Lakshmi, a young woman from Kerala, completed a 59-day solo motorcycle journey from Kerala to Kashmir and back to her hometown, covering over 8,000 kilometers. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rain, landslides, and safety concerns, she persevered and reached Khardung La, the world's highest motorable road. Lakshmi's journey was inspired by her grandmother's love of travel and her own desire to explore India. She worked online during her trip to support herself and received help and encouragement from strangers and social media followers. Upon her return, she was welcomed as a hero and struggled to adjust to a stationary life after her long and eventful journey.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Lakshmi, the narrator, is a native of Kalpathi in Palakkad district.
2. She completed a 59-day solo ride from Kerala to Kashmir on her Pulsar bike.
3. The ride covered a distance from Palakkad to Khardung La and back to Kanyakumari.
4. Lakshmi started her journey with a meager amount of Rs 3000 given by her father.
5. She worked online for a US-based company to fund her trip.
6. She worked for 9 hours a day, from 7:30 pm to 4:30 am, and then slept for 2-3 hours.
7. Lakshmi did not fall from her bike during the entire journey.
8. She faced challenges such as landslides, traffic jams, and rain.
9. She reached Khardung La on the 25th day of her journey.
10. The elevation of Khardung La is 18,000-19,000 feet.
11. Lakshmi spent three hours at Khardung La, taking photos and reflecting on her journey.
12. She met military personnel and a Malayali at Khardung La.
13. After descending from Khardung La, she visited Pangong Lake and then returned to Leh.
14. She decided to return to Kerala via Srinagar, despite warnings from travelers.
15. She faced challenges such as non-availability of food, water, and petrol on the way.
16. She was accompanied by two youth from Kottayam on the return journey.
17. They drove through tunnels and were stopped by military personnel for inspections.
18. Lakshmi carried a pepper spray as a safety tool.
19. She received special gestures from military personnel due to being a lady.
20. She reached Jammu and then drove to Sonamarg, Pathankot, and Amritsar.
21. She visited various places in India, including Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kanyakumari.
22. She entered Thiruvananthapuram district and received a rousing reception from moto kids.
23. She stayed at Kumarakom and visited the houses of her fellow riders in Kottayam.
24. When she reached Palakkad, she decided to visit Ooty to calm herself.
25. She stayed in Ooty for 2 days and then returned to Palakkad on the 59th day of her journey.