Western Coastal ride [part-04]

Continuation of my previous post Western Coastal ride [part-03]

Here I would like to address the people who asked me what made me to travel such extensively across the edges.. of the country. Yes the reason behind is my curiosity to meet the Mr.H.V.Kumar – an avid driving enthusiast traveling most of India by road since 1986. He extensively and accurately documents his drives by making log books, taking notes, videos, GPS tracks & photos. He also guides motorists on their highway drives free of cost thus making him a very renowned person in various online forums in India. I have spoke to him over phone/ chat online many times it kept tempting me to meet him which made this trip.

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Dec 27: After topping up the fuel, and withdrawing cash for the emergencies, we reached zainabad around 5.40 PM. Saw the sign boards all around the village.

Finally we reached the basecamp, warmly welcomed by O-Team lead by Sir.HVK. We 4 of us got allotted in a cottage. Around 7PM, there was a calendar launch function

followed by HVK’s instructions about the next day’s ride.

Mayur meta and Ram chris the people behind this memorable trip.

Mr. Dhanraj Malik, Owner of Desert Coursers is the premier establishment for birding, culture and experiencing the Little Rann of Kutch

The eco-friendly cottages that are locally known as Koobas, they have a traditional design and are ethnic and comfortable.  Koobas are equipped with all modern amenities, air-conditioning and have attached bathrooms with hot and cold showers. Hygiene and safety are never compromised.

The restaurant

Dec 28:

Woke up at 4.30AM. Took showered and got ready by 5.15AM. Breakfast by 6AM. Got packed inside our car by 6.30 AM sharp and the first convoy lead by Mr.HVK.. All set to go mode..

The road block…

Riding in the village..

The first view of the Little Rann.

Black Salt

Animals…

The desert ride..60km ride on total wilderness 360 degrees of nothing.  This track has just opened 1 week ago. This place will be under water most of the year. Opens in Dec-Mar and closes [ goes under the sea] from april.

The mirage…

Relaxing in the Little Rann.

Relaxing girls 🙂

The total Convoy…

Wild asses of Little rann

The first glimpse of  salt marshes at Great Rann

Chilling out at Great Rann…

Entering Dholavira, Western most end point where the remains/ruins of Indus Valley civilization are still found..

The western end point of India…

Sunset

BSF people performing evening pooja at Karni matha temple..

The karni matha temple.

When I surfed facebook for chek-in status, I got a list of pakistani locations like Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, the famous Karachi bakery etc… Scared to chek-in!

Finally the ride ended with the sun set at Karni matha temple, Dholavira. Spell bound seeing the sun set. Also surprised to see the location to be neat and tidy. Well maintained by BSF.

With this memorable experience, the day gets over and we will be staying in a near by school!

[ To be continued]