KOLKATA : Journeying from Kolkata to London might not raise many eyebrows, but doing it entirely by car certainly will. This extraordinary adventure has been meticulously organized by Dr. Debanjali Ray and Kaushik Roy, an anesthesiologist businessman duo renowned for their love of travel. The 64-days expedition, spanning an impressive 18,000 kilometers through 23 countries, is set to begin on August 24 and conclude on October 25, with an estimated cost of Rs. 13 lakh per person.
The adventurous route will traverse through Nepal, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and France before reaching the final destination in London.
The couple observed that their expedition is a tribute to the former Kolkata-London bus service, once the longest bus route in the world, operating from 1957 until the 1970s with a journey duration of approximately 132 days. This modern-day adventure not only honors a historical landmark but also establishes a new one. Their new venture has paved the way for a larger group of travel enthusiasts to join the Hooghly-Thames trip.
The Rays’ passion for adventure extends beyond mere thrill seeking. Joining them on this ambitious journey are 15 travel enthusiasts, all eager to experience the cultural tapestry of 23 different countries. The journey highlights the importance of endurance, overcoming language barriers, and meticulous health preparation—a necessity underscored by their experience with cancer survivors among their travel companions.
‘Having undertaken long cross-country trips before, it’s normal to feel apprehensive, but the chance to interact with such a diverse array of people truly highlights the human connection,’ Kaushik Roy said. ‘When you cross borders, even the smell of the land changes, along with food, languages, and so much more—the diversity is what makes the journey worth it,’ Dr. Debanjali Ray mentioned. From the vibrant streets of Kolkata to the historic avenues of London, this road trip promises to be a testament to the unifying spirit of travel and the enduring human desire for exploration.
