CALL OF THE VWILD

Discovering an unexplored side of Rajasthan in the Volkswagen Tiguan

- SANEET DSILVA

We’ve all heard the adage “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Of course, it was never meant to only refer to actual books, but literally anything. That said, I feel it also holds true for Rajasthan. Doesn’t mention of the state bring to mind royal palaces, a local singing Padhaaro Mhaare Des, sand dunes and the sweltering hot summers? Petrolheads like us will also wax eloquent about the state’s arrow straight highways and smooth tarmac. But there also exists a different side to Rajasthan. One that not many know about, where human beings co-exist with one of the formidable creatures on the planet – the leopard.

This piece of oasis I am referring to is a tiny village called Bera, near the Jawai dam. A few weeks back when I was invited to the Tiguan Experience Day, I got a chance to drive the full-sized premium SUV on what was a purpose-built off-roading course. And that had me thinking – how would the Tiguan fare in a real world ‘off-road course’ where I’m also trying to spot ‘Mr Spots’.

Then there’s the fact that compared to other big cats like the tiger, lion, Jaguar and also the cheetah, the leopard has a smaller and more athletic build which endows it with greater agility. Just like the Tiguan!