My Story: 'Difficult Roads Have Always Led Me To The Most Beautiful Destinations'

I was working with the Carnival Cruise Line as a service operator, but due to COVID, the cruise industry had come to a complete halt, and I had to come back. I was back at home in June 2020 and stayed home for five months. I was getting bored and did not want to stay in one place. So, when the first wave subsided, I decided that this was the best time for me to explore India, and I was checking all the flights and train tickets. My brother came and reminded me that I could go around on the bike I had bought for myself years ago.

My parents never stopped me from doing anything in life, so I just went to my father to discuss the possibility of a bike trip. My father asked me if I was sure, and when I told him that I was, he agreed to let me go. So, within four days, we bought the essential items for the bike trip, and then I left for my trip. Initially, I never thought that it would turn out to be an India trip. I thought I would go to my native place in Kalimpong from Kharagpur, which was around 800 kilometres. On the way, I thought of exploring more places.

Travelled 28 States, 6 UTs

When I reached Kalimpong, I decided that the India tour was happening for me. Once it started, it just went on and on. Nobody sponsored my trip; everything from food to shelter and petrol for the bike was out of my savings. A few years ago, I had bought the bike from my savings. After my 12th, I never asked my parents for any money. I would give tuitions to students, and then I moved to the United States after my graduation. Today, I have travelled to 28 states and 6 Union Territories.

Before this trip, I would go around in local places like the vegetable market and come back. This was the first time I took the bike out, and for ten months, those two wheels were my companion. I fell sick when I was en route to Ladakh from Himachal. Most people suffer from altitude sickness on the way. I was facing breathing difficulties and nausea. This one night, I did not sleep because of the discomfort. Another time, I was riding on a completely muddy Kacha road, and there was a water crossing, and my bike just slipped, and I fell. This was my first fall on the bike.

Life Is Not A Smooth Highway

Life is similar to a road trip in many ways. I have seen both challenging mountainous terrains and long plain roads. There is one thing that this tour taught me, that life would never be a long plain road; we will have speed brakes, flat tyres and potholes, but what matters the most is how we navigate through them.

Apart from this India tour, I have travelled to 45 countries. I don't know what my next plan is, but I know for sure that I am not going back to the sea anytime soon. I have realized that I would be happier right now. I might want to begin some tours and travels for girls, where I could organize group road trips for girls because often, people are not comfortable letting their daughters go alone.

If you too have an inspiring story to tell the world, send us your story at mystory@thelogicalindian.com