Sunday, June 19, 2016

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 :-)
Saturday, June 18, 2016

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