Things I got to learn travelling Haryana on a cycle27/09/2024
Haryana, separated from Punjab in 1966, shares more cultural similarities with its neighboring state Rajasthan than with Punjab. As a predominantly Hindu state, Haryana takes pride in preserving its traditions and is considered one of the most developed northern states. Situated next to rapidly growing cities like Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Delhi, and Ghaziabad, Haryana benefits from greater opportunities in education and employment along with better infrastructure compared to some of its neighboring regions. The state is also famous for its rich culinary tradition, marked by the heavy use of dairy, and for producing some of India's finest athletes who have excelled on the global stage. …
- Things I got to learn travelling Punjab on a cycle
14/09/2024
Things I got to learn travelling Punjab on a cycle Punjab, a key entry point for any invasion from the west, has been a battleground for centuries. Its strategic location has made it a constant flashpoint of conflict, shaping its history and the …
- Jammu and the KASHMIR truth: What I learnt travelling the UT on a cycle
29/08/2024
Jammu and Kashmir stands as a unique and complex Union Territory in India, characterized by its distinct regions—Jammu and Kashmir—each with vastly different cultures, demographics, terrains, traditions, and ways of life. This division under a single administration reflects a broader conflict that has strained India’s relationships with both Pakistan and China. The region’s intricate and often turbulent history is mirrored in its present, where the lack of widespread tourism in Kashmir, aside from a few pilgrimage sites, has led much of the public's understanding to be shaped by media and news outlets, which often have their own biases and agendas.
The true nature of Jammu and Kashmir remains elusive, even to those who attempt to understand it. The region exemplifies the broader political complexities of India, with varying perspectives from the military, civilians, businesspeople, police, government employees, and local residents all contributing to a fragmented view of reality. This diversity of opinion and experience makes it exceedingly difficult to form a cohesive understanding of the situation. Corruption and administrative challenges are prevalent, exacerbated by the region's immense diversity, which complicates the implementation of uniform policies. Additionally, unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir is notably high compared to other parts of India. …
- Things I got to learn travelling Ladakh on a cycle
11/08/2024
When people think of Ladakh, the first thing that often comes to mind is tourism. Known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes, including the Nubra and Zanskar valleys and the breathtaking Pangong Lake, Ladakh is a popular holiday destination. However, there is much more to this region than tourism, aspects of which are often overlooked.
Ladakh is divided into two districts, Leh and Kargil, and only achieved Union Territory status in 2019. These districts are culturally distinct, with Leh being predominantly Buddhist and Kargil largely Muslim. Life in Ladakh is harsh and challenging, far more than one might expect. Situated at an elevation of over 10,000 feet above sea level, the region experiences reduced oxygen levels due to the sparse vegetation and dry mountain landscape. Wind speeds can exceed 100 km/h in many areas, and for about four months each year, heavy snowfall effectively halts daily life, confining locals to their homes. …
- Things I got to learn travelling Himachal Pradesh on cycle
03/07/2024
Before starting this article, I must explicitly state that "All the states in India are one, but Himachal Pradesh is different." Touring Himachal on a bicycle exposed me to a variety of life experiences I hadn't encountered in the previous 12 states combined. The constant diversity from the north to the south of Himachal is mind-blowing. The southern region, Kinnaur, Spiti, and Lahaul each have their own unique flavors and essence, making it feel like you've crossed several different states within the nation.
From the exotic fruits grown in various parts of Himachal to the alarming rise of drug use, the state offers a stark contrast to travelers. Tourism is booming at an exponential rate, altering the demographics and cultures of many places. Just as Uttarakhand is considered Devbhoomi (land of the Gods), so is Himachal Pradesh. There are places in Himachal where land is owned by Gods rather than the government, and the word of the God, spoken by a human, is considered final. …
- Things I got to learn travelling Uttrakhand on cycle
09/06/2024
Crossed by the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is known as the "Land of Gods" (Deva Bhumi). This holy land is dotted with temples located in some of the highest places in the world, and both locals and visitors come to pray, feeling a deep sense of spirituality and devotion. Unlike its predecessor state, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand has distinct demographic and geographical characteristics. The state's hilly terrain makes it a prime tourist destination for people from northern India, contributing significantly to its economy.
Despite the thriving agricultural sector, farming in Uttarakhand faces numerous challenges. The lack of job opportunities, coupled with threats from wild animals and issues like heavy rains and landslides, makes life difficult for the locals. The state is divided into two main regions, Kumaon and Garhwal, where residents speak Kumaoni and Garhwali, respectively. Despite the linguistic differences, the cultural similarities between these regions are striking. …
- Things I got to learn travelling Telangana on cycle
07/03/2024
When a state undergoes division in India, it often heralds a shift in resource allocation, favoring the newly formed state over its parent counterpart. This redistribution of resources typically results in the enhanced development of the newly created state, as it redirects previously allocated funds towards its own welfare and infrastructure. Reflecting on my travels to Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, I've witnessed these states either surpassing or rapidly approaching the level of development of their parent states.
However, the case of Telangana presents a stark contrast. Despite its separation from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana remains significantly behind in terms of development. Historically, the region governed by the Nizam was left underdeveloped under the Andhra Pradesh regime, making it exceedingly challenging for Telangana to catch up in terms of equitable development.
The linguistic landscape of Telangana, heavily influenced by Urdu, stands out as a prominent differentiator, alongside intricate political dynamics that have both facilitated and hindered the state's progress post-separation from Andhra Pradesh. …
- Things I got to learn travelling Chattisgarh on a cycle
15/02/2024
Just as Jharkhand inherited the more prosperous regions of Bihar during the partition in 2000, Chhattisgarh similarly gained the advantageous portions of Madhya Pradesh upon its division. Chhattisgarh stands as one of the nation's fastest-growing states, endowed with abundant mineral resources including iron, bauxite, limestone, dolomite, coal, and tin. It contributes 15% of the country's steel production and boasts a surplus of electricity for the state's needs, a rarity among Indian states. With dense forest cover accounting for 12% of the nation's total, Chhattisgarh holds significant ecological wealth. During my time in Chhattisgarh, I observed a noticeable disparity in development compared to neighboring Madhya Pradesh. Like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh is predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, constituting 30% of the state's population, surpassing Jharkhand's 24%. While I acknowledge potential biases stemming from my mode of travel and personal perspective, I have endeavored to minimize them. Should any points raised in this article seem inappropriate or inaccurate, I welcome your feedback in the comments section below. …
- Things I got to learn travelling Jharkhand on a cycle
07/01/2024
Despite Bihar and Jharkhand having separated only in 2000, my tour across both states revealed stark differences in aspects such as population, culture, industrialization, communities, language, availability of resources, and people's mindset. Having previously encountered challenges while traveling in densely populated Bihar, my experience in Jharkhand was unexpectedly pleasant. The state boasted greenery and forested areas, surpassing my observations in the other eight states I visited. Notably, 25% of Jharkhand's population consists of tribals, contributing to a unique and welcoming atmosphere. The warm hospitality and calm nature of the people left a lasting impression, reminiscent of the legendary M.S. Dhoni, who not only exemplifies Jharkhand's cricketing prowess but also reflects the character depth of its residents. Despite abundant mineral resources, the state faces significant developmental setbacks attributed to a challenging political landscape. In this article, I aim to share my unbiased travel experiences in Jharkhand, acknowledging potential personal biases and travel modes. I encourage readers to provide feedback and constructive comments, recognizing the subjective nature of my observations. …
- Things I got to learn touring Bihar on cycle
26/11/2023
When seeking perspectives on underdevelopment in India, Bihar often takes the spotlight as the least developed and poorest state. Renowned for its educational shortcomings and the highest population density in the country, traveling through Bihar offers a glimpse into life amid limited education and prosperity. Despite the initial similarities with Uttar Pradesh in culture and lifestyle, a closer connection with locals unveils subtle distinctions between the two states. During my extensive cycle tour across India, I delved into Bihar's living conditions, drawing comparisons with other states I visited. While I strive to minimize bias, my conclusions inevitably reflect my travel mode and personality. Approach the article with a critical eye, and feel free to suggest any amendments in the comments. …
- Things I got to learn touring Uttar Pradesh on a cycle
03/11/2023
Uttar Pradesh is commonly perceived by the rest of India as the birthplace of many politicians, an agricultural hub, a region witnessing a reduction in crime rates, and the most densely populated area in the country. This state has cultivated a reputation for its significance in politics, issues related to crime, religious landmarks, and the challenge of unemployment due to its immense population. During my extensive cycling journey throughout this diverse state, I had the opportunity to experience these aspects firsthand. In this article, I share my personal insights on various topics. While I've strived to maintain objectivity, please keep in mind that some bias may arise from my mode of travel and personal perspective. I welcome your comments and any disagreements, along with your reasons, in the comment section below. …
- Things I got to learn travelling Rajhasthan on a cycle
10/10/2023
Rajasthan, not only the largest state in India in terms of land area but also rich in cultural diversity, portrays a unique blend of traditions. Situated in a desert-prone region, the economic conditions lag behind the national standards, impacting the lifestyle, leaving it almost two decades behind the rest of the country. Many age-old traditions that existed before independence continue to persist in this region. The challenging desert conditions have hampered progress, reflecting in the way of life.
During my extensive 30-day cycling journey across Rajasthan, I had the chance to observe firsthand the ground reality of this underdeveloped state. These observations are presented with an attempt to minimize bias, though I acknowledge that some inherent biases might stem from my mode of travel and personal background. It's encouraged to conduct further research for a comprehensive understanding. …
- Things I got to learn travelling Gujarat on a cycle
13/09/2023
Traveling in is an immersive journey that unveils the rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty this Indian state has to offer. From the bustling streets of Ahmedabad to the tranquil white desert of Kutch where the moonlight illuminates the salt flats, every day is a new adventure. Gujarat's diverse cuisine is a highlight, with mouthwatering dishes like dhokla and fafda to savor. As you venture further, you'll encounter the architectural marvels of Somnath and a number of Jain temples, each with its own unique story. The diverse ethnicity of Gujarat makes the extended stay in Gujarat a truly memorable and heartwarming experience.
During my extensive all-India cycling expedition, I had the privilege of exploring Gujarat for a remarkable period of one and a half months. Over this time, I encountered a diverse array of people across three distinct regions within the state: Saurashtra, the colossal district of Kutch, and the remainder of Gujarat. In this article, I aim to encapsulate my observations and insights from my travels through this culturally rich state while striving to maintain objectivity. Nevertheless, it's important to acknowledge that my mode of travel and interactions with the locals inherently introduce a level of subjectivity to my perspective, so please consider this account with a degree of critical reflection. …
- Things I got to learn touring Madhya Pradesh on a cycle for 40 days
30/07/2023
Madhya Pradesh, the second largest state in India in terms of land area, presents an interesting contrast with regard to population diversity, ranking fifth. This indicates a sparser population spread across a larger space. The state boasts vast forests and open lands, adding to its unique charm. Due to its substantial size, Madhya Pradesh's cultural diversity cannot be easily encapsulated.
During my 40-day all India cycle tour through Madhya Pradesh, I journeyed from the far west to the far east, revealing a clear divide into two halves. The western half, from Jabalpur to Bhopal, and the eastern half, from Bhopal to the Gujarat border, exhibit distinctive cultural differences, akin to experiencing two different states.
As an impartial observer during my travels, I noted these observations, acknowledging that my perspective may contain some subjectivity. Please take these insights with a grain of salt. …
- What you can get to learn from travelling the entire stretch of Maharashtra on a cycle
20/06/2023
Travelling in Maharashtra offers a rich tapestry of experiences that showcase the state's vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and historical heritage. Maharashtra is a treasure trove of experiences that teaches the importance of diversity, history, and the beauty that lies within its people and landscapes.
During my unforgettable journey through Maharashtra as part of an all-India cycle tour, I was fortunate to gather a myriad of personal experiences that shaped my perspective on this diverse state. It is important to note that the views I present in this article are subjective and based solely on my own encounters. I do not assert that they are universally accurate, as each individual's experiences can vary significantly. While I strived to comprehend the state's culture with minimal bias, it is inevitable that certain biases may persist. Nonetheless, I am excited to share my unique insights and reflections from traversing Maharashtra, acknowledging the inherent subjectivity and individuality of these encounters. …
- Memories you get to make in Goa on a 12 day trip
05/05/2023
Goa is a travel destination for many youngsters, bachelors, and couples. What Goa has to offer to most people is beaches, parties, drugs, girls, new friends, and cheap-cheaaappp booze! Although this is Goa's skeleton framework, Goa has a living soul of its own that people fail to see in their travel. If you can go there with an open mind and be accepting of it, perhaps you can see the life of Goa. Not just it's bones but it's blood and sweat. Struggling artists, hard-working entrepreneurs, social welfare workers, innovative minds, visionaries, and more live in Goa.
On my all-India cycle tour, I had the wonderful opportunity of living for 12 days straight in Goa. During this period I had no time to go to parties as I would end up tired by the end of the day meeting people and listening to the stories I have never heard of before. Every single day was eventful. No amount of time spent in this spiritually intact place would justify any amount of learning. There is no limit to a soulful experience. …
- What I learnt from cycle touring Karnataka for 40 days
23/04/2023
There is a lot one can learn from travelling. Especially when it is for 40 days across the length of an entire state such as Karnataka. The cultures, traditions, language, crops, food, and weather here change every 50 Km. If one gets ample opportunity to speak with the locals, there is a great deal to learn. In my 40-day trip across Karnataka, this is what I got to learn. …
