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- Sarthak Chauhan, a 31-year-old resident of Sector 52, Noida, says he completed an 18-day solo cycling journey from Rameswaram to Ayodhya, covering more than 2,500 km across seven states between October 20 and November 6, 2026.
- Chauhan says bicycle repairs near Hyderabad and route changes prompted by Cyclone Arnab were among his major challenges. Google Maps Timeline records shared with Pulse of Noida support portions of his journey.
- Through CycleYatra, Chauhan aims to encourage affordable travel and long-distance cycling. He advises beginners to start with manageable distances, build confidence and prepare for road safety and equipment needs.
For 31-year-old Sarthak Chauhan of Sector 52, Noida, cycling is a way to explore India’s people, places and cultures without spending heavily on travel. In October 2026, he set out from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu on a solo bicycle journey that ended in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 18 days later.
Chauhan, who was born and educated in Noida, says he covered more than 2,500 km across seven states between October 20 and November 6. The journey was the third edition of CycleYatra, an initiative he started in 2024.
Speaking to Pulse of Noida, he described the challenges of travelling without a support vehicle, the strangers who helped him along the way, and why he wants more people to experience India through affordable travel.
From Noida to a Journey Across Seven States
Chauhan is a freelancer who lives and works in Sector 52. He says Noida has been his home throughout his life.
Despite undertaking long-distance expeditions, he does not consider himself a regular cyclist.
He generally completes a ride of more than 50 km about once a month and maintains his fitness through gym workouts. He did not undertake specialised cycling training for the 2026 expedition.
“I have always been more of an independent cyclist, using a relatively simple bicycle rather than expensive professional equipment,” he told Pulse of Noida.
Although he is part of the Noida Cycling Club’s WhatsApp group, he says he has never joined its group rides.
His third CycleYatra began on Dussehra, October 20, at the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram.
According to Chauhan, the 18-day route passed through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Major cities along the journey included Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Hosur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Jabalpur and Prayagraj.
He reached Ayodhya on November 6, ahead of the city’s Deepotsav celebrations on November 7.
Why He Chose Rameswaram and Ayodhya
Chauhan says his inspiration came from reading about journeys associated with historical and spiritual figures, including Gautam Buddha and Adi Shankaracharya.
The religious significance of Rameswaram and Ayodhya in the Ramayana eventually influenced his choice of route.
However, he says his objective goes beyond completing a religious pilgrimage.
“I wanted to explore India in an affordable way, so that ordinary people could also replicate my journey and experience the real India without spending a fortune,” he explained.
His idea was to start the journey on Dussehra and reach Ayodhya around Deepotsav.
The first edition took place in 2024, when Chauhan travelled solo. In 2025, he organised a group expedition involving five cyclists.
Both earlier editions were completed in 16 days, according to Chauhan.
The 2026 journey took two additional days.
When a Bicycle Breakdown Threatened the Journey
One of the most difficult moments of the expedition came near Hyderabad, where Chauhan says six or seven spokes of his bicycle broke.
He managed to reach the city and locate a bicycle repair shop.
According to his account, the mechanic took several hours to replace the spokes, work on the brakes and service the bicycle.
When the repairs were completed, Chauhan felt the bicycle was not moving properly.
He said the mechanic assured him that it would become smoother after some use, but Chauhan remained concerned about continuing a long-distance journey on a bicycle that did not feel safe to ride.
“I was so frustrated and helpless that my eyes filled with tears,” he recalled.
He continued searching for assistance and eventually found another repair shop.
After hearing about his journey, the second shopkeeper asked his staff to prioritise the bicycle. Chauhan says they identified problems with the previous repairs, fixed the bicycle and refused to accept payment.
The incident became one of the most memorable experiences of his expedition.
“That day, I encountered both the worst and the best sides of human behaviour,” Chauhan said.
For him, the experience demonstrated how much a solo traveller can depend on the kindness and cooperation of strangers.
Cyclone Arnab Forced a Change in Plans
The 2026 journey also encountered an unexpected weather-related challenge.
Chauhan had originally planned to travel along India’s eastern coastline before passing through parts of Chhattisgarh.
However, Cyclone Arnab developed over the Bay of Bengal in late October.
The India Meteorological Department reported the formation of Cyclone Arnab on October 26, with the storm approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast.
Chauhan says the developing weather situation disrupted his original plans, forcing him to change the route and abandon the proposed Chhattisgarh section.
He continued the expedition through a revised route, eventually reaching Ayodhya on November 6.
How Much Does a Long-Distance Cycling Journey Cost?
One of Chauhan’s objectives is to demonstrate that travelling across India does not necessarily require expensive equipment or accommodation.
During his journey, he generally chose economical places to stay.
He reported paying approximately:
- ₹700 per night for budget lodges.
- ₹300 per night for dormitory accommodation.
- Nothing on some occasions when roadside dhaba operators allowed him to rest or stay.
These figures represent accommodation costs reported by Chauhan, not the total expenditure for his expedition.
He says he covered approximately 130 km per day on average, carrying his belongings on the bicycle rather than travelling with a support vehicle.
His approach involved adapting to changing circumstances and finding affordable facilities along the way.
Google Maps Timeline Records Support Parts of the Route
Chauhan shared photographs and Google Maps Timeline screenshots with Pulse of Noida to document his journey.
One screenshot dated November 4 records approximately 140 km of cycling through Madhya Pradesh, including locations around Katni, Maihar and Rewa.
Another screenshot dated November 6 records approximately 149 km of cycling in Uttar Pradesh and includes an evening visit recorded as Ram Mandir Entry, Ayodhya.
Original photographs supplied by Chauhan also contain location and date information consistent with his presence near Rameswaram on October 20 and in Ayodhya on November 6.
These records support portions of his account. The overall distance of more than 2,500 km remains based on Chauhan’s reported journey total.
A Conversation in Madhya Pradesh That Stayed With Him
Another memorable moment occurred while Chauhan was cycling through Madhya Pradesh.
He recalled an elderly man on a scooter approaching him and asking about his starting point and destination.
When Chauhan explained that he was travelling from Rameswaram to Ayodhya, the man expressed admiration for the journey.
According to Chauhan, the man spoke about his own wish to travel across India, something he had never managed to do despite having the resources.
The encounter made Chauhan reflect on how often people postpone travel because of personal responsibilities, uncertainty or fear.
He believes travelling can help people understand cultures and communities beyond their everyday surroundings.
“Cycling is like having wings,” he said.
For Chauhan, travelling by bicycle provides the freedom to stop, observe and interact with people in ways that faster forms of transport may not always allow.
His Advice to Aspiring Cyclists in Noida
Chauhan believes people interested in cycling should begin with manageable distances and gradually develop their confidence.
He says expensive bicycles, specialised clothing and professional equipment should not be viewed as prerequisites for starting recreational cycling.
His advice is to start small rather than wait for perfect circumstances.
However, his own experience also demonstrates the importance of bicycle maintenance, preparation and managing unexpected situations during a long journey.
Aspiring long-distance cyclists should assess their physical fitness, road conditions, equipment and safety arrangements before attempting a multi-day expedition.
What Is Next for CycleYatra?
Chauhan wants to develop CycleYatra into an annual initiative that encourages more people to explore India through cycling.
He hopes future editions will attract a larger group of participants interested in affordable travel, cultural experiences, fitness and spirituality.
He acknowledges that financial limitations currently affect some of his plans.
For now, his focus is on continuing the Rameswaram-to-Ayodhya journey and encouraging others to explore cycling at a pace suited to their capabilities.
For the Sector 52 resident, completing another expedition is not simply about the distance covered. It is also about the people he met, the difficulties he faced and the experiences he brought back to Noida.
