Partner on my motorcycling journeys!!

My trustworthy and reliable motorcycling partner has accompanied me on innumerable journeys. We have clocked close to 60,000 kilometers together, have been to all of India’s mainland states and union territories and have seen our share of accidents. We make a great pair and I have shared some of my life’s best moments with him.


My motorcycling partner is my 350 cc Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorcycle. Together, we have crossed the length and breadth of India that includes its mighty mountains, its great deserts, its congested plains, its pristine coastline, the special Western Ghats and its rich forests and national parks.


Recently, we went on a ride to Valparai and the Vazhachal forests of the Western Ghats in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. And that is where I took these snaps of my partner.


Both of us look forward to more interesting travels!!

Continue Reading...

Custom Chopper @ Austin that made my jaws drop!!

I was shopping for a Stetson's’ (cowboy hat) at Cavender’s in Austin, Texas when I spotted this perfect combination of the beauty and the beast.

 
This custom built chopper was simply stunning! Everything about it seemed to ooze raw appeal. The engine, the thump, the intricate body design, the awesome bucket seat, the thick tyres and the amazing paint job were all tastefully done.

 
Upon chatting with the owner, I found out that he spent $ sixty (60) Grand for this custom motorcycle and the paint job alone cost him $ ten (10) grand.

When will I own my custom chopper! Pretty soon I guess or at least I can hope against hope!!

Continue Reading...

Pit Stop on NH 206 @ Sharavati River Valley, Karnataka, India

I proceeded north on NH 17 after spending a relaxed couple of hours at the highway beach of Maravanthe.


Upon reaching the port city of Honavar, I left NH 17 and started ascending on the winding roads of NH 206, the highway that meanders through the lush green Western Ghats.


It was raining and the roads were becoming slippery, but the views kept on getting better. My entire view laid drenched in fresh green.


Mist floating over the shola forests was giving it a heavenly look. At some ascent point, even the roads got covered in mist. Shortly, I reached the Sharavati River Valley View Point, which is not far away from Jog Falls.


I climbed a tower that’s been built to help tourists get a better view of the Sharavati River valley. I had to wait 30 minutes before I got the view of the valley below. When I did, I was rendered speechless. The bluish-green Sharavati River was covered with mist and the entire world around it were the dense green shola forests. A divine view!! The Western Ghats continues to amaze me…no wonder it is a top 10 bio diversity hot spot in the world.

Related articles by Zemanta

• The Beaches of Gokarna, Karnataka, India - It can't get any better!! (beontheroad.com)
• Refreshing Sights of the Kali River Estuary at Karwar, Karnataka, India (beontheroad.com)
• Yaana Hills - Towering Black Beauties in Karnataka, India!! (beontheroad.com)
• The Temple Beach Town of Murudeshwar in Karnataka, India (beontheroad.com)

Continue Reading...

Pit Stop on NH 17 @ Upunda River Bridge, Karnataka, India

I was on my way from one coastal town (Murudeshwar) to another (Maravanthe) on NH 17, when I stopped at yet another scenic bridge.


This bridge is over the Upunda River. It is not a long bridge, but provided some of the most exhilarating views that I have seen.


The palm trees and coconut groves on either bank, the hills in the background and the cloud cover added to the charm.

 
Didn’t see any boats/canoes on the river. Guess they come out for fishing in the early hours of the morning and the late hours of the afternoon.


Personally, would love to go canoeing on this river and explore its beauty!!

Related articles by Zemanta

• Pit Stop on NH 17 @ Sharavati River Bridge, Karnataka, India!! (beontheroad.com)
• Refreshing Sights of the Kali River Estuary at Karwar, Karnataka, India (beontheroad.com)
• Pit Stop on NH 17 @ Gangavali Bridge, Karnataka, India (beontheroad.com)
• The Temple Beach Town of Murudeshwar in Karnataka, India (beontheroad.com)
• The Beaches of Gokarna, Karnataka, India - It can't get any better!! (beontheroad.com)
• Yaana Hills - Towering Black Beauties in Karnataka, India!! (beontheroad.com)

Continue Reading...

Chilling out at Calangute and Baga Beach – the biggest draws in Goa, India

A 13 hour ride through the winding roads of National Highway 17 took me from Mumbai to the beaches of Calangute and Baga in North Goa. The previous days had taken me to meet my friends at Mumbai, see the beauty of the hill station of Khandala, catch sight of the historic Sinhagad Fort near Pune and discover temple architecture at Badami, Pattadakkal and Hampi.


It was already dark when I entered the bustling town of Baga. I found myself a place to stay at a shack very close to the Baga beach. Shortly, after checking in and knowing that I had 3 days and nights to chill out at this lovely beach stretch, I paid heed to my tired body and tucked myself in.


The next morning, I was greeted with the sight of clear blue skies and blue waves lapping up the beach. The setting was fantastic. Every meal, I would drop in to a new shack and check out their wares. My drink would change colour with the time of the day or the colour of the sky.


Both the Calangute and Baga beaches are located on the Bardez coast. Calangute lies to the south of Baga. One can actually walk over from one to the other beach and this is exactly what I did.


Since, this was tourist season, the beaches were packed with action. Swimming and playing in water were the most common, which I indulged in too. But, apart from these, one could spot tourists playing racquet ball, frisbee and beach volleyball.


There were kids busy building sand castles and then there were hotties and oldies alike bathing in the winter sun.


And finally, water sports, from the jet ski to the banana boat ride to parasailing – this beach stretch offered it all. After soaking in all the water sport action, I also gave in the thrill of a parasailing ride.


As I was walking back from Calangute to Baga along the beach line, I was enchanted by the endless line of shops, shacks, restaurants and hotels. Both the beaches are very beautiful. The view of the Baga beach set against the thickly forested Baga-Anjuna hill is priceless.

 
My evenings would be spent at some of the biggest hotspots by night in Goa, which are at Baga or nearby. These would include Club Cabana, Tito’s and Mambos.


Overall, a short, but great beach vacation for me, where I got to soak in the sun, enjoy the blue waters, practice some water sports, do some beach walking, shopping, treat my palate to some great goan food and curry, sip into colourful cocktails and dance to the beat of Goan nightlife. All this possible at the very famous and beautiful beaches of Calangute and Baga in North Goa.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Discover India on a Motorcycle (beontheroad.com)

Continue Reading...