Musings & Abstractions: Travel

Two months back I was determined that I would touch snow on my birthday in 2016. So determined that I had booked the flight tickets to (and back from) Delhi. It was a proud moment when I booked the tickets, because I wanted to do something and I could do it. More importantly I could afford it. After all that's what I earn for; Me. I do know I sound selfish, yes.

The trip was supposed to be from the 24th of February to the 28th. It was very well spaced because it was my birthday and it was a solo trip. But since I missed the flight on 24th, I went on the 25th.

Day 1 (25th Feb) - Delhi

Landed at around 10am. Broke fast at Vaango and Uber pool-ed ahead to the India Gate. Then I walked to Agrasen ki Baoli.

A(U)grasen ki Baoli

The daulat ki chaat is something I've wanted to eat since a very long time. And Delhi is probably the only place you get it. Somewhere near Chandni Chowk, the internet said. And I headed there.

Took a cycle rickshaw that seemed to surf through those tiny streets. It was an experience but it did feel terrible that a guy who was probably half my weight was pulling my entire weight, plus the rucksack. I asked for the Khemchand's daulat ki chaat stall, ate the sweet chaat delicacy it till my heart was full.

Got a parcel for the rickshaw guy too. Because just sometimes, I become too nice. Too nice for a person from this planet.

Halted at the Red Fort for a bit, spoke to my peeps and updated them about the trip.

I had booked the night's volvo to Himachal. I had a little time and a little appetite. Headed to Connaught Place because I had heard about it before. Grabbed a bite there and then I headed to the Manali volvo busses spot (Majnu ka tilla) from there.

I was told there are only ghat roads after Chandigarh. I don't get sick, but still one tends to be very aware at times like this. I tried to sleep and I did. Got a call at 12 midnight and finally it was my birthday!

Day 2 (26th Feb) - Manali

Got down at the private bus stand in Manali and headed to find a place in a hotel which seemed to be available this time of the year. But still it was pretty decent crowd. Stayed at Hotel Snow Peak. And before I forget to mention... it was goddamn cold!

It was time to touch snow(!), and a cab took me to the snow point from the hotel. It was in Gulaba and I had to wear a full length dungaree and gum boots to be able to be a little comfortable in the snow. You can rent the setup for about 300 rupees before reaching the point. A guide can also be opted for, to find your way to the snow, but that's just a stupid money making tactic.

Here are a few photos that were just too mesmerizing for someone seeing snow for the first time-

And here's where I chilled my ass off. Quite literally.

It couldn't get any beautiful.

And then the sun said "Hi.!"

I had to take the 4pm bus back to Delhi. I was not keen on doing anything else. It was only to feel snow and I did touch and play with it till my heart said "Enough." and I was done with snow.

Took a few more photos and headed back to the hotel.

Around 4pm I was back at the private bus stand to get back to Delhi. The flight back to Bangalore was at around 1am, on the 28th. So there was no option but to get back to Delhi.

Day 3 (27th Feb) - Delhi

Reached Delhi at around 7am. Then I decided to crash at a hotel after thinking for an hour. Only because the shops open at 10am almost everywhere and it was friggin' cold outside in the morning! Paharganj had a hotel that suited my budget and I headed there. Took an auto because it felt right at that point of time.

Took my time getting warm and ready for the day, almost around 3 hours. Did some research and saved places in the map and charted out a plan for the entire day, till around 10pm.

Headed to start the day's food with some chur chur naan, because it sounded so interesting. Found a good place in Paharganj- Pardeep corner.

Akshardham was next on the list. And this time I wanted to seriously try the metro. Reached there and followed the line to drop all baggage, including the cellphone. I followed the people inside the huge temple and came out feeling so empty. Everywhere it was 'Spreading spirituality.' 'Preaching spirituality, Hinduism and festivals.'

Let me just say places like these are not my thing. I headed to Sarojini Market to change my mood. And it was time for some birthday shopping, I headed to Sarojini Market and did some amazing bargaining/shopping there.

After which I headed to dine at Moolchand parathe. Took a bus from INA/Sarojini area and walked to Moolchand paratha. Ate the famous egg paratha there, burped peacefully and headed to the Select Skywalk mall to kill some time and finally end the day.

Headed to the airport and it was like a lump was stuck in my throat. I was not missing Delhi or anything, I was just having a temperature. My nose started to run and I was very cold when I reached Bangalore.

It's been 5 days now and I feel just fine :)

If the Chennai ride was a revelation, then I'd call this ride enlightenment.

Sugar is my bike, a Classic 500 Desert Storm. The one I intend to love with all my heart, take places and learn how he works.

And in this ride I had experienced company, signaling me to ensure safe riding and teaching me things along the way.

I wore a full faced helmet, the elbow and the knee guards too. I had to keep my headlamp ON all along the road I followed, for obvious reasons. I learnt postures that don't get you tired every 100 kilometers.

Will take you along the day wise plan.

Day 1 (Sunday the 24th)-

Started at BTM. Waited at Mekhri circle and rode towards Tumkur.

Stopped at the Pavithra Idli shop. Had heavenly idli (with butter!) and masala dosa!

Via Tiptur and Shimoga reached Jog Falls during the evening. Left Jog at sunset and rode towards Gokarna. It got dark slowly and the roads were curved, barely lit, inclined and scary. (For an amateur like me, that is.) I was told to use the high beam (only) to get a good view of the curves while turning. Worked like a charm, of course.

Around 9pm we reached Honnavar safely and decided to end the day's ride there. Stayed at the Kamat there.

Day 2 (Monday the 25th)-

Started to Yana at around 11am. I saw my paradise on the way to the Yana caves.

Trees, not forest-like, but very calm jungle-like. With the sun rays piercing through the leaves on the curvy roads and the calm air and the deafening silence of the forest; it all felt like a dream.

I knew I was new on that kind of terrain. The bends were quite critical. A few felt like hairpin bends; inclined and all that. And a few curves were just very sharp and blind.

And as I noticed a car that had got stuck on the other side while turning, in the next 200 mts, I skid on stones. On a real sharp curve. I fell and Sugar fell on me. Not for two moments was I in shock. I got up normally like I was expecting this, thought I sprained my leg, but I could gear and walk. The elbow & knee guards saved major damage I tell you! Wounded near the ankle a bit though. And Sugar also suffered minor damages.

Rode to Yana. Parked. Walked 1.5 Kms to reach the cave (and temple). Majestic and amazing.

Left Yana and rode towards Gokarna. Roached the town and the temple around sunset. Narrow roads, hippie crowd, just too many non-Indians.

We continued riding till the end of road near Om beach and tried the Namaste cafe for rooms. It was a long weekend and everywhere else was full, they said. But luckily we got a room and crashed there for the night.

Day 3 (Tuesday the 26th)-

We were all set to leave at around 11am. After breakfast we decided to stay another day. If we got the room, of course. And we did! Major chilling, munching, roaming on the beach was all we did on the 3rd day.

Peace

Dusk

The beautiful moon rising

Day 4 (Wednesday the 27th)-

We started at around 11am after breaking fast at Namaste cafe. Rode towards Haveri to catch the NH and reach Bengaluru. Curvy roads till Haveri, and then came the NH! Dinner at Sira's Kamat and the NICE road to home!

Day 5 (Thursday the 28th)-

No body pain what-so-ever, except the leg. It swell in the morning and pained quite a lot later in the evening. Wearing a crepe bandage and I can't ride Sugar for 10 days now. You fall and you learn from it, don't you?

Planning on maintaining a journal for Sugar. All rides and learnings on that one. You think that's a good idea?

This week it was the Bullet 500. I so badly wanted to escape out of the city this weekend, and DD Hills (75 kms away from Bangalore) & BR hills were the options. Colleagues wanted an escape too, and we also had Horsley hills in mind now. DD was fixed and very determinedly we left at around 0430 hours.

We took our own time because we also had an Activa with us. We stopped at a CCD near Tumkur too. A group of Harleys and Triumphs sped past us and yes, jaws did drop. It was a scooter, a sports bike and a cruiser. 6 people on 3 bikes, for awhile it felt quite new for someone who had lost hopes in group trips/tours. Me.

The routes, so green and scenic and all that. Definitely a pleasure to the rider. I knew everything that would have happened to me if I had gone alone and I'd say it kindah got lost with company, I don't know why I feel this way, but I do. Solo, my dearest.

We loved the zone, and at first, it was a destination we were looking for. After chilling on a few rocks and clicking a few pictures we knew it was going to be a very random trip and we really had no plan.

We reached the end of the road to find a P.W.D office. Chilled at a boulder near that.

There was a temple and stairs leading to it, we weren't really keen so we skipped that. Will go there the next time, I will. We found a smaller hill near Uridgere and climbed it halfway. Felt the strong breeze, lay down and felt the rock on our backs and the mild sun shining on our faces.

We saw a lake from a smaller hill we climbed, we went there next. Talked, clicked and chilled. We retreated, planning to stop at a dhaba- Chandu Punjabi dabha; wasn't great but we were hungry so it was alright.

It was a great ride/trip and I also got to be a pillion this time, for a while. It was not a solo ride this time and it did feel good, if I may add. We took the NICE road on the way back and exit-ed at Hosur road. A cute little trip on a fulfilling Sunday.

A 330km/5hr ride.

Started on the 17th from Bangalore at 5am, reached Chennai around 10am. Departed from Chennai on the 18th at 5pm, reached around 10pm. Nice eh?

I’m back home safe now. My head aches a bit, and the waist a tiny bit, but it’s beautiful pain. It was an important anniversary function of a close relative and mom black-mailed me to come. I told her I ride there or I don’t come at all. That’s how you train your dragons, I mean, parents.

I’ve been excited ever since I decided to ride there. Decathlon helped me buy a few stuff, Funbyk helped with renting the bullet 500 and the helmet. I was set. I started riding I counted the kilometers, stopped at 2 CCDs and waited for me to reach the place. People were waiting for me there. And after knowing I was riding all the way, they got eager much.

At the marriage hall-

I had my Power Drift tee shirt on. I arrived at the mandap and some important swaha thing was happening there. I had to tie my scarf around my head (you know what helmets do to your hair). I looked like a total hippie (which I’m not) and people looked at me like a misfit (which I was). As expected, a few overly-protective Brahmin uncles even stopped talking to me. Kids who understood the fun of a bike looked at me with surprised eyes and wanted to go on a round on the bull.

I was surrounded by Tamil-Kannada Brahmins staring at me from head to toe. Women came in all dressed and made up, a few girls even sang songs on the stage. I din’t wear a chudi or an anarkali top or whatever. I wore a short kurti and a 3/4th jean. They’d call me a rebel for that.

Halls like this is where you surprisingly get to see survival skills of people. A few aunties slept on the stage, without pillows. A few slept on the dusty ground, in a dirty room, without a blanket, like myself. Also I rolled beneath a cot and used a saree for a blanket because it got cold, like, shivering cold. I’ve only seen women like my mom and cousins complain, it was too surprising to look at them ignore the discomfort.

Loud nadaswaram and thavil, some famous uncle talking about some spiritual thing, saxophone performance were all a part of the eventful evening. That uncle who spoke spiritual, glanced and smiled quite a few times, when he crossed me, we spoke. And during the conversation I had to tell him I was an atheist. My aunt asked why I said that and he told he’ll change me.

I think this would be enough glimpse of how the entire time went for me. LOL.

Inside -

On my way back it all happened. Inside of me. I found my zone. I became numb. I went blank. I couldn’t feel my back aching, or my legs hugging the tank, or my feet on the pegs, or my ears shut close by the helmet, or my cold hands on the handlebar, or my ass pressing on the wide comfy seat. I wasn’t counting the kilometers, I wanted to get lost and constantly be on the road. It wasn’t highway hypnosis. It was my heaven.

After all, isn’t heaven just someplace that has everything you’ve never had or you’ve had too much of?

And then I realized there was music in the background. I wondered what I’m thinking about and it was nothing. I wasn’t missing anyone, I had no care, I wasn’t sad or happy, it was nothingness. Nothing at all. Nada.

Then suddenly, when there was a train that appeared from under a flyover that I was on, I cried.
Something inside me changed a bit and I realized it’s a very good thing not to have a care in the world.

Out -

Outside of me, on my way back, I constant-ed at 80kmph. It rained very light, but only for seconds. There was green and blue and painted grey on the skies. It slowly became dark. Everything felt shut for a moment. I now know that riding in the dark, with disturbing lights from the rear-view mirror and/or the other side of the road, isn’t a pain, but still a risk.

I learnt where to use the upper and how to brake while encountering a confused dog in the middle of the road. When I inclined the bike slightly in turns I felt like a racer (on a cruiser, lol). When I maneuvered the bike in slow speeds I got proud. And when I used indicators to shift lanes I felt like a pro. I guess every ride teaches you something, many things actually, and these are just a few.

Occasionally dad or mom called and spoke so casually like I was at some restaurant eating dinner. Even today, they told me to reduce the frequency of my rides, very subtly. My dragons are quick learners, I tell you. Very impressive people!

Will write soon.

P.S- To all the people who care and message me to buy a full faced helmet- I’ll buy one soon. I’m glad you all care! And, I love the feeling of the spanner in my hand, I’ve only tightened minor bolts on the bull till now. I’m learning the science of how the bike works, must help me in repairing and fixing the bike.

It was Sunday, October 05.

It was a one day trip, on a rented RE Classic 500. A fucking* amazing trip; the one that gave me the chills that even the Bungee jump couldn’t give.

Here’s what made the ride so amazing-

- Between Belur and Halebeedu, the RE ran out of fuel. Some forest zone.
- Rode solo.
- Rode 5-6 hours on wet roads at night, while it was raining continuously.
- Learnt to manage the RE in roads, curvy roads, rugged roads, routes with no roads at all, bad roads and terrible roads.

Here’s what happened-

Left home at 5 30am. Sweet ride it was, to Hassan, took the route towards Belur deciding I’ll see the Shettihalli church on my way back.

Now this was the route I took- went past Hassan, to Belur, then to Halebeedu and back to Bangalore via Hassan.

But if ruins and architecture gives you the feels, you might lose yourself here. Proving which I saw people losing themselves and posing for photos with the sculpted background, and of course, selfies.

Belur only has one famous temple, they said- The Chennakesava Temple.

Halebeedu has 3- The Hoysaleshwara temple, The Kedareshwara temple and the Jain Temples.

After spending some time, and clicking some photos I left for Halebeedu.

The shortest route from Belur to Halebeedu, that Google Maps suggested was a treat to drive on my RE Classic, that I got my bad roads training certified. Incase you din’t get that, it was sarcastic; the roads were terrible.

At Halebeedu, it started raining and I found a cozy little spot inside the temple, settled there since it was raining like it would never stop. After awhile I fell asleep inside the temple while it rained. I had no track of the time and neither did I feel the need to ckeck. With no clue as to how long I was asleep, I woke up to find the rain reducing to drizzles.

Inside one of the temples I found this charm sitting and chilling. One hoot and I took my camera out. Only to find it staring right at me.

Halebeedu’s major temple was crowded and the other 2 weren’t, as much.

It was from Halebeedu to Hassan, to that church now. Here is where the bike ran out of fuel. An old uncle helped me get a bottle of petrol from a station 3 kilometers away. He adviced me not to take off on my own again. He asked if he was right. I said yes. I lied. Because I din’t know Kannada and I couldn’t tell him I always ride solo, almost always.

The route was between serene and peaceful villages and it was so quiet and calm that it got a bit creepy after a few kilometers. It looked like this along the way most of the time-

And this-

There were barely any cars or bikes, or even people along the way and I stopped to ask a couple of women in the villages if the church really existed.

And it did! Sweet surprise it was. Beautiful place.

Did not go any closer because it felt weird. And there were 2 cars and 5-6 men sitting on the ground right outside the church. Clicked a little and took a U back to Hassan and Bangalore.

Rode without turning back, rode to Hassan, rode towards Bangalore, 50 kms into the highway and it started raining. I stopped at a bus stand and found few fellow bikers. They talked about how the rain might go on for long and about taking a room for the night. They did book a hotel 20 kms from there. I did not know what to do, so I just rode. Protected the camera, and my head from the rain and kept riding. I am so proud of myself for that.

_____

It felt like time slowed down.

There wasn’t one but too many factors- it was dark, the roads were wet, my jeans got heavier, the scarf that covered my mouth was wet, my glove-less hands got cold, the shoes were filled with water after a while, there was the risk of water entering my eyes (which had the lenses), also the risk of the bike stopping anywhere on the highway (the bike was already quite peppy).

____

I couldn’t keep thinking of all this so I tried to distract myself. Rewind-ed memories for a while, counted to 100 (atleast 20 times) for a while. I coined a few backup plans in the back of my mind incase anything would go wrong. I also promised I would get myself home by 12am, some frigging way.

I got home at 12:15am and rested like there was no (office) tomorrow.

After experiences like this, one might decide not to do something like this. I felt it too, but suffering and pain sometimes teach you the best lessons. Doesn’t mean I’ll wantedly do something like this again. But I shall ride again, very soon.

Today when I gave him back, I cried. Tears accumulated, because he was with me when times were difficult, because he got me home, because I know how he works now. You were beautiful. I'll love you till I forget you.

And yes now I’m alive. Very alive!

*The feeling is so strong that I had to use this. Apologies if it offends you.

It was 4am I wanted to leave. It was a Continental GT I wanted to rent, or just borrow someone's bike. It was a 200-300 km ride I wanted to go on. Alone.

Woke from Saturday night's office breezer at 10am. Nowhere except the Big Banyan Tree I could think of, because it was only my pleasure that was coming along with me. The plan I had at 10 30-

There was quite some traffic along the Bannerghatta road because it was 11am already. And then the NICE road came along. It's basically a long, neat road that gives you the feels of driving or biking, and one that connects Bangalore and Mysore.

Gradually got to 80kmph and felt the nerves sighing down. And then peace came along.

In roads like these, you can't but think deep. Not because you're happy or sad, but because you're human and you live in a world with fellow humans who are entirely different entities.

It got blue after a few songs like Manchala and Raabta. Everything seemed like a myth. 'Life' felt like a myth. Love, definitely is. And all of a sudden, there was nothing more real than the moped, the road and me.

People, are contributors. They contribute their time, joy, sorrow and love. They get to choose who to contribute it to. Who to share it with. And some are just not made for it.

Then it got personal. I don't remember when I started being a loner, or when I accepted I wasn't made for friendships or love. It took time. It takes time. It only makes you stronger.

Directions, tolls, a major right and a left and I reached the Big Banyan Tree in Kettohalli. It was a giant 400 year old banyan tree. The 4th biggest in the World. The tree and parts of the tree now live without the tree's main trunk, it seems. Pictures below-

There were people. People posing, people eating, people staring. There also was a temple inside the place.

After a while, I found a place and solitude.

It felt blessed that I was there, present, just me, doing what I wanted, thinking what I wanted, doing what I wanted. Suddenly there was this feeling of gratefulness.

Also found infinity looking right at me.

And then I wanted to take a picture of a mosquito and an ant. First, I thought I might be going crazy, but very soon after the video I shot, it felt very normal.

The OPO sure has an amazing camera.

And then came the Manchanabele dam. It was an 8 km ride from the tree. Sure was a scenic route. Loads of landscapes and green to calm you down.

Tada! There was the huge body of water...(!) Shaped a bit like India, eh?

A view of the dam.

On the way - ISTRAC - ISRO Telemetry Tracking And Command Network

Got back to Bangalore at around 5pm. Spoke to dad and mom on my way back, while on the NICE road, and told them I was speeding from 60 to 80 and they were so cool(!). I ask them how; and dad said, "I know if I tell you to go at 50 you won't listen." And then we all laughed! I was reminded of my contributors.

Pa, Ma, blessed I am with you two!

And my day wasn't done! A Supertramp (who is currently in Delhi) from my non-existent Supertramp club called while I was getting back. Then, I met the Kulkarnis (ex-colleagues from Pune). One had come from Hyderabad for the weekend and the one that now works in Bangalore wanted to catchup. It was Corner House with one, and BarCode with the other. I was with people! And all of this, while it was pouring like the skies were weeping.

Fulfilling IS the word!

How was your Sunday?

Musings & Abstractions

Friday, March 4, 2016

The Birthday Snow Trip - Delhi & Manali

Friday, January 29, 2016

Jog Falls - Yana Caves - Gokarna

Monday, November 30, 2015

The Sunday trip to DD hills @ Devarayanadurga

Friday, October 30, 2015

The ride to Chennai- A Revelation!

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

One Classic Trip! Hassan-Belur-Halebeedu

Monday, September 7, 2015

A Fulfilling Sunday- The Big Banyan Tree Ride