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Day6: Udaipur-Gogunda-Jaswanthgarh-Sayra-Ranakpur-Sadri-Bali-Falna-Sanderao-Pali-Bulletbaba-Rohat Jodhpur

It was a bye bye situation for Udaipur, enjoyed every minute of my stay here. Slowly creep out of Udaipur and hit the highway(NH27) towards Gogunda. Stop at a toll gate soon after Gogunda I get to meet two bikers from Mumbai who were on the way to Jaisalmer and Leh.

My Temporary home in Udaipur


One needs to take an abrupt right turn(read no sign boards and gap in the median is around 4-5 kms ahead) and not many people to confirm as well. Once you take the right, you can feel that you have taken a wrong route for sure, the road is one third the highway and passes through small villages inching closer to Ranakpur. It starts pouring and roads keeps getting narrower as the miles go by. The small villages start disappearing and lush greenery fills the area.





After some distance spot a wild buffalo carcass on the road. Initially assume it to be hit by a bus or a lorry, but on closer inspection, it reveals a different story. The legs were stripped and marks of claws were present, which makes the statement evident that it was a wild animal meal. Not sure as to which animal had its meal or what is the dominant predator there, any experts here can pour in their inputs.



Reach Ranakpur to visit the temples, reach the first temple, which was being renovated. The area was raining cats and dogs. Visit the first of the five temples, and then the rest.







TIP for Anybody going to Ranakpur: Photographs can be taken only after 12 Noon, so plan accordingly. Ranakpur Jain Temples, Ranakpur Jain Temples in Rajasthan . However this restriction is only to the main temple and not to Parasnath, Neminath and Surya temples.

Sadly miss the diversion towards Kumbalgarh and proceed towards Sadri. Roads were horrible, added to it was relentless rains. In one way getting completely drencehed in the rain provided some much needed relief from the afternoon heat post Sanderao. Truck traffic increases exponentially after Sanderao. In order to go to Jodhpur, one need not enter Pali, there is an outer road before the city where if you take left, it will lead to NH 65 and eventually Jodhpur.

The Name says it all .......


Bullet Baba


Om Banna




Stop at Bullet Baba, where the age old Royal Enfield is being worshipped as a deity. But contrary to belief, there was no liquor being offered at the temple. http://www.bykez.com/2012/04/bullet-...jodhpur-india/ . Reach Jodhpur by evening. Find a nice accommodation near the clock Tower .

Around Ghantagarh, the colour of the dial changes every second


Lasssssiiiiiii


All this for 600 bucks, Total Paisa vasool

Thanks buddy

Thread title changed.

Thank You Sunil


Day7 : Mehereangarh Fort and Jodhpur-Balesar-Pokaran-Chandan-Jaisalmer

Good Morning Jodhpur


View from my guest house terrace


Wake up late, after having a truck load of street food the last night. Freshen up and leave for the mammoth Meherangarh Fort which is like a 10-15 walk from my guest house. The Fort has an elevator to reach to the top from where one can get a wonderful view of the “Blue City”. Here again was happy that such a structure is so well maintained. My legs started aching walking through the never ending corridors of the fort.

A loner in the pond in front of the fort


The journey through history begins here


An old man whose head was almost touching the ground


One tourist, unintentionally clears his throat and our old man gets back to his position( read pose for tourists)


Outside the Turban Hall, localites teaching how to tie a turban


Inside the palace museum






Sheesha Mahal


Armours, this is what interested me. what knowledge they had in making these really amazes me.




Looks like any body not paying their electricity bills will have a present from this guy








Making up for the absence


Corridors of Meherangarh


Find a place to rest and have something to eat. Next to me sits a Sardarji panting after a walk through the fort. An old man (probably in his Sixties) walks up with a can of water asking if we wanted some. After we were done, the sardarji asks the old man how much did it cost for the water. The reply from the old man shook me for a second “Sirjee aap ki yahaan se(read Punjab) itna paani deh the ho, unka kabhi hizaab rakhte hon kya, ek glass paani mein ka jaata hein. Aap khush ho toh hum bhi khush “. Seriously the ethical nature of the people of older generation like him is almost non-existent in the present generation. Really felt happy and proud of this man. People like are the ones who promote a place, not those filmstars who do for money and don’t even know what is the capital of the state whose tourism they are promoting.

Effect of Modernisation, a Cafe to woo foreign visitors inside the palace.


One of the many artists who perform inside the fort premises


Meherangarh as seen from Jaswanth Thada


Jaswanth Thada


Lunch time .....


Come back to the guest house, a quick shower and out I am on the road again towards Jaisalmer. What started as a drizzle in Jaisalmer, begins to gather pace as I try to exit Jaisalmer. The National Highway NH 114 towards Baroli was like a death trap for camels, lot of them lying on the road dead after crashing with passing vehicles.

India's largest desert turns into a watersplash location at Pokhran


Reach Pokran by 5, still no relief from rain. Passing through a small village see a peacock, the longest I have seen till date, may be 8-8.5ft in length fly low across the road. Stop the bike and run behind it and wait for some time for it to open the feather and dance. Reluactantly it sits on a tree, and another peacock joins it. On closer look there were around 9-10 peacocks out in the open.

The one on the right is the one which stopped my riding for some time. Such a beautiful creature


One more Joins the party.All of them were big,fully grown males. had there been a female around, all the males would be in a police station


Found this masterpiece signboard alongway.


Reach Jaisalmer around 7. The temperature was around 40deg for the day(courtesy the Local news Channel), that’s when I told myself “Welcome to Rajastan”

Day 8 : Around Jaisalmer The fort from my room


Khanphewsion, Khanphewsion Couldnt idenify my hotel which was somewhere right in front all thanks to the cloning architecture


Few pics from the fort
The Queen's part of the Fort: look at the intricate ventilation in the walls


The main lanes of the fort


Jain Temples with some brilliant sculptures


















Patwaon ki Havelis






The Mandir Palace turned Hotel




Gadisar Lake, which didnt look like a lake at all,rather like a pool My first view of the dunes














While returning met Sanjeev Somnath who was doing a Rajastan circuit as well. We find accommodation at a desert camp in Sam. There were some cultural programs held to woo the people around. Feeling very bored, both of us sneak out do experience the dunes on two wheels. How we did it is a story for another day. After about a hour and a half or so, we get back to the cottage for some much needed rest for the day

Ahemadab = Infinity hahhhaha


Well nice pictures, People of rajasthan is very humble...quite nice & yellow/red place

Thanks Shahbaz
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Day 9 : Sam Dunes-Dhanana-Jaisalmer-Barmer-Sanchor-Tharad

Plan was to start from Sam and go to Ramgarh and Tanot and then return to Jaisalmer to pick our baggage. On discussing with a localite, he told the closest point to the border is around 40kms from Sam. And have some good Sand dunes further ahead of Sam. So dropped Tanot and head towards Dhanana Check post. A big round of applause for Border Roads organization for their work done in maintaining the roads around here. As we keep going further and further the roads starts becoming better and better. The dunes start occupying the majority of the roads. After about 40-50 min, we reach Dhanana, a place with only one check post, a telecom tower and a small shelter for the soldiers.


The desert Camp where we stayed


At Dhanana Checkpost




The Sand Dunes of Dhanana


Sanjeev on a Photosession






Narmada Canal, lifeline of Jaisalmer


One of the 119 villages evacuated overnight, during a military operation some time back


This is how roads end in Dhanana






Chat with some soldiers for some time and start for Jaisalmer. On the way back we found this wonderful pristine dunes, not very far from the road. Both of us were astonished by the sight of it, and Sam dunes were in no way comparable with these.

On the way back Visit Kuldhara village which is now a archeological site. For more info : Movie Location > Kuldhara Ruins | Movies and Locations | Filmapia | Reel Sites. Real Sights.

Loved the Log and the pics, Phanikar!

keep it up mate! Happy touring!

Ride safe!

Thanks Nagesh

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Day 10 : Tharad-Nadabet(Rann of Kutch)-Tharad-Palanpur-Ahmedabad-VadodaraCheck Post 1


First View of the Rann


Hello Good morning




Sorry dont want to caption this pic


Nilgai




Definition of Hang over



After crossing the first Checkpost, try my hand in getting the bike on the Rann. The tyres started to sink in like it was on quick sand. Had very tough time just to take a U-turn and get back to the road. It took almost 45min just to come back to the road. Proceed towards Nadabet Temple which houses Goddess Nadeshwari Devi.

Temple at Nadabet


This area also houses a division of Intelligence bureau. The officials first check my ID proof (Driving license and Pan Card) and vehicle Documents. Then my phone was checked for call lists and Messages, followed by my camera. After gaining confidence, start a chat over the details of my ride. Tea, Snacks and some Prasad was offered. With a tight hug by the four officials, I was let go only after I accepted to drop an official till the last check post for civilians before the border.

Checkpost 2








After spending some time with the rest of the soldiers at the checkpost. Was told that during summer, soldiers are not put on duty for Two/three days at a stretch. The shine from the salt would be so much that, it can cause temporary blindness.

Leave from there to Tharad to pick my baggage and leave for Ahmedabad or Vadodara for the day. Crossed the Tropic of Cancer again ahead of Ahmedabad before settling for Vadodara for the day.



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Day 11: Vadodara-Bharuch-Surat-Vapi-Silvassa-Mumbai.

Last breakfast in Gujju land for the ride Confusion On the Highway


The NH with a differenceThe father -Son Duo posing


Saifu, you know what , i am not interested in your girl friend anymore


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Day 12: Around Mumbai

A Jungle inside a jungle, at Sanjay Gandhi National ParkThe Man and "The" Machine

Day 13: Mumbai-Panvel-Mangaon-Divegar-Srivardhan-Harihareshwar-(ferry) Bankot-Kelshi-Anjarle(ferry)-Harnai Beach-Dapoli-Dabhol-(Ferry)-Jaigadh-Ganapatipule.

Leave the city of Mumbai by 6 and slowly creep out of the city towards Panvel. To my bad luck the traffic was chocking around Pen, all thanks to the truck that had broken down on one of the curves. Not sure of the Mandwa Ferry proceed towards Mangaon and for Divegar and Shrivardhan. Was loving every inch of the ride from Mangaon, roads going as per their wish, merciless rains. Reach Harnai beach for a late lunch.

Before Divegar





At Bhagamandala




Ferry No.1 for the day (Bhagamandala-Bankot)




Why Should boys have all the fun

The ferry operates from 6AM to 9.30PM . However if it is post 9.30 ferry operates at some extra cost(This facility is available at the mercy of the ferry agents)

Once you start climbing Bankot


The climb from the exit of the ferry to the top has got magnificent views of the river merging into the sea.


Before Harnai


The best past of this route is the aerial view of the beaches alongway. MSH4 Hugs the coastline, in literal sense




School kids playing on the beach


At a view point atop Harnai


At Dhabol ferry point


Sonia And Supriya at my service


Dabhol has got a mini port operating.






Then came the toughest part of the journey today. From Dabhol , the ride towards Thavasl to catch a ferry to Ganapatipule. The Scheduled last ferry for the Jaigadh Side was at 9.30 PM. Pitch dark roads , hardly anybody to ask for dimensions, very few villages passing by. At one of the place a village elder when asked for directions, came out of his house, took me to a point where i could see bright lights on top of a mountain. "keep getting closer to that light and you almost reach the ferry point" He gave the directions to go, any screw-up i make it was only myself to be blamed. To make matters worse, there were landslides at two locations where a huge rock had settled in the middle of the only to allow vehicle the size of a Nano to pass through. So my chances of getting help in case i need, is almost eliminated. The directions from the village elder was the only thing running on my mind, and made sure that those Lights from Jindal plant didnt go out of my sight for long. After almost an hour or may be even more reach Thavasal. A big sign of relief. Ganapatipule is still kms from Thavasal. During a conversation with a Bolero driver about directions to Ganapatipule, he introduced me to another guy on a trax, which ferried fish to Ratnagiri. He agreed to lead me till a place where he would turn for Ratnagiri. The only word to describe the roads from Jaigad ferry point to some distance is "Nightmare" . At one point, we confront a water crossing, where both me and the Trax driver were unable to see the other end, due to rain and darkness. He agrees to go ahead and I was supposed to follow his trail. After few meters, there was steady level of water, which got me a bit of confidence and I start following the trail of the Trax. And suddenly the the Trax start going downwards. i could neither go back or stay in that water. Keeping the bike in High rpm's i proceed further. Just when i was about to exit the crossing, the ZMA stalls. The driver from the other vehicle who had agreed to wait till I crossed the puddle , came running to get out of the water. reason for the Stalling, the water had busted my Spark plugs. Immedietly find a shady place from the rain to change the plugs. Thankfully water hadn't entered the air-filer or the carb. Thanking the driver for all the help i proceed towards Ganapatipule. Stop at the first place where I could find food and shelter and crash for the day. This day will be remembered for a very long time.

Glued to the thread....
While I was reading your log for DAY 13, everything was flowing smoothly until that moment where the ZMA stalled. That was an ouch moment. Fortunately there were people to help you. PHEW! That could have been a deadly experience as it was raining and it was dark. Thanks to that chap who helped you.

your thread was awesome with all these beautiful snaps....your snaps speak for itself

The nigtmares of 13th day reminds me of Friday the 13th

Very true, a million thanks to Nagesh, the driver of the pick up truck.

Thanks Ramesh

yeah it was something similiar to that

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Day 14: Ratnagiri-Tarkarli-Sawanthwadi-Bhanda-Panjim-Margoa-Karwar-Ankola-KumtaOutside my room at 8.30Am


Somewhere around Ratnagiri


Overlooking Tarkarli (One of my Fav pics of the ride )




Given no options proceed towards Tarkarli via Ratnagiri and Mithgvne. Had fallen in love completely with MSH 4 by now.The roads from Banda to Panaji had been freshly laid and was traffic free. Thankfully was able to reach Santacruz to satisfy the growling stomach. Wasted no time in taking leave from Goa(reluctantly though) towards Canacona. Initially thought will stay at Karwar but the roads and not much rains changed the location to Honnavar or Kumta. As you cross Karwar, the sorry state of roads begins. After coming through MSH 4 and NH17 on the MH side, this was like a curse. Found a decent enough hotel right by the highway for some much needed rest. Struck a deal for Rs. 250/- and was super happy because the room was BIGG and neat. At some time around realized the reason for the low tariff. The room was right next to the railway track, in short, I was jacked.

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Day 15: Kumta-Honnavar-Jogfalls-Sagar-Shimoga-Tarikere-Arasikere-Gubbi-Tumkur-BangaloreTrucks on rails The building adjacent to the track, visible, is my room. Hope one can imagine what a "sound" sleep I had last night


The "Best" view I could get of the Falls after waiting for an hour


Around Sagar







Owing to return later some time, crawl out of this place.

Initial and Final Odo readings


After riding around 5800Kms over 15 days, the Man and machine reach home territory.

This had been an experience of a lifetime for me. Would like to thank everyone who helped me go through this, be it winning the contest or planning an itenary or infrastructural help. Without your time and willingness this would have never happened. Most importantly would like to thank Castrol Biking for this wonderful opportunity. Hope to have this co-operation with you going forward as well. Also hope that in the coming years, there would be more such events which bring out the true colors of motorcycling, be it in motorsports or touring. Thank you one and all again.