2023-11-18 08:48:26
Kalpatta: A five-member Malayalee team returned to their native land following traveling 13 countries by road in 57 days. Kottakkall Edarikod Narathadam Parammal House Moiteen, Kadampuzha Marakara Melethil Zubair, Karekkad Vadakkepiediyakal Mustafa Kottakkall Kuttippala Shafi Thaikkadan and Kunnath Hussain who have UK citizenship reached Athikolli Kurichya family in Wayanad Vellamunda following crossing 27000 kms. The group remembers regarding the journey that they had many bitter and sweet experiences that they have not faced till date.
The youths say that they were inspired by the journey made by director Laljos and his team from Kochi to London by road in 2014. A person allocated Rs 5 lakh for the trip. The journey to India started on September 18 via France, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan. The route from London to India in the shortest time was chosen.
The Mercedes V-Class vehicle was fully equipped with a portable toilet, cooking facilities and a tent. The journey became more smooth as three people were working as drivers. All three, who are UK nationals, had to obtain visas only for Iran and Pakistan. The other two also had to obtain special visas to visit European countries.
The group had many unforgettable experiences during the journey. When they entered Pakistan from Iran, they traveled from Baluchistan province to Karachi under the security of special military vehicles. On arrival in Iran, struggling to refuel and running out of currency were bitter experiences. The group also shared the lesson of ensuring fuel while traveling by road in Iran while applying for a visa. The most number of days spent traveling was in Pakistan. They said that during the 10-day journey, the people of Pakistan received them with great love and often did not pay even a penny for eating in hotels.
Meanwhile, two Indian nationals might not enter Pakistan following they were denied visas. Due to this, they were able to reach Punjab by air from Iran. While coming from Pakistan to India, the grand welcome given by the Indian Army at the Wagah border became an unforgettable experience for them. Finally, a reception was arranged for the group that reached Wayanad in the courtyard of the Thavarat in Attikolli. The tribals welcomed the caravan with bows and arrows. Darappan Muppan, Kelu Atthikolli, Zilla Panchayat Standing Committee President Junaid Kaipani and others led the way.
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Last Updated Nov 18, 2023, 2:18 PM IST
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