Day 6: 29 Under 30. A ride to 29 state capitals and 5 out of 7 Union Territories of India.

Day 6:

Kolkota-Siliguri

Kms Planned: 710

Waky Waky said the alarm at about 5:30. I knew this was going to be a long long day as I had to reach Siliguri As soon as before Sundown as it was perceived that it isn't very safe to ride in that area especially after Sunset. 

I had messaged HiVayKing Mr. H  V Kumar the previous evening seeking the best route to reach Siliguri from Kolkota. Took the route suggested by him.

I quickly took a shower and got ready. By the time I came down, everyone was already up and Aunty had prepared breakfast for all already. I then quickly had breakfast, took a few snaps, thanked my Hosts and set out.

Me with Pradip Uncle

Me with  Uncle, Aunty & their Grandson one of my best hosts at Kolkota.

In no time I was already in Asansol, from there I took a diversion towards Jamtara. I reached a place called Chittaranjan . The guys there was preparing Hot Jalebis & Samosas. I could not resist the smell of hot yummy jalebis. I parked my bike and ordered a plate of Jalebi, then Samosas & tea. The jalebis were irresistible. I had at least 4 of them.  I then continued to Deogarh. 

Guy preparing Jalebis

Sweet tower

Sweet stall

Hot hot Samosas

Kullad wali Chai - Tea in Mud cup

Hogging Sweet Mathri

Hot Hot Jalebis

Butter smooth roads of Jharkhand and I suddenly spot a lamb sitting in the middle of the road. I move to the side to stop & turn and dang.... I open the account of putting the bike down for the first time. A passerby helps me lift the bike. I thank him, turn back & see the lamb merrily jumping off the road and I sheepishly ride on.

Damn that fall captured on my cam https://youtu.be/jULjMdiSWF8

The route I took, crossed 2 states and then took me back into West Bengal. The roads in Jharkhand were decent but as soon as I entered Bihar, I was welcomed with horrible roads(if at all I can call them). Actually horrible would still be an understatement. At one place I saw a bus almost half buried in a pothole. I somehow managed to get out without falling from this path which was almost like a dirt track but the deep potholes in middle of the roads made it worse.

Meanwhile Grey Stallion clocks the 7000 mark

I then crossed the mighty Ganges near Katria & reached Purnea. I finally crossed into West Bengal near Dalkhola.  I was so relieved to find better roads once I crossed into West Bengal. The road again entered Bihar near Krishanganj. It was almost dark by the time I reached Krishanganj. As it was dark, I stopped to have a cup of tea.

Tea Stall near Kishanganj

Tea stall guy was a farmer too, growing vegetables on his roof

How could Rains not come to welcome me to Siliguri? I had my tea and got onto the bike and rode, just about a couple of kms later it started pouring like crazy. The roads were jammed with traffic & the rains were like an icing on the cake. It rained continuously till I entered Siliguri. 

All dark & wet 

I finally reached Siliguri and got into the first hotel that I saw. I did not want to stand and haggle around as I was wet like a crow drenched in rain. I checked in into a hotel, freshened up, had my dinner at a nearby restaurant and then jumped into bed with an alarm at 5 as I had to cover Dispur & reach Shillong the next day.

Roti & Mutton curry

Tonight I am sleeping on my stomach with sores on my 'you know where' cursing the Bihar roads.

A small video of Day 6: https://youtu.be/l6ysSmCyMzc

Road conditions: Decent roads in West Bengal, Butter Smooth roads in Jharkhand & Pathetic roads in Bihar.

What caused the delay: Pathetic roads of Bihar and Rain & Traffic Jam from Kishanganj onwards.

Kms Done: 700 kms

Destination tomorrow: Siliguri-Dispur-Shillong.