Is it even possible to visit seven UNESCO world heritage sites, spread across three states in less than 12 hours? That too only using public transport? It is, as a group of 21 members (11 of them from Coimbatore) proved it. They accomplished this and set a Guinness World Record. The journey was organised by expedition companies Triumph Expeditions of Coimbatore and Transcend Adventures in Hyderabad. The heritage spots the expedition covered were Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Keoladeo National Park, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutab Minar. The time taken for the challenge was 11 hours 33 minutes and 18 seconds. The members used trains, buses and auto-rikshaws for their commute.
Suresh Kumar.N, founder of Triumph Expedition says it took nearly eight months to plan the trip. “I am an avid traveller and I wanted to show people that India is a safe place for travellers. Our group had men, women and kids of ages five to 45.”
Twenty five trial runs were undertaken before the official World Record attempt. These helped them locate the shortest routes, the public restrooms, hospitals and restaurants should they need them. Each of the participants carried a backpack with biscuits, energy drinks and water. The group started its journey from Taj Mahal, Agra at 5.20 am on July 8. They visited Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Keoladeo National Park before boarding the Jan Shatabdi Express at 9.20 am for Delhi. “The schedule was hectic. The only time we rested was on the three-hour train journey to Delhi. We had our breakfast in the train,” says Kumar.
The Guinness authority had send them a 150-page guidelines to be followed. The group was required to take photographs with the heritage sites in the background. Two witnesses at each site had to fill in forms and attach their identity proof with them. This was to be submitted to Guinness by the group members. “The Ministry of Tourism helped us with that part. But these processes took time. Though our trial trip took us only 10 hours, the actual trip took longer because of these formalities. We had our second meal after the completion of the trip, at 5.30 pm. In the excitement of the challenge, we did not feel hungry at all.”
It was a difficult challenge in parts,says Saravanan R (28), a participant. “It was hot and humid. One of the participants got de-hydrated, but somehow we managed it. I was amazed to see the enthusiasm of the kids. They never complained and their energy lifted up our spirits. I was dubious of the efficiency of public transport system and the cleanliness of toilets. But this trip busted my misconceptions.These places are well connected and the toilets are clean. We celebrated the end of the trip with some good South Indian food and sound sleep.”
Kumar’s next adventure is with 25 members. “I am planning a car trip from Kanyakumari to the Himalayas in September.”
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