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It was the month of Aug 2016 when I was planning to visit tirthan valley in Himachal Pradesh, but monsoon was holding me back. I really wanted to be on roads as my last trip was three months before I was discussing about my trips with my colleague on 12 aug 2016 when suddenly i asked him if not a long road trip lets plan a day bike ride as I planned it with bhargav. My colleague Abhineet also owns a bullet. But he never did a road trip outside delhi., When I suggested him to accompany me for a day trip he agreed to join. I decided to visit Garhmukteshwar as it was already in my To Do List and can easily be done in a day.

 Finally we decided that we will do our ride one day before Independence Day so it was 14 aug 2016 when we decided to do our ride. We asked another friend Arun who is our lunch partner to join us, he immediately confirmed his presence. I was glad that this time I convinced couple of my friends to join a ride with me. We Three decided to start by 0600 in the morning.

A day before our trip Arun called me up to inform me that  one more colleague Sridhar also got ready for this one day ride. Me, Arun and Sridhar decided to meet outside our office at bhikaji cama place. Abhineet decided to join us at Akshardham.

A night before our trip I had dinner by 2000 hrs and went off to sleep by 10 pm. I had a sound sleep and was dreaming about our journey when my alarm started shouted at 0500 hr. I quickly stopped the alarm and stepped out of bed. I messaged on the what’s app group that was temporary created for this trip and quickly got a reply from Sridhar that I am awake and Ganesh (one of our colleague) will also join us and will be a pillion of Sridhar . So now we were 5 of us for this ride.

I got ready and went downstairs when my mom offered me tea and i simply said yes. After having tea I started my Bike and hit the road. By 0615, I reached IOCL petrol pump in front of bhikaji cama place and fueled up my bull.  I was waiting for sridhar and arun when at 0630 Arun messaged “Guys Sorry I just woke up” Seeing his messaged I realized that he is late and. on the other side abhineet was waiting for us at Akshardham. While all these thoughts were going in my mind I got a call from  sridhar and told me that he and arun will join us at INA.

I reached INA and within few minutes sridhar and ganesh joined me. We were waiting for arun and our wait ended by 0720. As soon our bikes hit the barapula flyover towards Akshardham God blessed showers on us. It was great morning with heavy rain as we completely got drenched till we meet Abhineet who was already waiting for us from past one hour. Finally our group was together and we decided to ride at a speed of 70 kms towards Garhmukteshwar. Before starting our journey further we decided to have a group photograph.

We were thundering at a speed of 70 Kmph along with natural thunders. It was raining all the way. It was early morning and being Sunday we didn’t got any traffic hurdles to cross Ghaziabad on NH-24 and leaving NCR. We were enjoying our ride and awesome weather. The clouds were dark and continuous rain assured that we remain completely drenched.

Arun was leading us…and I was really enjoying my ride when suddenly I saw that arun was stopping his bike near tea stall somewhere on NH-24.. We all three followed and stopped ..The following pictures were taken at that place.

After having a cup of tea we decided to move further. This place was 15 kms from Hapur Bypass We decided to stop at a Dhaba after crossing hapur by pass for breakfast. We started our bulls and again were riding on NH-24…speeding at a speed of 70 kmph and were enjoying our group ride. We crossed hapur by pass and headed towards Garhmukteshwar on NH-24. We stopped at shiva tourist dhabha (there were many with the same name) we stopped at shiva dhabha at our side. We parked our bikes and headed towards the eating zone.

We ordered paranthas and enjoyed our breakfast while interacting with dhaba staff who inquired about our bikes. The following pics were taken there.

After having breakfast we again started our bullets and decided to stop directly at Brijghat as it was just 25-30 kms away. We started riding and soon crossed the toll and on the left side we saw around 4-5 boggies of Indian railways laying in toppled fashion along the railway track. This reminded us of the news on May 1 2016 that “Eight coaches of Delhi-Faizabad Express derail near Hapur” .Yes the debris was from that accident. After crossing that site we saw a board signaling Garhmukteshwar 3 kms on left side. There was a road on left side that was leading to the town, we stopped and enquired from some locals who said if you guys wish to take holy dip in river ganga you go three kms straight further on NH-24 and reach brijghat to witness river Ganga. We followed the instructions and reached brijghat and parked our bikes in the Parking Area.

The scene at Brijghat was awesome on one side there was a clock tower and one side it was river Ganga flowing at its full speed. The power of the holy river attracted me to take a dip. The water was cold and refreshing, we enjoyed in river Ganga for about 20 minutes.

After a refreshing holy dip we again got charged up to ride and explore the town. We started our bikes and soon entered the town.  It started raining and we reached Nakka kuan under the blessings of nature. We inquired about the significance of  Nakka Kuan when locals told us that  once a bulluck cart dropped in this well and it was recovered from river ganga, so there is a link between this well and river Ganga. I really don’t know about the truth behind their story but it’s always nice to listen stories from the locals.

We were enjoying the peace at the place when I remember that before entering the gate I have seen a hawker selling some food. While my friends were roaming around nakka kuan, i went outside and inquired about the hawker and came to know that he was selling veg biryani..I ordered one and it was just for Rs 20 /plate. I had it and believe me it was so awesome, nicely cooked rice with soya chap served with tomato chutney and onions.. It realy satisfied my taste buds.

After having the biryani I explored nakka kuan, it’s really a peaceful place with few temples. We interacted with sadhu’s who told us that they plant there vegetables and fruits inside the campus of Nakka kuan only and cook them fresh.

After having great and peaceful time at nakka kuan, we decided to visit Ganga temple before returning back to delhi.

All my colleagues had the veg biryani from the same hawker outside nakka kuan and there review was also the same.

We started our bikes and travelled through the narrow village roads, witnessing children playing in rain, waiving and following us to Ganga Temple.

Ganga Temple is one of the famous tourist places. It is an ancient Ganga temple which used to have almost 101 steps leading down to the river. From those 101 steps, 81 steps are still intact at present. There is a white stone idol of Lord Brahma according to locals. We didn’t saw the idol as the temple was closed. One more interesting thing about this temple is a special echo. When someone steps up or stamps down fast there is a sound similar to the one as someone throws stones in river. Believe me we all witnessed the sound and really it was a special echo.

I really recommend a visit to this Holy Town as this is the closest place to witness River Ganga from delhi.

And now was the worst part of our trip…returning back home. But as someone quoted ” Every Exit is an Entry somewhere Else”. We kick started our bullets and started our return journey with few stops inside village and a stop for lunch at the same Dhaba where we had breakfast. The food was really awesome so as our day trip. Our bullets ensured that  all of us reach safely to our respective Homes by 1900 Hours.

Signing off to write about my next road trip……

It was a normal official day 16.03.2016 when I was sitting in front of my desktop until I got a call on my intercom. He was Bhargava Ram my colleague who called me up and said that he has seen my sariska bhangarh updates on my facebook and was willing to go for a day road trip with me. At first instant I said no as last week already I was on roads. But he tried to convince me by saying that his wife has gone to hometown and he is free on weekend and has a chance to go for a road trip. I was in a bit of a confusion, as it was just one week back that I had convinced my parents and I was thinking how they will react if I will ask for a bike trip again. I again said no and we ended our conversation. During Lunch time, my mind called me up and said hey u r getting another chance to be on roads and this time u r getting a company too so why you are reluctant. I was thinking and thinking until the following quote came to my mind:

“Investment in travel is an investment in yourself.” by Matthew Karsten

Soon I called bhargava and said lets plan but we will keep it a day affair, I mean we will go to a place not too far from Delhi so that we can return back. He said fine and asked me to decide the place. After a quick search I decided to visit keoladeo national park, also known as bharatpur bird sanctuary as it was  around 200 kms from Delhi. So for a day trip 400 kms was optimum on plain roads. I called, my colleague and he agreed so we decided the coming Sunday i.e 20.03.2016 to hit the roads.

 Now, the most difficult part was seeking permission from parents. But I was lucky and it became an easy task as my mom was out of town for attending some family function. A day before, I asked my father for the permission. As always he said go and explore and have a safe journey. I called my colleague and we decided to follow Yamuna expressway to reach bharatpur. We decided a meeting point and it was in front of Amity University on Noida-Greater noida expressway. We decided to meet at 0600 hours as it was a day trip so as early we could start we would have more time to explore the sanctuary.

 I made myself on bed at 0000 hours and put an alarm for 0400 hours. I was in deep sleep till my alarm started shouting. I saw the watch and it was 0400 hours. I jumped from my bed after 10 minutes, quickly got freshen up took shower and was ready by 0500 hours. When I stepped out of my room I was surprised to see my father awake. He had already prepared tea for me, thank god for having such a father who always motivates me. I had my tea and called my friend. It was 0515 as he told he just had to take shower I said fine I will leave in another 5 minutes. We both decided just to carry a backpack with one pair of clothes just in case of emergency. By 0530 my bag was on my bike, I wear my safety jacket, put on my knee pads and kick started it. Just dropped down in front of a small temple in our block to pray for our safe journey (it’s my usual way to start my road trip).

I was feeling little chillness in the weather when I was rolling towards greater noida expressway. Was cruising at a speed of 70 kmph and took the ring road to reach DND and finally to expressway. At sharp 0600 hours I was in front of Amity parked my bike in service lane and called my friend. He didn’t answered, my 10 minutes of waiting vanished after seeing the desert storm coming towards me. He dropped down and I showed my watch to him, he said actually he was searching fuel. I said haven’t you filled yor beast a day before to which he replied dude it was India Pak match last night. Hmmm so a match had delayed our start. So we quickly started our bikes and now was in search of petrol pump instead of heading towards Yamuna expressway. As there is no petrol pump on greater noida expressway we slipped towards left (very first exit after amity) and continued for 3 kms until we found a pump station. I waited outside and he went to fill the stomach of his desert storm. It was 0700 hours as we started from the pump station and soon was on greater noida expressway.

We were rolling at a speed of 80 kmph to touch the Yamuna expressway. The sight at the entrance of Yamuna expressway is a heaven for bikers on Sunday. We saw around 20 bikes of different makes and believe me none of the 20 bikes were enfield. I think the lowest CC was Harley 750 CC amongst them. As we slowed down to see the bikes we realized, it was Harley, triumph, Honda, BMW makes and all were stunning bikes. So after a slow down we accelerated keeping in mind our day trip and entered the Yamuna expressway. It was a great morning sun was not out yet a perfect delight for a biker and ahead was a wide Yamuna expressway road. We continued accelerating at a speed of 80 kmph. We were continuously riding at our last gear until we slowed down at Jewar toll. We both took the returned fare and continue rolling. My friend was leading and I was 100 metres behind him we were at a constant speed of 80 kmph and enjoying our ride.

As soon we crossed second toll, before Mathura exit we stopped at food court to have breakfast. Since it was Sunday the place was crowded and we decided not to waste time standing in a queue for ordering. So we just freshen up and kick started again. We took the exit towards Mathura at around 0900 hours and now the road conditions changed it was a single road with lot of shared autos, bikes, cars. Now from 80 kmph we were rolling at a speed of 30 to 40 kmph. It took us 45 minutes to cross Mathura via Mathura cantt to reach NH-2 (Delhi –Agra Highway). We asked a local about the way to Bharatpur and he guided us that just take right turn and drive a km on NH-2 towards delhi and u will find a board mentioning bharatpur is on left. We followed his instructions and reached State Highway 33 (Bharatpur-Mathura Road).

 Now again road conditions changed it was not much crowded and road condition was good except from too many road breakers in front of villages. We were rolling at a speed of 70 kmph and now a landmark showed bharatpur-35 kms. As we were rolling I saw a shop on the road side selling fresh sugar cane juice. I signaled my friend with a horn and we both stopped and ordered two glasses. As we galloped the juice we got some relief from heat of the sun. We kick started again and was keeping a track on landmarks as now it read 15 kms left. Cruising a little further, my eyes and bike both simultaneously stopped watching camels along the road. I quickly clicked myself with them and have a little conversation with the owner who was an old chap. He told us that he uses the camels for load stuff that he buys from a little town till his village. We gave few bucks to him that made him happy and started rolling.

As we entered Bharatpur we stopped and ask the way to bird sanctuary. Many locals know this place as Ghana or keoladeo(lord shiva name). So we started asking by that name and soon were guided straight towards the national park. As we were a km from the main gate three policemen from Rajasthan police stopped us. Our biking gears made them stopped us as that was the only thing that was making us different from usual bikers. We stopped and showed our papers. One of them asked about my jacket and knee pads and he was happy that we were driving in a safe way. We passed smiles and started to just enter the parking of National park. It was 100 meters from the main (small) entrance of the national park. We parked our bikes it was 1115 hours and sun was shining bright. We quickly removed our jackets put it in our bag. I inquired about the tickets as my friend went for bringing water bottle. The tickets were as follows as on 20.03.2016:

• Entrance ticket= Rs 75 per person
• Cycle= Rs 40 per hour
• Rickshaw= Rs 100 per hour
• Guide= Rs 150 for less than 5 person

If u come early morning, than cycle is the best way to explore the national park. But since we have less time and were loaded with our bag packs and helmets we decide to explore via rickshaw. I took the tickets and there was our rikshaw puller who loaded our stuff and introduced himself as Balbir singh(He was nice man and a guide too, one can ask for him if plan to visit this sanctuary). We didn’t take guide as I had read in other blogs that the rickshaw puller is a better guide u just has to pay some extra tip after the tour.

As we entered the national park he professionally welcomed us and told he is pulling rickshaw from past 27 years. He guided well made us to see owls, kingfisher, Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks etc. I remember only these species. As we entered to the marshy land we spotted Indian sauras crane. They were in couple. Believe me they were looking so fantastic. Balbir was a good guide and made us witnessed many species and clicked our pics too. The flaura and fauna of this sanctuary was really soothing to the eyes. We spotted some deer, nilgai too.

He made us to stop and have our lunch at Hotel Bharatpur Ashok (Run by India Tourism Development Corporation). My suggestion is at least stay one day in this hotel as it is located inside the national park and feel like staying in a forest and do early cycling to explore the national park. The lunch was a great relief for us as we needed the energy to carry us back to delhi. It was 1500 hours and we decided to go out as we had to roll back.

Balbir took us to a temple before exiting the park. The temple was an old hanuman temple and a pond next to it was a residence for more than 100 healthy tortoise. A pujari thrown atta bowls inside pond to attract tortoises and there we witnessed 4 healthy tortoise. It was my first chance to see these creatures closely. We thanked pujari ji and left the temple.

Before leaving the park we also witnessed wild boar. By 1600 hours we were outside the park and settled the fees of balbir singh. We thanked him for giving us such a nice guided tour apart from his pulling skills in such a heat. We grabbed some water and geared up for our ride back home.

As every traveler feels the most difficult part is to travel back home. But also it gives us the motivation to successfully reach home so that we can plan our next destination.

I end my experience with a suggestion to fellow travelers who wish to visit this place. Please stay one day inside the sanctuary (Hotel Bharatpur Ashok) and bond yourself with the silence of forest and presence of such beautiful species that you rarely see outside.

While rolling back home in darkness as sun was hiding at Yamuna expressway the following lines came to my mind as a Traveler.

“Take only memories , leave only footprints.” – Chief Seattle

So..it all started by a thought of travelling solo on my bike. I have done a few solo trips ,but that were on public transport either in a state bus or Indian railways to reach my destination. To travel solo in my motor bike was always on my mind,but something ,although i didn’t know what was that something..that was stopping me to do that. Maybe it was fear, fear what if my bike gets a flat tire, what if clutch wire got plucked and ultimate fear of my parents how i will convince them to do solo bike trip. Thank god my father always stood besides me, he himself like to explore new places.so when i discussed at home he was ready but my mom and grandma started shouting. Somehow i manage to convince them with the help of my father.. So now it was the time to decide place and date when to start. To have my first solo bike trip i myself wished to find a place that not too far from my home town..My search ended me to have a trip to sariska wild life sanctuary that is 250 kms from New Delhi(my home town). While searching the blogs of different travelers I came to know about proximity of Bhangarh Fort near to sariska.. I had heard about this as a haunted place,but didn’t knew that was near to sariska. So i decided to travel from New Delhi to Sariska to Bhangarh.

I fixed 05.03.2016 and 06.03.2016 for my trip as that was  a weekend and i dint had to take leave from office. The only preparation i did was to get my fuel tank filled, air pressure checked and prepared a customize flag mentioning :

” HAUNTED

DELHI-SARISKA-BHANGARH”

MAR- 2016″

and get it fixed on my bike flag post.

So a day before journey i went to bed early so that i can start early morning next day. My alarm woke me up at 0400 on 05-03-2016. I jumped from my bed , and was ready by 0500. My mom prepared toasts and milk , thanks to her as she also got up that early..i finished my toast and milk and put on my riding gears, fix my bag on the pillion seat ..I was ready to kick my bike but it started raining..at first i thought now my mom will not allow me to leave..but rainy showers ended in another 15 minutes and finally i left my home by 0600 hours. It was great weather ..little chillness in the morning and still dark.. i followed the route from Tilak Nagar to NH-8 via palam. Within 15-20 minutes i was on NH-8…I keep on riding at a speed of 70 and was cruising to cross gurgaon.  Because of less traffic in morning soon i crossed gurgaon, manesar and reached dharuhera.. Stopped my bike asked some local guy about how to reach alwar..he said take a left turn…and a couple of turns to reach on Alwar-Delhi Megha Highway..and soon i was on State Highway-25 that linked me to alwar via tijara…As i was crossing bhiwadi i witnessed some of the newly constructed apartments of which i had just heard from real estate agents till now…The highway was so smooth that my bike was rolling comfortably without any jumps…Soon my stomach signaled me to stop..I stopped at Tijara around 0900 hours at a dhaba named Old rao dhabha…quickly ordered one pyaz parantha and Milk tea…Soon a guy served my order ..parantha was with green chutney and achaar..Parantha was really spicy and was getting a touch of rajasthan.

After my break fast again i was on road…driving smoothly until i seen a mark mentioning alwar 15 kms i stopped my bike had clicked a pic of my bike…

Again started riding and soon reached alwar..after asking few locals i by-passed alwar city and was on NH-248A.(alwar-jaipur road)…A sign board mentioned sariska 36 Kms.. I smiled as i was about to reach my destination…And the road was so awesome soon the landscape and road changed ..it was a single two way road that connects to sariska…there were small mountain (aravalli range) along.. The road was in good condition with less traffic……Got down at few places on the road to capture the scenic site along the road……As i passed many small villages and finally reached at the Ticket counter of sariska national reserve…It was 1100 hours and i my speedometer recorded just 250 Kms…I knew that there are two safaris in a day one at 0600 hours and another at 1500 hours.. I zeroed on to do safari the next day in morning ..so i left the counter at entered my Hotel. It was Tiger den and it was very close to Entry Gate of sariska national reserve.

I parked my bike and entered the reception since it was 1115 hours and i was early than the check in time i requested receptionist to keep my luggage as I planned to go ahead to see bhangarh and come back and end my days ride. But since there were less rush he said Sir u can check in and  get freshen up before leaving bhangarh as it is 50 Kms from here. I entered my room removed my safety jacket as it was really warm, got some water splashed on my face and left the room. I inquired about the way to reach bhangarh from the receptionist. He mentioned since today is Saturday you can reach bhangarh in two ways..one way is via thanaghazi—ajabgarh and bhangarh… Other route is to cross sariska reserve and reach tehla..and then bhangarh…On Tuesdays and Saturdays the authorities allows to take ones own vehicle inside reserve to visit a temple name pandu pole temple.So the second route excited me as that means i will be driving inside reserve.I decided to go by this route and return by ajabgarh–thanaghazi route ,I thought this way i can explore both routes ..The next moment i was at sarika reserve gate took a ticket for just Rs 30 and asked a person about bhangarh route from tehla. He told me the route and asked me to give lift to his brother as he lives in a village on the way to bhangarh and he can tell me the correct road. At first i refused ,and just made a call at home to tell my whereabouts, after putting the call i reached my bike was to kick start when he asked again..My mind was saying No but some how my heart said yes..so the next moment he was on my pillion seat. As i entered the reserve the rich flaura of the park made my mind freshen up i started interacting with the guy and was riding slowly as the road was rocky. he explained how the villagers sometimes witness tiger on this road. I was excited that i might get the chance to see the Big Cat..but what will happen if it actually happened how i will stop my bike or it will grab me..Anyways i didn’t encountered any…Then we stopped at some places and the guy clicked pics for me.

Who says Solo Travelers cant get checked of their own except selfie. That guy told me he is a student of BA. As soon we reach Tehla Gate after around 20 kms of drive I realized this guy as genuine and asked him to accompany me and show me bhangarh. He agreed and we were now driving out of tehla gate and followed state highway number 29A towards Bhangarh. The guy told me that there is a temple called Narayani devi Temple on the way. He told me that this is a temple build as the Narayani Mata is the site of the first Sati (immolation by fire) in Northern India before rani sati and he was right as i googled and found this” The legend states that following the death of her husband from a snakebite mid way to alwar when she was going first time to her husband house after marriage, Narayani was stricken by grief and knelt in prayer beside his unlit funeral pyre. Such was her devotion to Lord Shiva and so fervent her wish to join her dead husband, that Shiva sent his holy fire to consume them both. Marking the site is a holy spring – an unusual source of water in a semi-desert land – that acts as a draw to colorfully dressed pilgrims offering their puja to Narayani Mata’s main Shiva temple”. So This guy was a real guide we stopped at the temple for a while seen the holy spring and continued to bhangarh. It was around 1330 and we reached bhangarh. Parking person took Rs 5,we parked bike and entered the Bhangarh Fort. While entering the Haunted for I was thinking what strange experience i will get .. The fort is situated at the foot hills of the hills..The Entrance has a ruined market place. Lot of langoors and strange trees are the only thing that makes u think of something strange in this fort in a day time. ASI board says no entry after sunset and before sunrise. There was few temples inside the fort That made me to rethink why its listed as Haunted place. As you see the fort u can witness the ruined fort, walls and roofs of the fort lying on the first floor. It was a seven store floor, but most of the floors got ruined. Overall the Fort had some green landscape and stand alone from the nearby villages. I spent couple of hour and came out.

Now my stomach signaled me for lunch so me and the guy had some local food at place called gola ka pas near to the fort. I paid the bill but the guy offered to pay he said u are our guests. Who says we dnt get good person now days. Anyways I refused as he was a student and settled the bill. Kick started my bike , It was around 1600 hour now . As i had to followed another route State Highway 55(ajabgarh–thanakhazi–sariska) i dropped the guy near his village(3 kms from the road). While dropping i was putting my hands in my wallet to offer tip for his accompany but he hold my hand and said u r our guest how can i take money from you. Believe me at that time, i realized that how sitting in our corporate office indulge in chats that now days all persons are bad.  That instant made me feel so happy and changed my thinking, That’s how traveling teaches you a true lesson of life.

I continued on SH-55 and witnessed empty houses of villages.the road was very narrow and not in a good condition..some how i kept rolling and reached my hotel by 1715 hours. Parked my bike and was about to go in my room when a foreigner came to me and said nice bike..is it a British brand..I smiled and said now its an Indian brand “Eicher Motors” I told me i came all the way from Delhi, He appreciated my spirits and took a click of me with my bike to show to his friends when he goes back to his home.

I quickly entered my room was feeling a bit tired , Got freshen , relaxed a bit. At around 1900 hours i left room for a walk inside hotel premise, Again i met the same foreigner and his wife we interacted about their travel plans,and soon the Hotel staff joined and told his experience of watching Tiger on few occasions at Hotel gate. That made us excited and, having a belief that we might be able to witness tiger the next morning when we will do safari we ended our talks. Soon the dinner was served and I finished my day at 2200 hours.

My alarm made me to jump out of my bed at 0500 hours and I was at ticket counter by 0600 hours. Counter was opened i inquired for safari since i was solo i managed to find a pool in jeep safari and entered the jungle in low light.. Our guide took us to the areas of ST-3(Sariska Tiger-3) as the ST-3 tigress was seen the last day, but we couldn’t able to spot her. Then we explored areas of ST-7 & ST-11. But again no sign of tiger. Sariska now has 13 Nos of Tigers. But the jungle has a great flaura and fauna we seen sambhar, deers, bhore, crocodile and many small animals but not the big cat. But I found the reserve better than jim corbett. Around 1000 hour we came out of Park. It was a sad feeling of not witnessing the Tiger, But the experience and safari was too good. I had breakfast and checked out at 1200 hours.

I had a plan to drop at alwar to buy some kalakand(famous in this region) for home.But hotel staff told i can buy good kalakand just three kms from sariska on my way back and its of very good quality and pure. I kicked my bike and landed at a sweet shop around 3 kms from sariska reserve. Took some kalakand and was rolling back to my home.

It was a great experience of travelling solo and when i was rolling and passing new landscapes very good lines from a movie came to mind. i will end my experience sharing these lines:

“What do we leave behind when we cross each frontier? Each moment seems split in two; melancholy for what was left behind and the excitement of entering a new land”

As it’s a known fact that every traveler needs an opportunity to travel. I got my opportunity again on 15 April 2016, being a closed holiday on the occasion of ram Naomi followed by Saturday and Sunday was the perfect opportunity. So I made my mind ten days before to hit the roads on these days. I convinced my parents for yet another solo bike trip. I planned in advance, for my stays one night at mussoorie and other night in dhanaulti. As always, decided to prepare a customized flag for this tour. This time I decided blue color and inscribed the following:

“The mountains are calling and I have to go”

DELHI-DHANAULTI-CHAMBA”

15 – 17 APRIL 2016″

Read blogs of various solo bikers to get myself prepare for yet another solo trip.

The route to mussoorie was simply hitting NH-58 and reach dehradun then mussoorie.

A day before journey got my bike serviced. And bought an air pump from karol bagh bike market to carry along in case of flat tyre during journey. Thanks, to my father who, again was my side and prepare my bag keeping all my stuffs in a proper manner. The only thing I needed to do was give him my travel diary and atlas to keep on top of all the stuff. I quickly went to bed by 2300 hours so that I can have a sound sleep before long ride. It was 0400 hours on 15 April 2016 when I heard my alarm. I felt lazy and stopped it, but my mind signalled me quickly about my road trip. In a minute after that thought I jumped from my bed and ran for my morning chores and took bath and was ready by 0500 hours. When I stepped out of my room I saw my parents are awake. Thank god for such a lovely parents. My father helped me to tie my bag on my bike while my mom prepared tea for me. I enjoyed my morning tea at my home and was ready to hit the roads. It was 0545 hours when I put my flag on my flag post wear my safety jacket put my knee pads and sat on my bike.

Day-1

I kick started my bike and stopped at a temple in my society to get blessings of god for my safe journey. I started my bike and follow the roads to reach NH-8. From Tilak nagar I took the road passing moti nagar zakhira, old rohtak road ,ISBT .Being early on road always help to get rid of traffic whule crossing delhi. By 0715 I was on raj nagar extension. The sun was rising at its pace so it was not so warm. I was rolling on NH-58 and witnessed that there were lot of cars bearing Delhi or Haryana numbers with lot of luggage. I t was due to long weekend that most of them was going on holidays with family. The speed I maintained was 60 as there were lot of vehicles while passing modinagar and meerut until I reached the toll road which leads to muzaffarnagar bypass to roorkee.

As soon I reached toll road when the road widens up I increased to 80. Was enjoying my ride at a constant speed of 80 passed meerut toll plaza and was keep on rolling. I have decided to take breakfast break at 1100 hours. But since the sun was on my head while I crossed muzaffarnagar I decided to take a stop for 10 minutes to get my legs and hands relaxed. I stopped at a dhaba after muzaffarnagar bought a water bottle and drink full bottle. It was really refreshing, and soon I was on road again. Reached roorkee and observed the board mentioning for dehradun, take right. As I took right turn I noticed I was on NH-73 nd the road is called roorkee-chutmalpur road. I maintained a speed of 60 as it was single road. From roorkee to chutmalpur the distance is 26 kms. As I completed 14 kms I got signalled from my tummy bhai khuch khila do.My tummy is not like my bullet. It needs break, so I stopped at a dhaba in front of quantum global business school near mandawar. It was 1100 hours and I quickly grabbed one pyaz parantha and doodh patti. After finishing I again kick started my bike reached chutmal pur and took right as left turn take you towards Saharanpur and right to dehradun. Now the traffic was less and I increased my speed to 80 although road was still single. Was rolling and admiring the road I passed raja ji national park it was nice experience to ro;; on this road. At some patches where the bridge is under construction the road is bad else road condition is fine. It was NH-72 A and steadily I was rolling towards dehradun. After covering about 45 kms I eneterd the tunnel that leads you to dehradun city. It was 1230 and passing dehradun was slow due to local traffic. It took me 40 minutes to reach mussoorie road. And thereafter conditions changed now I was ascending towards queen of hills witnessing many stalls selling maggi. From dehradun to mussoorie it was 34 kms and I enjoyed my ride reaching queen of hills by 1430.

I searched my hotel it was Hotel Dwaper on library road and entered the hotel parking. When I was parking my bike a man came and inquired me are u coming from Delhi when I said yes he was impressed and read my flag. He wished me best wishes and I entered the reception. Soon I was in my room and it was 1500 hours. I ordered lunch took shower as I completed around 300 kms and was feeling little tired. After having lunch I went to reception and asked whether I can visit kempty falls now. He said yes. I kick started my bike and head towards kempty falls. It was 15 kms from my hotel and within 40 minutes I was at kempty falls it was descend of 15 kms from my hotel so I saved my fuel by rolling on neutral. I parked my bike, there are two spots for taking a dip below the falls one is at height and other one below. I decided to take dip on both. Don’t worry if u doesn’t have spare clothes there are many shops that give you clothes and towel on rent. Rent for shorts is Rs 20 and for locker is Rs 40 where u can keep your valuables. It was really a refreshing event of taking dip below kempty falls at first u will be scared to put u r leg inside as water is too chilled. But as soon u will enter u will not feel coming out. I enjoyed my bath under falls when i went exactly below the fall, the pressure of water was so high that I felt someone is punching me hard. Got clicked by the shop keeper from whom I have rented shorts. I enjoyed there till 1730 hours and came out. Got to the parking kick started my bike and ascended towards my hotel. By reaching room I felt cold and ordered a cup of tea it was great to have a cup of tea at that time. Relaxed in my hotel room till 2100 hours and then headed towards mall road.

I searched about the various restaurants and cafes on the mall road and was told that the kalsang is among the top one to have dinner. Before that I entered “café by the way” and ordered orio shake. This place is awesome for shakes and among top cafes of mussorie with couple of seats like scooter. As I was walking on the mall road I witnessed people enjoying corns from local shops, shopping from stalls, couples enjoying the night view of dehradun city from the mall. Soon I observed a shop named “ chic chocolate” again it was one of the famous shop to taste chocolates and to buy them for your home. I bought few for my sister. The mall road in mussorie is longest of all hill station mall roads in India. I think its 3-4 kms long. It was 2200 hours and I decided to have dinner I went to kalsang and there was a long queue for entering the restaurant I inquired from a local who said u can try Momos Tibetan Restaurant. I followed his advice and really it was a great place with good staff who helped me to choose my dish that named “RU JUIZE” I ordered veg cheese ru juize and lime soda. When I got my dish it was like a soup in which 6 pieces of cheese momos were dipped. I enjoyed my food it was really yummy and a new dish for me. I finished my dinner and walked back towards my room. By 2330 I was on bed. My Day-1 was over with some great experience.

Day-2

My eyes got open after hearing my alarm at 0600 hours. I got freshen up went for a walk in mountains and ordered my breakfast at 0800 hours. Had my breakfast and a cup of coffee and checked out. While I was putting my luggage on my bike I was excited to reach my next destination that was “ whispering pines “ dhanaulti as I had to stay in a tent there. I kick started my bike and followed the road from mussorrie to chamba. By 0900 hours I was on that road. I was riding at a speed of 30-40 witnessing the mountains, experiencing cool breeze on my face. Getting my experience on riding in hills experiencing how to control my bike on hair pin loops sharp turns and rolling on my side always for safe journey. Dhanaulti is 30 kms from mussorie and I completed my journey in 1.5 hours with one stop for water. While going to dhanaulti I felt to get my bike fuel tank filled but I came to know that only petrol pump after mussorie was in chamba.

I crossed dhanaulti and was heading towards “whispering pines” that was another 7 kms from dhanaulti. I crossed surkanda devi temple and decided to visit this temple early morning next day. After 3 kms from surkanda devi temple I saw board mentioning whispering pines with arrow towards left. This place is called jwarna as soon I took left I got scared. There was no bitumen road and it was stones and dust on the roads I enquired from a local shop at turn he told whispering pines is just 1.5 kms. So that menat I have to ride 1.5 kms on rough patch. Since I had booked in advance there was no other option then to ride on this patch. I put my gear on first gear and ride it slowly. It was complete off roading and my bull helped me to cross the patch. After covering 1.5 kms I observed 4-5 cars bearing delhi or Haryana numbers that signalled me that its my destination. I parked my bike and enquired from a man standing there and he confirmed that just 100 metres above is the gate of whispering pines. I trekked 100 metres and found the gate entered the reception to get a warm welcome by shobharam the care taker of the place. It was 1100 hours and he told me it will take half hour for my tent to get ready as check in time was 1200 hours. I decided to keep my luggage at reception and move towards tehri so that I can come back by evening. A guy took my luggage till reception and I took a leave from that place. For tehri dam I had to cross chamba. Chamba is 20 kms from whispering pines so I kick started my bike and started rolling towards chamba. Again the ride was with sharp turns hair pins with good road conditions I crossed kanatal where I saw many tourists as its also a small unexplored hill station of uttarakhand. It took me one hour to reach chamba where I got my bike tank filled. Petrol pump was on haridwar road. Chamba was a busy town with nice market. I took a u turn towards chamba – old tehri road and started rolling. As I crossed 1 km from chamba I realized I am running away from cash. I stopped my bike and enquired from a local about ATM. He told u can go to tehri and there is a place called Bhagirathi shopping complex near by which I will get ATM. So I started rolling towards tehri . It was 20 kms from chamba and road was in good condition. After a drive of 40 minutes I witnessed a reservoir signalling me that I have reached my destination. It was great view and I stopped and took some picture of the reservoir.

When I reached the dam I came to know one can’t see from inside as it requires prior permission. But one can enjoy the water sports and boating on tehri lake. I search for ATM but in waist as there were two ATM’s and both were non operational. I rolled my bike towards the reservoir to find one royal enfield with Delhi number and two riders on that. We exchanged words as they told they are also riding from Delhi and staying in dehradun. I rode few kms with them to follow a small road going down towards reservoir. We parked our bikes very near to the shore of the lake and enjoyed the views of dam surrounded by mountains. It was 1400 hours and we took few clicks of our bikes and chit chatted about our ride experiences. After 20 minutes they decided to go back to dehradun and I went to the boating office to inquire about the rates as I wished to have a scooter boat ride. He told me the ticket is Rs 300 and I was just having Rs 250 cash as I couldn’t used ATM. So I decided to just have few clicks and roll back to chamba where I can get money from ATM. Tehri dam was a beautiful place with time to chill and relax. I rolled back to chamba and founded three ATMs two ATMs were not functioning and the third one had a long queue. It tokk me 20 minutes to take money. Now it was 1630 and I was hungry. I decided to roll back and stop at kanatal for lunch as this way I can experience kanatal too. I ride back stopped at kanatal and had my lunch at 1715 hours. Kanatal was also a nice place and one can think to have a night stay there as it has many camps and hotels. After filling my stomach I head back towards my tent. My tent was ready and I met a couple who were enjoying rock climbing (activity inside whispering pines). They were impressed by my effort of travelling solo that too on bike. We exchanged few word and I entered my tent . It was a nice tent with a double bed and attached tent for toilet. The wind were blowing at very high speed and I thought the tent will get blown off. But when shobaram ji came to me and said dnt worry sir just enjoy u r stay and come to dining hall by 2100 hours when the dinner will be served. It was 1900 hours when I had a cup of tea and headed to explore the place. Had talked to the near by villager who told me that how hard is to get drinking water here and in winters we experience snow all around. Whispering pines was really at a very good location and one can indulge in activities like rock climbing, trekking, basket ball, rappling etc. Soon there were darkness all around and I was in my tent with a one bulb light. I relaxed and by 2100 hours entered the dining hall where I saw a family of three was having dinner. I went to take my plate shobaram had arranged a buffet that included a dal, bhindi sabzi, panner sabzi, curd, rice , paranthas and chapattis with a non veg dish as well for non vegetarians. As I was taking my food the family started interacting with me and said that shobaram told that u r coming from delhi on bike. Again we interacted about our experiences and I came to know that this family from Bangalore is taying here from past 4 days. The lady was retired teacher and said after retirement now there only aim is to travel. They told me how they are planning to visit a village school next day to observe the teaching methods here. I enjoyed my dinner and interaction with them and ended the food with two rasgullas. After coming out of dinner hall we at around a bon fire which shobaram has arranged and interacted with other tourists. We all shared our experiences and chit chatted for one hour till we call it a day. I was in my tent by 2300 hours. It was really started chilling and I entered in my rajai and soon fall asleep.

Day-3

I got up by 0500 hours opened my tent to witness a beautiful valley in front of my tent. Really it was a wonder full view and without any mobile network you feel so good that there is no one to disturb you. I took shower and started my bike to reach surkanda while all other tourists were sleeping insided there tents. I reached surkanda by 0700 hours. Surkanda devi temple is at a height of 2700 metres and it’s a 3km trek from where one parks vehicle. I parked my bike and started my trek. It was tough treks as it’s a steep ascend. I met a group of 4 youngsters who were from Faridabad. We interacted and they asked me to come along with them. So we all started our trek to surkanda they were very nice and along with them we kept trekking and interacting and reached the temple in 1 hour. Wow it was a great sight temple location was just awesome and one can witness the great view of snow capped Himalayas towards north side and cities like dehradun and hrishikesh.

The pujari told us that here the sati head was fallen when lord shiva was passing this place carrying her dead body. The view all around was awesome and to reach there early morning was really a good decision. We all witnessed the temple as it was peace all around. There are few shops at back side of temple where one can have magi and tea. We decided to descend by 0900 hours. It took us half hour to reach back at parking place where I said good bye to the youngsters and rolled my bike back to whispering pines. Thank god for sending such lovely bunch of people around me whenever I travel solo. I reached my tent by 1000. Went to have breakfast where again that family asked my how was the temple as the lady said its tough for her to trek 3 kms at this age. I showed them the pictures of the temple as I said no worry u witness the view of temple from here itself. We all laughed had our breakfast. I said good bye to them and they wished me best wishes for my journey back home. I packed my stuff, got some clicks and was in a low mood as my journey was coming to an end. This place was really awesome to stay and relax from the loud city noises. It was 1100 hours and I checked out. I started my bike after tying my luggage and was on road again for returning back home.

While I was descending back from mountains rolling at a speed of 30-40 witnessing the mountains as I was leaving the road behind. I was taking along me with the memories of such a beautiful and natural place, lovely people, and an experience of riding in mountains. As I was completing my yet another solo trip this beautiful thought came to my mind by Henry David Thoreau.

“The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.”

Journey back home was with lot of traffic at places near raja ji park dehradun-chutmalpur highway and hell lot of traffic from meerut to delhi as all cars bearing delhi numbers were heading home after a long weekend. Traffic made me reach home by 2230 hours.

When, I have decided to write a blog on my experience. First I thought it to keep it short. But when I started writing automatically the sequence of events I experienced came to my mind and I kept writing.

After completing the blog when I saw its length the following travel quote matched my writing style.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

 Hotel DwaperH

It was away from busy mall road. and on the way to kempty falls. As mall road does not allow vehicle entry from 1600 to 2300 hours staying away from it helps you take u r vehicle wherever u want. and its walk able distance from mall road.

 Whispering Pines Himalayan RetreatH

Its natural , stay in a tent with no mobile network except BSNL. staying in lap of nature where u can hear winds, birds or u r inner-self.