The meal was great but what proved to be even more satisfying was the setting. We were able to see the Terranos parked out in the middle of the field right next to a tractor. The cool afternoon breeze worked as a lullaby as most of us were lying flat on the charpais after filling ourselves to the brim with the excellent food. I just did not feel like leaving, but it was time to take the Terrano and head out of the fields towards the temple town of Jammu.
Once we got out of the fields we were on the excellent NH 1A. This section of the highway has four lanes, is a well-surfaced patch of tarmac where the Terrano finally got a chance to stretch its legs. The SUV performed exceptionally well on the narrow country roads and on the highway; it felt solid like a train. It was comfortable and rock-solid on the highway at cruising speeds.
After covering a good 100+ km within one-and-a-half hours, we finally reached our destination, Jammu. This religious city is infamous for its traffic as we soon found out. It was dark and the city roads were dimly lit. However, the traffic put on a spectacular light show, which dazzled our eyes every now and then. I don’t understand the obsession that people of India have with driving with the beam on.
Soon we were at the famous Amar Niwas Palace hotel, which for some strange reason was not lit properly at all. However, the following morning the Amar Niwas Museum building, which was once the palace of the maharaja, was a spectacular sight thanks to the bright sun that had elaborated the glory of this majestic monument.
This Son of the Soil experience had a very humble beginning with most of us praying at the Golden Temple and then offering our respects at Jallianwala Bagh. It all ended on a high note with us witnessing the majestic Amar Niwas palace in all its glory. A brilliant concept that was well executed and the companionship of the Nissan Terrano was an added bonus for most of us. I only wish this trip had lasted a bit longer than it did. Anyway, I am looking forward to more such initiatives by Nissan in the future.
