The End of One Chapter, The Start of Another.

Vande Mataram!
Namaskar, dear readers!

On the 177th day of my life on the open road, my tires touched Indian soil once again. With that, a chapter came to a close — not just any chapter, but my first international cycling expedition, a deeply personal and unforgettable ride across the island nation of Sri Lanka.

But let me make one thing clear:

 This wasn’t a vacation.
This wasn’t a sightseeing trip curated by Google Maps.
And it definitely wasn’t about comfort.

This was a journey fueled by purpose, powered by my legs, guided by my heart — and driven by dreams.

The Purpose Behind the Pedals

This ride carried four powerful messages close to my soul:

Pedal for Green
Plant for Peace
Donate Blood
Ride for Health

From village paths to city lanes, every handshake, every smile, and every curious question became a part of this mission. I spoke to strangers about the power of bicycles, the importance of nature, and how one blood donation can save a life.

This wasn’t just a ride — it was a conversation with the world, one pedal stroke at a time.

Where I Slept — From Shrines to Strangers’ Homes

Each night was a new chapter — sometimes uncertain, often heartwarming.

Temples, mandirs, and churches became my unexpected shelters. Some nights, fellow Bengalis living in Sri Lanka welcomed me like family, their doors — and hearts — wide open.

But most nights, I found comfort in local homestays. Their kindness, simple meals, shared stories — they turned unfamiliar rooftops into homes away from home.

A Taste of Sri Lanka

Every region has its flavor, and Sri Lanka had plenty to offer.

Fried rice and Kottu Roti became my go-to meals — hearty and filling.
Quick bites like burgers, veg rolls, and buns were everywhere, though often cold and pre-prepared.

And while locals spoke proudly of their seafood and meat, my Bengali heart longed for the unbeatable freshness of our West Bengal markets.

(I’ll do a separate post soon — Kottu Roti deserves its own spotlight.)

Small Roads, Big Memories

Sri Lanka’s roads weren’t grand — around 18 to 20 feet wide — but they were clean, green, and calm.

The countryside? Pure peace.
Drivers? Polite, rule-abiding, and never honked unless needed.
The coasts? Meditative.
The hills? Challenging, but deeply rewarding.

Cycling through those slopes on my Ninety One Expedition 700C cycle was a joy I can’t quite put into words. A massive thank-you to Sohel Biswas da and Dablu Cycle for this beautiful gift — a piece of Lalgola that rode with me on international soil.

What It Cost Me

Here’s a breakdown of what I spent over 27 days in Sri Lanka:

Category	_	INR(Approx.)
Total Spend	–	₹21,000
Personal Shopping	–	₹5,000
Ferry (to & fro + cycle)	–	₹15,225
Essentials (excl. shopping)	–	₹31,000

Had I packed lighter and skipped a few indulgences, it could’ve been done in just ₹11,000.

So yes — international cycling is possible on a budget. If this dream speaks to you, feel free to connect — I’ll happily share all I’ve learned.

A Few Special Thank-Yous

My heartfelt gratitude to:

India in Sri Lanka
The Consulate General of India, Jaffna — for their immense support and warmth.

And to the amazing team at Rotary Club of Nagapattinam, who welcomed me the moment I returned to India. They arranged food, shelter, and reminded me that kindness knows no borders.

And yes — after so many days away, that roadside ₹10 Indian chai was heaven. Just one sip and I was home.

What’s Next?

This ride was just the beginning. I’ve set out on a 17-year mission to cycle across 195 countries.

There’s so much more to share from Sri Lanka — the people, the climbs, the moments that shaped me.

So if this story touched you in any way:
Follow my journey
Share it with others
Send your blessings

Up next — Kerala. Another state. Another ride. Another story waiting to be told.

With love, always powered by pedals,
Jojo Dada www.travellerjojodada.com
Facebook & Instagram: @jojo.dada