Traveling by road in India is an adventure in itself, but during the long haul, the severe scarcity of clean and safe public restrooms serves as a major hindrance to travelers. Be it solo travel or family travel, access to restrooms during long journeys becomes a dire need. It is not just a matter of physical comfort; having the ability to stop and use the restroom is a big factor in making the journey more pleasant and safe.
The condition and hygiene standards of public toilet differ from one highway halt to another. Some were pristine and modern in an almost state-of-the-art fashion, while others were filthy beyond description. In the next few paragraphs, we shall discuss how to find sanitary restrooms during highway journeys so that your journey is comfortable.
Make Up Your Mind About Restrooms Before the Journey Starts
While planning any trip, one must count the lavatories present. During long hauls, there could be an endless string of refitting stops; what, however, cannot happen is for your bladder to have a random stop that justified all your restroom needs.
In our times, numerous mobile applications and websites post about highway rest stops and their restroom facilities. One could therefore find out in advance which stops on the intended route are redolently cleaner and probably have more amenities than would other stops. With advanced knowledge of these things, travelers save time, energy, and make the trip more comfortable.
Highway Rest Stops in Vogue with Reviews of Their Restroom Facilities
Some highway rest stops in India uphold impeccable hygiene standards for their restrooms. Murthal on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway is much often discussed regarding the restrooms. They remain pristine for the longest time, and amenities such as water, soap, and toilet putty are available for cash-paying travelers.
As a great equal opportunity restroom despoiler, it lets one down with clean ones at its stops in Lonavala on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Satara on the Pune-Bangalore Highway, and Krishnagiri on the Chennai-Bangalore Highway. Luckily this minor drawback gets countered by lots of good places to eat and drink and clean restrooms.
The Need for Clean Restrooms
Cleanliness in restrooms whilst traveling comes across as simply a matter of convenience; it extends into the area of health and safety. Dirty restrooms could aid in the spreading of bacteria or infections; therefore, while on the road, it is very important to look for restrooms that are clean and maintained.
Clean restrooms go a long way in boosting one’s confidence and comfort. After all, they give somewhat of a break from a long drive to relieve exhaustion and ensure safe continuation of the journey.
Technological Way of Finding Restrooms
The advancement of technology in today’s world has made it much easier to locate clean restrooms during a highway journey. Nowadays, numerous apps provide information on rest stops and highway restrooms, including Google Maps, Toilet Finder, iOverlander, among others. These applications include ratings and reviews from other travelers to assist you in choosing clean, safe, and conveniently located restroom options.
Certain digital maps and information boards have also been installed by some state governments and national highway authorities, aiding efforts to ensure cleanliness along highways. Thus, it becomes really easy to find safe and clean lavatories using these sources.
Essential Traveling Tips
When you are traveling alone, keep a few tips in mind to maximize the advantages of clean restrooms. The first one is to always stop at highly rated and regularly maintained restrooms; if it is extraordinarily dirty, you should ideally go for the next one.
Next, always wash your hands with soap and water. After using the toilet, washing your hands will help avoid any infections or diseases. It is greatly recommended for all travelers to keep tissues and hand disinfectant for emergency needs.
Specific Precautions for Family and Kids
In family travel, restrooms gain even more importance in terms of cleanliness and safety. Avoid letting the children wander around dirty corners and ensure the use of clean, safe restrooms.
Some highway rest stops comprise specific restrooms and rest areas for children. In other words, getting down at such stops implies tremendous entertainment and relatively less stress.
Rest Stops with Local Flavor
Conditions in highway rest stops in India vary from state to state. North Indian highway stops on the Delhi-Jaipur and Mumbai-Dehradun highways provide marvelous modern facilities. In South India, stops on the Chennai-Bangalore and Bengaluru-Hyderabad highways are well equipped with clean bathrooms.
Recommended by road trippers in West India, the stops on the Mumbai-Pune and Ahmedabad-Surat highways are clean, along with food, drinks, and snacking options.
Government Initiatives Towards Clean Toilets
The Indian Government has recently gone overboard with measures to maintain cleanliness along the highways. Toilet clearances and maintenance were mandated under the “Swachh Bharat Mission”, implemented by the National Highways Authority of India. Digital monitoring and assessment systems have also been established at many of these stops to furnish important information to travelers as to which stops are actually safe and clean.
At these stops, solar power, water filters, and many consigned facilities were put to use. All these efforts are to increase good and safe experiences for the common traveler. These measures are designed to provide relief.
Conclusion
Identifying clean public restrooms during highway travel is crucial to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey. Technology, apps, and government initiatives have made this task easier for travelers.
When planning your trip, consider the availability of restrooms, choose clean stops, and prioritize health and safety. Whether traveling with a family or alone, these precautions will make your trip comfortable and memorable. The next time you travel on a highway, follow these tips and enjoy the journey.
