By We had scheduled a call with Vishnu on a Sunday afternoon. Well, he readily agreed but we ourselves were reluctant to call him. Satan will reserve a special place for you in hell if you disturb someone’s Sunday afternoon! In contrast, our conversation with Vishnu’s Kerala to Kashmir roadtrip was like a dream come true.
Imagine sitting in a small town of Kerala, talking with a person in Mumbai and sharing the feel of heaven over a phone call! In a matter of 66.07 mins, Vishnu gave us the tour of a literal paradise of India – Kashmir! And wait for the surprise – it’s not just Kashmir, it’s much more than that!
Vishnu and his friend embarked on a thrilling and fulfilling bike ride from God’s Own Country to the Paradise Of India. Along with their bikes, these travel enthusiasts ventured on one of the longest road trips of India – A Kerala To Kashmir Road Trip! They rode for almost 12 days taking breaks, admiring breathtaking views and living memorable experiences!
“This roadtrip has always been a dream for Kerala boys. And when we completed entire Kerala to Kashmir roadtrip, everyone was like – How… How could you complete this in just 12 days!”
Says Vishnu while giving out proud laughter.
The entire roadtrip was divided into 5 different parts. “This is not just about Kashmir”, says Vishnu, “but about the experiences, we had throughout our 12-day trip!” We knew; all that needs to be done on this call is sit back and relax, grab some snacks and visualize Vishnu’s bike ride!
Starting From God’s Own Country…
Starting from Kerala, Vishnu and his friend took their first strategic halt in Bangalore. They met a friend in Bangalore and stayed at his place, had food and chilled out for a day. The next day was a short trip to Nandi Hills. If you are not aware, the first SAARC summit of India was held at Nandi Hills in 1986. The panoramic view of the sunrise, allures every tourist in its bosom! Vishnu had a good wholesome view of the place and took off early from Bangalore.
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Stop 1 – Hyderabad
“Bahut achha experience” (sensational experience) says Vishnu while describing the authentic mutton biryani of Hyderabad. We are in love with his Malayalam accent!
Luckily, Vishnu’s stay in Hyderabad was free of cost! The cherry on the cake for him. Before waving Hyderabad goodbye, he paid a visit to the massive Golconda fort – living testimony of Hyderabad’s rich history and Charminar – a symbol of architectural grandeur.
Stop 2 – Nagpur
Central India it is… Vishnu had completed a journey of approximately 1500 km. Solely on his bike! If craziness has a synonym, then I guess it is going to this Kerala to Kashmir roadtrip! At Nagpur, Vishnu couldn’t resist himself from Haldiram’s orange barfi – the authentic sweet of Nagpur. Amidst the dense jungles of Maharashtra, Vishnu along with his friends rode with great enthusiasm. Not just bike rides, but he seems to be a great fan of jungle trails.
Stop 3 – Gwalior
At Nagpur, they stopped to admire the Zero Mile point. A feeling of pride rushed through his veins. And why not? A mere youngster from the small town of Kerala has made it to the centre of India! Starting from the Zero Mile Point, they started their new stage of Kerala to Kashmir roadtrip. With Gwalior, two South Indian boys had entered North India. Contrast cultures, different people, unexplored places but an irresistible notion to explore!
“Despite a few challenges, the trip was satisfactory. I faced some issues like my raincoat was stolen, a few nerds punctured our bike… and some instances like that! But I think you need to consider such things before going on a trip. A few people might welcome you, few might cause trouble!”
Vishnu, while describing his experience in Madhya Pradesh
Stop 4 – Agra
Arrival in Agra was the beginning of good times for Vishnu. “We met a guy there – the owner of Lucky Restaurant. Very kind-hearted person… It was really the best time to spend a few days in his hotel.” Vishnu insisted me thrice to include Lucky Restaurant’s name in this blog!
(Dear owner, if you are reading this blog, please know that Vishnuradhika is a huge fan of your hotel!)
Surprisingly, Vishnu met another group of bike riders at the hotel! The best attribute of any tour is the new connections we make! And Vishnu didn’t hesitate to join them. Under the moonlight, the group of riders made unforgettable memories. Even today, such memories bring a blissful smile to Vishnu’s face. Not to mention, the rider duo visited the Taj Mahal – “symbol of love!” as Vishnu describes.
Stop 5 – Punjab via Delhi
Don’t know why people stereotype South Indians visiting Punjab? Hearing Vishnu’s story, it was clear that after Kashmir, the best time Vishnu had was in Punjab and Udhampur.
“They happily welcomed us! Really… They were asking about our trip, how we achieved this and everything! Even offered us coffee for free! Sadly, I don’t have a photo with him, but I cannot describe my experience in words!”
Vishnu explains the welcoming gesture of a Sardar at a Dhaba,
Visiting the Golden Temple and Wagah-Attari Border was a once in a lifetime experience for them. His excitement knew no bounds. With more than 3000 km completed, these Kerala boys had loads of stories to tell!
Entering The Paradise On Earth
A sigh of relief? Just a sigh? For Vishnu crossing the state border and entering into his dream destination was like an overwhelming experience. Finally, after 10 days of rigorous riding, drinking hundreds of litres of coffee and making thousands of memories, Vishnu arrived in Kashmir. “We are from South India and visiting Kashmir is not like an everyday thing… we wanted to experience it all.” saying thus Vishnu and his friend ventured into the snow clad peaks of Kashmir. Dal Lake, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, they witnessed it all.
“Heaven… Real Heaven it is! We have only seen heaven in Ramayana and Mahabharata… but real heaven is when you are on bike riding through the curvy roads, chilly breezes of Leh!”
On a roadtrip from Kargil to Leh
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Vishnu came back from Kashmir via a flight with a bagful of memories and experiences. No doubt he was welcomed with great enthusiasm back home. On being asked what you love the most? Train, flight or your bike? Vishnu gave a prompt reply – “Of course bike.” He explained it nicely and it was the best thing we ever heard –
“Travelling is not visiting any place and sometimes it is not about experiences as well. You travel, you learn, you share and you move forward. I think it is very symbolic. Moving forward in life because there are always many surprises waiting for you in the future!”
Vishnuradhika
Vishnuradhika’s Kerala To Kashmir Roadtrip In Numbers
Total days of actual driving - 12 Total expense - INR 60,000/- (including fuel, stay & food) States visited - 9 Total kilometres traveled - Approx 5000 KM Memories made - INFINITE
Vishnu’s Recommendations For Kerala To Kashmir Roadtrip
- Always use all riding gears as things might get rough at times.
- Carry minimum luggage.
- Always keep hard cash because a few local inns might not accept digital payments.
- Avoid travelling at night.
- Service your bike after every 1000 KM ride.
- Take breaks after every 100 KM ride. Stay hydrated.
- Before commencing a long journey, practice riding non-stop for 100-200 KM. This will boost your confidence.
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