Me, Maestro, Chilla Road & Love for Nature

Hello Friends,

Hi, I am Manoj Chaurasia, a 26 years old Chartered Accountancy Student from a Small Village in Uttar Pradesh ,living in Punjab since 14 years. 

I think we all have a person like "Bunny" from the movie "YJHD" in all of us. I relate that character with me very much, I carry a Long Weirdest Wish List, which I keep Completing and adding new ones to it. 

Solo Travelling to a number of places in and outside India is also one of those wishes. Some mock me, some think I'm crazy but I don't care, after  all it's my life & I'll live on my conditions. What matters me more is my happiness & peace of mind. 

As I'm a CA Student so like other CA Students I too have not much money in my pockets to start with fulfilling my wishes, so the budget is always a hindrance but if you want to enjoy life you can enjoy with limited money. 

In last 25 years of my life I never gone on a trip. When I was preparing for my Final Exams to be held in November 2015, I planned to go Haridwar & Rishikesh with my parents in the end of August 2015, but the preparations for exams were not going as per plan I suddenly cancelled my tickets & decided to study. 

The day 28th August 2015 came i.e. the planned day for trip before 5-6 hours of departure of train I suddenly changed my decision I packed my bag and it was the craziest decision of my life. 

And when I reached at "Har Ki Paudi" I was amazed with that holistic scene. Next Day we visited Rishikesh. I was so much fascinated by the scenic beauty of nature that I planned to start my Solo Series with Rishikesh after finishing exams in November 2015.

And That Day Came:

It was 13th November 2015, I got free from office and was in full excitement. Boarded on Train & reached on my destination. As I've booked my room already & contacted there well in advance to avoid any hardship in finding my hotel, I was in my room as per my planned timing, got fresh & taken breakfast at famous "Chotiwala" Restaurant near RamJhoola & was ready for my dream ride.

Start of the exciting ride:

After having the breakfast I located the garage "Ranjit Motorcycles" and hired a Maestro. Though the way to Chilla Dam Road was easy to find but I decided not to go by guessing so I asked a number of locals to avoid any problem and people there are too good to help you. I packed some snacks and cold drinks & was ready to ride. It is a beautiful lush green journey through jungles with full of cool breeze atmosphere.

After Crossing the Pashulok Barage I entered in a new world. I was taking pictures here and there sometimes disturbing the passers there to click a pic for me and they all were kind. On the way there were so many monkeys with there families sitting on the side of canals. 

There is a place where people get stunned by its engineering. Ganga canal flows below this surface and monsoon river flows above crossing it. Though, this time there was no monsoon therefore it was not in our fortune to witness it. River above the river view can be seen in monsoon only, therefore plan the journey as per your need.

After a drive of around 10 km. I reached the Chilla Dam. The designs on the banks of canal are just amazing. 

From here second half of journey started which was through "Rajaji National Park". While Crossing the National Park I spotted a number of Cheetal. This Route has few dried river trails also. These trails are in boom during monsoon where rainy water adds few more view to our magical Uttarakhand. Travellers need to be alert in monsoon because road goes through these seasonal river streams. Be careful while crossing these streams.

There is a place where people get stunned by its engineering. Ganga canal flows below this surface and monsoon river flows above crossing it. Though, this time there was no monsoon therefore it was not in our fortune to witness it. River above the river view can be seen in monsoon only, therefore plan the journey as per your need.

Finally I reached "Bheem Ghoda Barage" Haridwar and taken a U Turn towards Rishikesh & this became a fantastic ride. 

The evening in the city of Peace:

In the evening I visited Parmarth Niketan for Ganga Aarti but I got there a little bit late so I missed it, Oops.... feeling sorry for myself but no matter. I sat there for half an hour and I felt my Heart & Soul full of peace. While roaming there in streets I noticed a temple where the keertan "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" in "Aindre Prabhu" Style was being sung, I got into there and enjoyed it for 2 hours, singing & playing "Manzeera", though I'm a bad singer,,,,. Till then it's 10:00 O'Clock so I decided to walk back to my room through a scenic night view of RamJhula.

The Day of Dare:

I have planned to take a daring ride on "Flying Fox" at "Jumpin Heights" but here the budget was problem. So I postponed it for next time and suddenly decided for Rafting and inquired at Hotel Reception about it. They told me it'll cost Rs. 400-500 and it was a good deal so I booked it immediately. I am Hydrophobic and was a little bit confused whether I can do it or not. Finally I reached the starting point of daring journey. The rafting guide was too good in his work that I was confident to do it. It started & my fear was gone. 4 Rapids came in whole 9 Km. rafting It was so exciting, thrilling that after completing it seemed too short. Well, next time it'll be at least of 24 Km.

B,Bye Rishikesh:

As it was a 2 days trip so I needed to come back but I enjoyed each and every moment there. In the afternoon I checked out from Rishikesh and boarded on a bus towards Haridwar and I was so lucky that the bus passed through Chilla Road and all the memories flashed once again. I reached Haridwar in the evening. Instead of roaming in the hustle & bustle of market I decided to go on the beach of Ganga River and enjoy the Scenic view of Sunset and take some photographs and this decision of mine ended this trip in a fantastic way. I walked on the pebbles, played with sand and enjoyed one of the bestest Sunset there. 

Time to come back:

Finally two fantastic, adventurous & daring days came to end. I taken my dinner and reached at railway station the train was on time. I boarded the train with a lot of good memories. It was a good experience and gave me a lot of confidence for my future Solo Series.

Before I sign out, I would say that riding is definitely fun. Yes one has to be careful. So to all the riders out there… Have a safe ride and be safe. Enjoy and love the nature. Be at peace.

Over and out!!!!

Sahre your views...

Manoj Chaurasia