London to Mumbai by Road 2016 – Revisited
Day 64 – 30 October 2016
Arriving in Kolkata on Diwali
This morning began with a touching farewell.
After spending the night in the car park of their Reliance fuel station, the Punjabi family who had looked after us so warmly came out to see us off. Before we left, they wished us a Happy Diwali and a safe onward journey.
It was another example of the incredible hospitality we had encountered throughout our travels.
Although we had met them only the previous evening, they treated us more like old friends than passing travellers. We thanked them sincerely for their kindness, hospitality, tea, food, and friendship before climbing back into Kontiki and setting off towards Kolkata.
The journey ahead was still challenging.
The roads remained rough in many places, with potholes continuing to test both driver and vehicle. However, there was one important difference today—the traffic was noticeably lighter than it had been over the previous few days.
Perhaps the Diwali festivities had kept some people off the roads.
Whatever the reason, we were grateful.
We knew that if we wanted to reach Kolkata before nightfall, we would need to keep moving with only minimal stops.
Hour after hour, Kontiki rolled steadily southwards through West Bengal.
Despite her tired suspension and battle scars from thousands of miles across Europe and Asia, she continued to perform faithfully. Every mile brought us closer to Mumbai and closer to completing a dream that had begun more than two months earlier in Leicester.
As the afternoon progressed, signs of Diwali became increasingly visible.
Villages, towns, and roadside businesses were decorated with colourful lights, lanterns, and festive displays. People were shopping, preparing celebrations, and gathering with family and friends.
There was a festive atmosphere everywhere.
By late evening, just before darkness fell, Team Kontiki finally arrived in Kolkata, one of India’s great historic cities and the former capital of British India.
The city was absolutely alive with Diwali celebrations.
Buildings sparkled with colourful lights.
Decorations hung from homes, shops, and businesses.
The streets glowed with festive colours, creating a beautiful and vibrant atmosphere.
Unfortunately, there was one small downside.
The traffic.
Kolkata traffic was absolutely horrendous.
After a long day on the road, navigating the busy streets felt like one final challenge before reaching our hotel.
By the time we finally checked in, all three of us were exhausted.
Although it was Diwali and there was plenty happening outside, we decided not to venture back out into the crowds. Instead, we chose a quieter celebration.
A few drinks were poured.
The day’s driving was discussed.
Stories from the journey were shared once again.
And then we enjoyed a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant.
It was a fitting way to celebrate the Festival of Lights while reflecting on how far we had come.
As we sat together that evening, far from where our journey had begun but much closer to where it would end, we felt incredibly grateful.
Grateful for our health.
Grateful for our faithful old Kontiki.
Grateful for the kindness of strangers we had met across continents.
And grateful for the support of our family, friends, and followers who had encouraged us throughout this adventure.
On this special occasion, Team Kontiki would like to extend our warmest wishes to everyone following our journey.
A Very Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year to all our family, friends, well-wishers, and followers.
Your kind messages, encouragement, prayers, and support have helped keep us motivated through every challenge, every border crossing, every breakdown, and every long day on the road.
For that, we thank you sincerely.
The road to Mumbai was getting shorter.
But the memories were growing longer every day.
Distance travelled: Approximately 400 km (250 miles)
Route: West Bengal countryside to Kolkata
Weather: Warm and pleasant
Highlights: Reaching Kolkata on Diwali and witnessing the city illuminated with festive lights
Most memorable moment: Being warmly seen off by the Punjabi family at the Reliance fuel station
Challenge of the day: Navigating Kolkata’s notorious traffic after a long day’s drive
Accommodation: Hotel in Kolkata
Dinner: Special Diwali dinner at the hotel restaurant
Mood of the day: Thankful, festive, and proud of how far Team Kontiki had come
Join us tomorrow as Team Kontiki explores the historic city of Kolkata before continuing westwards on the final stages of our epic London-to-Mumbai road adventure.
