From Silicon Valley to the Capital: A Biker's Journey
Bangalore to Delhi Road Trip
The Journey Begins
The excitement of starting a 2200 km trip was high as I woke up at 3:30 AM, ready to embark on this adventure. The final packing was done, and everything was set to go.
Packing Essentials
- Saddle Bags: I had a pair of Crampston saddle bags that fit perfectly on my Super Meteor 650.
- One side: Clothes.
- Other side: Food items.
- In my pockets:
- Chain lubricants.
- Water and cold drink bottles.
- Saddle bag extras: Basic tools.
- Gear: Fully geared up, we were ready to take off.
With all the excitement and a route only vaguely known, the sense of adventure was at its peak. By 5 AM, I was on the road, cruising nicely on good roads but still in the dark.
The Road to Adilabad
- Starting at 5 AM: Since I didn’t have extra halogen lights, my visibility was limited, so I kept my speed at 70-80 kmph.
- Solo Ride Caution: My mom and wife advised me to stay cautious since I was riding alone. Initially, I had their words in mind, but as I progressed, the calmness of the ride settled in.
- First Break: After about 130 km, I took my first break.
The Goal: 900 km to Adilabad
- The goal for the day was to reach Adilabad, about 900 km away. Initially, it seemed impossible, but with the finest roads ahead, it felt achievable.
- Plenty of Petrol Bunks:
- Each stop I took after the first was at a petrol bunk.
- These stops were perfect for:
- Resting the bike.
- Access to toilets and water.
- Friendly locals who were curious about the bike and the journey.
Crossing Hyderabad
- I reached Hyderabad around 1:30 PM without much trouble, but crossing the city was another story. Due to the ongoing Ganesh Visarjan, the traffic was heavy, and it took me around an hour to get through.
- No outer ring road option for two-wheelers: I had to navigate through the city.
- Despite the delay, witnessing the grand scale of the Hyderabad Ganesh Visarjan was a unique experience, much larger than what we see in Bangalore.
Tired but Moving Forward
- After crossing Hyderabad at around 3 PM, I took a break at another petrol bunk. This was the first time I felt a bit of tiredness, but the excitement kept me going.
- By 7:30 PM, I reached the Adilabad entry point on NH44.
A Warm Welcome in Adilabad
As soon as I entered Adilabad, a group of 4-5 locals surrounded me, asking for feedback about my bike. Initially, I was a bit cautious (remembering the advice from my mom and wife), but it turned out they were bike enthusiasts. They shared their Instagram accounts, which gave me a sense of relief.
Hotel Stay in Adilabad
- I checked into Hotel Radha Krishna for ₹900, which had a parking area right in front of the hotel where they chained the bike for security.
- First Learning: Always search for a hotel with proper parking facilities.
- Second Learning: Before reaching your destination and searching for a hotel, take a 15-minute break to relax. I had been driving continuously for 140 km, and by the time I started looking for a hotel, I was exhausted.
Hanuman Temple in Adilabad infront of Hotel
After checking in, I relaxed with some homemade food, had tea, and made video calls to my family. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day's ride.
Key Takeaways from Day 1:
- Ensure your packing is balanced: I used Crampston saddle bags to carry both clothes and food items, with essential tools and lubricants easily accessible.
- Plan your hotel stops in advance, and look for accommodations with secure parking.
- Petrol bunks are your best friends: They provide a place to rest, refuel, and meet friendly locals.
- Don’t forget to take breaks: Continuous riding can be tiring, and it’s essential to stop, rest, and rehydrate.
Day 2: Adilabad to Sagar (616 km)
Woke Up After Completing 900 km
I woke up in Adilabad, feeling refreshed after yesterday’s long stretch. After having breakfast and a quick temple visit, I geared up for my journey towards Sagar in Madhya Pradesh.
Road on Pench Tiger Reserve
Challenging Roads
The roads had patches, which made it difficult to maintain a speed of 100 km/h. Twice, I had to quickly slow down when unexpected road patches appeared in front of me. Lesson learned: stay cautious and never push too hard on unpredictable roads.
Detour Through Nagpur
Upon reaching Nagpur, I missed the ring road and found myself navigating through the city. After that, I took NH44 towards Seoni, avoiding the Chhindwara route.
NH44: The Reliable Solo Ride Route
NH44 is always a good choice, especially when driving solo. It offers plenty of petrol stations, food stops, and a general sense of safety. However, I had to be extra careful as there were numerous cows on the highway, clearly visible but requiring constant attention.
Running Behind Schedule
Due to road conditions, I was delayed. My original plan was to reach Sagar by 5 PM, but I ended up arriving at 6:30 PM.
Stay at Hotel Ram Saroj Palace
I checked into Hotel Ram Saroj Palace, which cost Rs 1000 for an AC room. This hotel was far better than the one in Adilabad—spacious rooms, in-house parking, and most importantly, they had an in-house food facility.
Cow infront of hotel road
Feeling satisfied, I slept well, knowing I had covered more than half the distance, and tomorrow I would reach home.
Day 3: Sagar to Delhi (650 km)
Early Start
I started early, around 5 AM, as I wanted to reach home before sunset. My village is 50 km from Delhi, so I had that in mind when planning my journey.
Sagar: A City in the Hills
Sagar is a beautiful city nestled among hills. I rejoined NH44 but soon encountered the worst roads, filled with diversions, patches, and no sunlight. This stretch made me question whether I would make it home by sunset.
Challenging Roads in the Morning
After just 20 km, I had to stop for a tea break. The rough road continued for the next 100 km, with constant diversions. Eventually, the roads improved, particularly after Lalitpur (the Uttar Pradesh border), and even more so after Jhansi. However, cows were a constant presence on the road.
Early Tea Break
Fuel Stop at Lalitpur
In Lalitpur (UP), petrol was 12 Rs cheaper than in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, or Andhra Pradesh. I made sure to fill up my tank before moving on.
Breakfast in Jhansi
Lunch at a Dhaba
I stopped for lunch at a good dhaba, refueled myself for the last stretch of the trip.
Final Stretch: 200 km to Delhi
The road widened, and I could cruise at 100-120 km/h. I reached Gurgaon by 5:30 PM and finally made it home by 7 PM.
Reflections on the Journey
The last 200 km were the toughest, as fatigue started to set in. Covering such a long distance in just 3 days was no easy feat. However, it was a dream come true for both me and my bike to finally reach home.
Everyone was patiently waiting for me, and the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming.
Pics in my village with my Mom
Mom's Blessings
Hapur-Meerut Road
That's a wrap on my solo journey from Bangalore to Delhi! I traveled through six states – Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh – finally reaching Delhi. Each state offered unique landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable encounters. If you're planning a ride and need any assistance, feel free to reach out at +91 8050659514
First of all many many congratulations for your solo ride.
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