On 28th December I said goodbye to my job, loaded bags on a Ladakh career, rode a bike for the first time and went South. I was accompanied by my friend in what seemed the craziest thing I have ever done. We initially hoped to survive on an aspirational budget of 1000 INR per day per person. And this is what ensued.
We completed this journey with an average spend of around 500 per person per day (including food, accommodation, petrol & other stuff). Total expenditure = a little less than 70000 INR.
I learnt how to ride a bike while riding 8300km of some of the most beautiful roads in the world.
Spent 2 months exploring South India and its incredible culture, and fell in love with it.
Jumped in the middle of ocean in Goa and camped at paradise beaches,
explored the temples & caves of Badami (of which I had read so much in our history textbooks)
climbed rocks & smoked pot in Hampi,
camped at highest points of South India,
broke forest dept. boundaries in Madikeri,
fell in love with Ooty,
paddled across backwaters in Alleppey,
surfed near the Shore temple of Mahabalipuram.
Witnessed magical sunrise in Kanyakumari,
and an equally enthralling sunset in Varkala
We rode on the dirt tracks through Paddy Fields of Thrissur,
serpentine roads through thick jungles of Ghats,
along beautiful coastal roads,
passed some of the greatest bridges in India,
and of course passed through the tea estates of Munnar
and 6 lane Asia Highways in t-shirt & shorts.
Visited some of the oldest & biggest temples in the world, to have kindled a newfound love for this religion.
Had amazing food,
sometimes for free
Understood that a simple smile can surpass language barriers with bridges that communicate much more than words can.
Enjoyed & learned so much in the past 2 months that we now leave for North India by this month’s end. Will keep on updating this post, and blog with new posts and better photos & videos.
absolutely unbelievable! Keep the spirit going!
Probably, I love the same things that you love. But jus not ready to take the plunge to leave the job and the “secure” life style!
You are inspiring a lot of people, felt happy and proud to show this page to my friends and say this guy was from my college and I knew him! Keep it going ! Someday I hope I’ll meet you on the roads 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you sir for motivating us .. and I hope to see you on road one day 🙂
LikeLike
Crazy & fun! The writeups & snaps are amazing & first point of view is always a awesome-read, do wear safety gears next time. Godspeed !!!
LikeLike
Thank you Hari 🙂
LikeLike
Ha ha…shared this with all my friends who are bike enthusiasts and we all had the same questions for you “what are YOU!”…Daring ride! Stunning and skillful pics! Fascinating write up! You are a true wanderer!
make sure these continue….:-)
LikeLike
This is so so different and refreshing than the usual rides we get to come across on various forums. It is just about the vigor of youth and true raw grit that makes this blog a lot lot more interesting. You guys got the perfect companion..that classic 350! This is nothing short of epic! Running out of words to compliment the spirit of adventure that you guys have displayed…May you guys keep riding and may you guys also keep posting for people like us to dream on!
LikeLike