Volkswagen Experiences: Of Highways and Hills

As the first light of dawn broke on December 13, 2024, the air at Victoria South in Mumbai was buzzing with anticipation. Volkswagen Experiences is an initiative that aims to shine a light on the sheer joy of being behind the wheel of the German brand’s peppy TSI-powered steeds, and we were lucky enough to be a part of the latest edition – a spirited drive from Mumbai to the serene hills of Mahabaleshwar. The participants, a mix of driving enthusiasts and Volkswagen loyalists, mingled over a hearty breakfast, brimming with excitement for the adventure ahead.

Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor of Autocar India, and Aashish Gupta, Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, opened proceedings with inspiring words. They spoke passionately about the ethos of Volkswagen Experiences – how it isn’t just about driving but also about creating memories and connecting people through shared experiences on the road. Their enthusiasm was infectious, setting the tone for the day. Rahul Kakar, Autocar India’s Head of Special Projects, who conducted the pre-drive briefing, brought everyone up to speed with the meticulously planned route, safety protocols and convoy etiquette, ensuring everyone felt confident as they hit the road.

With the ceremonial flag-off by Hormazd and Aashish, the convoy roared to life. As the fleet of Volkswagen’s finest – from the dynamic Taigun to the sporty Virtus – made its way out of Mumbai, the morning sun cast a golden hue on the glistening convoy. The route promised a blend of smooth highways, scenic B-roads, and the winding mountain paths of the Western Ghats, ensuring a drive that would challenge and delight in equal measure.

The Journey Begins: Mumbai to Kolad

As the convoy cruised through the city and onto the Atal Setu, the drive quickly lived up to its promise of exhilaration. The Atal Setu, with its stunning vistas of the coastline, provided the first taste of the scenic splendour to come. The Volkswagen vehicles’ precise engineering and driving dynamics shone through as the participants enjoyed the seamless transition from urban chaos to open roads.

Three hours in, the convoy arrived at its first pit stop – mCafe in Kolad. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this charming, all-organic eatery offered a warm welcome. Participants were treated to a traditional Maharashtrian thali, a delectable spread that combined local flavours with the warmth of a home-cooked meal. Over lunch, the conversations flowed as participants shared road-trip anecdotes and bonded over their shared love of driving. And, of course, a debrief about their drive to the cafe ensued.

Through The Sahyadri Hills: Kolad to Shree Krupa Farms

Rejuvenated, the convoy resumed its journey. At Poladpur, the convoy turned off NH66 and onto the Poladpur Ghat, a narrow winding road adored by enthusiasts for its hairpin turns and scenic vistas. Once on the climb, the TSI-powered VWs came into their own as the Taiguns and Virtuses took on the challenging terrain with poise. The lush greenery, mist-covered peaks and occasional glimpses of cascading waterfalls made this stretch a visual treat. The hills were alive with the sight of the VWs coasting through the curves, delighting the participants and locals alike.

The destination was Shree Krupa Farms, a charming strawberry plantation in Mahabaleshwar. Upon arrival, the participants were greeted by the farm’s affable host, who shared the intricacies of strawberry cultivation. Armed with baskets, everyone immersed themselves in strawberry plucking, a delightful, hands-on experience that ended with the quintessential Mahabaleshwar treat: fresh strawberries with cream. The sweetness of the berries was matched only by the smiles on the participants’ faces.

An Evening Under the Stars

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the convoy reached Fountain, Mahabaleshwar, a luxurious retreat nestled in the tranquil hills. After checking in and freshening up, the participants gathered for an evening of camaraderie. A warm barbecue and bonfire provided the perfect setting to unwind after the day’s drive. With clear skies above, stargazing became the highlight of the night, offering mesmerising views of the moon and Saturn. For many, it was a rare opportunity to pause and marvel at the wonders of the universe.

The evening concluded with a gala dinner accompanied by live music. A soulful performance provided the soundtrack to a night of laughter, stories and newfound friendships. Hormazd joined the group, regaling everyone with anecdotes from his years in the automotive world, adding a personal touch to the celebrations.

A Scenic Farewell

The following morning, refreshed and re-energised, the participants set out for Harrison’s Folly, an iconic viewpoint that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below. The convoy’s arrival at the viewpoint marked the final chapter of this memorable journey. A photo session captured the camaraderie and spirit of the drive, immortalising the shared experiences that made the trip so special.

As the participants bid farewell and began their return journey to Mumbai, there was a palpable sense of contentment. Over two days, Volkswagen Experiences once again demonstrated that the joy of driving is about more than just the destination. It’s about the journey – the roads travelled, the bonds formed, and the memories created.

For Volkswagen, initiatives like these reinforce the brand’s commitment to fostering a deeper connection between its cars and the people who drive them. The drive to Mahabaleshwar was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the road and everything it stands for. From the scenic coastal stretches and challenging mountain roads to the warm camaraderie of the participants, every aspect of the journey reflected the spirit of Volkswagen Experiences – bringing people together through the sheer joy of driving.

As the convoy disappeared into the epic Mumbai skyline, it left behind a trail of memories and a reminder of why we fell in love with driving in the first place. And for those lucky enough to have been a part of it, this wasn’t just a road trip; it was the trip of a lifetime.