The Great Indian World Trip

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The Great Indian World Trip is an incredible story about 2 guys who beat all odds to live their dream of driving all around the world in their own car. Tushar and Sanjay spent 2 years planning the journey and even after failing to secure enough money, they still decided to go ahead. Incredibly, help kept coming along the way and bit by bit, slowly and steadily they continued progressing and finally after 15 months, they realized their dream of driving 90,000 km through 50 countries in 6 continents.

The book narrates an incredible story of cultures, languages, places, food, fun, difficulties, challenges and above all the struggles that they face on this one of a kind journey. They stayed hungry but made sure the fuel tank was always full. They created a Guinness World Record in Australia, drove from Ushuaia, the southern most city in the world in Argentina to Dead Horse, the northern most point of Alaska. They ate a Guinea Pig in Peru, Crocodile and Ox Balls in Africa, Kangaroo in Australia and many more delicacies in different corners of the world. They learned the Tango Dance on the streets of Argentina, drove on the Death Road, the Worlds' Most Dangerous Road in Bolivia, spent time with Billionaires in Africa and had many more such incredible experiences on their 15 month long Journey.

This journey as you will read had 3 main characters - Tushar, Myself and Forrest. The purpose of this tale by Tushar is twofold. First and foremost, they remind us that few, rather most of our ventures made the hassles of the travel worthwhile. The second purpose is to share with the travel vignettes to spark their interest and remind them that the destinations like these are possible for the regulars like us too. We wouldn't have imagined doing this 10 years ago but the fire inside to do something extraordinary, explore of the world like No Indian had ever done before, this fire drove us to strike off not 10 or 20 but 50 countries off our Bucket List. Yes, we clocked 90,000 kms across 6 continents, driving in 50 countries.

We are definitely the lucky ones to live the dream of our lives. Let's be honest, it is not a cakewalk. People don't have the resources, association, time, support, well being or so much more to even give a thought to make an attempt on this scale. The reason I captioned this foreword as "World through my Windshield" is because we saw 50 countries across the world through the same windshield of our car lovingly known as FORREST, which was our home, companion, personal space and safety during the entire journey.

The main force behind this amazing journey was only positive thoughts and sheer determination. Since the first day when we started driving till the day we wrapped it up, one thing that remained constant was our will and determination that we can do this and no one can deter it. Tushar and I came together in 2012 and very soon we realized that both of us were going through the same phase n our lives; a phase in which we only dreamed of doing something big and adventurous. Both of us are like a house on fire! Two minds thinking alike with a burning desire to make an attempt which is larger than life. Tushar is blessed with a charming personality, incredible energy and confidence to do the extraordinary. It's easy for anyone to get impressed by him for his knowledge and style .He is extremely humble and the warmth he infuses in any relationship is worth appreciation. Tushar played the fundamental role in planning this trip and I am sure if it was not him, this journey wouldn't have been possible. Tushar and I have mutual respect for each other, he respects me like an elder brother and I protect & guide him like my younger sibling. All of this was making a perfect chemistry which we knew will work extremely well for our association. Disagreements were normal but the approach was always healthy so everything came with a solution. Our rule is simple. No competition, respect for each other's space and use of each other's strengths rather than exposing weaknesses. This is the best way to be friends and we are going great.

I give a large credit to my wife Sona Madan for her love and support to accomplish this unbelievable journey. She stood by me from the day I shared the thought of doing the world trip. We were driving around the world with no worries of home. She held all for 2 yrs from managing the house, kids, her corporate office job, travels and a million other things. She also proved that with a womans' support" A married man with 2 kids can also drive all around the world".

During the journey, I got used to people asking me that how was I allowed to leave my wife and kids for so long to do this journey? I would simply respond by saying that even after 15 years of our wedlock, we are still madly in love with each other, completely unconditional and we believe in giving space to each other to live our passion. I had sent her a few wonderful messages recorded by people I met during the journey to appreciate her strength and courage. Support of my parents and children alike who not once made me feel that I was away from my responsibilities as a son or as a father. They were always positive about the journey and cheered me up every time I had a worrying thought. Not to forget our friends too who have supported us emotionally and financially to ensure that nothing defaults for us to complete this trip.