rolled up and the car locked completely.
• I dressed modestly during the road trip to avoid attracting attention.
• I refrained from taking any breaks along the way and finally arrived in Goa after a grueling 7-hour drive. 

My first solo drive from Pune to Goa

Making car my home when I lived location independent

There came a point in my life when I made the biggest decision of my life: quitting my job as an IT professional to pursue my passions. I decided to take a year-long break from work and embark on a slow travel adventure in the Himalayas. To have the freedom to move around easily, I had adopted a minimalist lifestyle. I donated most of my belongings, packed only what I truly needed into my car, and drove all the way to the Himalayas. As a location-independent traveler, I explored and lived in various parts of Himachal Pradesh. My car became my home, and all my belongings were packed in it for a whopping 1.5 years. I used them as and when required during my travels to different places. The luxury of having my home wherever I went was incredible. If I went on treks or took flights for other travels, I could simply park my car comfortably. 

Carpacking in my i10 for 1.5 years in Himachal Pradesh

​Solo driving in Himalayas

Once I realized my capabilities, I had no desire to stop. The intense hatred of relying on others for my needs propelled me to embark on solo drives through the majestic mountains. I vividly recall the day I encountered a massive bus on a narrow, winding road with a steep valley on my side. The sight of the valley sent shivers down my spine, and I froze in my tracks. I attempted to reverse my car to allow the bus to pass, but my fear held me back. I politely requested the bus driver to reverse the bus and make way for me. I diligently practiced and honed my driving skills on those narrow roads with sharp blind turns that overlook the valley. I gradually became accustomed to the intimidating drives in the mountains. I extensively traveled in Himachal Pradesh and frequently moved my base to three to four different places. Whenever I had to take flights to another destination, I drove frequently to Delhi from Himachal Pradesh. After residing in the Himalayas for a year and a half, when I was compelled to relocate to Mumbai for a new job in adventure travel, I embarked on a solo drive from Tirthan Valley(Himachal Pradesh) to Mumbai, covering a distance of 2000 kilometers in just three days. Prioritizing safety, I ensured that I concluded my drives every day before the onset of darkness.

Off-roading my i10 in Himalayas

Feeling empowered as a woman while driving solo

Each time I embarked on long road trips in the mountains, I felt an overwhelming sense of empowerment. The realization that I could do something that every female is often prevented from doing made me feel bolder with each drive. Gradually, I became more comfortable navigating the roads and interacting with people in Himachal Pradesh. I no longer felt anxious about taking food and bathroom breaks during the journey. I even ventured off-roading my i10 and eventually learned to drive it on snow-covered roads. These solo drives not only boosted my confidence but also helped me overcome various other challenges in life. I’ve never seen any female driving on the highways, and I’m grateful that I was able to shatter this myth within myself. 

Driving my i10 in snow

Encouraging woman empowerment

The locals in the mountains relied on me to transport their sisters and wives whenever they needed a ride. The community where women were never allowed to venture out without a male companion became increasingly comfortable sending their ladies with me on short trips as well. A few mothers were hesitant to let their daughters accompany me on my morning jogs, but the lady from my local family in Tirthan Valley couldn’t resist boasting, “You can outsmart all men with your driving skills.” Before embarking on any new road, I would always consult my family’s patriarch, who would reassure me, “You’ve driven across the entire country alone. Why should you be afraid of the roads here?”

As word spread, my friends’ parents and relatives began entrusting me with their daughters for any highway drive. I genuinely hope they eventually extend this trust to their own daughters.

My parents, too, have stopped questioning me and have started to show confidence in my driving after witnessing my safe and sound return from my solo drives.

My beloved I10 has been an exceptional travel companion throughout my journey. Making the decision to purchase a car was undoubtedly one of the wisest choices I’ve ever made. With my car by my side, I’ve had the privilege of exploring various places, and I feel incredibly fortunate for taking those opportunities that I might have otherwise regretted.