Road trip to Baguran Jalpai Beach by Sudip Paul with family in Maruti Alto on 2022-03-22

Road trip to Baguran Jalpai Beach in East Midnapore district, West Bengal by Indian Roadie Sudip Paul with family on Sunday, 2022-03-22. 

It was originally planned to be a 'Holi 2022 Junput Beach Drive' of Indian Roadie group members and followers. However, due to certain exigencies the group drive had to be postponed at the last moment. 

Sudip's family was totally geared up for the group drive. With school exams over, his daughters were particularly excited. Postponing the drive to the sea beach would have saddened the little girls. Sudip decided on continuing with the drive with his two daughters and wife. 

The family left home at Dumdum, Kolkata in their Maroon beauty (Alto LXI 2006 model) sharp at 5:15 am. First stop was at Azad Hind Dhaba, Uluberia at 6:00 am for an hour for breakfast. They reached Baguran Jalpai Beach at 9:15 am via Kolaghat, Nandakumar, Contai. Road was excellent all throughout. 

Sudip has advised us fellow roadies not to enter  Contai town but drive to the planned destination via Rupasi bypass. 

The Baguran Jalpai Beach has still retained its serenity with thousands of red crabs 🦀 playing hide and seek all over the wide expanse of clean sand. Since there is only one resort for stay and the beach is still not accessible by public transport (as in March 2022), the sleepy fishing village has retained its virginity and is yet to become popular with noisy tourists from Kolkata and adjoining locations. 

Roadies visiting Baguran Jalpai Beach can enjoy a swim in the cool waters of this particular stretch of Bay of Bengal. However, one shouldn't expect the luxury of any dedicated changing rooms/ washrooms. 

The family decided to drive ahead to Mandarmoni Beach 🏖️ as Sudip's daughters wanted to wet themselves in the sea. 

There is a bridge under construction on sea dyke road which in the next few years will shorten the intermediate distance between the beaches from Contai to Digha thereby avoiding the hassles of driving via NH116B. 

Since the road along the beach is still under construction, Sudip Paul had to return to Contai and follow NH116B until Chawlkhola to reach Mandarmoni Beach (Dadonpatrobar). 

They reached Mandarmoni Beach at 12:20 pm, took a room at one of the sea side hotels for 3 - 4 hours for resting and changing of wet clothes. After a quick lunch they spent 2 hours frolicking in the sea at Mandarmoni.  

After freshening up the family started the return journey at 4:45 pm via Chawlkhola, Nandakumar, Kolaghat. They reached the intersection of NH16, Kolaghat only at 9:10 pm due to unprecedented traffic jam for almost 7 - 8 kms in between Nachinda and Henria.  Over 2 hours were wasted because of pathetic traffic management on a day when thousands of vacationers in cars were on their way back to Kolkata and surroundings after Holi. 

After dinner at Express Dhaba, Kolaghat, they started the final lap of drive of about 70 odd kms at 10:00 pm and reached home in Dumdum at 11:15 pm. 

Although it was a hectic day, but at the end of it everyone was mighty satisfied. 

Total distance traveled - 390 kms.
Total toll paid - Rs 250 outward, Rs 155 while returning. 

. 

. 

. 

* Indian Roadie Beach Drive 

* Beach Drive 

* Drivelog 

Road trip from Kolkata to Darjeeling, Takdah, Bolpur and back in Tata Nexon by Indian Roadie Abhimanyu Chatterjee in February 2022

Road trip from City of Joy to the Queen of Hills and the abode of the bard and back, viz. Kolkata - Darjeeling - Takdah - Bolpur! 

Kolkata to Siliguri 

(Kolkata_Siliguri) 

Kolkata to Darjeeling 

(Kolkata_Darjeeling) 

The itch was already there, being tired of sitting back home mostly, courtesy pandemic. So had to hit the road. And what better than the Himalayas. Good old Darjeeling this time. 

Start date (from Kolkata to Siliguri) : 14/02/22 
End date : (returned  to Kolkata) : 22/02/22 

Distance covered (round trip) : 1575kms 

Vehicle used : Nexon Petrol (4yrs+) 

It was around 10pm that we started from Kolkata to avoid night curfew, the original plan was to start at 4am in the morning. We reached rather smoothly at Siliguri around 10:30am. Time taken 12.5hrs (with bio and food breaks). Route taken via Kalyani, Krishnanagar, Botolbari (Bengal to Bengal). Road condition is far better as compared to my past experiences all through, with some rough patches in the Botolbari road, yet manageable. Put up at West Bengal tourism property in Siliguri (recommended). 
Next morning (9am) started climbing the mountains towards Darjeeling via Rohini. Loved the scenic drive. Took a tea break near Kurseong. Finally reached Darjeeling around noon. And a narrow steep climb later reached the West Bengal tourism property. The tourist lodge is preferred for its parking facility (a major issue in Darjeeling). The private balcony with each room provide sweeping view of the valley and Kanchenjunga. Although luck didn't favour us much as we only got a glimpse of the Sleeping Buddha... Mall, Observatory road, Mahakaal temple were some of the favourite places we visited while in the Queen of Hills.
After 2 days in Darjeeling we proceeded to Takdah. We didn't take the usual route from Darjeeling to Takdah via 6th Mile, but rather took the Jalapahar road to Lamahatta, scenic Peshok tea garden, Tinchuley to reach Takdah in 1.5hrs. Misty, meandering roads, chirping of birds, nature trails passing through dense coniferous forests, sight and sound of mountain streams coming down the slope every few yards you walk, blooming orchids, rolling tea gardens, that's what Takdah is all about. The word 'Tukdah' in Lepcha means mist/fog. Started as a British Army cantonment, the sleepy hamlet of Takdah still has a few Colonial bungalows, now converted into tourist accomodations. We had a grand stay at one such heritage bunglow (ref to picture) and soaked in the world away from this world. Stayed at Tukdah for 2 days and started rolling down via Rungli Rungliot tea garden towards the plains. On our return leg we halted at Malda (West Bengal tourism property again, recommended). Took us 8hrs to reach Malda (from Tukdah) via Botolbari road. Next morning we made an impromptu booking for Shantiniketan tourist lodge (West Bengal tourism property, recommended) & proceeded to Bolepur. Took us 5hrs to reach via Moregram (horrible craters in first few kilometres of Moregram). Enjoyed a leisurely drive around Bolepur in the afternoon. Next morning started at 10am and reached Kolkata via Burdwan by 2pm. 

(Narrated in the first person by Indian Roadie Abhimanyu Chatterjee) 

. 

. 

. 

* Road Trip To Darjeeling 

* Road trip to West Bengal 

* West Bengal Trails 

* Drivelog

Road trip to Rabrigram and Furfura Sharif by Debasish Hazra in February 2022

Rabri Gram: 

From Dankuni drive on Dankuni-Champadanga Road via Jangalpara, Mosat Bazaar. From Mosat Bazaar turn left and reach the 5 point crossing at Aaniya. Drive a short distance straight ahead to reach Rabrigram/ Gangpur, a non descript village on the left. 

At the entrance of Rabrigram there's lush green fields where where potato is grown. 

Almost every household in the village is engaged in making of 'rabri'. 

Even before one buys rabri, the rabri maker serves rabri for tasting straight from the iron kadai in which milk is simmered in coal, wood or gas fired stoves. 

Rabrigram is approx 20 kms/ 45 mins from Dankuni. 

Rabri is normally sold at ₹300 - 400 per kg. The rabri makers have provision to pack the rabri in plastic containers in such a way so that the content oesn't drip. 

After reaching home, keep the containers in refrigerator. 

Furfura Sharif: 

After visiting Rabrigram, drive back to Aaniya 5 point crossing, turn left on Singur-Borgachia Road. Furfura Sharif is just 4.5 kns ahead. 

The main gate of Furfura Sharif is on the left of the road. Parking is along the road outside the main gate. Immediately after walking in, there's a large number of chairs and tables made of concrete. A smaller gate ahead leads to the main prayer hall in the mosque. 

Construction of a huge building was in progress on the left. There's a 2 storied guest house nearby. It's normally all quiet inside. 

Courtesy: Debasish Hazra in February 2022. 

.  

. 

. 

* Indian Roadie Drive For Food 

* West Bengal Trails 

* Drivelog 

Road trip from Agra to Indore by roadie Rajarshi Mukherjee in early November 2019

Road trip from Agra to Indore (Agra_Indore) by roadie Rajarshi Mukherjee in early November 2019. 

Total Distance : 660 kms. 
Start : 07:10 hrs
End : 17:20 hrs (including 3 breaks)

Agra to Morena :
Very good 4 lane. Spent more than 20 mins at Jajau Toll Plaza as toll collection was slow and few gates were closed. There is a 30 kms long stretch which passes through Dholpur district of Rajasthan. Dholpur city has a nice elevated road to bypass the city. Wasn't so lucky in Morena where elevated road is under construction and one needs to jostle with local vehicles.

Morena to Gwalior :
Excellent road from Morena to Jhansi turnoff. Road becomes undivided 2 lanes for next 35 km after that. Gwalior bypass was so that even Gmap doesn’t recommend to use it. As it was just 9AM in the morning, decided to cross Gwalior through the city. Road condition for the entire 2 lane section and inside Gwalior city is rough and filled with occasional potholes. So it took 1 hour for us.
There is another longer alternative – Take the Jhansi turnoff and drive till Sikroda Barodi village and then take right toward NH3. Road condition is unknown but could be a saver if Gwalior city is choked.

Gwalior to Shivpuri Bypass:
Outstanding road all the way till Shivpuri bypass. 25 kms long Shivpuri bypass is again undivided 2 lane. Although 90% of the road is constructed, there are some extremely bad patches with no road at all especially near the culverts. So bad that I couldn’t save the car from belly hit twice even at below 10kmph speed.

Shivpuri to Guna to Biaora :
Superb road of 190 kms tarred and well marked. Tarred road causes less noise and makes the driving super comfortable. Road is so inviting that you don’t realize when speedometer crossed 100. 

Kolaras, Badarwas, Guna, Binaganj and every other small towns are well bypassed.

Biaora to Dewas Bypass :
150 Km long Bioara to Dewas bypass is newly constructed 4 lane concreted road. 4 lane is operational for the 90% of the distance except few diversions near Parsuliya (3 km long diversion),  Pachore (6 Km long diversion) and Jaloda (4 km long diversion). In these diversions, while we were driving on the opposite lane, could see all major work is completed.  3 major towns Sarangpur, Shajapur and Makshi is properly bypassed. Only last 7 Km from Sia to Dewas bypass is under construction and will take time.

Dewas to Indore :
Excellent 4 lane road but traffic intensifies as you approach towards Indore.

Facilities:
There are very few family restaurants in these 660 kms long stretch. Saw some near Shivpuri. But only truckers’ dhaba is available between towns. Actually we like dhabas for freshly cooked foods, super quick service and pocket friendly rates. The ambience may not be very family friendly, but we found most dhaba owners are quite understanding and offers separate sitting if accompanied by family. For toilets, we stop in big petrol pumps preferably HPCL or Reliance.

This route could be a good alternate option for roadies from Mumbai/ Pune travelling to north of Delhi instead of the Manpur – Lebad – Ratlam – Neemuch – Chittor – Bhilwara – Kishangarh - Jaipur route. 

. 

. 

.  

Indian Roadie Preferred Route, Motoring Route for 

Agra to Indore (Agra_Indore), 

Indore to Agra (Indore to Agra). 

. 

. 

. 

* Drivelog 

Road trip to Kondaveedu, Guntur district by Jothi Viknesh in end January 2022

Hairpin bends at Kondaveedu, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. 

Picture courtesy: Jothi Viknesh. 

Photo clicked on 2022-01-26 during his tour across India on 3 wheels. 

. 

. 

. 

* Must Visit 

* Road Trip To Andhra Pradesh 

* Andhra Pradesh Trails 

* Drivelog  

Mumbai to Jalandhar via Delhi - Road trip in November 2021

Road trip from Mumbai to Jalandhar (Mumbai_Jalandhar) by  and wife and 2 yrs old kid in November 2021. 

Day 1 (10/11/2021): Mumbai - Udaipur

Mumbai - Surat - Vadodara - Halol - Godhra Bypass - Modasa - Rishabdev - Shamalaji - Udaipur. 

Started sharp at 5 am from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, and was at Ghodbunder Road by 5.45 am. Got badly stuck there for almost an hour and wasted precious time early in the morning. From there on, it was a breeze and the roads were in good condition until Surat toll. Had an hour's break for breakfast at Hotel Jalaram. Started at 11.30 am from Jalaram. The road is awesome throughout the stretch until Halol. From there on, the roads are smooth but 2 lanes until Godhra with a few bad rumblers and a few bad patches here and there. This particular stretch had a bit of local traffic and surprisingly tolls were exempted all the way from VBTL, Vadodra till Khandi Obri, Udaipur. We passed several tolls between Vadodra and Udaipur and all of them had exempted lanes for LMV. The next stop was directly at Hotel Sarvottam, Modasa at 4 pm with a brief refueling halt around 3.30 pm at Malpur. This was a quick break and started around 4.30 pm for the last stretch. As soon as we touch Samalaji on NH48, the roads were delicious. These last 160kms from Shamalaji till Udaipur was the best I've driven so far. There was smooth stretch throughout however, this particular section had proper markings, reflectors, inclinations and the smoothness was at another level. Reached hotel at Udaipur around 6.30 pm.
Distance --> 758 kms
Total hours 13.30 hours and Driving time 11.45 hours
Toll paid --> 640/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 2 (11/11/2021):  Had a day for relaxing as my wife and I was traveling with a 2yr old. Explored Udaipur a bit, went to City Palace, Lunch at Natraj thali, and evening at rooftop cafes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 3 --> Nov12 --> Udaipur - New Delhi

Udaipur - Nathdwara - Rajasmand - Beawar - Kishangarh - Jaipur - Neemrana - Gurugram - Delhi
Started at 5.10 am from the hotel and once we reached Sukher, there is some construction work on both sides and hence the stretch is a single lane for a few km. Once you cross that, the roads are smooth till Nathdwara and once we get onto Rajasmand, it's a lonely stretch all the way till Rajiyawas I think and the roads change drastically after that to 3-4 lanes on each side. Amazing stretch from here on till Jaipur. We had an hour's breakfast halt at Hotel NH8, Kishangad around 9.30 am and started again at 10.30 amThere was a lot of city/local traffic at Jaipur and once we enter the diversion towards New Delhi, the stretch gets a bit dusty with good roads. The stretch doesn't have any speed signage or at least I didn't notice any and so beware of speed traps over here. I got fined for overspeeding above 80kmph. Lunch halt at Hotel Highway King around 1.30 pm and resumed for Delhi around 2.30 pm. From here on, the stretch was boring all the way till Gurugram. There was some diversion at the RJ-HR border near Bawal and so follow the traffic and you'd be fine. There was city/local traffic all the way from Bawal to New Delhi. Reached relatives house at 6.15 pm.
Distance --> 656 kms
Total hours 13 hours and Driving time 10.45 hours
Toll paid --> 810/-
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 4 --> Nov13 --> New Delhi - Jalandhar
Route --> Delhi - Murthal - Panipat - Karnal -Ambala - Ludhiana - Phagwara - Jalandhar. 
Started a bit late today at 8 am and reached Murthal around 9.30 am after a few diversions at the Singhu border. Roads are in good shape once the protest camps are done and there are still a few diversions and traffic till in-between Panipat and Karnal. After Karnal, it's a breeze with butter-smooth roads all the way till Jalandhar. We crossed a few toll booths but paid no toll as none were operational. Reached home around 3.45 pm.
Distance --> 373 kms
Total hours 7.45 hours and Driving time 6.45 hours
Toll paid --> None
There was no checking or stopping at any state borders for RT-PCR or Vaccine report check and it was a breeze all the way from Mumbai to Jalandhar. Only the hotel where we stayed at Udaipur asked for a vaccine certificate. Since we both were fully vaccinated, no issues at all. 

. 

. 

. 

* Drivelog

Road trip from Kolkata to Kausani, Munsiyari, Pilbhit and back by Indian Roadie Sajjan Tailor in May 2019

Road trip from Kolkata to Kausani, Munsiyari in Uttarakhand and Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in UP and back Ford Endeavour. 

The drive was planned on 8th May 2019, we were on the road on 12th May 2019. 

Indian Roadie Debashis Mukherjee, his colleague in Navy Harsh Bhargava flew in from Hyderabad to join us in the drive.

We all three were 60 plus years of age and grandfathers. 

Day 1, 12th May 2019, Kolkata-Varanasi, 690 kms, 13 hrs.

We started at 4.30 AM and reached at 5.30 PM. We stayed in Army officers mess.

Day 2, 13th May 2019, Varanasi-Bareily, 550 kms. 11 hrs.

We started at 6.00 AM and drove via Jaunpur - Machli shahar - Pratapgarh - Raebareli-Lucknow - Hardoi. We stayed in Army Officers Mess.

Day 3, 14th May 2019, Bareilly - Kausani, 250 kms. 7 hrs 29 minutes.

We stayed at Kausani in KMVN Rest House. This is ideal place to stay with panoramic view of mountain peaks Trishul and Panchchuli.

Day 4, 15th May 2019, stay in Kausani.

We enjoyed the sun rising through Panchchuli peak, visited Anashakti Ashram, Pant Musueam and Stargate Observatory.

Day 5, 16th May 2019, Kausani - Munsiyari, 165 kms, 7 hrs 30 mnts. 

Our route was Bageshwar - Chaukori - Thal - Birthi water fall - Munsiyari. We stayed at Munsiyari in KMVN Rest House. Amazing view of Panchchuli peaks from our room in the Hotel. We enjoyed the sun set over Panchchuli peak.

Day 6, 16th May 2019, Munsiyari - Chanpawat, 202 kms, 10 hrs.

In the early hours we enjoyed the sun rising through Panchchuli peak and after breakfast we started. Our route was via Pithoragarh. We checked in to KMVN Rest House for overnight stay.

Day 7, 17th May 2019, Champawat - Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, 123 kms, 3 hrs 15 mnts. 

We reached Pilibhit via Tanakpur. We checked in to THARU BAMBOO HUTS at Chuka Eco tourism spot inside the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. Chuka beach is called GOA of UP and is amazing beach on bank of Sharda river and Sharda sagar dam. We had pre booked an evening Tiger Safari and we're lucky to have had 2 Tiger sighting. Chances of sighting tigers in Pilibhit is very high.

Day 8, 19th May 2019, Pilibhit - Varanasi, 547 kms, 11 hrs.

We started early at sunrise and due to some urgency Mr Harsh had to fly to Hyderabad from Lucknow. We dropped him at Lucknow Airport and proceeded to Varanasi. We stayed in Army officers Mess.

Day 9, 20th May 2019, Varanasi - Kolkata, 680 kms, 14 hrs.

We started at 6.00 AM and reached home at 8.00 PM. 

Source: Drivelog posted by Indian Roadie Sajjan Tailor in the Indian Roadie Facebook 'group'. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/indianroadie/permalink/2024844477673653/ 

. 

. 

. 

* Kolkata_Kausani 

* Kolkata_Munsiyari 

* Kolkata_ Pilbhit 

* Uttarakhand Trails 

* Uttar Pradesh Trails 

* Drivelog