[ABHI_1512]

After the last weekender at Mandarmoni, it was decided amongst the members to have an overnighter at Asanbani near Jamshedpur. Dalma hills nearby was an added attraction along with some more near Ranchi. Jamshedpur is around 5 hours leisurely drive from Calcutta and hence, members took it easy among themselves. The idea was to spend some quality time with friends over the weekend. Some like me decided to hit the road in the previous night itself and some decided to start very early in the morning next day in order to reach Asanbani, Jamshedpur around noon. The place or the resort was the wonderful WAVE INTERNATIONAL just beside the highway and having a huge space for parking and is a perfect weekend destination.







So, it was the last day of month of March and after the usual working fight of the day, we- the group who started late in the night from our respective places, at around midnight, were supposed to meet just after the Dhulagarh toll plaza. The excitement of driving through the night over some brilliant roads is a chance not to be missed, said some

The midnight group included seasoned traveler's like Neversaygoodbye, Mile_Breaker, hornnotokplease and some very spirited traveler's like boniver, cdibya and Horsepower. The midnight group also included lazy bums like me and folks like DevOnWheels, Apollo1999 and Sandman789. Some random pictures from the trip just to make this first post little more interesting :



























We started from our respective destinations around midnight. Since the idea was to spend time together, we car pooled for our destination. The idea of sharing the drive together with like minded folks was more appealing then taking their own respective vehicles. But that didn't stop me from taking my car though



We stopped for a round of tea at our first stop near the Dhulagarh toll plaza. I was the last one to reach as the rest of the group had already assembled. Round of tea over, we headed for our dinner stop at SHER-E-PUNJAB Kolaghat. Someone might be wondering- starting at midnight and then stopping for a dinner doesn't sound right !! But then, when foodies like us meet at one place, the conversation starter has to be some lip smacking food, time and place not withstanding.

[ABHI_1512]

We reached Kolaghat at just around 1.30 after starting at midnight from the respective places of Calcutta. Sher-E-Punjab was chock a block at those unearthly hours as well. We got down to our business just as we could. First up were the succulent chicken kebabs and after devouring those, we had the flatbreads or butter nans and chicken bharta to whet our appetite at 2 in the morning !!









The below picture is special, why do I say that? That's because we all are basically looking at a shoe and smiling away. Yes, cdibya had a Eureka moment and he placed his phone on a shoe pointing the camera towards us. Such ideas can come from him only. The resultant picture is thus, a memorable moment.



Also, the fresh lime soda made its appearance and the special guest Thumps Up showed up just for boniver's eyes. Yes, chips and cola are his best friends when he is not riding his bikes !!



Sumptuous dinner over and it was already 3 in the morning. Leisurely started our drive again and soon enough we were near the Jharkhand-Bengal border. The scorching pace that Neversaygbye and his Vista 90 set on the tarmac is something that we always enjoy seeing. It's hard to believe but Vista 90 is a pocket dynamite and in the hands of a capable driver, the combination becomes more potent. We all were just following the Vista for major part of the journey. So much so that after we stopped for a tea break, the Vista was no where to be found when we all stopped for a morning photo op.



Some really cool photographers at work. I hope the respective members post their outcomes here.







The early morning pictures came out real good. Missed some members here though.






We reached Jamshedpur around seven in the morning. We had so much time on our hands that we stopped around for tea breaks every now and then. The last tea stop was quite eventful. BHPian cdibya replicating his Mandarmoni moment again to mark the occasion in the picture below.



We stopped just after crossing Asanbani and saw a makeshift tea shop just beside the highway. Problem was, there was another car nearby the tea stop and the occupants were little intoxicated. In fact, little too intoxicated for the time of the day. We had a little altercation so as to say but it was soon diffused with composed people driving through the night have had enough of them.



The tea was almost a sugar syrup and jolted us from the slumber of early morning vibes. Such was the impact of the tea that the Vista 90 almost flew to our next destination



It was decided earlier that we would visit some places nearby Asanbani before checking in to the hotel. So with that in mind, we decided to have our first stop at the Sun Temple or the Surya Mandir which is around 40 kilometers before Ranchi.








The Surya Mandir is a newly built temple (1991) dedicated to Sun or Surya and while the construction is simple, the views from the top of the hillock is not that bad.








Since it was early in the morning, we found the place near empty and we spent some time clicking pictures and went around the temple complex. Nothing spectacular but the temple complex was one of a kind for sure. It was primarily my idea to visit the Sun Temple. After having a look at the temple, the members were certainly not amused. I am glad, no one killed me !!

[ABHI_1512]

Next up was the Dassam Falls which is one of the more spectacular falls near Ranchi. Both the Surya Mandir and the Dassam falls are situated in the place called Bundu and which is around 40 kilometres from Ranchi. We had the entire morning for ourselves and we all were sight seeing the places with all our zeal. Meanwhile, we were constantly talking to the guys who started in the morning from Calcutta. Turned out, two cars were doing the duty of ferrying the members to Asanbani. One was the trusted XUV500 of TurboNath and the other was the S-Cross driven by DJR.

The morning group included the very fast duo of TurboNath and dip27in as well as DJR, Nomadiclife, Schrodinger's car, Crankshaft, ritkon, Octane1002 and ron82X3. One more member LONG-TOURER was to come from Jharsuguda, Odisha. He had also started by the morning. He was living up to his handle name like no other. Earlier he had travelled almost 2000 kilometers to attend the Assam group meet up at Ramsai, Gorumara.

Cut to Dassam falls now. The road to the falls passes through some narrow village roads but the surface is good throughout with occasional speed bumps. The signage and the direction boards are spot on and clearly marked all through the road.









When we reached the place for parking, our's were the only cars in the parking lot. The place attracts some good number of footfalls and so it was wonderful to soak in the atmosphere of the place before the usual tourists crowded it.



One has to traverse quite a number of steps to reach at the summit of the falls down below. View from the top is good but I guess the falls would really come alive during the rains. We all had a wonderful time at the Dassam falls. Since it was almost empty, the whole place was for ourselves. We all had a field day doing things which usually we won't if random people are around. One would get a fair idea after having a look at the pictures

[ABHI_1512]

Dassam falls was a nice experience and the whole team was now looking out for the breakfast. We eventually stopped for breakfast at a lovely dhaba beside the highway at Diuri. The dhaba named MAA is a recommended place for food and we simply gorged on the lovely paranthas and the bharta. Chai was good and so were the sweets like gulabjamun and rabri. The fulfilling breakfast was just the thrust needed for the group to make its next move to the destination before our check in to the hotel.






All the places were on the way to the hotel only and so our next stop was Chandil Dam. The dam was built on the Subarnarekha river and offers some wonderful picturesque views of the Dalma hills as well.







The morning sun was just starting to blaze and so, Chandil became another of our quick photo opportunity or so I thought. Someone like Horsepower though was adamant of having his proper photo-shoot amongst the trees





That photo shoot prompted someone else in having one of his own



And if there is ever something called a face of satisfaction, one can now put a name to it.



We had a gala time at the sidelines of the dam. The hot and humid weather played the spoilsport or else we would have liked to stay at the dam site for some more time. The place presented some nice views. Everyone though were just gearing up to hit the pool in the resort.



Chandil Dam and the other places we visited, every place is marked well through signage's and billboards. The parking areas have been handed over to the local trusts or association's to run at every tourist place. Parking charges are okay for one off visit.

Some random pictures en route to the hotel :











By the time, we reached the hotel, the guys who started from Calcutta in the morning have already reached and were enjoying the pool. By the way, the morning group had been to the Dalma top also and they had some photo shoot going at the place as well.

[ABHI_1512]

Finally we made it to the hotel. The hotel has a huge parking space and that was one of the prime criteria for choosing the resort. Apart from the parking, the resort also has many curricular activities for keeping the guests engaged for the weekend. We didn't need any but then the younger ones did find their way to the go kart track and had their fill later in the day. More on that later.







So the first thing we all did after checking into the resort is to jump into the pool where Crankshaft and DJR were already cooling off.



Some finger licking snacks were ordered too beside the pool just to keep things interesting amongst the foodies that we all are. After a round of swim and play, it was time for the lunch.



The lunch was an elaborate affaire and the resort guys had made our job easier by allotting us a separate banquet hall for us all. The buffet included various types of nans and kulchas, two type of rice dishes, two non veg and two types of veg dishes along with various types of fries. Dessert included Shahi tukda with ice cream and which was brilliant and of which I managed to click a picture as well.



I somehow forgot to click any pictures of the lunch items since everyone was busy eating after being out on the road for such long, specially the ones who started at midnight from Calcutta. The lunch was great and it kind of set the mood for the evening to come.

One would expect to get some sleep or rest after such an elaborate late lunch but no, the younger members made a dash for the Go Kart track situated inside the resort and almost succeeded in closing down the track for good by making the carts fly !!



Meanwhile, LONG-TOURER also reached and joined us finally with his spanking new Octavia. He grabbed a quick bite and immediately joined the fun at the go carting session after a brief introduction with others. I could only marvel at the things they were doing on the tracks. There is so much to learn from them. The track pictures and videos are with someone, I will request the fellow members to post the experiences here.

Some other members who had missed the previous pool session decided to join in the fun in the evening for a quick dip. After all, the evening session of the adda was to be the highlight of the trip and everyone was looking forward to it.



The banquet hall was our place and the resort guys made sure that we were well looked after. The evening snacks were served along with tea and coffee and everyone joined in. Some like Boniver had his share of the cola too since he is not a tea/coffee person at all. Lovely baked cookies were served alongside.















The evening adda went on till the dinner was served late in the night. The adda session continued very late in the night even after the dinner. Dinner was also an elaborate affaire.



Some pictures of the food on offer during the dinner in no particular order.













One man though was turning heads in black. Don’t believe me, have a look.



The adda session shifted to the rooms after dinner and the laughter continued to reverberate pretty late into the night.

[ABHI_1512]

Next day morning, we woke up to find many members leave for Calcutta already. Some had prior engagements and hence they departed very early in the morning. The rest of the members decided to visit the Dalma Top after the morning tea. There was no dearth of energy at all even after the long night of adda session.

So, the whole gang which missed out on the Dalma Top visit the previous day was on their way to it early in the morning. Weather was great and the sun was out nicely as well.



Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is supposedly home to Leopards, Sloth Bears, Elephants and Tigers as well. One can take their own vehicle inside the sanctuary after due permission and paying the requisite fees. Driving amidst the lush green forests through the red soil paved narrow road, one can reach the top of the sanctuary and view the entire Jamshedpur city. On any clear day, the views from the top is mesmerizing indeed.









We all made it to the top slowly through the meandering ways through the jungle. The Dalma Top has a watch tower as well for the visitors. Spending some time at the top gave us ample opportunities for some decent photo session as well. Some pictures in no particular order.













The early morning hours at the Dalma top was indeed fun. We returned to the resort and had our fill of breakfast. The food was great and there was something for everyone at the well spread out buffet. Post breakfast, one last session at the pool beckoned. Frolicking and playing some water games after, we finally checked out of the resort some time after noon.



LONG-TOURER bid farewell to all of us and he chose to skip visiting the Dimna lake since his route was longer than us. It was great to have him with us. Although the time was short, but that he joined us from Jharsuguda itself was gracious of him. His willingness to drive long distances to attend these get together's is indeed commendable. Here is one picture with his Octavia before we were out of the resort.



We all then proceeded to Dimna Lake before finally on our way back to Calcutta. Dimna Lake is another nearby attraction where the lake is created artificially and it is actually a reservoir of water for the entire steel city of Jamshedpur.









The sights around the lake are picturesque and provides a beautiful landscape amidst serenity. We spent some really good time goofing around and clicking pictures. Here as well, someone stood out amidst all the pictures

[ABHI_1512]

Dimna lake sojourn over and we finally started our return to Calcutta. By the time we left Jamshedpur, it was already two o clock in the afternoon. We all decided to have a late lunch at Kolaghat Aminia. The outlet was new and Aminia is a name that is very dear to food lover's like us. Reached Kolaghat at five in the evening and ordered for our lunch. Being a new outlet, the order took some time because of lack of co ordination but the food more than made up for it. The biryani was lip smacking but the kebabs lacked the required zing.















And thus, we came to the end of another mad weekend trip. These trips are a perfect way of getting to know each other better and spending time with like minded friends who are bound through the forum. We meet for breakfast meets every now and then now and I guess, the plan for the next weekender is brewing inside some mind for sure

Footnote: The trip was fantastic and super enjoyable, members are requested to add to the pictures here. I have already taken the liberty to post some of the pictures collated at the end of the trip, Copyright of the said pictures stay with the respective phone cameras only

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[Yogi..Reeturaj]

Give it to you specially to make get togethers happen, you Kolkata guys are a spirited lot.

Also even though I'm not a foodie but ur pictures make me hungry, i might not have varieties but will devour some��
Reminded me of Ramsai, so did the Sholay type picture of u guys.

Lovely weekender and the bonhomie shows, so does the crave for roadtrips.

Keep trippin bhai...

[Samba]

This meet should be termed as 3F! Fast (driving), Fun (unlimited) & Food (Lip-smacking)!

And when Abhi1512 writes the log, then there is nothing new to say! As-usual it's a 5* material.

We had our share of fun at Dalma in 2020 March with 11 cars. The week we returned from the trip, from the very next week the dreaded covid-19 lock-down was declared!

A couple of pics from our Dalma trip-

[Neversaygbye]

Originally Posted by ABHI_1512

These trips are a perfect way of getting to know each other better and spending time with like minded friends who are bound through the forum. We meet for breakfast meets every now and then now and I guess, the plan for the next weekender is brewing inside some mind for sure

Footnote: The trip was fantastic and super enjoyable, members are requested to add to the pictures here. I have already taken the liberty to post some of the pictures collated at the end of the trip, Copyright of the said pictures stay with the respective phone cameras only

Thanks a ton, Abhi for putting up this extremely enjoyable and comprehensive account of our trip (though I wish I had not stood out so much)

You have captured the spirit of the meet through your words and photographs and I appreciate the time and effort you have spent to pen this thread and also totally agree with every word you mentioned above. These trips are something I really look forward to despite the fact that I don't have as much stamina as many of the other folks (I slept and missed out on the gokarting and pool fun on Day 1). I did a night drive after a long time - I would not have done it if it had not been for you guys since I find the stock headlights of the Vista too weak for night drives with my driving style. Having said that, I agree with you on the Vista - it is one underrated car and does not have many weaknesses. Your Ecosport is a similar beast and it is really sad that such good vehicles are no longer on the market. I am personally very sad that a company like Ford which used to make honest products left India.

I have added a few more pics to complement the ones you have already posted.


Another photo of the early morning dinner at Kolaghat, with L-R Horsepower, Boniver, Mile_Breaker, Hornnotokplease and myself in the frame



Meet within a meet



The Wave was a very decent hotel. Apart from the facilities, even the rooms were nice.



Another pic from the Dassam falls collection starring L-R Sandman789 and Abhi_1512



Dimna lake



Chandil lake



Chandil lake



Dalma hilltop



The view from Dalma hilltop



The ones who went in the Vista: R-L Mile_Breaker, Sandman789 and yours truly.

[Samfromindia]

Dalma has always been a favorite destination for Bong Bhpians and Wave International the hotel of choice ! I believe this was one of the first group drive to Dalma almost 7 years back.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...90-people.html (R.O.A.D. - East India Drive - 40 cars, 2 bikes and 90 people!)

This travelogue brought back the treasured Ghatshila - Dalma memories back

[Jekyl87]

Looks like an amazing road trip with close friends! Thanks for posting.

The pics of Wave International bought back so many memories. They used to allow free use of the swimming pool if you have lunch + were willing to spend on chilled beers which they served at the pool itself. During our MBA at XLRI jamshedpur, a bunch of us planned a day trip over a sunday and spent the entire day eating, drinking and swimming. Whoever said you shouldn't swim after eating has not met 12 college boys who wanted to ensure they are getting every saved pennies worth of food at lunch. We managed to scrounge 4 hero honda splendor from the local staff/professors and the remaining of us caught an auto to reach there. Coming back with no auto in sight was another story all together.

[Mr.Ogre]

Always enjoy the pictures and write-up of this group of travelers. The pictures of food always tempt me to come to Calcutta. Its definitely on my list when I come to India later this year as I love to travel for food.

[kousikjana]

Originally Posted by ABHI_1512

After the last weekender at Mandarmoni, it was decided amongst the members to have an overnighter at Asanbani near Jamshedpur.

Nice thread as usual. I am new to the forum. Curious, how does the plan happen.
How do I know about it, so that I can join next time.