Day 4 Belgaum to Kolhapur

 

The fourth day of Deccan odyssey 2017 started from Belgaum. It had been a long night for many of the participants and when the teams came to the Lobby they were sharing the stories with me. Michel, one of the Bhaji boys (Team 2) was the earliest for the breakfast. The rest of the teams arrived at 8 am. for briefing. Being a short day of just 120 km, Team 3 the French connection decided to take a detour to a water falls recommended in the day sheet. Before 8.30 am. all the teams left for the day from the base hotel. The tempo traveler in which I was travelling took just 3 hours to reach the base hotel in Kolhapur. The first team to arrive in Kolhapur was team 2. They checked in first and went to look around the town. By 5 PM all the teams checked in the hotel and the uneventful day came to end. In the night teams searched for a good pub and the recommended bar in the day sheet was selected to wind off.
 

Day 5 Kolhapur to Pune

 
As per the day plan this was the longest day in the whole trip. The base hotel on the day was located in the outer suburbs on the Bombay bypass from Pune. Considering that in mind I briefed them at 8 AM at the hotel and explained them what is it going to be to find the hotel. Everything went smoothly and the teams arrived at the base hotel around 5.30 PM. The teams had no outing that day and all of them went to bed early. Me and support crew had tough time finding a hotel nearby and eventually landed up in a hotel which was 3 KM away from the base hotel.
 

Day 6 Pune to Aurangabad

All the teams were early to the breakfast and briefing was at 8 AM sharp. Ferrying out of Pune was a challenge that day and I gave them a rough idea how the roads were going to be. There was no evidence of rain on the road from the previous as the sun was bright and shining on Pune that morning. The Support crew and I had breakfast and started at 8.30 AM. For me to get out of Pune traffic took about 3 hours. When it was around 1 PM, I received a message from Team 2 that their ‘engine died’. The support crew got to them just minutes later. Eventfully we found out that the team had lost the fuel tank and covered it with tape. The act had choked the fuel flow and caused the problem. It was really a long day and teams were really tiered when they reached the base hotel. The base hotel had a lovely bar and the teams got up there and had fun.
 
 

 

Deccan Odyssey 2017: Day 1

Deccan Odyssey 2017: Day 2

 

 
I dropped myself at the base hotel at around 10 am. At that time, a couple of teams were having their breakfast and getting ready for the mini challenge. By 11 am everyone started to explore old Goa, as mentioned in the mini challenge. All the teams had no issues except team 1. The vehicle was starting and then stopping within a short distance. James (the younger Flintstone) has a lot of interest in mechanics so tried himself for some time, but eventually he had to call me for help. The Chennai Garage team reached them and rectified the fault in the fuel supply from tank. All ended well and teams went to hit the bed early, to be fit for the first day on road.
 

Deccan Odyssey 2017: Day 3

 

 
This was the most exciting day for the teams, as it is the first day they are travelling to another town. The teams were briefed at 8 am. Immediately after that we flagged them all off. The first incident on road was a small accident between team 1 and a two wheeler. I was on the scene before they could call me. The two wheeler person was behaving cool. The only damage to the vehicle was the head light dome. Only a few minutes later, I saw the guy taking a selfie with the teams! Debora (the elder sibling of the cousins) was totally awestruck to see what was happening. She said that if that would have happened in England, it would have been a serious issue. Immediately came a message that Team French connections were having a break down, just 7 km ahead of us. Minutes later I received a call from them informing me that they had just ran out of fuel. Even before we could reach them they were helped by the locals and got back on driving. When we caught up with them, their kick start was broken and it was just a 5 minutes work by the CG mechanics.
 

 
The funniest of all activity on that day was the petrol station mentioned in the petrol challenge was closed and all of them had to buy petrol from retails in bottle. Then again I got a call from Team Bhaji Boys with the same issue. It was also sorted out by the help given by team 3, who reached them before the service guys could get them. One by one the teams started reaching the base hotel at Belgaum. Belgaum was colorful as the town is preparing for the Ramzan. In the night teams sat for beers and they were sharing the lighter side of things on road. The most amazing stories were again from team 1, as they had to wait for 45 minutes in police station, as the cops wanted them to have tea. Team 2 got beers from out of who knows where: they felt like beer angel is following them. With that note I will end this first edition of Deccan odyssey 2017. See you at Aurangabad.
 

 
 

Goa

 
The Union territory of Goa is the smallest state in India, but one of the most popular to visit, and it’s immediately easy to see why. The coast is lined with golden sands, home to beaches of every variety: secret coves and luxury resorts, hippy hangouts and party paradise. But Goa isn’t just beaches. The territory has a rich history, due to centuries of trade and colonialism, and the state is a mix of Islamic, Hindu, and Portuguese elements, and more.
 

 
Nowhere is the incredible cultural history more evident than Goa’s incredible cuisine. Eating some of best food in India is a great way to start the Deccan Odyssey Rickshaw Challenge: with freshly-caught seafood and fiery spices, what more can you want? Colonial history is also visible in the architecture and atmospheric streets. Panaji’s latin quarter, lined with cobbled streets and colourful buildings, is like nowhere else in India. If amazing buildings aren’t your thing, head inland to Goa’s lush countryside.
 

Karnataka

 

 
The Deccan Odyssey Rickshaw Challenge doesn’t visit Karnataka for long, only spending one night there: in the city of Belagavi. Karnataka is fascinating and large, though, extending hundreds of miles inland, dominating much of Southern India. Places of note include Hampi, which was once the second largest city of earth, and Mysuru, the grand palace city. Karnataka also include modern cities like Bangalore and Mangalore, sites of religious pilgrimage like Murudeshwara, and beautiful countryside of rolling hills, jungles, and national parks.
 
 
 

Maharashtra

 

 
Maharashtra is where teams on the Deccan Odyssey will spend most of their time, but they will only scratch the surface of India’s third-largest, and second-most-populous state. Luckily, there’s quite the surface: including Mumbai, one of the greatest cities on earth.  There’s also Pune, the ninth largest city in India, and Nagpur, not far behind. For city life, there aren’t many places better than Maharashtra. However, there’s so much more to the state than urban living.
 

 
There is supreme nature: luscious vineyards, myriad beaches, and incredible natural park filled with exotic wildlife. And there’s an incredible amount of history. Look out for religious monuments, colonial relics, and best of all, the astonishing caves of Ellora and Ajanta, which the Deccan Odyssey will visit. You can even find a mini Taj Mahal, pictured above, in Aurangabad.

 

Mumbai Is Big

 

 
Mumbai is certainly big, packed with skyscrapers and sprawling for miles. However, it’s only the fourth biggest city in India by area: the real craziness of Mumbai is thanks to its density. It’s one of the most densely populated cities on earth, with over 12 million inhabitants fitting in an area of only 600 square kilometers. For perspective, this is the smallest area of any of the world’s top 25 cities by population. Being so tightly packed gives Mumbai an irresistible energy, which must be experienced to be believed.
 
 

Mumbai is Old

Mumbai is Beautiful

Mumbai is Fun

 

 
If it’s fun that you’re looking for, and on the Rickshaw Challenge it usually is, then Mumbai is the right place. Of the major cities, Mumbai is number 1 for nightlife, with unlimited options for however you want to spend your evening. It’s also home to a thriving cultural and art scene, in addition to the excitement of traditional festivals.
 
 

Mumbai is the home of Bollywood

 

 
India’s Hindi film industry produces hundreds of films and sells billions of tickets annually, and is of course based in Mumbai. Bollywood adds yet another layer of excitement to the city, with hopeful young actors arriving in droves, film crews often stationed on the cities streets, and tours offering fans the chance to see the mansions of the most famous stars.
 
 

Mumbai has Incredible Beaches

Mumbai is a Great Place to Shop

 

 
There are department stores and luxury shops galore, but we love Mumbai for its amazing street markets. From Colaba Causeway to Linking Road, Fashion Street to Dadar Flower Market, not forgetting Chor and Zaveri Bazaars, there’s something for everyone. Whether you wants spices or silk, a new wardrobe or clothes to go in it, Mumbai street markets offer dazzling variety and, if you’re willing to bargain, great value.
 
 

Mumbai Has Delicious Food (Everywhere)

 

 
As a major global city, Mumbai is home to many fine dining establishments, but the true joy of eating in Mumbai is testing out the city’s famous, and ubiquitous, street food. Unlike elsewhere in India, street food in Mumbai is popular with all of society, not merely those looking to save their money. Market stalls offer food for every palate, but the most popular dish is Maharashtrian specialty vada pav, a kind of deep-friend potato patty.
 
 

 
 

Colaba Causeway

Crawford Market

Chor Bazaar

Zaveri Bazaar

Dadar Flower Market

 

Dadar Flower market — also known as “Phool Gully”, meaning flower street — is a flower lover’s dream, whatever your favourite variety. It’s a wholesale market, so is generally liveliest early in the morning. While your purchase might not survive the journey home, the prices are so cheap you might as well surprise your favourite travel companion with a bouquet!
 

Fashion Street

Linking Road

There’s a lot to see in Mumbai, but visiting Elephanta Caves should be near the top of your list. And since the biggest city in India is where we start the Mumbai Xpress and finish the Deccan Odyssey Rickshaw Challenges, you have the perfect excuse to see these incredible caves. Here’s what you need to know!

The History of the Caves

As with many of India’s most fascinating monuments, the beginnings of the Elephanta Caves are shrouded in mystery. The sculptures one finds there are so intricate and impressive that locals claim they cannot be not man-made. Historians aren’t certain from when they date, but suspect work began around one and a half millennia ago. Until the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century, the largest cave was an important spot for Hindu worship, while smaller caves were also dedicated to Buddhism. While the caves were neglected during European colonialism, in recent decades their status as a UNESCO World Heritage site has ensured renovation and increased protection.

What is Special about the Caves?

The cave complex at Elephanta contains some of the subcontinent’s most impressive rock carving. The Portuguese named the complex “Elephanta” after a sculpture of an elephant previously standing guard outside the caves (it can now be found at Mumbai’s Jijamata Udyaan zoo). The caves are located on Elephanta Island, sometimes known as Gharapuri, meaning “City of Caves”. The island is ten kilometres to the east of Mumbai Harbour.

How to get to the Caves

The ferry from Mumbai takes one hour, and tickets are sold at the Gateway to India, the most recognisable monument in the city! In theory, there’s a clearly visible booth selling tickets just to the left of the monument. However, in India theory doesn’t always apply: it can be hard to find, with limited signage. It’s better to listen for the ticket seller loudly shouting “Elephanta”! Make sure you get on the official ferry, and not some sightseeing tour. Return tickets should be around $3 but it’s worth paying a (very cheap) fee to get space on the upper deck: it’s quieter and there are great views.
 

Pro-Tips for Visiting Elephanta Caves

Here’s the most important thing you need to know before visiting Elephanta Caves: there are monkeys everywhere. The island is packed with these pesky creatures, and though they are used to crowds that doesn’t mean they’re always friendly. They’ll try to steal your food, so it’s a good idea not to bother packing any: there’s plenty to buy on the island.
One thing you should do is stop to enjoy the view back over Mumbai’s skyline: that alone can make the trip worthwhile. It’s also best to bring decent shoes, it’s a little walk up the hill to the caves from where the ferry drops you off. Finally, the caves are closed on Mondays but that won’t stop them selling you a ferry ticket to the Island so watch out!

See the Elephanta Caves on a Rickshaw Challenge!

Excited to visit Elephanta Caves? See them, and everything else India has to offer by joining an adventure rally through India! If you’re crazy enough to come along, a rickshaw challenge is the best way to see the real India while having fun along the way. The Deccan Odyssey takes place in June, beginning in Panaji and ending nine days later in Mumbai. In August, The Mumbai Xpress is a two week trip from “Bollywood to Kollywood”, Mumbai to Chennai. You’ll have a chance to visit Elephanta Caves, and much more besides!

 

Get to know our challenge better and keep up with events on The Rickshaw Challenge blog.
Check out the scores at GamingZion.
 

Ancient Ajanta

Ajanta is the older cave system, with the current caves dating as far back as the 2nd century BC. There are 29 caves cut into the volcanic rock found around the Deccan Plateau.
These caves are known for their carvings and sculptures depicting the life of Buddha. The artwork found in these ancient caves are said to mark the birth of classical Indian art.
But despite the artistic wonders of these caves, which once functioned as a monastic complex, they were abandoned in the 7th century AD due to Ellora’s increasing popularity.
The caves faded out of memory, until a British tiger-hunting party “rediscovered” Ajanta in the early 19th century. Now the caves house some of the best examples of Buddhist art.
It’s not just the art that make these caves worth the visit, but the horse-shoe bend of rock rising over 75m in height above the Waghora stream provides a spectacular sight.

Multi-religious Ellora

The Ellora Caves were all about tolerance and inclusiveness. With Buddhist, Hindu and Jain sanctuaries, people could practice the three religions side-by-side, which makes these caves a unique place in the Indian sub-continent.
There are over 600 monuments on the site, spread between 34 rock-cut monasteries and temples set into the walls of the high basalt cliff.
Like Ajanta, the caves are a masterpiece in themselves, both in architecture and artistic calibre, but they also illustrate a tolerant spirit that was characteristic in ancient India.
Out of the 34 structures, 12 were Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain, all of which were vertically excavated out of stone. These caves are also rich in art and habitation space along side their temples.

Getting there

The best way to visit is to join us on the Rickshaw Challenge for the Deccan Odyssey, but if you can’t wait till next year, or if you want to make a detour after taking part in our other runs, you can always do it yourself.
You can fly into Aurangabad, which is located about 15km from the caves. If you want the true Indian experience that is not on a rickshaw, then you can always take the train.
There are regular trains running from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi and so on, so it’s not hard to make it to Aurangabad. Also, there are regular bus services to the caves from the city, so it’s easy to do.

Ellora and Ajanta