Day 14: Cheruthuruthi to the FINISH LINE (Cochin)
Following a welcomed relaxed wake-up and a spot of breakfast, the 3 Wheely Cool Guys set off for the last ever time on the road.
After navigating expertly through endless traffic (from motorcycle-drawn wheelbarrows to the gargantuan 16-wheeler trucks) of various towns we arrived at the Finish Line!
To celebrate we joined the game of football against a local team in the sweltering midday sun and then checked in to the hotel to enjoy the last few days of India.
We would like to thank all those who had sponsored us for this trip (which apparently awarded us with a wooden elephant for the most fundraising for the Cool Earth charity), it has been an amazing adventure which clocked up a total distance of 2931km. Not bad for a lawnmower on wheels...
Over and out.
Day 13: Kattikulam to Cheruthuruthi.
A glorious drive down through the mountains for the last time before ending our last full day of driving in a local toddy bar sipping on a home brew palm wine. What could possibly go wrong? On to Cochin and the finish line next.
Day 12: Kumbla to Kattikulam.
We made our way inland from the coast towards the jungle and hills of Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve. We went on a jeep safari hoping with high hopes of seeing tigers, elephants and leopards but had to do make do with monkeys, deer and a couple of peacocks. Gutted.
Day 9 to 11: Staying in Goa and Goa to Iman's Beach Resort (near Mogral).
After an amazing couple of days sprawled on the sun-soaked sandy beaches of Goa, we recommenced our adventure southwards on Highway 66.
We spent a significant amount of time on the highway in order to maintain good progress. Enroute we managed to get a glimpse of the spectacular Shri Murudeshwara Temple until eventually we reached our 2nd beach destination at Iman's Beach Resort.
Day 8: Kolhapur to Goa.
Very early start to make good time encountering a combination of darkness, morning mist and a lot of uncomfortable and relentless roadworks.
Following a unexpected diversion through rural villages, the dust covered 3 Wheely Cool Guys arrived at Goa for a much deserved day off at the beach.
Day 7: Panchgani to Kolhapur.
Spent the morning driving along a rather scenic route through the mountains.
Stopped off for a spot of lunch before our rickshaw died on us in the heat of the afternoon. Some tremendous locals helped us get back on the road, only for our noble steed to fail again about 2km down the road.
Through sheer engineering prowess and a dash of luck we managed to get through to Kolhapur for the night. Indian highways are terrifying in the dark. On to Goa tomorrow.
Day 6: Shrirampur to Panchgani.
Kingfisher 'Strong' put paid to our early getaway from Shrirampur. Our route took us up to the scenic hill town of Panchgani where we treated ourselves to rooms with a view.
Our trusty tuk tuk showed its first signs of weakness and overheated in the late afternoon heat. More rest breaks required as we get into the heat of the south.
Rocky roads, rolling mountains and refreshing beers. Leaving Songadh we ventured via a picturesque wildlife park and local vineyard nearby Nishak to finally arrive at Shrirampur to enjoy a well earned strong kingfisher or four.
Day 5 of driving about to get underway. Yesterday we made it from Godhra to Songadh. Invited into a kindly gentleman’s home for photos with his truck and chai. Charles discovered Indian crisp sandwiches shouldn’t be wished upon your worst enemy. Very nearly flattened between bus and truck on possibly the worst stretch of road in India, only to be stopped for a selfie afterwards. The adventure continues.
Day 4: Departed Udaipur heading for Godhra in the state of Gujarat.
We came across a local inter-school sports day so we pitted ourselves against the 10 year olds in a penalty shootout competition. Needless to say it was an easy victory for the Brits.
The tuk tuk is still rattling along nicely as we near the 1000km mark. Long may it continue..
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