17th February 2025 Departed Simlipal in Odisha at 0545 as planned. The gate keeper was waiting for me. The roads are just fantastic. NH18 then NH19. First hour had different density of fog. At times down to 10 meters. But the lack of traffic early made it easy. The speed limits were at 80 kmph. So stayed within that. Lack of traffic meant I was on cruise most of the while. Made great time. Crossed into Jharkhand. The roads stayed as good. Cost of fuel dropped by 10 percent for petrol !! The crossed into Bihar, reaching my destination Jataka Inn, Gaya. Got in by 1300. Had a relaxed lunch. Slept a while. Headed out to the Mahabodi Temple in the evening. Got an electric auto rickshaw for the round trip. Recommended by the hotel security. Got snapped up by a guide as soon as I reached. Thought why not. It helped in jumping queue to get a cloak room locker for my smartphones. They have been banned in most of the larger temples in the south. Effect of idiots planting explosive devices. Jumpe...
Being written on the 29th of November while waiting for my flight to Chennai. 26th November 2024 Departed Gangtok by 0930. Driver got stuck in city traffic. Exited using a less used road, with a steep gradient. Met up with the main road traffic in a bit. We were headed to the Gnathang Valley. Distance wise, not very far. Stopped to have our permit printed. The application and issue is online. It needs the vehicle and driver details. Apart from the passenger detail. The road we were taking went past Nathu La. Worked on the driver's mind to curb his natural tendency of allowing the weight of his right foot to decide the pace of the journey. Then explained to him that the pleasure of the journey should be absolute. The destination could be enjoyed when we reached. Traffic was not too heavy. We stopped to have the permit checked and signed. The scenic beauty of the place cannot be described. Any drive in the Himalayan region fills one with exhilaration. It is simpler for me to just p...
11th February The start of a postponed trip. Had planned this September October of 2024. But, a fervent request from my daughter got me cancel. The idea regenerated in January while in Sri Lanka. Thought of a early March Departure. The weather played a large part in pulling it forward. The route was thru the smaller Tiger Reserves in the East, North and Central India. With all the key religious places in North Central India brought in. Only when I reached Prayagraj in my bookings did I realise it was Kumbh time. So much for my religious indoctrination. The hotels were extremely expensive. Though of dropping it, the younger one agreed. The elder whacked me on my head. So, booked. Departed Chennai at 0600. Headed towards my first halt - Nagarjuna Srisailam Tiger Reserve - NSTR - also called the Nalamalla Forest Reserve. Had my booking for two nights at one of their camps at Pacherla. Each night had one Safari thrown in. Got out of Chennai very fast, Was amazed at the smooth run, til...
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