17 Dec 2017 : Pune - Mumbai - Nashik
Distance Travelled: 353km
It was a start of cold winters in Pune, a beautiful city in Western India in state of Maharashtra! We two, partners in this expedition were geared up to make a move and start our journey to North Eastern India, on a Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350. The plan was to start from the western part of India, (Gateway of India, to be specific) and reach to the easternmost motorable road in India, in Kibithoo, Arunachal Pradesh.
We kicked off our ride from Shanivar Wada - a 18th century palace of Peshwas - commanders of Maratha Kingdom. Choosing the Shaniwar Wada as starting point was to mark and repeat the history quilled by Marathas of conquering the Northern India. Our parents, relatives were there at 6am to flag off the ride - Pathik's ride to North East India.
Cruising on one of the busiest highway in western India, NH4, we stopped at Hotel Ashoka for a steaming cup of tea.
Around 60km from Pune, enroute Mumbai, Lonavla - Khandala is one of the cozy hill stations in Sahyadri Ranges of Western Ghats. We took a pause there as our stomach started crying for food. A good Udupi hotel served us with yummy dosas and idlis and wished us best for the upcoming ride.
Riding through the Ghats of Sahyadri and a warm sights of the Sun, we reached Gateway of India and took a hault there for lunch. Our ride had begun.
After grabbing a quick lunch in fort area with our family from Mumbai, we started heading to Nashik, our first destination.
We took NH160 and rode to Nashik and reached destination where we were going to mark our first stay at a relative's place.
A very warm welcome by our uncle, amazing food and a night drive to on the banks of Godavari river made our first evening special. Tired after riding 350km we dozed off keeping a promise to self to start at 6am next day and reach Indore.
18 Dec 2017: Nashik - Indore
Distance Travelled: 419km
A cold morning, mercury had dropped to nearly 5℃, Pathik geared up for a long ride to Indore from Nashik. Indore, famous for its history, one of the key cities in ancient and modern India is also well known for its lip smacking food in Sarafa and Chhappan Dukan (56 Shops).
Nashik to Indore is a beautiful road, 4 lane highway, not much of traffic. We were cruising at an average speed of 70 kmph, and looking at breathtaking landscapes of central India. Nashik to Shirpur patch has a lot of vineyards where we trace passed and stole fresh grapes off the vines! We were even greeted by a herd of sheep on the way!
Started at around 6am from Nashik, crossed Malegaon, Shirpur and the border of Maharashtra, after crossing Tapi and Narmada rivers, we entered this beautiful state of India - Madhya Pradesh (a.k.a. MP, Central Province). Riding through various terrains, we reached Indore crossing a distances of around 400km, at 4pm. Very fondly called Hindustan ka Dil (heart of India), the state of MP has lovely residents with clean hearts, amazing sense of humor and great hospitality. One of my college friend hosted us at his place - located right in the heart of Indore, made us really comfortable when we reach. We were welcomed with a plate of "Samosa & Chutney" along with Dhokla as started. After enjoying that, we went for a walk in city with our friend. He showed us and made us eat the best of Indore food at Chhappan Dukan and at Sarafa. There are a few must haves in this region and they are - Garadu (sweet patato/sooran like root)