Deshi Explorer

Sundarbans There are trips that you plan. Then, there are rides which call to you. The Sundarbans was more than a place on a map, it was something you dreamt of, something that you heard about and thought of as a whisper of wildness, a place where tigers go without making any noise and rivers shift with the moon. The Ride: Kolkata to the Unknown It was five thirty in the morning. It was still morning under the hazy skies of Kolkata when I started my 100cc motor cycle. She was not long tour material, but she had a heart,--and that was all I wanted. With my helmet on and gloves strapped, I bid farewell to the traffic signals and started off to the Basanti Highway with a straight shot to Godkhali- the fringe of the Sundarbans. The highway wound between sleepy villages, and across fields, and across rustic bridges. And each step the air seemed new--as though the wilderness were nearer. Roadside Moments: At Canning I rested at tea. And a neighbor on my side told me, Going to the jungle...

 Introduction: Some trips are planned and then there are journeys that call you. My motorbike journey to Santiniketan, which is located in the very core of Birbhum, West Bengal, was the latter. Having the wind in my face and Tagore verses in my mind I throttled through green fields, red-soiled roads and the cultural heritage that seemed to be timeless. This blog is the diary of that soulful ride, crude, real and unforgettable. Lets Start Journey: Origin: Uluberia Howrah Distance: About 165 km (One way) The Road Used: Uluberia-Dankuni-Burdwan-Guskara-Bolpur-Santiniketan Items in my suitcase: Riding gears, Helmet, Gloves and all Documents yours & your Bike. Power bank & camera. Snack and water. Bike basic tool kit. A copy of Tagore, Gitanjali, by Tagore, of course, -for the vibe! The Ride Experience Morning Start: I was up early, at about 6.30 AM, when the sun was starting up. The streets were quiet and the air was fresh soil. The morning drive on NH2 ( Durgapur Expressway ) ...

Introduction: Want to experience a peaceful spin the vicinity of Kolkata? Then there is the Kalibari of Uluberia, a secret treasure trove you should go check out. iritual trip  Location and way to go: Uluberia is in West Bengal, Howrah district.   By Train: board any local train at Howrah to Fuleswar and then board a toto(about 1 hour)   By road: It is situated approximately 45 km away from Kolkata, by NH16 or Kona Expressway   On Bike: This is a good place to ride a short spiritual trip on a bike About Kalibari: Kalibari at Uluberia is a famous temple of Goddess Kali. It draws hundreds of worshippers on Kali Puja, Amavasya and other occasions. The temple is spiritually strong and the bhog (prasad) here is popular among the locals. Pursuit: Pay prayers and meditate in serenity Talk to the priests of the temple to get their history and legends. Photograph the traditional Bengali temples architecture. Taste local sweets and tea on the stalls by the temple. Othe...

                 It is a sort of freedom that could be experienced only when there is roar of engine under you and the road fades into the red dust. That is Purulia, not a place, but a wild dream of the rider. It is not covered in neon lights, or tourist gloss, but rather it has a breath of ancient rocks, tribal music, wild paths, and the earthy beat of rural Bengal. Jump on your motorbike, Purulia is not a destination, it is a place to ride into. Riding out of the City: The Commencement of the Ride: As the city smog settles in the rear-view mirror, the road to Purulia starts talking a new language, the language of Sal forests, wind-swept hills, and the culture that is very much a part of Bengal. Be it a ride in Kolkata or Asansol the ride is also an experience. Straight roads finally turn into rugged village roads where each bend is a postcard and each halt a tale. The Wild Side of Purulia: Hills and ...