Kashmir To Kanyakumari “ INDIA is ONE “ - A Bharat Biking Diary
- Major (Retd) Haseena PM
We salute the brave soldiers of the ” Indian Army” , who guard our Mother India, Dare to face the unknown , ......Beyond commitments …….. Beyond time ……. Beyond life…..
Bundles of acclaims to the Border Road Organization (BRO) , having laid way into the heaven on earth…. Beyond our imagination …….. much Beyond…..
Our heartfelt thanking to our dear friends for their good wishes and prayers ……. a strength to move on …. and on…..
Love to our dear mom, …… the pillar to lean on …… the halo that brightens the dark ……
Hug to my 13yr old son , Umnu , who stayed back and managed in my absence , ..... a cool support……. a cool confidence……..
Our soulful thanking to God, for having chosen us to live our blessed destiny ….. a gift ….. her gift……
All of them helped us to make it happen !!!!
An Introduction
1. A biking dream built brick by brick for years together ……… accomplished ! ..…. Purpose ? …..none, .....but ….. ….. A True Desire……. A True Faith ……. A True Destiny…….
2. Gist -
a) Our team - Foursome siblings from Cannanore, Kerala
*Dr Azeem, aged 42 yrs ( Male )
*Major (Retd) Haseena, aged 40 yrs ( Female )
*Jamshed Rushdie , B Tech, aged 25 yrs ( Male )
*Zamrud Wajdi, B Tech, aged 23 yrs ( Male )
b) Our Bikes - Royal Enfield, Bullets:
* KL 13A 4335, 1993 model
* KL 07 AC 7463, 2003 model
c) Our emergency technician - Zamrud
d) Span of trip - 27 Jun to 27 Jul ‘10
e) Distance biked - 6000 Kms (approx), in 21 days
f) Max height touched - 18380 ft high, Khardungla pass, the world’s highest motorable
road
g) Compulsory kit - Medicines, Winter clothing, balaclava, gloves, socks, rain
capes, Polythene sheets/bags, shoes, Tool kit, petrol cans,
Engine oil, maps, torch, lighter, candles, scissor, knife, Air
pump, Goggles, camera with extra memory cards, tissue
paper, dry eatables, water.
h) Fuel expense - Rs. 20500/- (approx)
j) Total Expense - Rs. 1 lac (approx)
k) Our biking route - Kashmir to Kanyakumari , across 2 Union territories & 10 states
* 30 Jun 10 - Delhi to Chandigarh , 265 Kms approx, NH 1 & 22
* 01 Jul 10 - Chandigarh to Pandoh(HP), via shimla, 210 Kms approx, NH 22 & 21
* 02 Jul 10 - Pandoh to Koksar (HP), via Kullu –Manali , 160 Kms approx, NH 21
* 03 Jul 10 - Koksar to Sarchu (HP),170 Kms approx, NH 21
* 04 Jul 10 - Sarchu to Leh (J&K), 285 Kms approx, NH 21
* 06 Jul 10 - Leh to Khardungla (J&K) and back, 90 Kms
* 11 Jul 10 - Leh to Kargil (J&K), 270 Kms approx, NH 1D
* 12 Jul 10 - Kargil to Srinagar (J&K) , via Drass, 220 Kms approx, NH 1D
* 13 Jul 10 - Srinagar to Udhumpur (J&K), 250 Kms approx, NH 1A
* 14 Jul 10 - Udhumpur to Jalandhar (Punjab), 275 Kms approx, NH 1A, 15 & 1A
* 15 Jul 10 - Jalandhar to Delhi, 400 Kms approx, NH 1
* 18 Jul 10 - Delhi to Jaipur (Rajasthan), 270 Kms approx, NH 8
* 19 Jul 10 - Jaipur to Udaipur (Rajasthan) ,380 Kms approx, NH 8, 79 & 76
* 20 Jul 10 - Udaipur to Vadodara (Gujarat), 370 Kms approx, NH 8
* 21 Jul 10 - Vadodara to Vani (Maharashtra), 270 Kms approx, NH 8 & 6
* 22 Jul 10 - Vani to Pune (Maharashtra) via Nashik & Shirdi, 345 Kms approx , NH 50
* 23 Jul 10 - Pune to Goa, 520 Kms approx, NH 4 & 17
* 24 Jul 10 - Goa to Kannur (Kerala), 600 Kms approx, NH 17
* 25 Jul 10 - Kannur to Kochi (Kerala ), 300 Kms approx, NH 17
* 26 Jul 10 - Kochi to Trivandrum (Kerala), 220 Kms approx, NH 47
* 27 Jul 10 - Trivandrum to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) , 90 Kms approx, NH 47
l) Route Circuit
* Circuit I - Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali-Sarchu - Leh
* Circuit II - Leh – Kargil – Srinagar – Udhumpur - Jalandhar - Delhi
* Circuit II - Leh – Kargil – Srinagar – Udhumpur - Jalandhar - Delhi
* Circuit III - Delhi – Jaipur – Vadodara – Pune – Goa – Kannur - Kochi - Trivandrum- Kanyakumari
Planning and preparations
3. Seeds of desire was sown way back in 1995! In 2005 a Kashmir to Kannur biking though was shaping up , soon got aborted as the team could not get together.
4. This time , it was decided ….. whoever can make it can have it…… thus started taking shape in Dec 2009.
5. Tentative date was fixed …. re fixed…… re re fixed ……. and finally…… 26 Jun 2010 ….. this was indeed final…… !
6. We had one bike and rented the 2nd .
7. Charted out our itinerary . Night stays , most of it arranged at Army Transit Camps / Mess .
8. Both bikes tested and done up for our long awaited “ Bharat Biking”. Zamrud had a brief capsule of bullet mechanix under our mechanic Sri Babu, Cannanore. This was indeed a vital confidence booster for a month long journey ahead.
9. Both bikes were to be parceled to Delhi on 24 Jun , but for want of certain documents of 2nd bike , only bike-1 was put on train on 24 Jun. Left with no option but to carry bike-2 along on our train on 26 Jun, 1600hrs .
Man proposes.... God disposes….
10. The D Day….. 26 Jun , all set for the start …. bike- 2 packed, ready on the platform for loading……
11. At around 1530 hrs , the railway announcement in the station says the train being diverted due to landslide on Konkan route !!!! Our reaction …….????? …….now what? Our accommodations and else arrangements, all done as per the 26 Jun schedule…… Next train ? …… tickets? …..when? ……how? ….. the passengers at Cannanore station remonstrated in vain…… ! Well, through some known source managed reserved berths on same train on 27 Jun …… we could only thank our stars!
12. Back home, … not too sure if the train would run on normal route….. though we had a mind to board the train from the junction station, but , since the bike was already booked the authorities would not now cancel, but would load it in the next train crossing the station! …. So , decided to board the train at Cannanore itself!
Will it happen on 27 Jun?
13. On 27 Jun, we have been constantly checking on the status of train. According to information centre, train would run along the normal route as the landslide has been cleared . Keeping our fingers crossed , reached the station well on time… had a look at the bike …. all set …… train arriving on time ! …….train entered the platform….. we grinned with a sigh of relief…… a moment of thankfulness…… all of us!
14. Zamrud and me helped the loaders to position our bike safe in the break van, and rushed to our reserved compartments…… we hugged mom turn by turn with a mixed feeling…… . Train moved ….. slowly out of platform …….. and left the station …….. , first step to fulfillment ? ……our minds pregnant with prayers……. train crossed stations after stations…. On time…… it was all joy…, discussing our plans…. Do’s and dont’s…… sharing tips …..joking on and advising each other……!
15. Reached Mangalore , around 2000 hrs , about 3 and a half hrs from our home town. Train halted….. for little more time……. Xtra time……. Unreasonably longer time…….. it was not crossing delay …… was something more than that…….. yes another landslide !!!!!! We were thunder struck…… now what ? …… our bike?
16. Around 2230 hrs ….. there comes the announcement, …….due to landslide the train being re routed via Mysore……. A much unexpected relief, ….. a hope to continue …..
17. The announcement repeated , at intervals….. we had our home packed food, it tasted extra nice…..!
18. At around 2330hrs passengers started pulling down the berth to sleep, …. and so did we , with quite a confidence that train would soon move forward…
Looks like an Angel was deputed to be with us!
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| ( me , Jammy & Zammy ) |
19. It was around 0200 hrs, 28 Jun, we could hear passengers talking and discussing ……. We got up to see the train still on the platform……. another talk….. train not going further….. oh God….. our minds went blank…. for a moment unable to think……
20. Soon came the railway announcement that the passengers of this up train being transported by road to Surathkal, about 30 Kms further, to board the down train halted at Surathkal, as the landslide happened between Mangalore and Surathkal. Railway arranged buses for transportation of all passengers, …….. it was all a big chaos ! …..this operation would have been more than welcome to us had we have to carry only our bags, ….. but for us our bike in the break van was also to be carried with us!
21. We met the parcel service staff for release of our bike, ….but they would only load it in the next train crossing the station ! ….. when would that be ?
22. We again requested our bike be released and be allowed to load on the same train waiting at Surathkal. Having understood the situation we are in, we were guided to the Station Manager , Sri Neliath Chandran….we thank him and his team from bottom of our heart , who personally was facilitating the shifting of passengers ….. his generous , helpful and dedicated approach to his duty .He granted permission to release our bike immediately and made necessary endorsement in the documents for re loading of the bike in the train waiting at Surathkal.
23. Our hopes well in tact…….. things seems to be falling in the slot. Got our bike out of the platform. We have to now drive the bike till Surathkal…… petrol tank empty! ….. Azeem & Rushdie went to fetch petrol…. Soon they realized that due to a murder happened in the town last evening all petrol pumps remained closed! …… again the time was playing? Well, Azeem and Rushdie with some made up stories managed to convince an employee of a fuel station as far as 12 Kms away!
24. Not boarding the bus provided by the Railway, we hired an auto to Surathkal and Azeem & Zamrud followed on bike……. it was raining….. time was around 0300 hrs. Auto driver seemed to be unstable …… the auto did not miss a single pothole, ……. and badly dived into one . Auto came to a halt!.....God! ……… yes our Angel in charge now took over the situation……. Auto started and moved on. All of a sudden the driver took a right turn,……. A speed bus from behind just missed us …. and we missed a few heart beats …… that was a hairline escape! Soon again he had almost rammed on to a scooter !.....another narrow escape! …….finally there we are, Surathkal…. we jumped out of the auto alive! Thanks to God.
A life saved!
25. At Surathkal station , the train was on the platform, same operation of shifting passengers to the train waiting at Mangalore……. major chaos! Without wasting a second , we met the railway authorities with the documents for loading our bike! ……plain refusal ! …… we were lost for few seconds…., soon regained our will and confidence . With great efforts we could sink into his mind our state. They would say that the break van was full and sealed , and hence cannot open it. …..our Angel started working on him…… he agreed to take us to the break van.
26. He showed us the sealed door of the break van . We just stood beside him quietly and helplessly , as we were short of words and expression to convince him anymore! …. Felt it all had to end there……., …….No a BIG NO! …….a man from inside the break van started banging on the door shouting “ saab darwaaza kholo…….. , darwaaza kholo…..” (sir please open the door)! Oh good gracious! …was he put inside for our sake , we thought ! ……but ,more than that, may be this was all about a step towards saving of a life ! …….. the angel work!
27. Immediately the staff broke open the seal and opened the door……. The man jumped out and just vanished to breath his life …… into the dark …… just like a cat pulled out of the well after days together , ran for life! He seemed to have got locked in the van.
28. “…….Does God follow each one of us so closely ?” … was the question in my mind….. what a miracle ! A destiny Unbelievable!
Moving forward…..
29. We slowly peeped inside the break van……. It was all empty! The staff permitted us to load our bike….. ! …… our feelings ineffable……. our happiness saw no bound…….. we gleamed……..
30. Our bike and we intact. …… train left Surathkal at 0830 hrs on 28 Jun……. late by almost 14 hrs…… we were behind our schedule by almost 38 hrs.!
31. Albeit, our great journey continued ……
A disaster averted !
 |
| ( Jammy , me , Azee & Zammy ) |
32. Had breakfast…… had lunch…….. while train sped its way through ……. to catch up on all possible seconds of time…..
33. At around 1500 hrs, train stopped at Ankola, which was not a scheduled stop , along the track away from the platform. By now we have become “ halt phobic” ! ….unscheduled halt…. ….surely a problem!
34. We got curious….. we came to know that a disaster was averted by timely attention by rail staff! ……one of the wheels of the break van got stuck which went unnoticed and due to running of the train the stuck wheel got worn off …… Thank God we are safe…. another miracle!
35. The break van is being detached. This did not matter to anybody but indeed a major worry for us, as our bike is in break van ! ….another test of our will ?
36. Zamrud rushed to the engineers at location. The break van in the front was getting detached and left behind. ….Our bike? ……another remotely controlled act of our angel …….. our bike is in the break van in the rear…… to continue the running ! Miraculously unbelievable……
37. Does this all indicate to something? …..multiple of thoughts crossed our minds……. A challenging mental acclimatization for our onward journey, we realized! It was all about facing the unexpected …… to any extend…..
On Bike….on Road
38. Reached Hazrat Nizamuddin , Delhi, at 0600 hrs on 30 Jun, …..behind schedule by almost 38 hrs. Got our bikes released …… stepped on bikes….. hit a hi five to each other ….. josh in each one of us saw its acme…. the thrill……. the anxiety…… the excitement……. We experienced the whole gamut of joy after a humpy bumpy start!
39. Azeem kicked off KL 13 A 4335, with Rushdie riding pillion and Zamrud kicked off KL 07 AC 7463 with me riding pillion.
40. Our biking clock started ticking…… in our hearts…… minds….. and blood….. to feel it within ….. all through life….. forever…….!
41. We reached the transit camp, where our accommodation was arranged. On reaching there, as expected , as our schedule got shifted our booking got cancelled , though , got to check in for few hours . ….a quick fresh up …..had chilled mango drink “ Slice”, which was peculiarly refreshing to us …… then on “ chilled Slice “ became our biking drink , …..our fuelling drink!
42. We moved out. Got bikes fitted with carrier and other ancillary accessories for onward riding….. collected tool kit….. and a final fitness checks of bikes. Our bags and kits distributed and neatly tied up on the carriers ….. all secured.
43. Our bikes zealous …… ready to conquer everything that came on the way…….. as much as us……
Day…. By….. Day…..
Day…. By….. Day…..
44. 30 Jun 10:
· Time - 1400 hrs
· At - Delhi
· Destination - Chandigarh
· Route - Delhi - Panipat – Kurukshetra – Ambala – Chandigarh
· Distance - 265 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs. 1300/- (Delhi); Rs. 530/- (Ambala)
· Road - Excellent; heavy traffic
· Weather - Drizzling ; warm
a) We started off …. into the biking circuit !
b)Had brief breaks , …… relaxed on charpaii having tender coconut along side the road at around 1500 hrs, …..had lunch at a dhaba at around 1600 hrs, ..steaming hot rice , dal and tandoori chicken and topped up with chilled slice! At Ambala , had a break at the fuel station at around 2130 hrs, had cold milk and relaxed for a while on charpai.
c) At about 2300 hrs, reached Chandigarh, Sianik Bhavan , …..went into deep slumber after a good refreshing wash.
45. 01 Jul 10 :
45. 01 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0830 hrs
· At - Chandigarh
· Destination - Manali (HP)
· Route - Chandigarh – Panchkula – Kalka – Shimla – Bilaspur – Manali – Pandoh – Kullu
- Manali
· Distance - 210 Km , Approx (upto Pandoh)
· Fuel - Rs. 1300/- (Chandigarh)
· Road - Good
· Weather - Raining ; cool ; colder
a) Had breakfast at Sainik Bhavan , ….. hot hot aloo parantha and omelet. Did a bit of essential purchase , bought xtra memory cards for the camera and refueled the bikes and moved on.
b) Bike-1 showed signs of break problem, ….. got rectified at Panchkula and left Panchkula at around 1200 hrs. We are now getting to face such hitches in capsules ….. , getting tuned to cross all hurdles !
c) Had a coffee break at Café Coffe Day , on our way up to Shimla. At around 1600 hrs, had lunch at a dhaba in Shimla, ……hot rice , dal, aloo palak sabzi and tawa hot omelet, ….. yum yum yummm…… moved on. Since we were running late, at around 2230 hrs we could only reach Pandoh, and our destination of the day , Manali, was another 3 hrs ! Even the thought to go further tired us , so decided to stay put at Pandoh Camp, ….had a nice hot water wash and just hit the bed !
46. 02 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0600 hrs
· At - Pandoh (HP)
· Destination - Sarchu (HP)
· Route - Pandoh – Kullu – Manali – Rohtang la – Koksar – Tandi – Keylong – Darcha –
Patsio – Zing Zing Bar – Baralachala la - Sarchu
· Distance - 160 Km , Approx (upto Koksar)
· Fuel - Rs. 1300/- (Mandi)
· Road - Good upto Mandi; thereafter difficult terrain
· Weather - Very cold
a) We left Pandoh at 0600 hrs. We had to make up for the previous day short coverage and reach our destination of the day, Sarchu (… but now looking back , I admit that the destinations we set were not easy to achieve!). Quite very confident !
a) We left Pandoh at 0600 hrs. We had to make up for the previous day short coverage and reach our destination of the day, Sarchu (… but now looking back , I admit that the destinations we set were not easy to achieve!). Quite very confident !
b) Had breakfast at Kullu , at around 0730 hrs, …. Hot aloo parantha , tandoori roti, dal and achar…… a real treat, ….we expressed in same tone! Moved on…. , picked up few packets of garden fresh, juicy plums and apricots at Manali check post, they were awesome! …… to have such plums ever again , will have to revisit Manali check post ……. believe me !
c) We would soon start climbing the Himalyan Foothills. This road is open only during this time of the year for 2 – 3 months, rest of the year it all remains closed with high snow! Since it is going to be a difficult terrain ahead , we got our bikes checked by Sri Karma, a mechanic just before entering into Manali town. He himself was a biker , having biked across the length and breadth of India!
d) Climbing up the “ pile of dead bodies” ! Yes, Rohtang means “ a pile of dead bodies” . Our climb started at around 1300 hrs. Had coffee at the base ….. felt the snow around… saw the para gliding activities of the tourists …… photographed and set off ……. On to Rohtang pass!
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| ( Zammy , me , Jammy & Azee ) |
e) Terribly difficult terrain….. untamed ….. kaccha tracks… narrow ,just enough for one way traffic……. Negotiating sharp , steep , slushy , narrow curves and bends with deep gorges….. we moved on …… my mind kept chanting “ oh God, oh God , oh God…….” Which at times came out in loud words!
f) At certain slopes, our bikes , probably due to overloading with pillion and baggage, would give up. The pillion rider would then step down and give a push !
g) A few bikers and biking teams , both foreigners and Indians , could be spotted. Most of all single riders on Royal Enfield , expressed the bulletian spirit with a thumbs up while we crossed each other , a zest and a proud enthusiasm of the climb!
h) We are riding deeper and deeper into the snow covered , white mountains, which few hours back stood along the skyline! The pristine nature….. at its best …… beauty ineffable ……. even camera failed to capture ….. but our eyes and mind have it all….. never to be erased !
i) Our phones were now in the out of coverage mode, incommunicado till we reached Leh , with a brief few minutes activation while we crossed Keylong.
j) After crossing Rohtang, had lunch break at around 1600 hrs , at a home hotel, …….. rice , dal and piping hot mutton curry, …… sitting atop a mountain , …… a lifetime lingering taste !
k) At around 1830 hrs , at Koksar , inhabited with A FEW people on finger counts staying in temporary shelters along a stretch of few meters, who come during this time of the year for 3-4 months for trading, after which they leave the place as it all gets covered with 15 to 20 feet of snow for rest of the year!
l) Here, right in front of the Camp , the Bike – 2 clutch wire gave up! …We all appreciated the loyalty of the bike for having chosen a place with some help if required! Zamrud got into action and fixed it , but the bike -1 chord which tied the tool kit got entangled with the chain very badly. Though managed to pull it out the bike for sure wanted a check by an expert mechanic. It was getting darker , ..... we are still way behind our destination.
m) We started off for our destination ……. the place were all isolated …….. though we all had strong apprehensions to go ahead , half minded we moved on . After a few kilometers we happened to cross a BRO truck , …..when asked they advised us not to go ahead during this time as there are no inhabitants or place to stay for long kilometers ahead and dicey unpredictable “pagal nullahs “ cutting across the roads quite often may get flooded at an unexpected rate ! We decided to retrace our road to Koksar camp and to our good luck a mechanic help was available at Koksar and in the camp.
m) We started off for our destination ……. the place were all isolated …….. though we all had strong apprehensions to go ahead , half minded we moved on . After a few kilometers we happened to cross a BRO truck , …..when asked they advised us not to go ahead during this time as there are no inhabitants or place to stay for long kilometers ahead and dicey unpredictable “pagal nullahs “ cutting across the roads quite often may get flooded at an unexpected rate ! We decided to retrace our road to Koksar camp and to our good luck a mechanic help was available at Koksar and in the camp.
n) A thought that crossed our minds ! Truly our angel acted ! ………bike completed the Rohtang pass and the bike clutch had to give up at Koksar habitat with a camp to stay and a mechanic to attend …… if something went wrong short of or ahead of this place , no support would have been available, …….would have been left shelter less in that deadening freezing cold! Though we moved ahead , …..in the dark , …….with not fully conditioned bikes, and ignorant of the deadly danger ahead, ……..had to come across a BRO truck, only vehicle at that point of time in that whole isolated place, and pressed us back to the safe shelter ! Oh god, we felt your guarding !
o) Had a safe and comfortable stay at the camp. The mechanical team assisted for conditioning of bike and also advised Zamrud for making necessary mechanical adjustments for high altitude variation ride .
47. 03 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0800 hrs
· At - Koksar (HP)
· Destination - Sarchu (HP)
· Route - Koksar – Tandi – Keylong – Darcha – Patsio – Zing Zing Bar – Baralachala la -
Sarchu
· Distance - 170 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs. 600/- (Tandi)
· Road - Difficult
· Weather - Very cold
a) Left Koksar, praying that our bikes should run fine and take us to our destination. Due to bad terrain and the load, the carrier of the bike came out and was hanging . This need to be welded , …… but not even a human life around ! ……Helplessly we continued to move on by fastening it in all possible ways.
a) Left Koksar, praying that our bikes should run fine and take us to our destination. Due to bad terrain and the load, the carrier of the bike came out and was hanging . This need to be welded , …… but not even a human life around ! ……Helplessly we continued to move on by fastening it in all possible ways.
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| ( Zammy ) |
b) At Tandi , at around 1130 hrs, we had hot momos…. a taste which would remain….
c) At Keylong at around 1430 hrs , we spotted a welding shop, but since there was no power the carrier could not be welded. Here for a minute or so one of our mobiles caught signal and immediately called up home…. Soon the signal faded and we were out of coverage area again.
d) Moved on and on…… crossed mountains one after another…… crossed pagal nullahs one after the other …….some were deep , even about 3 ft deep…… … some wide…… some had water bed of age old big stones which got smooth and rounded by the flowing water from the melting snow…… freezing cold water…… the chillness of the water hurts…. The chillness pierced into the bones ……. yes it was so painful when felt…. There were instances where it was difficult to cross the wide and deep stony nullahs that too with pillion rider …. A couple of times the pillion rider took lift from four wheeler if one came across ……. Or crossed on foot ……. or even had to push the bike out of the wild nullah….! Zamrud did this a couple of times , though he screamed with pain ….. Crossing pagal nullahs was extremely dreadful!!!!
e) Baralacha La , a close to hell & heaven experience ! Had a tea break just before we climbed up Baralacha la . As we started catching up on altitude, we were getting in the clinches of tiredness slowly….. probably signs of high altitude sickness….. and the piercing cold was killing ……..
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| ( Jammy ) |
c) At Keylong at around 1430 hrs , we spotted a welding shop, but since there was no power the carrier could not be welded. Here for a minute or so one of our mobiles caught signal and immediately called up home…. Soon the signal faded and we were out of coverage area again.
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| ( Azee ) |
d) Moved on and on…… crossed mountains one after another…… crossed pagal nullahs one after the other …….some were deep , even about 3 ft deep…… … some wide…… some had water bed of age old big stones which got smooth and rounded by the flowing water from the melting snow…… freezing cold water…… the chillness of the water hurts…. The chillness pierced into the bones ……. yes it was so painful when felt…. There were instances where it was difficult to cross the wide and deep stony nullahs that too with pillion rider …. A couple of times the pillion rider took lift from four wheeler if one came across ……. Or crossed on foot ……. or even had to push the bike out of the wild nullah….! Zamrud did this a couple of times , though he screamed with pain ….. Crossing pagal nullahs was extremely dreadful!!!!
e) Baralacha La , a close to hell & heaven experience ! Had a tea break just before we climbed up Baralacha la . As we started catching up on altitude, we were getting in the clinches of tiredness slowly….. probably signs of high altitude sickness….. and the piercing cold was killing ……..
It was all an experience …….. an extreme experience…… we sped our way through tracks with snow walls as high as 15 feet of or more on either sides ….. we even feared that the reverberating sound of our bikes would cause avalanche!!!! The cold pierced inside into the bone marrow …….. total numbness …….. but could not resist stopping for a few moments ……. Ran over the boundless snow …… but soon realized that running on the snow over unknown terrain could be dangerous ……. If slipped into unseen crevices !!!! ….. scary to even imagine ! ….. but , the beauty was heavenly …… white and bluish snow lay over kilometers ….. mountains and mountains of it ……
It was around 1700 hrs. It was getting cloudy ….. we prayed we reached Sarchu before it rained ….. if it rained we would be badly trapped and buried amidst the wild white mountains…. and remain preserved ever after! ….. oh God we were riding for life!
We passed across a bowl of lake …… frozen to blue of the sky …… the most exotic nature ever come across ….. perfectly matched my imagination of heaven …… truly…… it was like a peep into heaven!
Felt like we were above the sky , the blue sky with white frothy, wispy clouds…… most beautiful nature my mind and eyes have ever captured …… experience of life ….. every bit of it….. I thanked God for choosing us to be those few blessed ….. having got to come across this heaven on earth!
f) High altitude sickness started showing symptoms, …..severe headache, can feel the fast and hard pulses banging at temples. Blood cells were getting active along the skin surface for want of oxygen, which gave a rouge effect on our cheeks , chin and nose!
g) Reached Sarchu at around 1830 hrs ….. terribly and horribly cold….. freezing cold ….. those pagal nullahs left us partially wet, ……feeling badly sick….. dead tired…… a bad night , just waiting to see the morning …… to get out of this severity of weather and altitude…..
g) Reached Sarchu at around 1830 hrs ….. terribly and horribly cold….. freezing cold ….. those pagal nullahs left us partially wet, ……feeling badly sick….. dead tired…… a bad night , just waiting to see the morning …… to get out of this severity of weather and altitude…..
h) We got inside the camp. The kerosene bukhari in our tent kept us warm for some time, …..but we had to close it before we slept off to avoid any fire mishap, ….. somehow the kerosene started leaking ….. this made everybody feel suffocative…… Azeem, Rushdie and Zamrud shifted to adjacent tent with no heating system , ……I did not have the courage to shift there into the freezer ….. none of us slept that night …. Rushdie and Azeem vomited a few times ….. for sure high altitude sickness……. accelerated by K oil suffocation…… our endurance level was dipping ….. yet did have the will to fight it out ….. !
48. 04 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0730 hrs
· At - Sarchu (HP)
· Destination - Pang (HP) ( but made it upto Leh )
· Route - Sarchu – Gata loops – Nakeela – Lachulang la – Zanskar – Pang
– Morey plains- Taglang la – Rumtse – Upshi – Karu - Leh
· Distance - 285 Km , Approx (upto Leh)
· Fuel - Nil
· Road - Poor
· Weather - Cold
a) Rushdie was badly ill. Before we left the camp visited the medical aid post . Our Oxygen level was examined, which showed a decrease. We were given Dimose and Paracetamol and advised us to have lots of water .
b) Left Sarchu …… that was an escape….. after the previous night ,the hardest…. dead tired we were , though , our minds drove us through ! The charismatic nature…. the Tsarap and the Gata loop sights….. , gave us the strength to endure and enliven , even when our body was falling !
c) A Strange Survival Strength ! By 1230 hrs we reached Pang. All of us badly down, hit the medical aid post . Oxygen level dipped much below the required level …… headache was virtually churning the matter inside the skull , which showed through the direct extension of brain , the eyes… it was all red……, unbearably painful ! All administered with Oxygen ….. A relief , we thought , to rest and recuperate… but the doctor advised us that we were badly hit by high altitude sickness and would be advisable to descend altitude , at the earliest , hence head for Leh , which was comparably at low altitude. Pang was at a very high altitude and staying back in Pang would only further deteriorate our condition. …….We could not imagine to drive in the state we were in … totally drained ……but an uncanny strength powered us , …we decided to reach Leh !
d) At Pang camp , we had a sumptuous lunch , done the carrier welding of the bike, and ….off for Leh ! Crossed the beautiful “Morey plains “ , vast open barren sandy stretch extending over 45 to 50 Kms…. no poles…. No posts….. no roads …. No trees …. Not a single life….. it was all sandy plain…. Till our eyes could see…. We were the only objects ….. depressing , too, may be our minds were weakening probably….an experience of an unbelievable… we left it behind !
e) Slowly we were descending in altitude … our condition improving slowly….. making the best out of our left out energy kept moving ahead…. Tracks improved ….. roads started ….. good roads…. Its been days since we rode on a good smooth road….. we were excited…. Started feeling better …. Some greeneries…… some BRO tents & trucks…… though we had a strong mind to halt at Upshi … the roads turned out to be excellent and gave us confidence and the will to continue…. to catch up Leh , further 80 Kms !
f) At around 1800 hrs, had lime tea at a home hotel, spotted after we left Sarchu, other than the Pang camp. We felt refreshed and geared up to move ahead…. And…. Reached Leh…. By 2100 hrs…..
g) Back on our feet ! With little of strength left …. we hailed the moment ….. rejoiced our entry into Leh ! The Circuit I of our mighty biking completed ! If I had to make a movie on this, the scene at this moment would be of we dancing to the theme song , on the road , with our bikes , till we fall ! I can forever feel this moment…. !
h) Stopped at a telephone booth and called up home… after Manali we were out of communication , except for a minute in Keyalong. We were once again reachable!
i) Finally we reached our accommodation at around 0030 hrs, after a lot of miss and search.
49. 05 Jul 10: In Leh. A morning full of energy and enthusiasm…. All of us fit and fine! Our heartful thanking to the Pang Camp OiC and RMO who advised us to move ahead . We visited Shanti Stupa, Golden Temple and Leh town. Weather was pleasant . Nights were cold.
50. 06 Jul 10: In Leh. Visited Pangong Tsu lake, 2/3 rd of the lake flowing in China, ….another unforgettable picturesque caught in mind! The lake which is bowled by mountains around , reflected all seven colors ! A treat to eyes…. mind ….. and soul…. eternal treat……
50. 06 Jul 10: In Leh. Visited Pangong Tsu lake, 2/3 rd of the lake flowing in China, ….another unforgettable picturesque caught in mind! The lake which is bowled by mountains around , reflected all seven colors ! A treat to eyes…. mind ….. and soul…. eternal treat……
51. 07 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0830 hrs
· At - Leh (Ladakh, J&K)
· Destination - Khardung La & back
· Distance - 85 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs. 800/- at Leh
· Road - Difficult track
· Weather - Extremely cold
a) Wow! Our josh was at peak…. We are off to the peak….. the “ World’s Highest Motorable Road “…. at Khardung La…. 18380 ft high…. Off on wheels…… to conquer….
b) Just before the big climb , had piping hot noodles , a taste my tongue still rolls …. , picked up a few extra gloves . The difficult track …. A Great Challenge ...... A Great Reality for BRO…. took us there…. An accomplishment…. Which “WAS” even far from dreams ….. incredible…. and here we are…. At Kahardung la ….. we did it !
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| ( Zammy , Azee , Jammy & me ) |
c) We were back in Leh by 1830 hrs…. satisfied to the peak !!!! …. theme song plays …. Foursome speeding on wheels…. in slow motion !!!!
52. 08 Jul 10 :
a) Though scheduled stay in Leh was only for a day, which now I would say is inadequate , but our stay in Leh prolonged due to the appalling disturbances and consequential curfew declarations in Srinagar.
b) We were advised that under such serious unrest and indefinite curfew , we don’t proceed to Srinagar , but to retrace back to Delhi via circuit I ….. though taking circuit I back to Delhi was also not possible then as a severe landslide hit the route immediately after we crossed , …. Which was a narrow escape for us …. our Angel with us …… at every step…..
c) Well , even if the circuit I was open , our drive from within was too strong for a compromise…..strong as steel ……. not ready for a give up ….. A step taken forward will move on ….. we decided to stick on to circuit II to Delhi , come what may…. An invincible Will !
d) We had to extend our stay in Leh till the situation in Srinagar improved. However, though Azeem and Rushdie were also to be part of circuit II as well , since they had to resume their jobs by 10 Jul , they had to pull out and fly back home.
53. 09 & 10 Jul 10 : Zamrud and me , at wait in Leh for clearance at Srinagar , during which we explored Leh town, the Tibetian markets spread out in different by-lanes ….. serviced the bikes….. We closely monitored the situation in Srinagar…. the curfew has been lifted on a trial basis , ….. taking advantage of which we decided to leave Leh the very next morning .
54. 11 Jul 10
54. 11 Jul 10
· Time - 0830 hrs
· At - Leh (Ladakh, J&K)
· Destination - Kargil (J&K)
· Route - Leh- Nimu – Lamayuru - Kargil
· Distance - 250 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs.1500/- at Leh
· Road - Mostly being laid, dicey
· Weather - Cold
a) We left Leh town by 0930 hrs, singles on each bike. Stopped at Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and Magnetic Hill. Had packed lunch at a Dhaba with hot Rajma curry, and of course “ slice” , the energizer !
b) Roads were extremely difficult, BRO works in progress , loose metal laid over the track , on which balancing bike was very difficult, …. a couple of times we did lose balance and bike slipped and skid.
c) Crossed Lamayuru and the
c) Crossed Lamayuru and the
beautiful Moon Land. On
nearing Kargil the boards
along the roads read “ you are
within enemy firing range” ,
so we did not turn on the
head light to avoid being
easy target.
within enemy firing range” ,
so we did not turn on the
head light to avoid being
easy target.
d) 1 Hour Blind Folded Ride… We reached Kargil at around 2130 hrs. We learnt that our accommodation was further 20 Kms ahead ! It was pitch dark ….. from the sound of untamed gush of water we knew that the road was running alongside the wild river running deep down …. the sound of the gushing water and the bike engines co reverberated ....... , …… yet merged into the mysterious silence ….. a deafening silence……. no movements ….. lonely and haunted…. a few trucks passed across so unruly …. from which we inferred that the roads were narrow… it took almost an hour to cover that 20 Kms empty stretch….. so unsafe …. so insecure….. so very dangerous …… , ….. but for sure , we were protected ….. our Angel !
55. 12 Jul 10:
· Time - 0700 hrs
· At - Kargil ( J&K)
· Destination - Srinagar (J&K)
· Route - Kargil – Drass –Zozila – Sonamarg – Ganderbal - Srinagar
· Distance - 210 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs./-
· Road - Fair; BRO works in progress
· Weather - Cold
a) Presence of Armed Forces becoming more prominent. ….. crossed Drass, the second coldest inhabited place in the world !
b) We had to enter Zozila pass by 1030 hrs latest , after which the entry will be closed , we could make it just on time ! Crossing Zozila yet another adventure …. the stony and slippery tracks barely enough for one heavy vehicle at a time…… with steep and deadly deep gorges running alongside the track .
c) At Sonamarg, at around 1500 hrs , we had steaming hot noodles , yummeeee , and some biscuits with energizer “ slice” .
d) A Bold and Beautiful entry ! Entered Srinagar at around 1730 hrs… Tension in the area prevailed, which is obvious from the tight security environment. Ganderbal has been one of the sensitive areas. Ride along the Dal lake with chikaras and houseboats was a beautiful one to experience…. Unforgettable !
e) By 1830 hrs, we entered the accommodation complex.
56. 13 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0630 hrs
· At - Srinagar ( Kashmir)
· Destination - Udhumpur (Jammu)
· Route - Srinagar – Awantipura – Anantnag – Ramban – Batot – Udhumpur
· Distance - 250 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs.600/- (Banihal)
· Road - Good, busy traffic
· Weather - Pleasant
a) Out of glitch, … Bravo ! We left the camp along with convoy , with full protection. We had to cross the horrendously disturbed areas like Awantipura and Anantnag , earliest possible. To be within the convoy, we had to keep pace with the convoy which was swift ,…. mostly at 80Km / hr , thus becoming difficult target! Crossing Srinagar and its nearby villages was a major glitch and most critical challenges of our expedition , ….. and we are through ! Our friends , who have had the cognizance of the intensity of the turgid danger , keeping their fingers crossed have been closely tracking us throughout….. we were guided by our Angels….. Thanks to God!
b) Had some orchard fresh fruits at a tea hut at Ramban and the addicted “ chilled slice “ at another dhaba further ahead.
c) Reached Udhumpur by 1500 hrs …… a red letter day !
57. 14 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0900 hrs
· At - Udhumpur ( Jammu)
· Destination - Jalandhar (Punjab)
· Route - Udhumpur – Gurdaspur - Jalandhar
· Distance - 275 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs.1200/- (Gurdaspur)
· Road - Good, heavy traffic
· Weather - Warm
a) Left Udhumpur, after a fortnight of unfazed uncertainty ! …..leaving behind the world of true nature with pristine mountains …. white and green …., turbid rivers racing with time…. aggressively…. With no boundaries….. , and now entered into the urban mechanical world…… all man made …… a compulsion of time !
58. 15 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0630 hrs
· At - Jalandhar (Punjab)
· Destination - Delhi
· Route - Jalandhar – Ambala - Delhi
· Distance - 400 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs.400/-
· Road - Good, heavy traffic
· Weather - Warm
a) By 1600 hrs we reached Delhi.
59. 16 & 17 Jul 10 :
· At - Delhi
· Fuel - Rs. 1500/-
· Weather - Warm
a) Bike no.2 despatched by train on 17 Jul 10. Servicing and complete check up of bike 1 carried out for our onward journey.
b) This break was also much required for replenishment and recuperation.
60. 18 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0600 hrs
· At - Delhi
· Destination - Jaipur (Rajasthan)
· Route - Delhi – Gurgaon – Shahpura - Jaipur
· Distance - 270 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs. 1000/- (Delhi)
· Road - Excellent , heavy traffic
· Weather - Pleasant / rains
a) Left Delhi at 0600 hrs. Had breakfast at a dhaba, ….of course with chilled “ slice”. By 1230 hrs we reached Jaipur.
b) Though we were prepared to traverse a “ torrid “ Rajasthan, to our surprise ride in Rajasthan was the most relaxed and pleasant ride we had !
c) Had hot lunch , relaxed and had a sweet siesta !
d) Weather was exceptionally pleasant…. mild wind …. Cool…. Cloudy …… and it rained!
e) We got the bike horn fixed , which fell off on the way and had a refreshing ride in the pink city!
61. 19 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0700 hrs
· At - Jaipur (Rajasthan)
· Destination - Udaipur (Rajasthan)
· Route - Jaipur – Kishengarh – Bhilwara – Chittaurgarh - Udaipur
· Distance - 380 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs. 800/- (Kishengarh)
· Road - Excellent , heavy traffic
· Weather - Rains
a) Left Jaipur at 0700 hrs , …..mostly raining , had breakfast at a restaurant (for a change not Dhaba). On the way visited Ajmer Dargah.
b) Ride was good …… heavy rain… rode through beautiful green high hills …… and the road condition complemented it all.
c) We reached Udaipur by 1700 hrs. After having settled down in the accommodation we rode around in the city, … the beautiful Lake Palace , all illuminated and the lake reflecting its beauty in full …. and brightened it manifolds….. One can spend hours together across the lake and experience the joy !
62. 20 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0700 hrs
· At - Udaipur (Rajasthan)
· Destination - Baroda (Gujarat)
· Route - Udaipur – Gandhinagar – Anand – Baroda
· Distance - 370 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs. 400/- (Udaipur)
· Road - Good, heavy traffic
· Weather - warm
· Weather - warm
a) Left Udaipur at 0700 hrs. Had brunch , jeera rice, chapathi & dal
with our thirst quencher “ slice”, on entering Gujarat. And not to miss on
the bottled milk at Anand!
with our thirst quencher “ slice”, on entering Gujarat. And not to miss on
the bottled milk at Anand!
b) Reached Baroda at around 1600 hrs. We visited a nearby mall
and watched a movie “ I hate Love stories” !
and watched a movie “ I hate Love stories” !
63. 21 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0700 hrs
· At - Vadodara (Gujarat)
· Destination - Nasik (Maharashtra)
· Route - Vadodara – Navsari - Nasik
· Distance - 260 Km , Approx (upto Vani)
· Fuel - Rs. 800/- (Baroda)
· Road - Fair, heavy traffic
· Weather - Rains
a) Left Baroda…. At around 1430 hrs we stopped to sip a “ slice “ at Saputara, … a hill station. Heavy rain started …. Bike showed signs of starting problem….. could not spot a workshop in the area , so carried on , hoping to find one soon , on the way.
b) At around 1500 hrs , the bike came to a halt ! Zamrud changed the spark plug , but in vain, ….. would not start. Not many vehicles plying …… all field around … no houses…. No shops…. We had no option but to drag the bike for almost more than a kilometer , till we reached a village ….. which had 2-3 small shops ….. a house and a puncture repair shop !
c) Keep Ampere Meter ticking , with Rectifier in good condition ! We were told that the nearest workshop was about 10 Kms away. We sought help of the puncture repair shopkeeper . Though he tried with few kicks to start , nothing happened , bike was still ! Zamrud spoke to our mechanic in Kannur , Sri Babu. He advised could be problem with battery, as the ampere meter did not work ! Due to our ignorance , we did not pay due attention to it, ….which was a sign of faulty rectifier , …… the actual problem,…. due to which battery was not getting charged , …… battery got drained , completely !
d) The puncture repair shopkeeper was extremely helpful to all possible extend. He spoke to a mechanic in the nearest town , Vani , …. He even fetched on his bike the mechanic from the town ….. while it rained heavily….. we shared our stocked petrol with him and a paid a sum of gratuity , though his help was truly priceless ! …..we saw our Angel in him….… strange moments of life’s experiences……
e) The mechanic confirmed that the battery was drained and need to be charged. The battery will have to be taken to town for charging …… and it was hartal ….. the shops remained closed ! …. Taking a chance Zamrud and the mechanic carried the battery on the bike of the puncture repairer …. they managed to get the battery charged partly ….. our Angel played a role , for sure …..
f) They returned with the battery ….. since the rectifier could not be rectified, the battery recharge will not happen ….. but all the charge will be used up ….. . After putting back the battery back Zamrud dropped the mechanic to the town and came back. By now, time was about 2100 hrs ….. raining heavily….. pitch dark…. Since battery is not getting charged the head lights could not be on ….. Nasik was another 50 to 60 Kms further ! with the little charge left in the battery we may be lucky to just make it to Vani ….. without head light…. Thus started off for Vani ….. along the narrow road….. in the pitch dark ….. no houses or shops on the way …. totally isolated …… we even had a mind to return to the puncture shop and spend the night there , …. though it only had roof and four walls with gravel ground, still a haven we thought …. but then moved forward ….. when the trucks passed by we showed up our lighted mobile , so that they could spot some light , for safety … to avoid any mishap ! …. End of it , reached Vani !
g) A Night in search of a shelter ! Vani is a small town ….. all isolated ….. may be of being late …..or being hartal …… we went to a lodge, …. But felt a bit unsafe , so decided to seek assistance of local Police. We went to Police station and explained them the state we are in. We are so very thankful to the Vani Police assistance rendered to us . They helped us reach two other lodges in the town . One was closed and the other , ....... much like an attic......so very unkempt, ..... with fallen hair of dogs all over , ..... even on the bed ..... and the bed-sheet was like " use ....use.... use .... and use .... until be thrown " ! .....no other lodges in the town. So we felt that we rather spend the night in the police station ! But then the Officer offered us their guest house , with due respect to a lady. We reached the guest house …. By then, time was about 2230 hrs…. we then knew we were safe ….. had a good sleep !
h) Again, looking back , the bike trouble could have happened while we crossed the jungle… or in the hills…… or elsewhere unreachable …. , we would have then got terribly and helplessly stuck…. Yes, it was our Angel….. following us ….. guiding us…. sheltering us…….
64. 22 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0800 hrs
· At - Vani (Maharashtra)
· Destination - Pune (Maharashtra)
· Route - Vani – Nasik – Shirdi - Pune
· Distance - 320 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs. 390/- (Vani); 810/- (Nasik)
· Road - Poor, heavy traffic
· Weather - Warm & Sunny
a) We left for Nasik. Could not find any shop for charging the battery. Bike was giving problem…. But miraculously , reached Nasik…. Just at the workshop and bike stopped !
b) Rectifier changed , bike fully checked for overall fitness .
c) By 1030 hrs left Nasik. Reached Shirdi by 1300 hrs. , visited the temple.
d) We were in Pune by 1830 hrs. Had a splendid stay at Pune.
65. 23 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0700 hrs
· At - Pune (Maharashtra)
· Destination - Goa
· Route - Pune – Kolhapur - Goa
· Distance - 510 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs. 1200 /-
· Road - Poor, heavy traffic
· Weather - Heavy rain
a) Left Pune . It was pouring heavily ..... but was
a beautiful ride through the pouring heavy rains!
Had a satisfying brunch while crossing
Kolhapur, …..hot chapathi, piping hot fried rice
and chicken masala, topped up with “ slice”.
b) Reached Goa by 2000 hrs. Had yet another round of yum fried rice and chilly chicken .
a) Left Pune . It was pouring heavily ..... but was
a beautiful ride through the pouring heavy rains!
Had a satisfying brunch while crossing
Kolhapur, …..hot chapathi, piping hot fried rice
and chicken masala, topped up with “ slice”.
b) Reached Goa by 2000 hrs. Had yet another round of yum fried rice and chilly chicken .
66. 24 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0700 hrs
· At - Goa
· Destination - Cannanore (Kerala)
· Route - Goa – Honawar – Bhatkal – Mangalore - Cannanore
· Distance - 600 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs. 1200 /-
· Road - very Poor, heavy traffic
· Weather - Heavy rain
a) We left Goa at 0700 hrs. Had a sumptuous
breakfast at Kamat restaurant , Honawar , at around 1100 hrs. Lunched at Kundapura at around
1400 hrs. We reached Mangalore by 1700 hrs and were hopeful to reach home by 2200 hrs., but
bad road kept us late.
breakfast at Kamat restaurant , Honawar , at around 1100 hrs. Lunched at Kundapura at around
1400 hrs. We reached Mangalore by 1700 hrs and were hopeful to reach home by 2200 hrs., but
bad road kept us late.
through, at around 1830 hrs , we noticed that
the carrier of the bike was almost falling ,
and unless fixed would be difficult to
move forward. We were lucky to just make it
on time , as the welding shops would be
closed by then.
c) The roads ditched us again , ….. the
carrier was hanging again , ….. thanks to
the bumpy roads ! It was almost 2100
hrs. , while enquiring about welding at a
petrol bunk , we were aghast when a
boy listening to us ,working at a welding
shop , walked to us and offered to weld at his shop which on that day the shop was unusually kept
open to finish some urgent extra requirements ,….. and our carrier got fixed. Truly we felt our
Angel around !
carrier was hanging again , ….. thanks to
the bumpy roads ! It was almost 2100
hrs. , while enquiring about welding at a
petrol bunk , we were aghast when a
boy listening to us ,working at a welding
shop , walked to us and offered to weld at his shop which on that day the shop was unusually kept
open to finish some urgent extra requirements ,….. and our carrier got fixed. Truly we felt our
Angel around !
d) Thereafter it was a hurried ride ….. to reach home….. while heavy rains continued ..... Today
has been the longest ride of our expedition ….. 17 hrs long ride!
has been the longest ride of our expedition ….. 17 hrs long ride!
 |
| (Zammy & me with mommy) |
e) Reached home at around 0030 hrs….. Mom welcomed us with an awaited hug, ….. it was pouring …. We were dead tired …. yet , to experience this home coming was something we had been looking forward to…..
f) Had a good meal …….. good sleep …… Mom - ly !
67. 25 Jul 10 :
· Time - 1400 hrs
· At - Cannanore(Kerala)
· Destination - Cochin (Kerala)
· Route - Cannanore – Calicut – Trichur – Cochin
· Distance - 300 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs.800 /-
· Road - very Poor, heavy traffic
· Weather - Intermittent rain
a) We left home at around 1400 hrs, after a glorious lunch. We could leave behind most of the baggage , and carried only bare essential. Had a snack break at Trichur. Reached Cochin by 2300 hrs. ….. my little son, umnu , welcomed us ….. with big fat huggg….. am thankful to God for this moment of life ….
b) My little umnu had also arranged for sumptuous dinner…. I realized he was an independent , grown up boy now!
 |
| (Umnu & me) |
68. 26 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0900 hrs
· At - Cochin(Kerala)
· Destination - Trivandrum (Kerala)
· Route - Cochin – Alleppy – Kollam - Trivandrum
· Distance - 220 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs. 600 /-
· Road - Fair, heavy traffic
· Weather - Sunny day
a) Left Cochin at about 0900 hrs. Had lunch at a toddy shop at Alleppy. Reached Trivandrum by 1700
hrs. Had a nice dinner .
hrs. Had a nice dinner .
b) Getting restless for the Big moment ….. just a few hours from now ….
69. 27 Jul 10 :
· Time - 0200 hrs
· At - Trivandrum(Kerala)
· Destination - Kanykumari (Tamil Nadu)
· Route - Trivandrum – Kanyakumari
· Distance - 90 Km , Approx
· Fuel - Rs.800 /-
· Road - Fair, heavy traffic
· Weather - Cool & pleasant
a) Left Trivandrum at 0300 hrs…. two hours of ride ….. and there we are ……
b) At 0500 hrs , in Kanyakumari …… on our dear bike ….. under the shade of Angel ….. unbelievably believable….. we have done it ! …. Theme song plays….. bike halts… we dismount from bike….. take off the helmets…. Bike in the fore ground (rear view) , we walking away (rear view) ….. all in slow motion…….
c) The day ….. Golden day of life ! The moment …… Golden moment of life !
d) ….. A True Desire …. A True Faith ….. A True Destiny …. All in Golden words !
 |
| ( Zammy & me ) |
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED !
JAI HIND !
JAI HIND !
THANK YOU GOD !
Our deep gratitude to :
Mrs & Colonel MY Stalin , Mrs & Colonel Sanjay Damodaran and the Unit , Mrs & Colonel Tejinder Singh , Mrs & Colonel Rai Singh , Mrs & Colonel Satish Alreja , Major General KS Venugopal , Brigadier VN Prasad , Colonel Sharanjit Singh , Colonel Rajendran , Colonel Gaurav Gupta , my course mates Major Shylaja Rakibe & Captain Kapil Chaudhary , Hony. Capt Ramlal , 4/3 GR Battalion , 9 Para Battalion , 4 Grenadiers Battalion , Sri Neliath Chandran & team , Ms Sejal Patel , Anand , Antony , Jomon , Siddharth , Sri Babu (Cannanore) , Sri Karma (Manali) , Ministry of Railways , M/s The Leela , M/s Cognizant Technology Solutions & Royal Enfield
(Our video link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgJ4P-E3-Ns )
(Our video link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgJ4P-E3-Ns )
