Road trip to Tulsishyam (GJ), a mysterious place in Gujarat where gravity does not work

Photo: Suresh Kumar TN. 

We have read stories about the mirage in a desert, but can there be a mirage on a hill as well? Can there be a place on earth which is absolved from the effects of gravitational force? How would you feel if your vehicle starts moving uphill on its own and without the use of handbrakes?

It is a reality
Apparently, the phenomenon of witnessing your vehicle or any object creeping uphill at a speed of 20 KMPH even though you set it into neutral at the base of the hill is a reality. Visit a place known as Tulsishyam in Gujarat to behold the strange occurrence.

What makes Tulsishyam unique?

For the starters, Tulsishyam is a place situated on the border of Amreli district and Junagadh district, in the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat. It is famous for the 3,000 year-old Krishna temple and houses a hot water spring known for its healing powers. Another highlight of Tulsishyam is the famous anti-gravity hill which is nothing but the balancing out of gravitational forces in the region.

The secret behind it

In reality, these are not crooked vortexes in the Earth’s gravitational field; rather they are purely optical illusions occurring due to the structure of land on either side of the road. It may look that the cars, water and balls are rolling up hill, but in reality they are sloping downward, the way they should be. The horizon line and other attributes of the surrounding vistas trick the brain into assuming the slope as uphill. Yet, it is difficult for the ordinary brain to accept the truth.

A supernatural hill?

The superstitious people living in this area beg to differ from the ‘anti-gravity’ theory. They harbour a belief that this phenomenon is actually a supernatural occurrence. They say that this way goes all the way to heaven because it feels like we are being pulled upward. It is still better in the sense that they do not attribute the phenomenon to be the work of some ghost or evil force unlike their Western counterparts.

More examples…
Tulsishyam is not the only place to have anti-gravity hills. The Electric Bae in South Ayrshire (Scotland), the Gravity Hill in Prosser (Washington), the Confusion Hill in Piercy (California) and the Magnetic Hill in Black Rock (Australia) are also similar places located in different parts of the world.

Aren’t they intriguing enough? 

Article credit: Resham Sengar,Times Travel Editor

Rented cars/ bikes from outside Ladakh region can't be used beyond Leh

Cars or Bikes rented from outside Leh can't be used in Leh or beyond. Even self-drive ones are not allowed beyond Leh. So those have to be parked in Leh for the duration of stay and one has to hire local Leh car/ bike to travel within Leh or beyond (self or driver driven), while the rented car/bike (from outside) remains parked in Leh town. That's double the expenditure.

This rule does not apply to cars/ bike personally owned and driven around with documents to prove ownership when asked for.

And yes, there are no self-drive car/ bike rental service operating in Leh region that allows one to pick and drop vehicles at different points. Self-drive car rental companies in the organized sector, viz.  Zoomcar, Choicecars, Myles, etc have this service only in select cities in India but not in Leh/ Ladakh region.

Road trip of 51 kms (each way) to Lohagad Fort from Pune

Road trip of 51 kms (each way) to Lohagad Fort from Pune, Maharashtra, India.




Lohagad Fort or Lohagarh, literally meaning iron fort, is a historical citadel perched atop a hillock at an elevation of 3400 feet. Situated in the Sahyadri range of Lonavala, it separates the Indrayani basin from the Pawna basin.

#LohagadFort in #Maharashtra, #India is 51 kms from Pune (Balewadi Stadium) via #NH79 and is a 30 mins drive from Lonavala.
The best time to visit Lohagad is between September and March. However, a trip during monsoon has a different charm altogether.

The elaborate history of this fort associates it with the great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji. Many other Maratha and Vidarbha rulers used this citadel, making it an important part of Maharashtra's rich history. The fort was occupied by many dynasties: Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizamshahis, Mughals and Marathas.

The fort can be reached from any of its four entrances, namely Maha Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja and Narayan Darwaja.

Exquisite sculpting can be seen on the Maha Darwaja that speaks of the art and architecture prevalent in olden times. A step well and large tank constructed during the 18th century can also be found here. Lohagad Fort was regarded as a great military marvel during pre-historic British time.

Trekkers prefer the walk up to the fort, especially in the monsoon. The simple and easy trek is suitable for people of all age-groups. The trekking route during monsoons becomes a bit mucky and trekkers may find some difficulty in walking to the fort.
The walk to Lohagad Fort is enjoyable with the epic scenic beauty, lush green grass, cool mountain air, the pleasant climate and site of the villages that can be seen along the way to the fort. A variety of birds and insects can also be spotted in the hills.

From the top of Lohagad Fort, a breathtaking view of the villages, beautiful bungalows, hotels, Pawna (Pavna) Dam and the entire hill station of Lonavala is possible.

There are plenty of options for food in nearby Lohagadwadi village. In the small dhabbas one has food options such as vada pav, onion bajiya, corn (bhutta) along with the cutting chai (tea).

With regards to accommodation, there are plenty of options available in Lonavala.
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* Global Roadie
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* Backpacking India On Road
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Cement chunk falls off from under Chetla Bridge in Kolkata on 2018-09-11

Cement chunk falls off from under Chetla Bridge in Kolkata on 2018-09-11.
Road bridges and culverts throughout West Bengal are in precarious condition.
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* Indian Roadie News

Floods in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal was extremely grim as on 2018-09-11

Heavy rainfalls and flooding of extensive areas in Jalpaiguri district in North Bengal as on 2018-09-11.
Postpone/ cancel your driving/ riding plans to Bhutan and/ or North Eastern States for the time being.
The situation is extremely grim.
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* Indian Roadie News

Kangshabati River Bridge on NH14 (erstwhile, NH60) connecting Kharagpur with Midnapore can collapse any m

Deshpran Birendra Bridge on NH14 (erstwhile, NH60), over Kangshabati River connecting Kharagpur - Midnapore in West Bengal is in a terrible state of disrepair as in September 2018.
Huge chunks of concrete have fallen off from the surface of the long bridge. Unbelievably, huge concrete masses have fallen of from most of the pillars supporting the bridge. The railings are almost non existent. Trees and shrubs have grown on the side walls.

The bridge can collapse any moment!
If this vital road link is cut off, cars/ bikes/ trucks/ buses from entire India located south of Kharagpur (including those from Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala) will have untold misery reaching Durgapur, Asansol, Malda, North Bengal, North Eastern states, Bhutan, etc.
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* Indian Roadie Caution

Bridge over canal collapses in Phansidewa, near Siliguri on 2018-09-07 around 9.30am

Another bridge over a nullah collapsed at Mangachh in north Bengal's Phansidewa (near Siliguri) on Friday 2018-09-07 at around 9.30am, injuring a truck driver who was crossing it with his vehicle.
The truck, which was crossing the bridge, is still hanging from the broken portion of the structure that connects Manganj area to Siliguri, a major city in north Bengal.
Locals claimed that the bridge was in a dilapidated condition and that several appeals for having it repaired fell on deaf ears.

The truck driver was injured and rushed to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

It may be recalled that in August 2018, a 25-meter stretch of an under-construction flyover on NH31D (a part of East West corridor) had collapsed at Phansidewa.
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* Indian Roadie News

Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in Gandhinagar (bordering Ahmedabad), Gujarat - 1 brand

A senior corporate professional connected with me on LinkedIn for over 11 years have become a true roadie within the past 5 years after following Indian Roadie regularly.

His way of thanking me was getting me introduced to a hotelier cum real estate businessman in the most happening state in Western India. The concept and content of Indian Roadie and it's associated forums were reasons enough to impress and convince the middle-aged businessman to collaborate with my online initiative.

Indian Roadie followers/ members will now have the privilege of enjoying a premium luxury Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel at mid-budget hotel tariffs and facilities in GANDHINAGAR (bordering Ahmedabad), Gujarat.

It's a strategically located property with well appointed spacious rooms, veg & non-veg food, courteous staff, ample car parking space within the compound, banquet hall, etc.

The property owner will be too happy to render every help related to road routes in the region, vehicle service related issues and any other support, if needed.

Revert to me (Deep Banerjee, founder Indian Roadie) for bookings.

*Terms & Conditions Apply.

Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in Ooty, Tamilnadu - 1 brand

A chance meeting with a corporate professional turned hotelier at a seminar culminated into a collaboration between IndianRoadie and the gentleman's hospitality chain presently limited to Tamilnadu and Karnataka.

Indian Roadie followers/ members will now have the privilege of enjoying their stay in Ooty, Tamilnadu at a premium luxury Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel at mid-budget hotel tariffs and facilities.

It's a strategically located property with well appointed spacious rooms, veg & non-veg food, courteous staff, ample car parking space within the compound, banquet hall, etc.

The property owner himself is very excited about the meticulous way how IndianRoadie and it's associated forums are being nurtured. He will be too happy to render every help related to road routes in the region and vehicle service related issues, if needed.

Revert to me (Deep Banerjee) for bookings.

*Terms & Conditions Apply.

Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in Dehradun, Uttarakhand - 1 brand

Indian Roadie followers/ members will be pleasantly surprised to know that we have collaborated with 1 (one) brand of mid-budget Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

It's an easily accessible property with well appointed air-conditioned spacious rooms, veg & non-veg food, courteous staff, ample car parking space within the compound, banquet hall, etc.

The property owner himself will be too happy to render every help related to road routes in the region and vehicle service related issues, if needed.

Revert to me (Deep Banerjee) for bookings.

*Terms & Conditions Apply.

Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in Shantiniketan, West Bengal - 1 brand

Announcing the tie-up of 1 (one) brand of mid-budget Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in Shantiniketan, West Bengal.

It's a brand new property with well appointed air-conditioned spacious rooms, veg & non-veg food, courteous staff, ample car parking space within the compound, friendly battery operated rickshaws to take roadies around the Vishwa Bharti University township, etc.

Revert to me (Deep Banerjee) for bookings.

*Terms & Conditions Apply.

Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh - 1 brand

Announcing the tie-up of 1 (one) brand of mid-budget Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

It's a brand new property with well appointed air-conditioned spacious rooms, veg & non-veg food, banquet hall, ample car parking space within the compound, etc.

Revert to me (Deep Banerjee) for bookings.

*Terms & Conditions Apply.

Majerhat Bridge Collapse - only fresh coats of paint and superficial maintenance were carried out

WARNING: Beauty (that’s the definition of 'unnayan' or development in West Bengal) is only skin deep.
Looks are deceptive!
Majerhat Bridge collapsed on 2018-09-04. Only fresh coats of blue & white paints were applied and superficial maintenance work used to be carried out.
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* Majerhat Bridge Collapse

Save Farakka Bridge, Dhakuria Bridge, Bijon Setu from impending disaster

Will the authorities wake up & save the following lifelines:
Dhakuria Bridge,
Bijon Setu,
Farakka Bridge,
from impending disaster!

Majerhat Bridge on Diamond Harbour Road (NH117), Kolkata collapsed on 2018-09-04 afternoon

Majerhat Bridge, which is over 50 years old and is situated on Diamond Harbour Road (NH117) in the heart of Kolkata collapsed on 2018-09-04 afternoon. The unbelievably busy bridge over the Sealdah - Budge Budge Railway tracks and a wide water filled nullah, connects Alipore with the heavily populated localities of New Alipore, Behala, Taratala, Budge Budge, Kolkata Port, Thakurpukur, IIM Joka, etc.



Ever since I shifted to Kolkata in 1980 for my higher studies in St.Xavier's College, commuting from Behala to Park Street via Majerhat Bridge has been a harrowing experience.
I have always stated that Behala's 'behal' (hopeless situation) will never end. I have always wondered why my 'dadu' (grandpa) had to construct our beautiful house in Behala.
Little did he know in the early 1960s that Jyotis and Satatas will rule this state (Behala included) to its ultimate funeral.
Ever since SHE, the proprietress of #MaMaMa party assumed power in Wasted Bengal in May 2011, situations in the milling metropolis and the rest of the state have gone from bad to terrible!

Kolkata and rest of Bengal are only like 'palash' flowers which look nice on first glance but have none of the qualities associated with beautiful flowers :(
The only industry that thrives in this state is 'organized extortion', nothing worthwhile happens :(



At the time of reporting there's no concrete report on the number of casualties or the number of people injured. Number of people must have lost their lives or have been grievously injured. The ministers, secretaries, police, party functionaries and others dare NOT comment on numbers because everything in this state happens only on the inspiration of HER HIGHNESS. She is presently in Darjeeling and has already started making horrendous remarks!

Drive to Dzukou Valley, the Valley of Flowers in Nagaland via Kohima

Dzukou Valley is located at the border of Manipur and Nagaland. It is referred to as the Valley of Flowers of the East. Visitors need to trek 17 kms to the valley. It was covered with a rare Dzukou Lily found only in this part of the world. Something truly mysterious in the valley are the presence of burnt-out trees strewn all over, however, without any reasons for fire. 
Dzukou Valley is indeed a magical place to visit.

How to reach:
Roadies need to drive to drive/ fly to Kohima, Nagaland.
From Kohima either drive ahead or hire a local cab to Vishema village.
From Vishema village, a SUV is needed to reach upto the starting point of the trek.
The first half of stony stairs are quite tough, but after that it is a horizontal walk through the valley for about 5 kms.

Content courtesy: Manas Nandy who was there in Dzukou Valley in October 2016.