40 days, 10 States/ UTs and over 7,500 Kilometers across India: A Road Trip to Remember

7,500 Kilometers Across India: A Road Trip to Remember

What started as a dream on a map turned into 40 days, 7,500 kilo meters, and countless memories on the road. From Delhi to Kanyakumari and back, this journey was about more than just reaching destinations—it was about the people, flavours, landscapes, and quiet moments along the way. Each stop has its own story, and each story reflects a different side of India. Here’s the beginning of that journey, starting in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.

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Bharatpur: Birds, Farms, and the Simplicity of Life

The first leg of the road trip took me to Bharatpur, a small town in Rajasthan known for the Keoladeo National Park, one of India’s most celebrated bird sanctuaries. But Bharatpur turned out to be more than just a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s a place where life moves at its own gentle rhythm, where meals are grown right in the backyard, and where strangers become friends over cups of chai.

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The Drive to Bharatpur

The road out of Delhi was smooth, and by noon, the city’s noise had faded into the hum of open highways. A quick coffee break at aStarbucks near Jewar Toll marked the last brush with urban life. By the time the car pulled into Bharatpur around 4:30 PM, the landscape had shifted to fields and quiet roads lined with small shops — a reminder that this trip was about stepping into the everyday lives of the places visited.

Staying at Royal Farm

For the night, Royal Farm was home. This wasn’t just a homestay — it was a working farm run by Rinkesh Singh, a warm host who wore multiple hats as guide, storyteller, and proud farmer. At Royal Farm, vegetables aren’t just served to guests; they’re grown right there, with care and without chemicals. The welcome was simple but heartfelt: a steaming cup of chai and a plate of crispy pakoras made from freshly harvested veggies. After hours on the road, it was a comforting reminder of how good farm-to-table can taste. 

The real charm of Royal Farm lay in its people. Bholu, the resident caretaker, was always nearby, with a smile that seemed permanently fixed to his face. A hardworking soul, Bholu juggles two shifts to support his family, but his warmth never wavered. Dinner that evening was a spread of chapati, dal, rice, and mixed farm vegetables, all flavoured with spices that felt just right—not too heavy, not too plain. This wasn’t just a meal; it was a welcome into the slower, more grounded pace of life in Bharatpur.

A Day in Keoladeo National Park

The next morning started at dawn with a visit to Keoladeo (Kevladev in Hindi) National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s a paradise for bird lovers.The park gates opened at 6:15 AM, and the sanctuary immediately wrapped everything in a sense of peace and quiet that only nature can offer. Bird song filled the air as the sun rose, illuminating the marshes and casting soft shadows over the paths.

The park is home to over 370 species of birds, some of which travel thousands of miles from places as far as Siberia. Painted storks,Siberian cranes, and kingfishers flitted around, each a flash of color against the earthy greens and browns of the marshlands. It wasn’t just the birds that made the park special; herds of sambhar and spotted deer grazed in the distance, jackals moved stealthily through the underbrush, and the neelgai—a large Indian antelope—stood guard over the open spaces.

Walking through the park felt like a journey in itself. By the end of the day, over 28,000 steps were logged, a reminder of how vast and full of surprises this sanctuary is. Two wildlife photographers, Naveen andNitish from Agra, were encountered along the way, and they shared stories about their favourite sightings and tips on the best spots for photos. Their excitement was contagious, and it added to the sense that everyone in the park—whether a local or a visitor—was connected by a love for this natural wonder.

Returning to the Warmth of Royal Farm

After a full day in the park, heading back to Royal Farm was like returning to a friend’s home. Bholu was waiting with another lovingly prepared dinner: bajra chapati, jeera rice, palak paneer, curd, and fresh salad. The food was simple, yet each bite was deeply satisfying. There’s something special about eating food that’s been grown, cooked, and served with care, and the experience made the entire day feel complete.

Packing bags that night for the next leg of the journey, a sense of calm lingered. Bharatpur had offered not only a glimpse into the world of birds and wildlife but also a taste of the warmth and resilience of the people who live there. Rinkesh and Bholu had turned a quick stop into an experience that felt personal and welcoming.

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With Bharatpur as the first stop, the journey ahead seemed promising—filled with the possibility of new connections, flavours, and stories waiting just around the next bend in the road.

Next Stop: Shivpuri

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