An open road does not ask how old you are.
It only asks if you’re still willing to follow where it leads ! And so it was that at age seventy-five, when most journeys grow slower, two friends chose instead to stretch theirs across the breadth of the country. Setting out in February 2026, Mr. Kuldip Nayar, a businessman, and Commander Debashis Mukherjee, an Indian Navy veteran embarked on a driving odyssey from Kolkata to Gujarat —5,500 kilometres of road, memory and a quiet defiance of expectation.
With a reliable car, Google Maps, and a lifetime of stories behind them, they undertook the long journey from East to West proving that age, for them, was not a boundary but a backdrop. For these two ‘young -at- heart’ men, the open road was an invitation to curiosity, discovery, and joy.
Long-distance driving across India is an experience in itself. As they left the hustle and bustle of Kolkata behind, the landscape slowly transformed - green paddy fields gave way to forests, hills, plains, dry plateaus and finally the white salt flats of the Rann of Kutch. Along the way they crossed Jharkhand, Bihar, UP, MP, Rajasthan and Gujarat - each state offering a different culture, language, cuisine and vistas. Roadside tea stalls became pit stops for stretching their legs, while small towns and dhabas (rustic highway eateries) offered delicious local food and warm hospitality.
Every few hundred kilometres, the scenery changed, reminding them how vast and diverse India truly is.
At Ahmedabad, the two drivers were joined by their wives who flew down from Kolkata. They visited nearby tourist spots. Let the pictures do the talking.
Their excitement peaked as they approached the great white desert of the Rann of Kutch. Driving on the "Road to Heaven", a scenic, 30-km road stretching through the Great Rann of Kutch, was the highlight of their trip. This straight, elevated road offers surreal, 360° views of surrounding salt flats and a white desert, creating an illusion of driving into the horizon . Thousands of flamingos feeding on the endless marshes under a wide sky provided a sense of wonder that only road travel can bring.
Another highlight of their journey was visiting the majestic Statue of Unity, the towering monument dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. They were awestruck by the engineering marvel behind the construction of this statue, the world-class infrastructure, facilities and services built around the place for the convenience of tourists, bowled everyone over. More than anything , the visit to the Statue of Unity made them feel proud as Indians. Standing before the towering figure of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the journey suddenly felt as monumental as the statue itself.
After the ladies returned to Kolkata by air from Ahmedabad, Kuldip and Debashis drove their Hyundai Tucson back to Kolkata. For these two men with a combined age of almost 150 years, this 14-day journey was more than just reaching a destination. It was about the thrill of exploration, curiosity and friendship. It was about the joy of the open road, the laughter and camaraderie and the thrill of discovering new landscapes together.
Together, they showed that the spirit of adventure is ageless, curiosity has no expiry, and with every kilometre behind them the call of the Road only gets stronger.
Saurashtra- Historic Junagadh - The picture story shows Mt Girnar having 10,000 steps to climb, Uparkot Fort, Ashoka Rock Edicts dating back to 3rd Century BC and other monuments in Junagadh
Hope you liked the adventure by the two 'young' men aged 75-years each. Do leave a comment. It will encourage them.
Really the enthusiasm and zeal is commendable! Must have been an adventurous journey. The ladies joining over must have made the trip memorable!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your appreciation.
DeleteGreat story. Beautiful photographs.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ajit.
DeleteSuper narrative. Excellent photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks Admiral.
DeleteExcellent buddy
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashok.
DeleteBrave Hearts
ReplyDelete'Young' exolorers who believe in 'Never say die'!
DeleteLovely coverage of Incredible India by two young men from the long drive perspective. Thoroughly enjoyable & engrossing.
ReplyDeleteThanks much Lalit for your appreciation.
DeleteVery engrossing and beautifully photographed article of a long car journey across India exploring many places of interest . Commander Debasis Mukherjee has captured some stunning photographs which just show how these two young at heart men thoroughly enjoyed their trip , on which they were joined for a part of it by their wives ! Thank you for sharing their energy and adventure , Harsh !
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the guest story by Debashis. He is a real Ghumakkad.
DeleteThanks for writing Trixie.
Engrossing article with beautiful photographs , draws us into the world of the these energetic , young at heart travellers who travelled across India viewing places of interest . Thanks for sharing , Harsh !
ReplyDeleteThanks Trixie.
DeleteVery adventurous & beautiful. I never knew Ahmedabad have so many historical sites, thanks for educating
ReplyDeleteOur country has such rich heritage. We need to explore it.
DeleteThanks for your feedback.