Three men set out from Mangaluru on a long-distance road trip that would take them across the length of the country. The travellers embarked on the trip with a distinct purpose: promoting environmental conservation. Their destination was Ladakh, a high-altitude region in the far north known for its demanding climate and mountain routes.
Rather than making the journey in a large or specialized vehicle, the group chose a modest 2001 Maruti 800. The small hatchback presented unique driving conditions for such a demanding route. Yet its use served as a key element of their trip, demonstrating that a message of environmental awareness could be carried across thousands of kilometres from the Karavali region to the far north.
The expedition covered a total distance of 6,900 kilometres and took the travellers through 11 different states. As they drove farther north from coastal Mangaluru, the weather shifted dramatically, presenting severe physical and driving hurdles.
At the same time, ambient temperatures plummeted deep below freezing, reaching levels as low as minus 14 degrees Celsius.
Undertaking the trip during the off-season meant facing severe winter conditions. The drivers encountered road hazards such as black ice on the roads. At the same time, ambient temperatures plummeted deep below freezing, reaching levels as low as minus 14 degrees Celsius.
Navigating these extreme conditions required constant care, particularly given the vehicle's minimal features. "The car has no air conditioning, no GPS and limited pickup," Rakesh Bolar recalled. "We undertook trip during off season and driving in temperatures as low as minus 14 degrees Celsius made it even more challenging. As a precaution, we also carried an oxygen cylinder with us."
To mitigate the risks of high-altitude travel where cold temperatures and atmospheric conditions created severe challenges, the team kept an oxygen cylinder inside the car as an essential safety measure.
Karnataka’s coast has far more to offer than a day at the beach. From dolphin-spotting at Om Beach and mangrove rides in Honnavar to surfing at Mulki, scuba diving near Netrani and exploring the ruins of Mirjan Fort, Karavali keeps revealing something new. There are glowing waves, dramatic rock formations, tranquil beaches, spiritual landmarks and some spectacular road-trip views along the way. Here’s a journey through the coastal experiences that might make you look at Karnataka’s shoreline differently. https://t.co/pW4WadZyoE #Karnataka #KarnatakaTourism #Gokarna #Udupi #Mangaluru
After navigating extreme sub-zero weather, black ice, and thousands of kilometres of roads, the long journey came to its conclusion. The travellers eventually returned to Mangaluru from their Ladakh expedition.
By completing the multi-state loop in a 2001 Maruti 800, the team demonstrated endurance under challenging conditions. Their journey from Mangaluru to the high passes of Ladakh brought their message of environmental conservation across 11 states, covering 6,900 kilometres before their safe return.