Reels, monkey antics and rubbish: When civic sense takes a Himalayan tumble

Somewhere between the plains and the first hairpin bend into Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand, something curious happens to the average tourist. Civic sense quietly disembarks. It simply disappears. 

What follows every long weekend is now painfully familiar. Tourists from the plains storm the hills like they’ve won a lifetime supply of irresponsibility vouchers, transforming snow-capped serenity into a giant, litter-strewn tailgate party. 

Having pored over the endless circus in news clips and social media feeds — those viral jams, trash avalanches and tone-deaf shirtless antics — one cannot help but chuckle bitterly at the annual ritual: plenty of selfies, zero self-awareness.

Behold the majestic 13-km Manali-Patlikuhal jam, where Delhi-NCR and neighbouring states day-trippers ditch their low-slung sedans and porter luggage like reluctant sherpas, auditioning for Survivor: Himachal Edition. 

Shimla-Manali reels under 8,000-10,000 vehicles daily, trapping even the culprits for 24-hour marathons in their own chaos — three lakh invaders projected, because why plan when you can honk? Cops play human Tetris to free the mess, while locals ponder if Everest was this exhausting.

Nullahs bloated with plastics, Tirthan Valley’s pristine brooks auditioning as Delhi’s next landfill. Apparently, 70% NCR tourists mistook ‘leave no trace’ for ‘leave your trash’. Viral Sissu clips capture sunroof revellers boozing through a 40-day tourism ban, as if ‘customs’ meant ‘costumes for clowns’. 

Mussoorie, the so-called Queen of Hills, chokes on wrappers while polite foreigners play cleanup crew - talk about role reversal with a side of rubbish.

Sari-stripping in Manali? Pistol-waving at Parwanoo-Shimla tolls? These gems have ministers begging for ‘civilised conduct’ on sacred Dev bhoomi, as if hill etiquette came with a spoiler alert. Shimla’s Mall Road? Locals’ no-fly zone amid selfie zombies and VIP tantrums, nothing screams ‘holiday’ like treating apple carts as photo props.

Uttarakhand's 2023 pledge to assess limits in 15 towns - from Mussoorie to Pithoragarh - gathers dust, ignoring NGT pleas for tourist registration tied to parking and rooms. Himachal splurges Rs 3,000 crore on tunnels and tamashas, blind to sewage tsunamis and landslide encores post-Joshimath. 

Activists like Anoop Nautiyal scream into the void: revenue’s golden egg hatches scarcity, smog and sobbing locals. Who needs limits when selfies are infinite?

At the heart of this seasonal circus is entitlement. A belief that paying for a hotel room includes the right to block roads, ignore rules and treat fragile ecosystems as disposable backdrops. Authorities respond with fines, caps and barricades, but enforcement has limits. Civic sense, unfortunately, cannot be outsourced to the traffic police.

So, what’s the solution to this recurring theatre of the absurd? Perhaps it is time for a radical idea: treat hill towns like places where people actually live. Drive less, walk more. Carry your rubbish. Lower the volume. 

Cap homestays, ape Sikkim’s plastic purge, slap ‘civic deposits’ refunded minus your landfill donation. Ban sunroof DJs, snow-illiterate cars and blast PSAs: ‘Hills ain’t your highway, hotshot’. 

The mountains have been patient hosts. The question is whether tourists can learn to be guests rather than invaders. Until then, civic deficient nomads will keep re-enacting Mumbai rush hour at 10,000 feet, one flung bottle at a time. 

Why Motorcycling Is India’s Hottest Ticket To Adventure

Motorcycling in India isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a way of life, a ticket to freedom, and a gateway to some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes on the planet. Over the last couple of years, the rumble of engines has grown louder, not just in bustling cities but across winding mountain passes, dusty desert trails, and lush coastal roads. Let’s ride through the world of motorcycling in India—exploring its travel allure, the brands fueling the passion, and the surge of interest that’s got everyone itching to hit the road.

The Open Road: Travel and Exploration

India’s diverse terrain makes it a motorcyclist’s paradise. From the dizzying heights of the Himalayas to the sun-scorched sands of Rajasthan, every mile offers a new adventure. Picture this: you’re cruising through Ladakh, the world’s highest motorable road at Khardung La Pass stretching before you, with snow-capped peaks piercing the sky. Or maybe you’re weaving through the tea estates of Munnar in Kerala, the air thick with the scent of spice and freedom. The beauty of motorcycling here is the intimacy—you’re not just passing through; you’re part of the landscape, feeling every twist and turn.

Over the past couple of years, motorcycle travel has exploded in popularity. Social media is flooded with riders sharing their escapades—a solo journey along the Konkan Coast or a group expedition through the rugged Spiti Valley. These trips aren’t just about the destination; they’re about the stories you collect along the way. Stopping at a roadside dhaba for chai, chatting with locals in a remote village, or camping under a starlit sky—these moments stitch together memories that last a lifetime. Companies offering guided tours have mushroomed too, catering to both seasoned riders and newbies eager to explore India’s wild side on two wheels.

The Machines: Brands That Rule the Road

When it comes to motorcycles, India has a love affair with brands that blend reliability, style, and raw power. Royal Enfield has long been the king of the open road, its iconic thump echoing through generations. The Bullet, Himalayan, and Classic models aren’t just bikes—they’re symbols of adventure. In recent years, Royal Enfield has doubled down, releasing updated versions like the Himalayan 450, tailor-made for India’s rough-and-tumble terrain. Riders swear by its rugged charm, even if the occasional breakdown adds a bit of spice to the journey.

But Royal Enfield isn’t alone in the game. Jawa and Yezdi, two brands with deep roots in India’s biking history, have roared back into the spotlight with retro-inspired designs that tug at the heartstrings of nostalgia seekers. Jawa’s 42 and Perak models, with their classic lines and modern engines, have become favorites among riders who want a blend of old-school cool and new-age reliability—perfect for cruising the Goan coastline or tackling a Himalayan detour. Yezdi, on the other hand, has leaned into the adventure crowd with bikes like the Scrambler and Roadster, offering gritty performance for those who crave off-road thrills alongside their pavement runs. Both brands have sparked a cult following, with riders appreciating their nod to the past while keeping pace with today’s demands.

Bajaj, with their Pulsar and Dominar series, has carved out a loyal fanbase among younger riders looking for speed and affordability. The Dominar 400, in particular, has gained traction for long-distance touring, offering a punchy engine without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, TVS has been winning hearts with the Apache series—bikes like the RTR 310 are sleek, tech-packed, and perfect for zipping through traffic or tearing up a mountain pass.

International brands are muscling in too. Yamaha’s MT-15 and KTM’s Duke series have sparked a craze among adrenaline junkies, their sporty designs turning heads in cities and beyond. Even premium players like BMW Motorrad and Triumph are finding takers among India’s growing middle class, with models like the BMW G 310 GS appealing to those who want a taste of luxury on their adventures. And let’s not forget the electric wave—startups like Ather Energy and Ola Electric are shaking things up, promising eco-friendly rides without sacrificing the thrill.

The Growing Buzz: Interest in Recent Years

If you’d asked someone five years ago about motorcycling in India, they might’ve pictured a commuter weaving through Mumbai traffic on a Hero Splendor. But the last couple of years have shifted gears dramatically. The pandemic played a sneaky role—locked-down folks, itching for freedom, turned to motorcycles as a socially distanced escape. Suddenly, weekend rides to nearby hill stations weren’t just hobbies; they were lifelines.

This newfound love hasn’t faded. Riding communities have sprung up like wildflowers—groups like the India Bull Riders and Himalayan Odyssey Riders organize massive rallies, drawing hundreds of enthusiasts to share routes, tips, and tall tales. Women are joining the fray in droves too, with all-female biking clubs like the Bikerni shattering stereotypes and hitting the road with unapologetic swagger. Social media has fanned the flames—Instagram reels of misty mountain rides and desert sunsets have inspired countless newbies to saddle up.

The industry has taken notice. Dealerships are packed, with waiting lists for popular models stretching months. Custom shops are booming too—guys are decking out their Enfields, Jawas, and Yezdis with leather panniers and matte paint jobs, turning bikes into rolling works of art. Even Bollywood’s gotten in on the action—stars like John Abraham (a known bike nut) flaunting their machines on screen only add fuel to the fire.

The Road Ahead

Motorcycling in India isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement. The past couple of years have shown that two wheels can unlock not just roads, but entire worlds—of culture, camaraderie, and raw, unfiltered adventure. Whether you’re a grizzled rider with a thousand miles under your belt or a newbie still figuring out how to balance, there’s a place for you on India’s highways and byways. So grab a helmet, pick your poison—be it a thumping Royal Enfield, a retro Jawa, or a gritty Yezdi—and hit the road. The next epic story is just around the bend.