Exploring My Incredible India - Chapter 3

I planned to start at 3 o'clock in the morning today, but was discouraged by Mamta and changed it to 4:00 am. But I completely forgot that I have to pack my things on my bike again. It took me near half an hour to finish it up. I was looking like, I have taken bath on sweat. As it was very early morning Mamta offer me a cup of tea and I accept it with delight. Very essential for a kick start.

So, here I am, another 450 kilometers approx to cover. Straight to hit the highway. Sometimes farm field,  sometimes between the hills. Till now the roads are smooth as silk.

Near Chilka, Burnpur

But on the way to Vizag from Bhubaneshwar as regards to food... very sad. Couldn't find a proper place to have a simple breakfast. Saw a shop with oven and  I pull over my bike, but the guy said only tea and biscuits. When I asked for where can I get a bit food, like snacks or so, he replied another 30 kilometers at least. From 4 o'clock to 8 o'clock, only a cup of tea. I forgot to mention maybe that I am very much foody person and when I am hungry I become crazy. I remembered Mamta mentioned me that Orissa people not so fancy about food like Bengali people. But this kind of crisis I may have to face I didn't imagine. :-(

At last I found a place to have something. Aeah! life would be a bit peaceful now. Option were either Puri-Sabji or typical South Indian food like Dosa, Idli. I went for Puri-Sabji (I am not so fond of Idli-Dosa). In normal cases I won't have that Puri-Sabji as it was completely tasteless but the amount of hunger I had that time, it was too good ;-). 

Road was really good for riding. But while crossing the highway in Orissa I notice few remarkable things, the most is the cows on highway roads. It doesn't matter whether you are riding bike, driving car or even truck, you have to change your lane if they are on the road or have to wait till the time they are feeling they should give you pass :D.

Around 12:30 pm I reached Vizag. Yes, it was early than I expected. I told my couch host Nitin that I would be reaching in the afternoon but... Had no other option but to called him to inform I have reached. He was suppose to be in office. I thought to wait at some café till the time he finished his office work. Around 1 o'clock he called me back and give his address and landmark to reach near his place. It was in Vizag Steal Plant Township. Nice and quiet place. Though Vizag is very well organized and safe city to live in, specifically this area.

Yarada Beach, Vizag

After few hours rest and chat we went for Yarada Beach view. This beach is not so crowded by tourist. Mostly local people visit here. The best part is to reach this place you need to ride or drive through hills. Actually the township and the beach are separated by a series of small hills, like a line, one side of the line is the town and the other side the beach. Sounds interesting, right?

Me at the beach side, Vizag

I spent a long time sitting at the beach side, took photos and videos, chat and after sunset headed to the city. I was hungry too. So, Nitin took me to a restaurant named Ramakrishna. We had day's special Hyderabadi Biriyani. It was really tasty and more than enough in a quantity for a person to have. But Nitin told me that it is perfect as per the quantity for the local people, otherwise people will not come to this restaurant.:D

Hyderabadi Biryani

After dinner we were walking around in the local market for an hour or so. Then we returned our home and gone for sleep. I had to because tomorrow will be on another journey. Good night now.

Exploring My Incredible India - Chapter 2

I didn't intend to wake up late but I guess it was the effect of yesterday 400+ ride, wake up at 7:45 am by a phone call. Couldn't receive the call though was to late for it :p

When check my phone in gathering my proper senses, saw Mamta leave a message for me, "Come up for breakfast once you wake up". I couldn't help but laugh at myself.

It is my first experience of availing Couch Surfing host. And its really good and unique kind.

In the afternoon I plan to visit my friend house and explore the local places as well. 

Around 2:30 pm I left from my place Saheed Nagar to my friend's place (Dipika Saha) at Institute of Physics campus. The place is very well organized and maintained. We met after a long time, lets say 6-7 years or more. So, the conversation must go on for a long stretch. Then all of a certain rain comes to join our conversation. She said I was lucky that when I reach the Bhubaneswar, its raining and the weather is bearable. Otherwise it was too hot to live without AC. I thought in my mind, Monsoon have come for me then ;-)  

Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar

I left her house around 4 o'clock in the afternoon and visit Lingaraj Temple, one of the sacred and famous to tourist.

The interesting part of Lingaraj Temple other than it's architecture, is the rule of only Hindus are allowed to get in. And for security purpose you have to keep your phones outside with your shoes. It wouldn't have been so problematic if I had my digicam in working condition. The architecture undoubtedly mesmerizing, one should give a visit here if comes in Bhubaneswar. I went to watch tower suggested by my couch surfing host Mamta and took the pictures as much as possible. It was really good view, isn't it?

From here I went to Rajarani Temple, which was in few kilometers distance. This one is just tourist spot now a days to watch the sculpture excellence on sandstone.

Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar

Evening was about to approach the night and I preferred to came back. Next day another journey will start. Good night :-)

Exploring My Incredible India - Chapter 1

I am from Kolkata, West Bengal. Love traveling, riding motorcycle and capture moments. It was my childhood dream to explore my country, my Incredible India. A country where you will find all kind of terrains, weather, various kind of languages, people, technology and many more. Yes, in one country. So before I get a chance to visit out side my country, why not explore my own?

Filling up my stomach

Plan, it doesn't actually work with me. Why am I saying this? Well, the plan was starting my journey today early morning. But I was far away from it. Yesterday was full of mishaps and continue till today. Anyway, still I manage to start at around 11 o'clock in the morning. First day distance 480 kilometers, almost from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar. Except a 45 minutes of food break, I didn't stop in my first journey till Balassore, Orissa. Took a halt in front of Birla Tyres factory gate. Why?  Well, they are one of the clients in the company I worked. And everyone in India knows about Birla Group.

Birla Tyre, Balassor

The road was awesome and the clouds gave me very good company throughout my journey. Sometimes, black clouds came and tried to scare me but then my accelerator hit the top speed and crossed the road before it stop my way.

Mind blowing road and the sky

Around 7:30 pm I reached Bhubaneswar. Near Saheed Nagar I had a couch member to host me for two nights named Mamta Sarangi. She was very welcoming as well as her familyl. I have been offered simple regular Orissa style family food which includes, Roti, Dalma and Fried sabji. Though she is vegetarian but still she made an arrangement for a chicken dish. It was tasty as well with some health benefit (it contained zero oil) .

Clouds are behind me at Debra Toll Plaza

After finishing my dinner I returned to my private room, arrange my things took shower and gone for good. It was needed actually after such a long ride. See you tomorrow.

Another 20 kms to reach Bhubaneswar, at a Petrol pump