Riders: Pannaga – Hero Impulse & Manoj – KTM ADV 390

14th to 21st July 2026 | 3000kms

Day 1 – Bengaluru to Vijayawada | Into the Heat (670 km)

This journey began back in 2022, I came across photos and videos of the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra on social media. Watching millions of devotees gather from across the country sparked my curiosity. As I learned more about its centuries-old traditions, rituals, and cultural significance, visiting Puri became more than just another destination it became a dream.

Without a second thought, I created a reminder on my phone to notify me two months before the Rath Yatra every year. That reminder kept appearing for three years, and in July 2026, it was finally time to make the ride happen.

The plan was a six-day motorcycle expedition covering approximately 3,000 kilometres. Four days were dedicated to riding two days to reach Puri and two days for the return journey while the remaining two days were reserved to experience the grandeur of the Rath Yatra, explore the sacred city, and immerse ourselves in its rich culture and traditions. With the route planned, accommodations booked, and motorcycles ready, all that remained was to hit the road and chase a dream that had been three years in the making.

The plan was simple cover nearly 1,500 kilometres from Bengaluru to Puri in two days. While I (Pannaga) started from Bengaluru on Hero Impulse, my buddy Manoj began his journey from Thirthahalli in Shivamogga on KTM ADV 390. We planned to meet at Vijayawada before continuing the ride together.

I rolled out from Bengaluru early in the morning and rode through Tirupati, Nellore and Ongole before reaching Vijayawada, covering approximately 670 kilometres for the day. Meanwhile, Manoj had already been on the road for nearly one and a half days, riding through Hubballi, Ballari and the Nallamala Forest to reach Vijayawada after covering an impressive 954 kilometres.

The biggest challenge of the day wasn’t the distance it was the weather. Riding through Andhra Pradesh introduced me to some of the hottest conditions I had ever experienced on a motorcycle. Temperatures hovered around 40°C, accompanied by intense humidity that quickly drained my energy. The relentless heat caused dryness in my nose, dehydration, and fatigue, making the final few hours of the ride particularly demanding.

By evening, I reached Vijayawada feeling completely exhausted, only to find that Manoj had endured similar conditions throughout his ride. After checking into our stay, we exchanged stories from the road, had dinner, and rested well, knowing that an even longer day awaited us as we headed towards Puri.

Day 2 – Vijayawada to Puri | Riding into the Monsoon (790 km)

After a much-needed night’s rest, we started early from Vijayawada, ready to cover the remaining 790 kilometres to Puri. Unlike the previous day, this ride had a completely different character.

As we rode further north through Andhra Pradesh towards Odisha, the scorching heat gradually faded away. Dark clouds began to gather overhead, cooler winds replaced the dry air, and before long, the monsoon welcomed us with steady rain. It felt like nature itself was preparing us for the spiritual journey ahead.

During a fuel stop, we met a fellow rider from Odisha on a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 who was returning home from Coimbatore. What started as a casual conversation soon turned into an impromptu riding companion, and the three of us continued together towards Puri for the final 90 kilometres.

The last stretch proved to be the most challenging of the entire ride. Heavy rain lashed the highways as we rode continuously through waterlogged roads, dense forests, diversions, and traffic dominated by large trucks throwing up sheets of water from their tyres. Visibility was limited, roads were slippery, and every kilometre demanded complete concentration, but the excitement of finally reaching Puri kept us going.

After nearly 16 hours on the road, we finally entered the holy city. The fatigue of the long ride disappeared the moment we saw Puri’s beautifully decorated streets, illuminated and adorned for the upcoming Rath Yatra. The festive atmosphere stretched for kilometres, making every challenging moment of the journey worthwhile.

We reached our stay late in the evening, freshened up, and called it a night. After nearly 1,500 kilometres of riding over two days, we had finally reached Puri, ready to witness one of India’s most magnificent spiritual celebrations the following morning.

Day 3 – Puri Rath Yatra | Witnessing the World’s Largest Chariot Festival

Day three was the moment we had travelled nearly 1,500 kilometres to experience the Puri Rath Yatra, one of India’s oldest, grandest and most revered religious festivals.

For those unfamiliar with the festival, the Rath Yatra is an annual procession held in Puri, Odisha, where Lord Jagannath along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, is ceremonially taken out of the Jagannath Temple on three massive handcrafted wooden chariots. The deities travel nearly 3 kilometres to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for a few days before returning to the main temple during the Bahuda Yatra. What makes this event truly unique is that devotees from around the world get an opportunity to witness the deities outside the temple and participate by pulling the gigantic chariots with thick ropes an act believed to be highly auspicious.

Every year, millions of devotees from across India and abroad gather in Puri to witness this centuries-old tradition. The city transforms into a sea of faith, with every street echoing chants of “Jai Jagannath”, devotional music, and an atmosphere unlike anything else.

Since we had arrived late the previous night after a 16-hour ride, we woke up a little later than planned. After breakfast, our intention was simple we thought we’d visit the Jagannath Temple area, spend about an hour there and return to our room before heading back in the afternoon for the main procession.

However, Puri had other plans for us.

As we entered one of the narrow lanes leading towards the temple, devotees started pouring in from every direction. Within minutes, we found ourselves becoming part of an enormous human wave moving towards the Grand Road. By the time we had walked halfway, we realized there was no chance of turning back. So, instead of resisting the flow, we surrendered ourselves to the experience and walked along with lakhs of fellow devotees.

After nearly an hour of walking through the crowd, we finally reached the iconic Bada Danda (Grand Road), where the Rath Yatra takes place. The sheer scale of the venue was astonishing. The road itself is as wide as a three-lane highway, and both sides were lined with hundreds of volunteers, community kitchens, and organizations serving free food, drinking water, refreshments, and buttermilk to devotees throughout the day. We too stopped at a few of these stalls, grateful for their hospitality, and that became our meal for the day.

The atmosphere was unlike anything we had ever witnessed. Every few moments, the entire crowd erupted into chants of “Jai Jagannath!”, creating goosebumps that words simply cannot describe. From a distance, we were blessed with the sight of the three magnificent chariots and the sacred Jagannath Temple rising above the sea of devotees.

As the crowd grew denser, moving became increasingly difficult. People were constantly being pushed and pulled from every direction, and somewhere amidst the chaos, I even lost one of my slippers! It became one of those funny memories that only make sense after the experience is over.

Adding to the uniqueness of the day, the weather remained pleasantly overcast with intermittent drizzle something that had accompanied us ever since we entered Odisha and continued until the day we left. It felt as though the monsoon itself had become part of our pilgrimage.

Later, we paid a few hundred rupees to a lodge owner for access to the terrace, hoping to witness the Rath Yatra from a higher vantage point. According to the schedule, the chariots were expected to begin moving around 4:00 PM. Unfortunately, persistent rain delayed the rituals, and hours passed with lakhs of devotees patiently waiting. It wasn’t until nearly 7:00 PM that one of the chariots moved a short distance. While it was wonderful to finally witness the procession begin, we couldn’t get the close-up view we had hoped for, leaving us slightly disappointed.

As night fell, we made our way back through the crowded streets and returned to our stay around 9:00 PM. Although things hadn’t unfolded exactly as we had planned, spending an entire day amidst millions of devotees, experiencing the devotion, generosity, and unmatched atmosphere of the Rath Yatra was something we would never forget.

We ended the day with tired feet but grateful hearts, knowing that we had witnessed one of the world’s greatest spiritual gatherings. After a well-earned night’s rest, we looked forward to exploring more of Puri before beginning our ride back home.

Day 4 – Heritage Trail Around Puri | Temples, Art & a Blessed Finale (180 km)

After the emotional highs and slight disappointment of the previous day’s Rath Yatra, we woke up with a fresh plan. With only two days in Puri, we wanted to make the most of our time by exploring the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. The itinerary for the day included the Konark Sun Temple, Lingaraj Temple, Dhauli Shanti Stupa, and the famous Raghurajpur Pattachitra Heritage Village a 180-kilometre round trip before returning to Puri for one final wish.

Our first destination was the Konark Sun Temple, riding along the scenic Marine Drive connecting Puri and Konark. The route itself was a delight, with dense greenery on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other. Heavy rain during the previous night had pushed seawater and sand onto sections of the road, creating a unique riding experience. We stopped a few times to capture photographs before continuing towards Konark, where we had breakfast before entering the temple complex.

Walking through the entrance, the grandeur of the temple immediately took our breath away. Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is designed in the form of a colossal stone chariot dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The temple features 24 intricately carved stone wheels, each functioning as a sundial, and is drawn by seven magnificent horses symbolizing the days of the week. Every inch of the structure is adorned with detailed carvings depicting mythology, daily life, music, dance, and nature, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of ancient India. Standing before this architectural masterpiece, we spent a long time admiring the intricate sculptures before purchasing a few souvenirs from the local artisans outside the complex.

Our next stop was Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, which we reached around 1:00 PM. Being located in the heart of the city, the surroundings were bustling with devotees and tourists. Interestingly, we met a few fellow Kannadigas who had also travelled to Odisha for the Rath Yatra and were following a similar itinerary, making the encounter feel unexpectedly familiar so far from home.

Dedicated to Lord Harihara, a combined form of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, the thousand-year-old Lingaraj Temple is one of the finest examples of Kalinga architecture. The towering main shrine is surrounded by hundreds of smaller temples, each built in the same distinctive architectural style. Coming from South India, we found the temple’s design remarkably different from the Dravidian style we were accustomed to, making every carving and structure fascinating to observe. We offered our prayers, spent time appreciating the craftsmanship, and were fortunate to receive the temple’s famous Mahaprasad (Abhada) an experience that had been on our checklist from the beginning of the journey.

From there, we rode to the peaceful Dhauli Shanti Stupa, a place of immense historical significance. It is believed to stand near the site of the Kalinga War, where Emperor Ashoka witnessed the devastating consequences of battle. Deeply moved by the immense loss of life, Ashoka embraced Buddhism and chose the path of peace, making Dhauli an important symbol of transformation, compassion, and non-violence. The gleaming white stupa overlooking the Daya River offered a calm contrast to the bustling temples we had visited earlier in the day.

Our final stop before returning to Puri was the heritage village of Raghurajpur, renowned for its traditional Pattachitra paintings. Every house in the village seemed to belong to an artist, with colourful murals decorating the walls and workshops displaying exquisite handcrafted artwork. The artists explained how their paintings are created entirely using natural materials from handmade canvas prepared using cloth and tamarind seed paste to colours extracted from minerals, flowers, leaves, and stones. After spending time interacting with the artisans and learning about their centuries-old craft, we purchased a few paintings and souvenirs to take home as memories of Odisha.

By around 8:00 PM, we returned to Puri and headed straight to the beach. Watching the waves under the evening sky while enjoying some of Puri’s famous sweets and local street food was the perfect way to unwind after a day filled with exploration.

Later that night, we finally visited the Jagannath Temple. The atmosphere inside the temple complex was incredibly peaceful and spiritually uplifting. With the three chariots already stationed at the Gundicha Temple nearly three kilometres away, there were very few devotees inside, allowing us to walk around the magnificent complex at our own pace. The towering Shikhara of the temple looked far more majestic in person than any photograph could ever capture. Since mobile phones are prohibited inside the temple, the experience remained etched only in our memories. We also visited the temples dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and several other deities within the complex before stepping outside.

There was still one wish left to fulfil.

We hired a battery-operated auto (Terry) and headed towards the Gundicha Temple, where the three chariots had halted after the Rath Yatra. As if blessing our final moments in Puri, a gentle drizzle began once again. At around 1:30 AM, we finally stood before the three majestic chariots and had a close darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. It was the moment we had hoped for since planning this journey three years earlier. The disappointment from the previous day vanished instantly, replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude and fulfilment.

Soon after, the drizzle turned into heavy rain. Devotees walked back through waterlogged streets, still chanting “Jai Jagannath”, while we managed to find an auto back to our stay. Exhausted but immensely happy, we finally went to bed around 3:00 AM.

Ironically, our alarms were already set for 6:00 AM, as the next morning marked the beginning of our 1,500-kilometre ride back to Bengaluru.

Day 5 – Puri to Tuni(AP) | The Journey Home Begins (530 km)

After an unforgettable final night in Puri, the plan was to begin our return journey at 6:00 AM. However, our late-night darshan at the Gundicha Temple meant we had managed only a few hours of sleep. We eventually woke up around 8:00 AM, took our time getting ready, and finally rolled out of Puri at around 10:00 AM.

Before leaving the city, we gave both motorcycles some much-needed attention after nearly 1,700 kilometres on the road. The chains were cleaned and lubricated, engine oil levels were topped up, and a quick inspection ensured that both machines were ready for another long day of touring.

Our original plan for the return journey included taking the Chilika Lake ferry, a route that not only saves around 40 kilometres but also offers a unique riding experience. Chilika Lake, India’s largest brackish water lagoon and one of Asia’s biggest coastal lagoons, is a major tourist attraction known for its vast wetlands, migratory birds, fishing villages, and scenic beauty. Several Indian films have also featured its breathtaking landscapes, making it a destination in its own right.

Unfortunately, our delayed start meant the ferry option was no longer practical. With nearly 700 kilometres to cover before nightfall, we decided not to take any unnecessary risks and instead continued via the highway.

The rain that had followed us throughout our stay in Odisha wasn’t ready to say goodbye just yet. We rode through steady showers almost until we crossed the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border. Despite the wet roads, the ride felt surprisingly enjoyable. We stopped for a leisurely brunch along the way before continuing south.

What surprised both of us the most was how refreshed we felt. Considering the distance we had already covered over the previous four days, we expected fatigue, sore muscles, and exhaustion. Instead, the exact opposite happened. There was no significant body ache, no mental fatigue, and the kilometres seemed to pass effortlessly. Whether it was the joy of finally having the darshan of Lord Jagannath, the satisfaction of completing a long-awaited pilgrimage, or simply the mindset that naturally develops during long-distance touring, we couldn’t quite explain it—but the ride home felt lighter than the ride to Puri.

As the sun began to set, we continued making steady progress through Andhra Pradesh. By around 8:30 PM, we reached Tuni, where we called it a day after covering approximately 530 kilometres. After checking into our stay, we had dinner, reflected on the incredible experiences of the past few days, and settled in for the night, with just one final day’s ride remaining before reaching home.

Day 6 – Tuni to Tirupati | The Final Push (710 km)

The final day of the expedition turned out to be longer than originally planned. Since we had covered only about 530 kilometres the previous day instead of our intended 700, we were left with nearly 975 kilometres to reach our respective destinations. It was going to be one last endurance ride before we could finally call the journey complete.

We started early from Tuni at around 7:00 AM, making the most of the cooler morning weather. After a few hours on the highway, we stopped at Rajamahendravaram for breakfast. Before continuing, we took a moment to admire the magnificent Godavari Bridge spanning the mighty Godavari River. Watching one of India’s widest rivers flow beneath the bridge was a refreshing break from the long hours on the saddle.

As the day progressed, the kilometres rolled by steadily. We continued together until Guntur, where our routes finally separated. Manoj turned west towards Hubballi on his journey back to Thirthahalli, while I continued south on the familiar highway towards Tirupati and eventually Bengaluru. After riding together for nearly 3,000 kilometres, parting ways felt a little strange, but we knew we’d soon be sharing stories from the journey once we were home.

By around 10:30 PM, I reached Tirupati, having covered approximately 710 kilometres for the day. With around 265 kilometres still left to Bengaluru, I decided to call it a night instead of pushing further. After checking into a room and having a quick meal, I went straight to bed, ready to finish the final stretch the next morning.

Meanwhile, Manoj’s ride home wasn’t without its own unexpected adventure. Somewhere near Ballari, he hit a road hump at a higher speed than expected. The impact sent his phone flying out of the tank bag onto the road. Although he escaped without injury, the phone wasn’t as fortunate the motherboard was damaged, leaving all of the photos and videos captured during the trip inaccessible. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise unforgettable expedition, especially after documenting so many memorable moments along the way.

Manoj continued riding and eventually reached Hubballi around 1:30 AM, where he decided to take a day’s break before continuing the final leg of his journey. The following day, after some well-earned rest, he rode back home safely to Thirthahalli.

For me, the journey resumed before sunrise. I woke up at 5:00 AM in Tirupati and began the final ride towards Bengaluru. The early morning blue light beautifully illuminated the Tirupati Hills, offering one last memorable view before leaving Andhra Pradesh behind. On the way, I stopped at Mulbagal for its famous dosa a fitting breakfast after nearly a week on the road.

By around 11:30 AM, I finally rolled into Bengaluru, bringing an end to an incredible journey that had been three years in the making.

Over the course of six days, we covered nearly 3,000 kilometres, crossed four states, witnessed one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, explored centuries-old temples, discovered Odisha’s rich art and culture, and experienced everything from scorching 40°C highways to relentless monsoon rains. More importantly, we returned home with memories that no photograph or video could ever fully capture.

Some rides are about reaching a destination. Others become stories that stay with you forever.

For us, the ride to Puri was one of those stories.