“The Mahindra Great Escape was an absolutely exhilarating experience! The drive was a testament to the capability of the Mahindra vehicles when put to the test, while the well thought out track only added to the challenge. The experience of driving and actually working with the vehicle was simply thrilling!” said Claire Tynan, COO of TMI Pacific, Mahindra’s distributor in Australia who drove a 4WD Scorpio through the desert.

The Scorpio, built on the same platform as the Mahindra Pik-Up, which was launched in Australia last year, was among six other Mahindra models that took part in the adventure. True to tradition, this year’s Mahindra National Great Escape was full of thrills as the daunting terrain, comprising of miles of desert sand, tested the courage of both man and machine.

“With its undulating sand dunes and exciting route, the Rajasthan Great Escape was an off roader’s delight and this year’s drive gave participants a good idea of exactly what Mahindra vehicles are capable of when put to the test. This year, the vehicle line-up included the Mahindra Classic, Legend and Major as well as some of their latest vehicles such as the Scorpio, Getaway/Pik-Up and Bolero, which proved themselves admirably in the harshest of conditions,” said Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

This year, the route covered sand dunes, rocky patches, steep inclines and sheer drops. First initiated in 1996, the Mahindra Great Escape is a non-competitive, off-road rally which is meant to encourage Mahindra customers, other stakeholders and media, to test the strength of their vehicles on challenging terrain. Mahindra vehicles are known for their rugged and reliable nature, and can typically be driven over the roughest of surfaces. The Great Escape serves as a platform to highlight this incredible ability.

Aside from the National Great Escape held in Rajasthan every year, Mahindra also conducts a series of regional Great Escapes in various parts of India. Over the years, the Great Escape has been held in diverse locations across the country including Madhya Pradesh, Silvassa in Daman and Shahapur in Maharashtra. In Rajasthan itself the event has been held in locations near Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Osia, Manwar and Jaipur.

Mandawa, where this year’s Great Escape took place, is situated near the administrative district of Jhunjunu in the Shekhawati district of Rajasthan and is noted for its majestic medieval fort. This district is known for its brave Rajputs and their heroism which makes it an apt setting for a test of endurance and skill like the Great Escape.