Barkul (Chilka Lake) - Puri via Tangi, Rameswar, Nirakarpur (106 kms) Indian Roadie Preferred Route

The best route for people travelling from anywhere in South India (via NH16) to pay homage at the Jagannath Temple in Puri is as follows
Barkul (Chilka Lake) - Tangi - Rameswar crossing - turn right - Nirakarpur - Pratap Purusottampur - Puri.
The total distance = 106 kms and takes about 2 hrs 15 mins.

Barkul - Rameswar crossing = 66 kms.
Rameswar crossing - Nirakarpur = 4 kms.
Rameswar crossing - Puri = 50 kms.

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Indian Roadie Preferred Route

BJP MLA in UP dies after his Toyota Fortuner SUV collides with truck on NH24 on 2018-02-21

BJP MLA from Noorpur in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh, Lokendra Singh died on 2018-02-21 morning after his Toyota Fortuner being driven at high speed on the wrong flank of 4 lane National Highway 24 (NH24) with median divider collided head-on with a truck in Sitapur district.

The MLA was on his way to Lucknow to attend an investors meet scheduled to be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi later in the day.

We pity the truck driver. Since 'netaji'/ 'vidayakji' died after crashing into a truck, the driver will spend donkeys years in some jail & without any judgement :( :( :(
Now it will be a case of unending misery for the poor family of the hapless driver of the truck.

Would the situation been different even if there were CCTV cameras every 500 mtrs or 5000 mtrs to monitor vehicle movements on the highway?
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X1PMYiwyrEE

Policemen, who should be the lawkeepers, are the biggest thugs on Indian roads

Do you really think that you are safe in a known territory/ road while driving during the night?

When lawkeepers become lawbreakers in the southern fringes of a metropolitan city, viz Kolkata, who is going to save you during exigencies on the state/ national highways anywhere in India?

Curated from: Toi Kolkata dated 2018-02-26.

Convoy of camels on highway near Muktsar Sahib, Punjab

Won't you feel excited to spot a convoy of camels with its leader trudging along on a National Highway near Muktsar Sahib in Punjab, India.

Chandigarh to Muktsar Sahib via Ludhiana, Moga (i.e. via NH5 and SH16) is 260 kms (4 hrs 30 mins).

India is a representation of everything beautiful that one can crave to see around the world.
Traveling by road is the best, safest & most economical option for wanderlust Indians and expatriates to get the true essence of India.
It's only while traveling on road in India does one get to see such beautiful sights. Just keep enjoying every km of your drive/ ride. A road journey in India is never ever tiring.

Photo credit: Amaan Singh Nagpal.

Wagamon (Vagamon) is an unbeatable place to chill out in Kerala

A bit of off-roading followed by a chilling out session at Wagamon (Vagamon) in Idukki district of Kerala (God's Own Country), India.

Wagamon (Vagamon) is an unbeatable place to chill out in Kerala.
- Who has been to Vagamon and when (month & year)?
- Please share some photos/ memories.

Photo credit: Abhinash Ps.

Chaksam Bridge is a must see during a drive to Tawang through the Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh

Sophie Pearce loved Tawang for many reasons but what remained etched in her mind was all the hidden gems on the treacherous car journey to Tawang through the Sela Pass!

Seen in the picture is Chaksam Bridge. It's the only one of its kind in India and there are only 2 chain bridges of this kind in the whole world! It was built in the 14th century.
She says that it’s a little off the beaten track but definitely a must for every visitor to Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Content & photo credit: Sophie Pearce (@thirdeyetraveller on IG), a solo female travel blogger from UK.

Road trip to Mysore Palace, Mysore, Karnataka

To enjoy the beauty of intricate artwork inside Mysore Palace and the adjoining sprawling lawns, budget for a minimum of 2 hours.
Mysore is a shade more than 3 hrs drive from Bangalore via Mandya, Srirangapatna.
Photo credit: Cipin Chandran.

Ambavilas Palace, otherwise known as the Mysore Palace, is a historical palace and a royal residence at Mysore in the southern Karnataka state of India. It is the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore.

India is best seen and enjoyed while traveling on road. Road travel in India is fast, comfortable, hassle-free, convenient, safe and affordable.
Foreigners should ideally form a team of 2 - 4 like minded travel buddies while exploring this huge and beautiful country on road. The culture, behavioral pattern and demographics change every 300 - 350 kms.

Buddhist monastery in the picturesque village of Likir in Ladakh, off Srinagar - Leh Highway

The Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa is one of the oldest and well maintained monasteries in Ladakh district in Jammu and Kashmir. The monastery is located in Likir village. It is believed to have been in existence since 11th century. The original name of Likir monastery is Klu-kkhyil gompa. Besides being the oldest, the monastery is also known for the 75 feet statue of Buddha.

About 52 kms west of Leh in Indus Valley, the picturesque village of Likir is believed to be among the oldest villages of India. Every Indian Roadie, Shetravels India, Backpacking India on Road, Global Roadie follower must visit, rather drive/ ride to the monastery which is about 9.5 kms north of the Srinigar to Leh highway.

Likir means the Naga encircled. The monastery got its name as it is believed two serpent spirits – Nanda and Taksako – guard it. The gompa belongs to Gelugpa sect of Buddhism which is also referred as Yellow Hat sect. It was founded by Tsongkhapa in 15th century.

Contact: Stanzin Takspa of Ladakh Trekking Old Likir Guest House, located right next to Likir Monastery in Ladakh. He can help connect Indian Roadie, Shetravels India, Backpacking India on Road, Global Roadie followers for short stays at the monastery.

Photo source: unknown.

View from the highest point in Key Monastery, Himachal Pradesh

View from the highest point in Key Monastery.
Photo credit: Walid Khoury (Writer, Director, Photographer), Walidart.com. (@artofwalid on Instagram).

Kye Gompa or Key Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on top of a hill at an altitude of 4,166 metres above sea level, close to the Spiti River, in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Lahaul and Spiti district, India.

Content source: Wikipedia.

Drive to Kolukkumalai in Tamilnadu to see the sunrise and world's highest orthodox tea estate

Kolukkumalai is a small village/ hamlet in Bodinayakanur Taluk in Theni district of Tamil Nadu bordering Idukki district of Kerala. Situated at a height of 7900 ft above sea level, it is home to the highest orthodox tea plantations in the world with the tea grown here possessing a special flavour and freshness because of the high altitude.



Route: Munnar - Devikulam - Chinakkanal - Suryanelli (jeep stand) - Kolukkumalai.

Established in 1935, the estate, located on Kolukkumalai Hills, is around 34 km from Munnar and takes about 2 hrs to reach by shared or hired Jeep from Munnar town.The hill top village is accessible only by jeep due to rugged and rain drenched roads. Regular vehicles are not permitted to ply upwards from Suryanelli town and in any case cars will not be able to make it to the top. Munnar to Suryanelli is approx. 24 kms.

There are a lot of leeches in the tea estate. Therefore, it's advisable that roadies should carry salt with them.

112 is the National Emergency Number in India

112 is the National Emergency Number in India.
Use it during any emergency.

Road trip to Adalaj ni Vab Stepwell, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Adalaj ni Vav or Rudabai Stepwell is a stepwell located in the village of Adalaj, Gandhinagar district in Gujarat (close to Ahmedabad).

@tinksk had gone for a small drive to the stepwell.

Road trip to Nepal from Kolkata via Birganj and back in 12 days in November 2017

An IndianRoadie follower with wife and another couple drove to Nepal from Kolkata and back for a relaxed 12 days trip in their Maruti Swift Dzire Petrol in early November 2017.

Day 1: Kolkata (5.30am Dankuni toll plaza) - Muzaffarpur (6.30pm) via Asansol, Topchanchi, Barhi, Nawada, Biharsharief, Patna, Mahatma Gandhi Setu, Hajipur.

Day 2 : Muzaffarpur (6.30am) - Motihari - Raxaul border - Birganj - Chitwan (2.30pm).

Day 3 : Elephant safari + Jeep safari.

Day 4 : Chitwan (7.00am) - Pokhara (3.00pm).

Day 5: Pokhara sightseeing.

Day 6: Pokhara local.

Day 7: Pokhara (7.30am) - Kathmandu (3.00pm).

Day 8: Kathmandu and surroundings, viz. Bhaktapur, Patan, Sunset point.

Day 9: Kathmandu local sightseeing.

Day 10: Kathmandu (6.00am) - Birganj - Raxaul - Motihari - Muzaffarpur - Patna (7.00pm).

Day 11: Patna (6.30am) - Bodh Gaya (12 noon) .

Day 12: Bodh Gaya (9.30am) - lunch at Topchanchi - Asansol - Durgapur - Kolkata (7.30pm). 

Note:
NH19 is in excellent shape all along. 
NH31 after the Tilaiya Dam upto Biharsharief is in very bad shape with huge craters. They found atleast 6 - 8 trucks with broken axles in that stretch.
Bakhtiyarpur to Patna is toll road and a great pleasure to drive on.

Explore Nagaland - Morungs on display during Hornbill Festival at Kisama heritage village

What are Morungs?
Essentially a boys hostel. In the Naga way of life these huts were the training ground for boys to turn into men.
Although not in use anymore, during the Hornbill Festival (2017-12-01 to 2017-12-10) at Kisama heritage village, each tribe (17 Major tribes) gets to showcase their culture and tradition and take you back in time.

Source: Chalohoppo

Explore Nagaland - Kohima War Cemetery

A drive to Nagaland and the Hornbill festival is incomplete without a visit to the Kohima War cemetery. Built as a tribute to the fallen soldiers of the second world war in April 1944 after a war between the Allied forces and the Japanese. In 2013, the British National Army Museum voted the Battle of Imphal and Kohima as "Britain's Greatest Battle".

The memorial is right in the heart of Kohima city and happens to be one of the places to visit in Kohima for tourists because of the location and the beauty of the place, where roses bloom in season. There are others who come to pay homage to their family members who were martyrs.

Photo credit: unknown

Mumbai to Kolkata road trip via Nashik, Dhule, Amravati, Nagpur, Raipur, Sambalpur, Angul, Balasore, Kharagpur (Version - 1)

If one intends to drive from Mumbai to Kolkata, the ideal route is via NH3 (upto Dhule), NH6 (upto Sambalpur, Odisha), NH42 (upto Manguli, near Cuttack), NH5 (upto Balasore), NH60 (upto Kharagpur), NH6 (upto Kolkata).

The route via NH3 and NH6 is:
Mumbai - Nashik - Dhule - Khamgaon - Akola - Amravati - Nagpur - Durg - Bhilai - Raipur - Areng - Saraipali - Bargarh - Sambalpur.

Driving distance from:
Mumbai (Gateway of India) - Thane - Igatpuri - Nashik via NH160 (erstwhile, NH3) = 180 kms.
Nashik - Dhule = 160 kms.
Dhule - Jalgaon - Bhusawal - Khamgaon via NH6 (new, NH53) = 220 kms.
Khamgaon - Akola Airport via NH6 = 58 kms.
Akola Airport - Amravati via NH6 = 90 kms.
Amravati - Nagpur (crossing of NH6 and NH7) = 170 kms.





Pune, Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, Buldana drivers will touch NH6 at Khamgaon.







After reaching Sambalpur, it's best to avoid driving on NH6 via Deogarh, Keonjhar, Baharagora, Chichira, Kharagpur because it's not a pleasant drive through a predominantly double laned road with uneven surface.

From Sambalpur, it's best to follow NH55 (erstwhile, NH42) from Junction with NH6 to Junction with NH16 (erstwhile NH5) at Manguli near Cuttack via Rairakhole - Angul - Dhenkanal bypass - Chowdwar (261 kms).





NH55 (erstwhile, NH42) is mostly good double laned road barring a few sections where it's also four laned.
Strictly avoid driving the Sambalpur - Angul (140 kms) double laned highway which passes through dense forest section after sundown. Facilities are almost non-existent. However, an early morning drive from Sambalpur to Angul is a great feeling with the sunrays peeping through the tall saal trees.



Angul became famous since mid 1980s for Asia's largest Aluminium smelting plant owned by NALCO Ltd, a Government of India enterprise.

From the Manguli crossing of NH55 with NH16, follow NH16 via Manguli toll plaza - Chandikhole - Bhadrak - Soro - Balasore.







From Balasore (Phulwari Chowk) drive on NH60, a newly relaid concrete road via Jaleshwar, upto Kharagpur which is 123 kms away.





Kharagpur to Kolkata is almost entirely six laned NH16.

Day 1: By leaving Mumbai by 4.30am, a sedate driver/ rider should be able to reach Amravati or an additional 100 kms upto Nagpur.
Day 2: Amravati/ Nagpur to Sambalpur .... good hotels are available.
Day 3: Sambalpur to Kolkata (either via Angul, Bhadrak or via Deogarh, Keonjhar, Baharagora).  

Edit: Roadies can drive Mumbai to Kolkata via Pune, Hyderabad, Vizag, Bhubaneswar and follow the map in the link. 

https://indian-roadie.blogspot.com/2020/12/indian-roadie-preferred-route-motoring.html 

Explore Bangalore - Six face Muruga Temple in Rajarajeswari Nagar

The Six Face Muruga Temple in Rajarajeswari Nagar is a unique temple in Bangalore dedicated to Lord Shanmuka (Muruga). The exceptional feature of Shanmukha Temple in Shrungagiri Hill is the Gopuram ( temple tower ) which has the six faces of Lord Shanmukha.

The Gopuram featuring the 6 faces of Shanmugha (Shanmukha) is visible from a distance of 2 - 3 kms.

Photo & content: Bharath (@wander__n__wonder)

Explore Hampi - View of Vittala Temple from the end of Vittala Bazaar street

View Vittala Temple from the end of the Vittala Bazaar street.

Vittala Temple Bazaar - This is one of the many ancient bazaars (market) in Hampi. As the name indicates, Vittala Bazaar is attached to the iconic Vittala Temple. This street is still intact and functional.

On either sides of the bazaar are chains of boulder hills. The river and the boulder hills make an natural backdrop form the bazaar.

During the functional days of Vittala Temple, the temple tank, Kudure Gombe Mantapa in the Vittala street were significant sites. During the annual festival the idol of the god used to be taken on a chariot on this bazaar street.

Photo & content: Bharath (@wander__n__wonder)

Haryana Police and RTA Sonepat has awesome statistics on accidents

Statistics available with Haryana Police and RTA Sonepat have revealed that 90% of all people are caused by accidents ;)
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#RottenEnglish
#LaughAloud
#HaryanaPolice

Manali - Leh highway officially closed to traffic for the winter months w.e.f 2017-11-15

Manali - Leh highway officially closed to traffic for the winter months w.e.f 2017-11-15.