Shimla Motor Bike Expedition

Hi Friends,

Today I am going to share with you my experience of SHIMLA motor biking expedition.

It was mid of October 2011 and I was lying on a rock in the mid night surrounded by dense forest. Beside me my friend Vijay was also struggling with sleeping bag to make himself cozy in the chilling weather. (We use to roam alone in dense forest looking for wildlife in dark, will share that in my next post).

While looking at Stars, I suddenly had a thought to complete our long awaited motor bike trip to SHIMLA!!! I shared it with Vijay and he too agreed.

We decided to do this in the month of November since the weather is little bit chilly and chance to see snow fall as well. One should carry warm cloths and thermal wear to enjoy the trip. We made list of items and started to collect them before start of trip. You can find the item list in the last para of this post.

So the day came and on 3rd November 2011, Myself and Vijay boarded Train for Delhi!!! 

Train For Delhi??? Wait a minute!!! This Trip was a Motor Bike Trip Right???

Yes Friends, This Trip was a Motor Bike Trip but since it was the first time we were going for a long road trip, we decided to keep it comfortable. Also Driving From Indore to Delhi was not a big attraction for us. Renting a bike from Delhi is very easy and affordable.

Day 1

We reached Delhi on 4th Nov 2011 and went straight to "Karol Bagh". This market is famous for Rental & Used Motor Bikes and 2 Wheeler Accessories. One can find all the 2 Wheeler related things in the cheapest prize here. We went there to rent a motor bike which is suitable for us to complete this journey. One has to give his/her Original ID Proof and Refundable Security Deposit to rent a motor bike. The amount of Security Deposit and Daily Rental depends on your negotiation skills. In our case, it was 35000/- SD & 500/- Per Day Rental which does not includes Fuel.

After carefully observing and looking at so many options, we decided to rent a Bajaj Avenger Cruser Bike.  

Tip 1 : Although another tempting option was available as Royal Enfield Bullet in 400/- per day rental, but we took Bajaj Avenger. Why? Because when you travel long distance by motor bike, you need to keep 3 things in mind: Comfort, Safety & Trouble Free. Since I never had prior experience with Royal Enfield Bullet, I did not wanted to mess my trip in dealing any possible maintenance or mechanical related issues which could come up during trip and I don't get idea what is going on!!! On the other hand, I am die hard friend of Bajaj and had 13 years of experience with its 2 wheeler. I chose bajaj because I had fair idea of its functional parts and was able to deal tiny mechanical issue.

Very important tip, must pay attention to it. Alternatively one can also rent a 4 wheel from myles.com as per budget and choice. They are very professional and know how to serve their customers.

So we chose the bike, bought the helmet and also bought a very important thing which made our journey comfortable, it was a "Luggage Bungee Net" & "Elastic Luggage Rope" made with nylon and rubber. You can find it easily in 20 to 40 bucks but it works like magic. See below pic:

 

Getting out of Delhi city is a pathetic job, huge city, confusing routes and roads full of traffic. Navigation by Google Maps are recommended. It takes around 1 and half hour to get out of Delhi City. Time can drastically increase if you are travelling on office opening or closing hours. Better is either you choose to drive in early mornings or late nights. (Female driver should choose early mornings and complete the lap till late evenings).

In our case, we decided to spend full day in Delhi and roam around markets here and there. Delhi is also shoppers destination and One can find each and everything in affordable price here. Palika Market & Connaught Place is best for it. You can try delicious food as well.

Before getting in market, we went to "Lal Mandir" a Jain Temple situated in front of famous "Red Fort". We got ourself freshen-up and took breakfast there.

Tip 2 : Doing morning chores is necessary and one can do this anywhere depending on budget and choice. Being nomads we try to find affordable options to do the same. Lodges near railway station or Dharamshalas are best. (Females should prefer either Railway Retiring Rooms, Oyo Rooms or Dharamshalas).

After measuring whole market by foot and eating mind of many shopkeepers we decided to start our journey. Following was the route:

Delhi - Sonipat(45Km) - Panipat(50Km) - Karnal(35Km) - Kurukshetra(36Km) - Ambala(55Km) - Panchkula(43Km) - Pinjore(15Km) - Solan(45Km) - Chail(40Km) - Kufri(32Km) - Shimla(17Km) Total 400Km Appx.

Tip 3 : While driving in Delhi, do not try to drink and drive. Delhi police is having breath analyser and they put heavy fine if you are caught. Also you need to carry valid driving license and vehicle papers for verification.

We started our journey, I was driving and Vijay was navigating. As per our plan we were going to take Night Halt at "Panipat" which was 100Km far from Delhi and famous for its blankets and historical war of MAHABHARATA. On the way we took Dinner at one of the Dhaba. Food was delicious and we were satisfied. (Female drivers can start in the morning and reach Ambala directly, there is plenty of accommodations available and oyo rooms are preferred.)

Tip 4 : While travelling you don't know which Dhaba is good for food. There is hack to know about it. Find a Dhaba where lots of Trucks are parked. You will get delicious and fresh food in very affordable rates. Try it. (In case of female group, Food chain hotels and Restaurants are recommended).

We reached at Panipat and started to find a place to sleep. We found a neat and clean budget lodge to stay. We paid 400 bucks for 2 person and we were fortunate to find a room with Television and hot water for bath and park our motor bike to keep it safe.

Tip 5 : If you want to find a budget property to spend night, always go near to Bus Stand or Railway Station. We did same throughout the trip. (This Tip is not for Family Travellers, they should find a standard place which is safe and secure for family).

Day 2

After getting fresh and taking breakfast we visited local market and purchased famous Blankets of Panipat in very very reasonable rates. One should always take the opportunity to explore the places coming on the way. We drove throughout the day and spent little little time on each and every place which attracts our attention. After driving 185 kilometres we reached a place called "Pinjore". This place is famous for its Mughal Gardens.

These are one of the oldest gardens of North India, The Gardens are laid out on seven terraces which descend gradually into the distance. The history of Pinjore dates back to the days of MAHABHARATA. It is said that soon after PANDAVAS went in to their 12 years of Exile, they came upon this lovely spot, which was then called PANCHPURRA. They stayed here and they use to come here frequently before they finally climbed to the HIMALAYAS to disappear into oblivion. The Gardens in their present form were designed by Fidai Khan in the 17th Century. 

After spending some quality time, we boarded for our next stop "Solan". The route after this is hilly and it is advised not to drive in nights with that much chilly weather. 

Tip 6 : Survival Tip: Spend good amount on Thermal wear & Winter wear. While driving if you are getting hit by chilling winds, take a news paper and put it inside front of your shirt/tshirt. Position it like you are wearing a bullet proof jacket inside your shirt or tshirt. It will drastically reduce the impact of chilly wind and you will comfortably drive in cold weather. 

We reached Solan and started to find a suitable hotel/lodge to stay. To our utter surprise, next day there was a Govt. Exam in the Town and all the Hotels were full. There were few Hotels still vacant but they were asking for 2000 bucks!!! Now what to do? Where to Stay?

Tip 7 : If you want to really enjoy the trip and or you don't get a place to stay in strange city, search for a Dharamshala or Gurudwara. They are very helpful. In our case, we found a Gurudwara and they gave us a room to stay in 100 bucks only!!! (Girls don't take risk, either stay at Ambala or directly reach at Shimla).

This is the best part of these kind of trips, you get plenty of chance to learn the skills of survival, ways to deal with problems and get on ground idea of that place. Sounds Adventures and Thrilling, isn't' it?

Ok, so next day morning we woke with knock on door, there was a guy with hot water bucket to bath. We quickly took the bath and left the place with gratitude. After reaching Solan, the whole scene was changed, weather was colder and scenes were beautiful. Lush green forest and circular paths. Awesome...

Solan to Chail

On the way to Chail, we took tea stop to a beautiful cafe which was on route. We had amazing Coffee and aaloo ka paratha. In the front there was awesome view and on the Table there was tasty breakfast. Aur kya chahiye mere yaara.... Bhai maza aa gai..... 

Must Have Coffee/Tea Here

After taking breakfast, we left for Chail. Chail is a beautiful place and a wildlife sanctuary as well. Also Chail is having world's highest cricket ground. When Amitabh Bachchan asked this question in KBC, I was having answer for it :D

Awesome Ride

Chail Wildlife Sanctuary

Ground was closed, Thus Trespassing Done :P :D

On World's Highest Cricket Ground

Vijay practising bowling on World's Highest Cricket Ground

Historical Tree

After spending some time here, we left for our onward journey to Kufri. We witnessed some breathtaking views.

It was already 3 pm now and we were feeling hunger. On the way to Kufri we saw a beautiful hotel and restaurant, we decided to take lunch halt here and feel the surroundings.

We took Lunch Here, We set on the valley side and the view was breath taking

Food was really tasty and the place was adding more taste to it. We enquire about the way ahead and the Hotel owner said while reaching Kufri, there is a famous zoo where one Man Eater Leopard is also kept. We decided to pay a visit to it.

Very Friendly Sub-adult Leopard, It was rescued

Kufri zoo is very good and big as well. We spent good amount of time here. Himalayan Brown Bear and Tibetan Wolf was centre of attraction for us.

We reached Shimla around 7pm. Temperature was around 7 degree. Colourful lights everywhere. House on hills and narrow paths. Finally we are at SHIMLA :-)

We searched a hotel with cozy and clean rooms. All the hotels are having hot water geysers here. Being off season, we got very reasonable rates. 500 bucks for two. Room was specious.

Famous Mall Road

A Beautiful Church

Colourful building of Municipal Corporation

 After the day long excursion and chilly weather, we decided to have rest and we slept like logs whole night with music of snoring. Next day I woke up at early morning and decided to look outside, amazing view.......

This is how SHIMLA is

This is SHIMLA, Homes on Hills

Famous Mall Road

We spent two days at SHIMLA roaming here and there. Market is huge and there is not much to do. That is why SHIMLA is heaven for honeymooners :D 

So this was our trip to SHIMLA. Did you noticed one thing??? On the whole trip, we were not in hurry to reach destination. We were enjoying each and every place which interest us and comes on way. This is the true spirit of a real traveller. Don't hurry to reach destination, enjoy the journey.

Things To Help You On This Trip:

1. You should always have a mobile with GPS for navigation.

2. Your vehicle should be reliable, make sure you have trouble free vehicle with you.

3. Carry at least 2 original ID cards, Driving License & AADHAR Card is best.

4. Carry Travel Charger for Mobile and Camera, in cold weather the battery tends to drain out fast.

5. On Bike Trips, it is advisable to tie the luggage with bike for comfortable ride.

6. Stop in intervals and feel the surroundings.

7. Talk with local people and gather more knowledge of nearby tourist spots.

8. Spend good amount on Thermal Wear and Winter Wear. It will make your trip comfortable and you will not shiver most of the times. Also do not forget to keep Hand gloves & monkey cap. 

9. A multi-tool and a powerful search light is must, spend good amount on it.

10. Bring general medicines with you i.e. for vomit, motion sickness, headache, fever & Iodex spray.

11. Do not drive in the influence of alcohol, pain killers or cough syrups. It makes your body relaxed and you could leave for divine journey.

12. Bring a sturdy & waterproof rucksack for securing your things. Also keep a small backpack for using it in day trip.

13. Choose the rental bike wisely. Don't get tempted to Royal Enfield Bullet unless you are really skilled to drive it. 

14. Last but not least, do enough research before you go on long road trips. Pay full attention to all 7 Tips mentioned above.

Good Luck

Thanks,

Ambuj Jain

+91 8989463577