Ever heard of someone packing their bags and zipping off on a road trip to travel to 11 countries and over 50 cities in 111 days? Meet the city-based Baid family who took an incredible 111-day Road Trip from Bengaluru to Paris in their Car. Packed in a Fiat Linea T-Jet, a family of four, comprising animation mentor Anand Baid (37), his wife, Project Manager, Punita Baid (36) and their two kids, Yash (12) and Dhriti (8), on April 8 embarked on one of the most important trips of their lives. Yes, a road trip from India to France, spanning 11 countries.
Beginning with Bengaluru and ending in Paris, they travelled through India, Nepal, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, and France. One family, one car, 22,780 km, 11 countries, more than 50 cities.
They planned a route
Calling themselves Team L.I.F.E (Little Indian Family of Explorers), Punita Baid had two months of vacation, her husband Anand had just quit his job, exchanged countless emails with over 12 embassies. They even convinced the kids’ school principal to grant them the extra leave.
The journey started on April 8
Made their way to Nepal.
First peek at the highest peak in the world
Stuck in Nepal
But as they were making their way through Nepal, the earthquake hit. Even though they were stuck in Nepal for 5 days, this didn’t dull their spirits. Lacking warm gloves, the family improvised and used socks to counter the cold.
Way to China.
Prayer wheels by the Patola Palace, Lhasa
Golmud City in China
From climbing the massive sand dunes in western China to facing winds so strong, their car swayed while driving.
However, being vegetarians, China and Central Asia would always be a challenge.
Of course, they carried their own stove and cooked whenever they could.
Mesmerizing Kyrgyzstan
Free horses running in the open!
They experienced nature’s marvel when the landscape changed within a span of a few kilometres in Kyrgyzstan
Way to Uzbekistan
Gur-e Amir in Samarkand – 14th-century monument
“Door to Hell” in Turkmenistan.
And visiting the intimidating ‘Door to Hell’ in Turkmenistan, they had their share of goosebumps-inducing adventures.
Which looked even better at night.
Then, a way to Iran.
Way to Turkey
Little Indian Family of Explorers taking a walk in the Travertines of Pamukalle.
Greece.
Finally, the home-coming.
The family flew back to India and had their car shipped home. This epic road trip by the Baid family is one hell of an inspiration to everyone who wants to travel. They updated about their adventures on trip on their Facebook page Overland Stories.