A road trip is more than just a journey it’s an adventure filled with unexpected turns, breathtaking sights, and experiences that leave lasting memories. Our recent expedition from Dharwad to Prayagraj of approximately 3,600 kilometers over five days, involving eight friends traveling in two vehicles a Sedan and an SUV. This journey was not just about distances, it was a through the heart of diverse India, its people, lands, and cultures.
Cars and People
We were 8 friends driving a SUV and an Sedan
Day 1: Departure and the Initial Route
We began our journey from Dharwad, energized and excited. Our first stop was Nargund for breakfast, and after refueling both our vehicles and ourselves, we continued towards Bijapur and Solapur. By midday, we reached Tuljapur for lunch.
However, a communication gap after lunch led to the two vehicles splitting onto different routes towards Nagpur.
Sedan Route: A shorter but slower route via Latur, Nanded, Yavatmal, and Wadha, facing varied road conditions.
SUV Route: A longer route via expressways, which allowed faster travel.
Eventually, our routes merged on an expressway, but by then, the SUV had gained an hour’s lead.
Arrival at Nagpur
After a long drive, we reached Nagpur around 10:00 PM. With rooms booked in advance. We enjoyed the dinner before calling it a night, readying ourselves for the next leg towards Prayagraj.
Day 2: Journey Through Scenic Landscapes
The morning started with Poha for breakfast in Nagpur. We drove past the Pench Tiger Reserve, stopped for lunch at a roadside dhaba near Jabalpur, and passed through Rewa.
Around 10:00 PM, with 100 km left to Prayagraj, we paused for tea, receiving warnings about heavy traffic ahead.
Choosing to take a risk, we followed a shortcut through farmland roads. The path was narrow and uneven, especially challenging for the Sedan, but it allowed us to bypass the traffic. By 12:15 AM on 23rd February, we rejoined the main road and continued to the Kumbh Mela parking, arriving around 5:00 AM after halts and slow-moving traffic.
Experiencing the Mahakumbh Mela
After parking, we took an auto-rickshaw to the boat area on the Yamuna banks. By 5:30 AM, we freshened up, had tea, and marveled at the beautifully lit bridges nearby.
At 6:00 AM, we boarded a boat to the Triveni Sangam, passing the Akbar Fort and enjoying the sunrise with birds flying alongside.
At the Sangam, we took a holy dip, returned to the banks, and had breakfast from local vendors aloo parathas and bread pakodas. Observing the local setup for the Mahakumbh Mela, we saw how much livelihood this event provides, with bike taxis and temporary eateries thriving for a month-long period.
While most of our group opted for bike taxis to return to the parking area, Shreenidhi and I chose to walk, taking in the sights and sounds of the event on foot, witnessing the vibrant energy and dedication of the locals firsthand. Their collective effort, alongside the police and management teams, ensured the smooth functioning of such a massive event. Mistakes were inevitable given the scale, yet timely interventions and the patience of both authorities and pilgrims made the event successful.
Day 3–5: The Journey Back
Our return journey began at 11:30 PM on 23rd February. Driving continuously had caused fatigue, and by 6:30 PM, we decided to halt at Jabalpur, reaching there by 9:30 PM. The next morning, after breakfast at Haldirams, we continued via Seoni and Pench, stopping for lunch with food packed from home, and raced along the Aurangabad expressway at high speeds of 200 Kmph, covering more than 300 km in 2 hours. We halted in Aurangabad for the night.
The following day, we visited Grishneshwar Temple with the temple getting prepared for the Shiva Ratri the next day, Lete Hanuman, and Daulatabad Fort which was once the capital of India, before continuing through Solapur and Bijapur, finally returning to Dharwad. Lunch was a dhaba stop 100 km from Aurangabad, and dinner at Bijapur with friend hosting us.
By 5:00 AM on 26th February, we reached home safely, ending a journey that was as much about the people and culture we encountered as the kilometers traveled.
Reflections
This road trip was a journey through the diverse India, from landscapes to languages, food, and lifestyles. It highlighted the, patience, and collective effort of the people particularly of Prayagraj and the authorities who made the Mahakumbh Mela event successful.
From scenic reserves to historic sites and the vibrant chaos, beyond adventure, speed, or distance, the trip reminded us that travel is about connecting with the land, the people, and their stories, and that the memories we create along the way last a lifetime.
Every moment was a story in itself.
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