This section is a detailed pic and video part of the tour, also my rave/rant section. The tour was enjoyable and scenic with isolated forest sections being the best.
One of my favorite stopovers en route from Kanpur to Banda, near Bindki town is a small shack selling snacks. It has a tree nearby that houses dozens of owls. The old-timer farmer who runs it is an affable old man who appreciates the rigors of long haul cycling.
One of my favorite haunts about 5km. from Bindki and about 55 km. from Kanpur with the owl nest tree in the background
The above pic was taken on my scouting trips to check out the Banda route.
Rajpoot Dhaba (roadside food shack) 5 km. away from Ajaigarh en route to Panna
Hill climb route to Panna, the climb is lung sapping and the road is not good in some stretches
Panna hill road runs through dense forests having abundant wildlife, its advisable to negotiate it before sunset. There were signboards warning local villagers against killing leopards and deer. Tip to cyclists negotiating big cat infested forests: look for cattle, human tracks, if you find none try not to stop in those stretches.
Beniasagar Lake, Panna city
On the way to Khajuraho a few km. out of Panna
Bike battering road construction dirt diversion on the way to Khajuraho — often means bouncing on rocks and pebbles eating dust from passing vehicles. If you find a couple of these it could mean your freewheel and transmission lose a considerable portion of their life.
A signboard which will set the pulse rate of solo cyclists pacing, seen on isolated stretches of Panna Tiger Reserve
The Youtube video link below shows a steep downhill road section through Panna Tiger Reserve forests:
Panna to Khajuraho downhill Video Clip
Entry Gate to Pandav Water Fall
Narrow bridges spanning water streams with occasional heavy traffic, through Panna Tiger Reserve
Something that has always bugged me is the lack of traffic discipline on our state highways. Heavy trucks, SUV’s and fast cars try to overtake each other in single lane/double lane stretches often hogging the entire opposite side of the highways. This means that cyclists and two-wheeler riders are often at great risk. There are no speed restrictions even though speed limit signboards are there on the highways. What’s the point of putting up speed limit signboards if no one even notices them?
The entire Panna Tiger Reserve road stretch had speed limit signs of 20 or 30 kmph., but cars and trucks were zipping by at 60-80 kmph., oblivious of the dangers to wildlife. I did spot deer next to the road.
The Ken river boundary of Panna Tiger Reserve, beyond this are abundant human settlements
The ONLY cycle mechanic who can service/install gears and handle modern bike mechs in Khajuraho city, just ask around for Bindra and you will be guided to his shack. Khajuraho is a small place
The hidden jewel of Khajuraho — Jain temples, the pillars, and sculptures are ancient but the superstructure is modern
Speed kills — this is an old wreck which I have seen on my past several biking visits, about 11 km. from Mahoba; carcasses of broken up vehicles, broken glass line up our highways as people are intent on not observing safety while driving; according to locals an entire family was wiped out in this accident
Bridge on Betwa river, one enters Hamirpur town via this bridge, the bridge is narrow and has occasional traffic snarls
Youtube video link below of the Betwa river bridge entrance:
Betwa River Bridge Entrance Video Clip
Cold and foggy morning on the way to Kanpur, starting from Bharua Sumerpur, I had put on my safety lights and reflective jacket for the same
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