Kerala Facts
* The state of Kerala has a population of 29 million people. Population density is 288 per square mile; by contrast, population density in the entire U.S. is 10 per square mile.
* While Kerala is majority (60%) Hindu, some 6 million Christians and 22 Jews also live there.
* Kerala was the first state in the world to freely elect a communist government (1975).
* More than 90 percent of the population are landowners.
Kerala to Bombay
In the Nepal Himalayas, we crossed rice field areas on some very narrow dirt roads.
Leaving the capital of the state of Kerala, we're plunged into a world of blues and greens. On our left, the Arabian Sea; on our right, the backwaters, those immense lakes and lagoons for which Kerala is renowned; below us, the floods caused by the monsoon; all around us, a sea of emerald. Forests of coconut and palm trees stretch out as far as the eye can see. Vast rice fields, a luminous green, complete the color palette. We feel as though our car has been transformed into a cruise ship.
The surrounding landscape reminds us of the Amazon rainforest, or even Venice-with cathedrals of vegetation in the place of Renaissance palaces. In the village of Allapuzha, a crowd has formed along the canals. It's the day of the "Nehru Cup," a snake-boat race which takes place on an immense lagoon. Each boat in this event holds up to 100 rowers.
Further to the north, in the former capital of the state of Goa, a Portuguese colony up until 1961, we discover dozens of cathedrals and basilicas. We almost forget that we're in India. In the historic center of Panaji, the present capital city, an elderly Portuguese-speaking lady tells us about the local traditions: "Here we don't celebrate Shiva or Ganesh, but Christmas or carnival instead!"
Three adjectives are all we need to describe our first impressions of Bombay: immense, rich, and dirty. The suburbs of this vast city seem to go on and on forever. We stop off at Chowpatty, a massive beach lined with concrete tower blocks. The British architecture surprises us here, perhaps more than in Delhi or Calcutta. Surrounded by buildings with names such as "Victoria Terminus" and "Church Gate," we could be in London. The next stage in our journey will also have a decidedly British flavor. But this time, we'll be in Southeast Asia. We're off next to Singapore.
About the Scenic RX4
Sold throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia, the Renault RX4 uses a 136hp 2.0L 16-valve I-4 and five-speed manual transmission. The RX4's 4WD system is similar to the "full-time variable" systems we've seen recently on vehicles such as the Honda Ridgeline and Kia Sportage. Nominally a front-wheel drive, it uses wheelspeed sensors on the front wheels and a viscous coupling device in the rear to transfer torque as needed between axle ends. Suspension is independent in front, with a four-link in the back, and ground clearance is 8.2 inches. Rolling stock is comprised of 16x6.5 rims and 215/60R16 Michelin Synchrone tires.
Very few modifications were made to the authors' RX4, for reasons of practicability and cost. Renault Sport (Renault's racing division) provided a centrifugal air cleaner, developed by Renault for its rally cars, to assist with intake chores. The suspension was beefed with heavier-duty shocks. The exhaust was rerouted higher beneath the vehicle to allow for better clearance during water crossings. Due to heat-transfer concerns, the exhaust was covered with material to isolate heat, and plates were also placed in between the tailpipe and the underbody.
Engine and vehicle protection are provided by an underbody skidplate, made by Orbisoud, and bull bars made by TCA. Front and rear grilles were installed to protect the off-road driving lights. A heavier-duty battery was installed in the engine compartment, while another was added to the rear cargo bay to help run the crew's digital camera, video, and laptop computer, which monitors engine vitals. On the roof is a large roof pod that's packed with 440 pounds' worth of parts, spares, tools, a hand winch, and cable.
-Douglas McColloch
(Thanks to Megan Son)