[Getawaymax]

Hi everyone,

Final stages of preparation for my 10,000 km solo roadtrip from Delhi2Kanyakumari2Delhi via the Coromandel Coast in my GrandVitara. Look forward to advocating for road safety and 2 months of experiencing the underexplored east coast of IncredibleIndia. The journey begins in November 2024.

Also excited to have CoERS, IIT Madras as partners for #roadsafety.

In 2023 I had done 11,000 km solo Delhi2Kanyakumari2Delhi drive via the Malabar Coast and it was awesome. That was my inspiration for this one.

The car -
I will be driving the same car that I used for my 2023 roadtrip - Grand Vitara Zeta Semi Hybrid 2023 model. No alterations have been done and Im using the same tyres. Total distance covered till now is 20,000 kms appx.

Equipment for recording the drive -
I'm using a Qubo 4 K Front and Rear Dash Cam with a ITB Card and 2 x 5 TB hard drives to record the entire journey. The data will go to CoERS for analysis. Will also be using a GoPro 13, Samsung S24 Ultra and an old Nikon DSLR for the photographs/ video's.

First Challenge -
Maruti did not have a system to service the car because not enough miles had been done since the last service. They suggested that I get it done somewhere on the way. Finally I had to find a personal connect who helped me get the car checked at Maruti.

Broad Route -
Delhi - Lucknow - Varanasi - Nalanada - Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar - Puri - Gopalpur - Araku Valley - Vishkhapatnam - Vijaywad - Suryalanka - Chennai - Kanchipuram - Tirupati - Mahabalipuram - Puducherry - Thanjuvar - Kanadukathan - Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari - Trichy - Bengaluru - Gandikota - Kurnool - Srisailum - Hyderabad - Warrangal - Bidar - Nanded - Tadoba - Nagpur - Jabalpur - Khajuraho - Orchha - Gwalior - Delhi

Road Trip Highlights -
Distance 10,000 + kms
Nights 60 / Days 61
States 11
Stayover Unique Cities 46
Unique Experiences 400+

Look forward to learning from your experiences and sharing a few of my own. Would be keen to connect and learn from those who have done this or parts of this before. Would also be happy to share more details but since this is my first post I did not want to break any rules.

Best Wishes

[Getawaymax]

A 10,000+ kms solo drive for #RoadSafety - Delhi2Kanyakumari2Delhi via the Coromandel Coast

People hear that India ranks high in road deaths, with thousands of lives lost and a huge 3% impact on our GDP. But often, we look at data and news and think it happens to someone else. For me, it’s personal. I’ve lost friends and family to careless, reckless driving. My own sister survived a horrific accident.

In my last 11,000 km #solodrive from Delhi to Kanyakumari and back via the Malabar Coast—I saw both the progress and the gaps firsthand. MoRTH and NHAI are really ramping up infrastructure, but there’s still so much more that needs to be done beyond road networks, quality, and design. We need a shift in mindset and a stronger approach to enforcement. Most importantly, we, the people, need to take responsibility when we’re on the road.

That was my inspiration for this 10,000+ km Delhi2Kanyakumari2Delhi solo drive via the Coromandel Coast. This 2-month adventure, covering more than 100 cities across 11 states of our incredible India, is my way of contributing to this immensely important cause.

It’s a privilege to partner with CoERS at IIT Madras, which is doing phenomenal work for road safety. Grateful to them for giving me an opportunity to share my experiences. Allianz Partners has also been kind enough to provide RSA support on this solo drive.

Please do support the cause and be part of my journey.

[Getawaymax]

Day 1/ 61

Delhi2Kanyakumari2Delhi 10k km Solo Drive - Day1 - Buland Safar

It’s D-Day—the beginning of my 10,000 km+ solo drive from Delhi to Kanyakumari and back via the Coromandel Coast.

There were enough last-minute scares. A 10-day antibiotic course for a stomach infection hadn’t even ended when severe back spasms left me wincing in pain. I was told it was stress, but I’m pretty convinced it was antibiotics. Anyway, I slept at 1 am and got up at 4. A banana breakfast, last-minute packing, and a few goodbyes later, I was off.

Vrindavan is 159 km away, but at 5 am on the Yamuna Expressway, it was a breeze. My first stop: Katyayani Shaktipeeth—a Durga temple in the land of Krishna. By the time I reached, the morning aarti was over. A large group was singing bhajans, and you could see kids scampering around with “Radhe Radhe” painted on their faces. I sat for a bit, soaking in the atmosphere, and sought much-needed blessings for the adventure ahead.

The Shaktipeeth of Vrindavan

The city has a classic old temple-town vibe, with crowded, narrow streets that can shame Chandni Chowk in Delhi.

Just another Door of Vrindavan

On top of that, the route Google recommended made me wish I was driving a Toto (tuk-tuk or e-rickshaw—what’s in a name?). After a near Abhimanyu-like experience, I finally found parking. Private parking is a big business in most temple towns these days. The guy handed me a ticket and told me to put my specs and phone in my pocket. It seems the monkeys of Banke Bihari have taken a fancy to the latest models too.

The streets were filled with people of all hues and sizes, walking barefoot and chanting away with gay abandon. At Banke Bihari, Krishna can be seen in his most popular pose, Tribhanga—bent in three places. His image is supposed to be so beautiful that a curtain rhythmically covers his face so that no one can see him long enough to be mesmerized. Well, I didn’t get that far. A curtain of people stonewalled me, and a near stampede convinced me that today wasn’t my day. I could have paid a tout ₹1,100 for a peep, but where’s the fun in that darshan?

Krishna Janmasthan at Mathura was just 10 km away, so I decided to try my luck there. They were way better organized, and the security was extremely tight—I guess it had to do with the mosque in the temple complex. The hot topic of conversation in the queue, however, was the ₹2 fee for storing electronic items. Hardly anyone had change, so we cursed and crawled.

The Garbh Griha, or the room where Krishna was born, is a very simple space. You’re rushed in and out through narrow corridors, Mumbai local style. To get a typical Kanhiya feel, you will need to visit the other two main temples in the complex.

Next on my list was Vishram Ghat, but it was too hot (Novembers are no longer what they used to be). So, I decided to skip it and head straight to Fatehpur Sikri.

Gulistan, a UP Tourism hotel, is bang opposite the Fort. On its best day, it’s a two-star, but it’s my two-star. Just after COVID-19, when Mom ditched me for greener pastures, I came here for a month. I was the only guest then and got used to making my own beaten coffee in their kitchen. To my pleasant surprise, the entire staff remembered their coffee-wala guest and came to catch up. It was a total home-away-from-home moment.

After quick hellos, I was off as my favorite fort beckoned. It’s not very large and neither is it as grand as others I’ve seen, but it has a super special vibe. Akbar built it to be close to the Chishti Dargah but left it soon after due to lack of water. As a result, the architecture wasn’t corrupted by war or additions by other rulers. During my last visit, I made a habit of walking the fort early in the morning. I’d sit there working on my laptop with only a few peacocks disturbing my peace. Sure, it didn’t feel very Akbar-ish, but trust me, it beats WeWork any day.

The Fort at Fatehpur Sikri - My Favourite

Every Mughal fort has a Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, but my favorite spot at this fort is Anup Talao. I can close my eyes and imagine Tansen singing, sitting on a pedestal surrounded by water.

Next door, Buland Darwaza is equally impressive. It’s one of the largest gates in the world and towers over you, especially if you look up from the bottom of the steps.

Buland Indeed

I walked in, and a group was singing Sufi songs in front of the Dargah. But I got distracted. A group of kids from the local madrasa were keen to know the model of my GoPro. The curriculum, it seems, has changed.

The Go Pro Kids

Another twelve-year-old kid offered to be my guide. He started at ₹100 and came down to ₹10 when I showed no interest. I laughed, and we struck a deal.

First stop: the door to Anarkali tunnels that you can’t see but can imagine extending to Delhi, Agra, and Lahore. Next stop: the guy who sold me a chaddar for the dargah and gave Samir (the kid) his cut. Then I was marshalled to the white marble shrine at the center of the Jama Masjid for customary prayers. I tied the three threads and made my three wishes, just like Akbar. A few clicks later, I was packed off to my hotel. The enterprising, sweet-talking kid made sure he got his original ask. I decided to walk back to the hotel but not before taking a detour around the fort to savor an awesomely serene sunset.

Dinner at the hotel was chirpy, with the staff venting their worries about UP Tourism leasing out all its properties one by one. But they agreed the place needed a serious upgrade. I said my goodbyes with a promise to visit again soon.

It was an eventful first day, but Day 2 looks equally packed.

Hope you enjoyed the read! Do share, follow, like, and comment. It helps me stay motivated. If you do, I promise more action tomorrow (and fewer words!).

[Getawaymax]

Day 2/ 62

Delhi2Kanyakumari2Delhi 10k km Solo Drive - Day2 - Mughals to Nawabs

If Day 1 was about rekindling old memories with a dash of Krishna’s charm then Day 2 was about getting lost in history—quite literally.

A pre-dawn drive to Sikandra got me to my first stop—Akbar’s Tomb. This iconic mausoleum is a stunning display of symmetry and probably a gateway to Mughal architectural brilliance. (It was built well before the Taj.) The complex boasts four gates, with the south gate serving as the main entrance. The other gates? Purely ornamental, designed to maintain balance—a recurring theme in Mughal structures.

The inside is as striking in its simplicity as the outside is in its symmetry. You descend a ramp to find a plain, unadorned room with bare walls, a single marble gravestone, and a solitary metal lamp hanging above. Now, if that is not lonely, I don't know what is.

Akbar's Tomb @ Sikandra

The complex also houses the Kanch Mahal, a charming little structure where local elders gather for chai pe charche post their morning walk routine. The Mahal’s intricate designs and compact architecture make it, in insta-educated kid lingo, a hidden gem. Opposite that is another structure marked as Lodi Tomb, the octagonal plinth and crumbling but symmetrical arches echo its elegance.

I started chatting with the elders and got a cup of sugar-free chai dipped with a lesson in Mughal history … and a lot of questions about my drive. They were an argumentative opinionated bunch — where is the gravestone if it's Lodi's tomb one said and others pounced on the poor chap? I guess, ethereal morning mist and peacocks strutting around don't make much difference to your mood if you see them every day.

Next up was Mariam-uz-Zamani’s Tomb, just a kilometer away but easy to miss due to its narrow access lane—I drove past it and had to double back. Some remember her as Ash, some call her Jodha Bai. Its large structure hints at former glory, though it is not so well-maintained. It’s bittersweet to see the legacy of Akbar’s favorite queen, one of history’s most powerful women, somewhat faded and forgotten. But I guess Jodha Bai’s are not in season anymore.

Got into a somewhat heated debate with an ASI officer on the merits of not allowing selfie sticks at ASI sites. He expertly deflected by recommending the Roman Catholic Cemetery, where no one would object to my tripod. A short drive got me to a peaceful spot largely unknown to tourists. This cemetery dates back to the 1550s and was initially used for Armenian Christians during Akbar’s reign. Among its fascinating structures is the Red Taj Mahal, built by the wife of John Hessing in his memory—a poignant but significantly less expensive gesture of love. The cemetery also houses graves of the Bourbon royal family of France and inscriptions in Portuguese and Latin. Though dilapidated, it’s a hidden treasure for history buffs.

A Brown Tajlet

After that quick detour, I headed to Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, also called the “Baby Taj.” Noor Jahan, a formidable empress and the favorite wife of Jahangir, clearly knew how to claim special treatment for her dad. Mirza Ghiyas Beg's tomb is a masterpiece of intricate stone inlay work that Agra is still famous for. Its delicate artistry, both inside and out, is breathtaking—a precursor to the Taj Mahal’s grandeur.

Amazing stone inlay @ Itmad ud Daula

Next on the list was the impressive Agra Fort—a fort from where the destiny of India was shaped during the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. It reflects a blend of architectural styles rather than a unified theme (unlike Fatehpur Sikri fort). The Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) stand out, with the latter boasting more intricate designs for the “khas” people, The “mango people”, as always, had to settle for simpler decor.

Agra Fort

One of the fort’s highlights is the octagonal tower called Musamman Burj. Overlooking the Yamuna River, it offers an awesome view of the Taj Mahal. It’s where Shah Jahan spent his last days, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. They say that he used to gaze at the Taj’s reflection through glass panes when he could no longer walk. My view, however, was a misty, smoky, and glowy version, as some kind folks decided to burn fodder near the Taj. Less poetic than Shah Jahan’s reflections, but memorable nonetheless.

Shah Jehan's View from the Burj

Finally, it was time for Wah Taj. Instead of rushing to the main tomb where the hoard tends to gravitate, I took my time exploring the surroundings, including the Mihman Khana and the mosque on either side. There’s so much more to the Taj than the word Taj. Amidst the selfie-snapping crowd, a group of girls was creatively using water reflections and inverted phone cameras for stunning shots of the Taj. They even tried to teach me, but I don’t learn that easily. Adding this to my endless list of “To Learns.”

Wah Taj

The visit ended with a leisurely VIP golf cart ride to the parking area—yes, a red antique one that gave off serious royalty vibes for just fifty bucks. The hoi polloi moved in white ones for 20.

It was now time for Lucknow—a four-and-a-half-hour drive on a super smooth highway. Sleepy and dangerously close to dozing off at the wheel, I pulled over by the roadside for a power nap. 15 minutes of shut-eye and a couple of chai stops got me to the only joint on the route that sold a double-shot espresso. By the time I checked into Hotel Gomti, it was late, and hunger pangs had fully kicked in.

Determined to try the iconic Tunday Kababi, I hopped into an electric auto (smooth and white—Lucknow’s autos are leagues ahead of Delhi’s). The auto driver insisted I stop to buy a Lucknawi Chikankari dupatta for my “wifey,” though I was starving. Clearly, he had a commission deal, but I gave in!

Finally, at 9:15 PM, I had my first real meal of the day—a plate of Galouti Kebabs and Mutton Biryani. The food was delicious, though perhaps overhyped compared to other kebab joints that have caught up in the culinary race. But I’d love to come back here and try their other specialties when I’m in Lucknow next. The polite Lucknawi andaaz of the locals, even at the auto-wala level, definitely left a lasting impression.

Galouti Time

Back at the hotel, exhaustion took over, and I crashed, marking the end of a whirlwind dose of history, architecture, and unforgettable experiences.

[Getawaymax]

Day 3/61

Delhi2Kanyakumari2Delhi 10k km Solo Drive - Day3 - Unfinished Parikrama

Dinner of Galouti’s more than made up for the lacklustere UPT Gomti service and I woke up early, all smiles and charged up. Decided to hit the iconic Rumi Darwaza early before traffic. Unfortunately, I was not the only one who had that bright idea. Couples dressed up in their finest were already there for pre- and post-wedding shoots. It was more fun watching them than the under-repair Rumi decked up in scaffolding.

Adjacent to Rumi stood the impressive Bara Imambara. This Imambara is basically a story of 4 parts. The main hall which is a blend of Mughal and European architecture (I have seen better), the impressive mosque (which was out of bounds), Bhul Bhulaiya, and the Bauli. What makes Bara Imambara a must-visit are the last two.

Subah at Bara Imambara

Since I knew next to nothing about the Nawabs, I decided to hire a guide. That was a big mistake. Instead of the promised four in a group, I soon found myself peering over the shoulders of 15. Normally I would have blown a fuse or gasket or both but for a change, I decided to simply walk away.

Exploring the Bhul Bhulaiya on my own was fascinating and great fun. What makes this maze unique? It is constructed within the thick walls of the building's upper floors. The interconnected levels and narrow passages are designed to disorient you. I got lost multiple times on the fourth and fifth floors and loved it.

Bhul Bhulaiya - Getting lost in time

Next, I visited the Bauli, a stepwell with the same multi-level design theme. The interplay of ascending and descending levels is truly intriguing.

Bauli @ Bada Imambara

The interesting thing is that all of this was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula to provide employment during a devastating famine, Maybe we could learn from him and use MNREGA resources to create structures that will leave us in awe for the next 250 years.

The next few spots I covered by Toto with the parking guy's brother as driver and guide. A drive through the impressive Husainabad Clock Tower and a restored but plastic-ridden Shahi Talaab led us to the quaint Hussainabad Picture Gallery. This is home to a dozen (or so) life-size portraits of Awadh’s Nawabs. Of particular interest are two portraits with a 3D effect—an optical illusion where the nawab’s foot and a mosque in the background seem to shift depending on your angle of view.

Next on the list was Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, Chota Imambara as it is fondly called is not as grand as the Bara, but has its own charm. Built in 1838, it houses the tombs of the Nawab Ali Shah and his mother. The Imambara’s interiors, particularly the Azakhana hall adorned with crystal chandeliers and glass lampstands, earned it the nickname “Palace of Lights”. Outside, its walls are inscribed with Quranic verses in stunning black-and-white calligraphy, The complex also includes a Turkish-style Shahi Hammam.

Amazing calligraphy @ Chota Imambara


View from Chotta Imambara

As I exited, a local struck up a conversation, offering me a lift back to my car and inviting me to his Chikankari suits shop. Noor Jehan might have popularized this celebrated embroidery style but selling it has become a present-day Lucknawi obsession.

The British Residency, a collection of ruins spread across acres of greenery came next. The bullet-scarred walls and ruins tell the story of the siege during the 1857 uprising. The place is relatively quiet, dotted with couples seeking solitude and overall a lovely walk. Dilkhusha Kothi, which came in next was similar at a smaller scale.

The Residency & 1857

Famished after nonstop site hopping I drove to Royal Café at Hazratganj. Even though I couldn't meet Mr. Maurya, the Chaat King of the world, I loved the crispy basket chaat filled with fried potatoes, brimming with a medley of yogurt, chutneys, spices, and assorted toppings. Great recco by Jai Saxena!

I would have loved to catch a snooze but it was time for Ayodhya and there was no way I was going to miss the famed Aarti at the Saryu River.

With office calls punctuating the drive, time flew by, and I reached Ayodhya by late afternoon. And that was when the calm gave way to chaos.

The first access road to Ayodhya center was cordoned off by the police, and I was redirected. Google Maps, in its infinite wisdom, led me through narrow, winding lanes—routes better suited for cycles than cars. After navigating these alleys, I arrived at yet another barricaded dead-end. I learned from locals that due to Parikrama, vehicle access to Ayodhya center, was impossible for the next 24 hours. My plans were unraveled swiftly—I no longer had access to my pre-booked hotel, and time was running out to catch the Saryu Aarti at 5 PM. Deciding to prioritize the Aarti, I parked my car at a massive, dusty parking area a kilometer away from the ghats.

Arriving at 5 PM, I realized the Aarti wouldn’t begin until 6:30 PM. A small blessing in disguise—this gave me a chance to secure the best spot. I bought a plastic sheet for ₹20 and plonked on the steps before the hordes came in. As Naya Ghat filled to capacity, the anticipation was palpable.

The Aarti was mesmerizing—a carefully choreographed ritual performed by seasoned Pujaris. When you sit so close you realize what it takes to ensure the main ritual proceeds seamlessly. Another thing you understand - it's best to see the Aarti from the river. The pujaris mostly face the river, after all, that's what they are praying to. What you are not prepared for is how you feel - the divine energy that comes with the rhythmic chanting and the deep unshakeable faith of thousands.

Naya Ghat @ Ayodhya

By 7.15 when the aarti ended, I was feeling all happy and peaceful inside. But not for too long. I had to handle two logistics nightmares.

My local contact had not shown up, nor was he answering my calls. I later learned that all VIP passes had been canceled due to the Parikrama and Ayodhya Mandir darshan was off the table.

When I contacted my UP Tourism hotel, they informed me I’d need to leave my car and walk 3 km with my luggage. MakeMyTrip, through which I had booked, was no help, insisting the hotel was "accessible." and therefore not cancellable. They took the money, shrugged responsibility, and disappeared. That's service - UPT and Makemytrip style.

With no place to stay and concerned about roadblocks I went hotel hunting. The bypass got me to Faizabad but not before 9 PM. Sundar, a fellow traveler, had recently recommended Krinoscco in his blog and that's where I crashed out for the night.

Day 3 was a rollercoaster - the joy of discovery, spiritual tranquility, uncertainty, and disappointments. Just another day in the life of a traveler.

[Getawaymax]

Day 4/61

Delhi2Kanyakumari2Delhi 10k km Solo Drive - Day4 - Ghat se Ghat

I woke up at Faizabad with the lingering disappointment of having missed out on Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir. But, I was hoping that my first stop of Day 4 would make me feel a little better.

Till recently I had not even heard of Guptar Ghat and of its deep connection with Shri Ram. It’s believed that this is the place where he took Jal Samadhi, bidding farewell to our world. It was a bit ironic since I too sometimes call my road trip, a farewell tour.

But Google Maps was not being very helpful this day. Normally it always has an opinion or two (sometimes idiotic ones too) but today it kept on saying “can't seem to find a way there” (You can try too). I decided to trust the Indian way - a mix of guesswork and asking “rasta batana“ at every crossing.

I reached the place from the village side, navigating through goats, cows and a lot of dung. Not really how I had envisioned it. The ghat was simple too and at this early hour, empty except for the locals and a few boatmen waiting for the tourists to arrive.

A ride on the Saryu is usually charged per seat but I was quoted for the entire boat. Not too expensive at 400 bucks for 30 minutes but the banker in me (whatever is left of him) likes to haggle. So we did - I agreed on their price and they agreed to my duration.

The Saryu was enveloped in the early morning mist that is so typical of winters. As we floated away from the ghats for parikrama, a feeling of profound sadness set in. What would have Ram felt when he decided to move on. What would be the feeling of those standing on the ghats as he took his final steps towards a boat not too dissimilar from mine. We sat in silence, the boatman and I. An occasional temple bell echoed and amplified those ethereal moments of peace and disquiet.

Guptar Ghat and the iconic spires

A stopover on a sand atoll broke that spell. A quick chat with Raj Kishore (my boatman), a few clicks of the temple with its iconic spires and it was time to get back to the chaos of my life and ride.

Back at the temple on the ghat a few persistent pandits tried to sell me their "nirvana package," but I managed to slip away after a quick prayer.

It was time for Gulab Bari but at the suggestion of my boatman I decided to stop over at another samadhi - samadhi of Gumnami Baba. Some believe he was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The roadside site was quiet, much like the life of the man immortalized there.

Gulab Bari (Bari means abundant), the impressive but now crumbling tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula was built at the center of what was once a beautiful garden of roses. Today it is a local park with kids skating, morning walkers and the main tomb locked. A few gardeners were hanging around but recreating its past glory didn't seem to be high on their agenda. Some work was going on at an outer periphery building and I decided to chat with the mason-contractor. I asked when the refurbishment would be complete. His response? A resigned "Never." It seems every year they get budgets for only one small section. Saddening to see our heritage wither away.

Shuja Ud Daula amongst the roses

From Gulab Bari, I headed to Bahu Begum ka Maqbara, the tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula's queen. If Gulab Bari was dilapidated, this was worse—completely shut down, overrun with vegetation, and eerily quiet. Ostriches wander around this most impressive structure of Faizabad, chasing away folks who linger for too long. The ASI’s lack of resources was once again evident.

The old neglected Bahu Begum

I also tried to locate Moti Mahal, the "Pearl Palace," said to have been the queen’s residence. After much searching and wading through garbage-strewn narrow lanes, I found it—a forgotten compound surrounded by overgrowth, brick rooms occupied by locals, and a mosque. Moti Mahal isn’t even under ASI protection - it falls under the district administration. As a result, it’s even more neglected. This recurring theme of apathy towards our heritage needs a megaphone.

By early afternoon, I left Faizabad for Prayagraj via the National Highway 330. Needed to get there before the Ganga Aarti. The next 150 kms or so felt like any old town city ride - crowded and chaotic. On top of that i was sleepy. Tried to manage as long as I could and then gave up. Parked the car on the side of the road and instantly dozed off. 15 minute power nap later I woke up to incessant honking - UPites seem to love the sound of their horns.

My hotel was in Civil Lines, the happening area with MG Road and Shastri Road running through it. First order of business after check-in? Laundry! I dunked my clothes in hot water with a generous dose of detergent.

That evening, my cousin's wife side of the family insisted on taking me to the Ganga Aarti. The roads were predictably crowded, so we took a chor raasta—a little-known shortcut. The Aarti, though serene, didn’t quite compare to the Saryu Aarti in terms of scale and grandeur. Still, the delicious roadside chai made up a bit for it.

Ganga Aarti at Prayagraj

Dinner was at the Tiwari residence, where I was the recipient of fantastic hospitality and far more sumptuous food than I could handle. Afterward, we went for a late-night walk to get a taste of Mr. Tiwari's favorite churmura—a puffed rice snack—prepared by a vendor on a bicycle. He wasn’t exaggerating; it was the best churmura I’ve ever had too.

Back at the hotel, nursed a black chai (my go to drink) and expressed some more love to my laundry. Squeezing water and hanging clothes after churmura felt oddly fulfilling. That night I went to bed dreaming of clean, dry clothes (rather than next mornings Sangam with Sangam).

[Aditya]

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

[wheelspinner]

Incredible. If you don't mind sharing, how do you budget such long trips? What safety measures to plan ahead? I am keen to do long solo road trips, but of course I won't be sponsored, and hence, will have to work on a smaller budget. Sometimes, even for regular long drives I spend more than I planned and regret later.

How do you deal with minor mishaps and accidents with locals for no fault of yours? As 10,000 Kms through unfamiliar roads is such a long distance and minor issues are not very unlikely.

[jkrishnakj]

Fantastic trip and pictures and all for a purpose.

A question - With so people across India doing many road trips, wouldn't it make sense for CoERS to collect footage from those and do their analysis as well? That way, there are more roads being covered and across different times of the day. Just curious how they work thru.

[Axe77]

Beautiful photos and sounds like a journey of a lifetime!

Thoroughly enjoyed reading the journey so far and look forward to reading your continued progress. Have fun.

[AROO7]

@Getawaymax, last year I had a chance to have a short interaction with you during one of my Live Project with your company. It was a great learning opportunity, had I known about your initiative, I would have loved to engage in more conversations with you.

Nevertheless, kudos to your initiative and my best wishes for the journey. Looking forward for more updates from your journey Sir.

[itinerant]

Fascinating account of the first few days of your marathon drive. I am going to keenly wait for your posts and track your progress. Please also write about your impressions on road safety and driving behaviours as you traverse through highways and regions of the country. For example, on UP highways and expressways, I often encounter vehicles driving on the wrong side with such confidence. How has it been for you?

Originally Posted by Getawaymax

Day 4/61

Delhi2Kanyakumari2Delhi 10k km Solo Drive - Day4 - Ghat se Ghat

[sunsetorange]

Originally Posted by Getawaymax

Broad Route -
Suryalanka - Chennai - Kanchipuram - Tirupati - Mahabalipuram - Puducherry - Thanjuvar - Kanadukathan - Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari - Trichy -

In this segment of your trip Suryalanka- Tirupati- Kanchipuram- Chennai- Mahabalipuram- Puducherry-Thanjavur would be better as otherwise you woud be crossing across Chennai again and again. Cheers

[Raghuwire]

Post deleted by the Team-BHP Support: Do NOT TROLL! On Team-BHP and especially such travelogues, if you don't have anything nice to say, it's better not to say anything at all.

[khanmaj]

Beautiful write-up Eagerly waiting for the next chapter.