Revving up in the hills of Munnar

Testing the capabilities of a driver can be a tiresome affair, but it turned out to be a thrilling experience for the 47 participants in the Great Escape, a rally held along the hill tracts of Munnar on Saturday.

The uneven terrain in the midst of the woods was a challenge to the racers. The mist-clad hills and the endless green tea plantations provided a perfect backdrop to the rally. The event was flagged off at the Club Mahindra Resort at Chinnakanal. The vehicles zoomed past the green hills beneath the clouded, morning sky. The 63-km route passed through Moolathura village, Poopara, Santhanpara and Gloria farm. As the rally progressed, there were hurdles galore, but that was the path to adventure and glory as the participants found out towards the end.

It is not merely the condition of the road that prevents a smooth journey. The skill of the driver and the vehicle’s capability are decisive factors too. In fact, even on a slushy route on a mountainous terrain, driving can become a smooth affair if the person at the wheel is skilled. Of course, the automobile should be a top performer too.The villagers cheered on the convoy at various junctions.It was the 39th event of its kind.

The event was held in Munnar for the first time. Previous rallies in the Great Escape series were held in places such as Coorg in Karnataka, Shahpur in Maharashtra and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.