A road trip is a journey taken by car, motorcycle, or other means of transportation on roads or highways, typically covering long distances. It’s an adventurous way to explore various destinations, landscapes, and attractions while enjoying the freedom and flexibility of traveling by road.
The author recounts a three-day New Year adventure. Beginning in Ranchi, the author and his wife embark on a motorbike road trip to Ghatshila, Jharkhand, visiting several picturesque sites, experiencing local culture, and overcoming challenges such as poor road conditions, wounds, and extreme cold. Highlights include Dharagiri Falls, Phuldugri Hill, Ratmohana River Bridge and Rankini Mandir. The trip concludes with a newfound eagerness for future adventures.
Upon arriving in Prayagraj, I discovered that my cousin had fallen ill, but thankfully recovered. A detour to Sitamarhi was necessitated by my mother's ear infection. We visited the Sita Samahit Sthal and then proceeded to Varanasi. Our visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, though crowded, was spiritually fulfilling. I explored Varanasi, visiting historical sites and a fighter jet statue. Lastly, we enjoyed a Ganga River cruise.
The narrator and his wife Tania embarked on a long bike ride on a perfect weather day to Bagda Valley viewpoint, some 50 kilometres from their house. The valley is part of the Chotanagpur plateau, with hills, forests, rare species of birds, butterflies, tribal villages, and farms. Their journey included off-road biking and a steep climb to a hilltop providing breathtaking views. After enjoying the destination's serenity and beauty, they had to leave due to drizzling weather.
The rain cancelled our plans in Dumka—temples unseen, meetings deferred, intentions paused. What began as a practical journey, even a hopeful one for our son’s future, dissolved into stillness. Then came Tarapith. Not as an alternative, but as an answer—quietly reminding us that some paths are chosen for us, not by us.
Crossing the Bhutan Gate into Phuentsholing is like stepping into another world. From serene monasteries and the vibrant riverside of the Torsa, to the bustling markets and cozy Kizom Café, every corner tells a story. Cultures blend, nature thrives, and spirituality whispers through the town. Even a day here reveals Bhutan’s charm, leaving memories that linger long after departure.
The writer recounts a recent visit to the spiritual city, Deoghar, in India's Jharkhand state, after a traumatic experience there 20 years prior involving dacoits. Deoghar is renowned for the Baba Baidyanath Temple, a complex of 22 significant temples, most notably one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The writer's trip included participation in numerous rituals at the temple. Though the ritual features some chaos, the overall experience was profoundly spiritual and culturally rich.
On a crisp December morning, I traced the borders of history and heritage near Basirhat, India. Taki, nestled along the Ichhamati River, holds a special place in my heart as a repository of family lore and cultural richness. Once home to influential zamindars, Taki now wears a quieter charm. The town is known for its proximity to the international border with Bangladesh, marked by the serene Ichhamati River. Our brief visit, constrained by time, was rich with experiences and promises of future returns. Taki remains etched in memory—a place where borders blur, and history comes alive with each gentle ripple of the river.
Jeita Grotto, nestled in Keserwan, Lebanon, is a remarkable limestone cave network featuring spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, and a subterranean river. Home to one of the largest hanging stalactites globally, the 9-kilometre-long system encompasses two main galleries - the upper and lower, which can be explored by foot and boat respectively. Noted for its natural beauty, it's one of Lebanon's leading attractions. Rediscovered in 1836, Jeita Grotto's karstic structures were formed over millions of years due to the dissolution of limestone.
The author recalls their visit to Karbala, a sacred city for Shia Muslims, and Babylon, situated near Baghdad. Karbala, known for the Battle of Karbala, holds the shrines of Imam Hussain and his brother Abbas, and boasts a rich history dating back to the Babylonian age. The author describes the spiritual experience of visiting these shrines, the architecture, and the religious significance of the city, as well as the etymology and different names for Karbala. They end with a positive note reflecting on the historical and spiritual aspects of their trip.
In the late 1990s to early 2000s, while working at a bank in Jharkhand, I faced risks of Maoist insurgency during travels. A memorable trip in January 2001 to Deoghar culminated in a highway robbery, where armed assailants, surprisingly polite, demanded valuables. Fortunately, police intervention ensured our safety. This experience highlighted the region's struggles and progress, leaving me grateful for our survival and the resilience of the human spirit.
