road trip from india to london map

India to London by Road: A Journey of a Lifetime

Number of Days

Best time for this roadtrip, important travel documents, 1. passport.

2. Tourist Visas

3. international driving permit, 4. carnet de passages en douane (cpd).

Other Important Documents and Things You Need to Carry

• It is mandatory for you to carry  Motor Insurance for each country that you will be crossing through between India and the UK.
• Special Overland Permits , that should be approved by both the state and the government, are needed in order to cross through Myanmar and China. While the former process may take about a month, the latter will take over 3 months; so make sure you apply accordingly.
• When driving to Myanmar, one also needs to have a government-approved Escort vehicle as well as a local Burmese guide and a liaison officer assigned by the Ministry of Myanmar Tourism with them during their entire time in the country. A tourist guide approved by the Chinese government is also mandatory during your entire journey in China.
• The Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan require some assistance when crossing the borders and special invitation letters are also mandatory for these countries. Thus, you need to ensure that you apply for these documents in advance. There is also a possibility that you may come across some corrupted custom police officers so you need to research and be prepared to handle them just in case. 
• You must also take some additional documents such as your vehicle’s Original Registration Certificate, Motor Insurance, Pollution Certificate, Global Travel Insurance so that you have some cover in case you come across some perilous situations such as kidnapping, accidents, adverse weather conditions, etc.
• Given the fact that this trip will most likely take you over a month at the very least, you will have to carry some extra cash with you. Now, it is common knowledge that US dollars are universally accepted currency so make sure you carry some small USD notes so that you can use them on the way. 
• Also, if you are on some medication , do not forget to carry it with you; in fact, take enough that it lasts you for the whole month or at least a couple of weeks so that you don’t fall short on them when you are crossing by remote terrains.

A Few Pointers for Your Motor Vehicle

• If your vehicle has a good ground clearance and is well-serviced (such that it does not break down in the middle of anywhere), then you should not have a problem. The only catch is that the vehicle should be registered under one of the people undertaking this journey. It is also said that people who use rented cars may have some problems during the entirety of the trip. 
• Since you will be crossing through the remote areas of Central Asia, China, and Russia where you will probably face some difficulty in getting your car tank filled with petrol, it will be a good idea to carry at the minimum 20-litre jerry can of spare fuel.
• Another important aspect that you need to pay attention to is spare parts so that even if your vehicle does face some problem in the middle of nowhere, you are able to change that part and carry on with your journey. These should include the basic tool kit and vehicle parts such as a couple of spare tyres, Fan Belt, Alternator, Extra battery, Bulbs, Air Pump, Wipers, Puncture Repair Kit, etc. Vehicle parts that you think are unique to your vehicle should also be carried so that you are prepared if you don’t end up finding that specific part in the country that you are crossing by.
•  Also, make sure you hire a reliable vehicle shipping agent in advance so that your vehicle can be shipped back to India as soon as you reach London. The vehicle shipments from the UK to India usually take over a month so it is better if you schedule accordingly.

This post was published by Kanushka Chandnani

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Travel from Delhi to London in a bus! Cost and route for world’s longest bus journey

Adventures overland brings the world’s longest bus journey covering 18 countries in 70 days. the journey will start in may 2021 from new delhi and here is how to get yourself registered for the same with all details. we also tell you how much you need to shell out for this epic roadtrip..

Roadtrips are super fun and if you are someone who agrees with the said statement just like us, this piece is for you! In case you want to quench your thirst for a long, really long road trip, well here is your chance to do it. The world’s longest bus journey is set to begin in May 2021 and the journey will start from New Delhi and will conclude in London. Adventures Overland is set to embark on a journey that is sure to cherish the travellers. The bus journey will cover over 20,000 km while crossing as many as 18 countries in a total of 70 days. Now if you have really made up your mind for this journey, you will have to be real quick as only 20 seats are available. Travellers can opt for either a full journey or choose from a total of four legs that include South East Asia (11 nights, 12 days), China (15 nights, 16 days), Central Asia (21 nights, 22 days) and Europe (15 nights, 16 days).

Now coming to the most important part – cost. If you opt for the full monty from Delhi to London, you will have to shell out 15 lakh per person. Yes, such experiences come at a price! On the other hand, if you opt for any one of the four legs, the cost per person ranges between Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 4.95 lakh. Now coming to the route, the Delhi-London bus journey will start from the National capital in India and will proceed to Myanmar, Thailand, China, Uzbekistan, Russia, Czech Republic, Germany and will finally conclude in London.

All hotel stays will be on a twin sharing basis and a proper crew will be on-board the bus to assist the travellers in almost all situations – be it currency exchange, getting local SIM cards and more. For complete details and how to enroll yourself for the world’s longest bus journey, visit http://www.bustolondon.in. Stay tuned with Express Drives for more updates! Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel .

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How Do I Plan a Road Trip From India to London?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Planning a road trip from India to London can be an exciting and daunting task.

However, with careful planning and preparation, you can make this journey an unforgettable experience. Here are some tips to help you plan your epic road trip from India to London.

Plan your Route

The first step is to map out your route. There are different routes that you can take, depending on your preference and the time of year.

The most common route is through Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, and then into Europe. You can also take the scenic route through Central Asia or the Middle East.

Once you have decided on the route, research the best roads to take and any potential issues such as political unrest or natural disasters that may affect your journey. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with local driving laws and regulations in each country.

Get Your Documents in Order

Before embarking on your road trip, make sure all your travel documents are in order. This includes passports, visas, international driving permits, and car insurance.

It’s important to note that some countries may require additional permits or paperwork for foreign vehicles entering their borders. Do your research beforehand so that you’re not caught off guard at border crossings.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Your vehicle will be your home away from home for this epic journey. Make sure it’s in good condition before setting off.

Take it for a tune-up and have all necessary repairs made. Check the tire pressure and ensure that you have a spare tire.

It’s also a good idea to pack extra supplies such as oil, coolant, brake fluid, and other essential fluids for emergencies.

Packing for a road trip is different than packing for a regular vacation. You’ll need to pack light but also bring along essential items such as camping gear, cooking equipment, and extra food and water.

Make a list of everything you’ll need and pack strategically. Keep frequently used items within easy reach.

Safety should be your top priority on this journey. Always wear your seatbelt, obey traffic laws, and avoid driving at night if possible. Be cautious when driving in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye out for potential hazards on the road.

It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit, emergency flares, and a flashlight in case of emergencies.

Enjoy the Journey

While the destination is London, the journey itself will be an unforgettable experience. Take time to enjoy the scenery, meet new people, and try new foods along the way.

Make frequent stops to stretch your legs and explore new places. Take plenty of photos to document your adventure.

7 Related Question Answers Found

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Prepare for an extraordinary journey with Adventures Overland! Since its launch in 2017, the Road to London Drive has become an iconic adventure, beckoning travelers to embark on an epic road trip from the heart of India to the bustling streets of London. Our adventure began in 2017 and extended into 2018 & 2019 from India to UK covering 18 countries and 16,000 km in a span of 50 days. Dubbed as an impossible journey by many, the participants drove on remote terrains, off‐beaten tracks, mountain passes, and expressways to reach their final destination… London. In 2022 and 2023, our route evolved and the journey began from Iran, traversing through 20 countries, 16000 Kms in 55 days before culminating once again in the vibrant heart of London. Inspired by the pioneering path of preceding years, this expedition embraced continuity, beckoning adventurers to rediscover the thrill of the open road and witness new landscapes through a fresh perspective.

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RTL 2017 – An experience of an EPIC, momentous and unforgettable! On first glance, the day by day itinerary for RTL 2017 looked daunting. 16,000 kms, 18 countries, 49 days.but at the end of the expedition, I recall saying that time went by so quickly I felt I hadn’t even moved to second gear!

Priyanka Nishith Jois

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I had never dreamed about travelling by road to London. After completing Road To London trip now I am dreaming of doing bigger and difficult road /off road trips anywhere and everywhere in the world. Thanks Sanjay and Tushar for creating this spark in my mind.

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The 50 days spent on the Road To London was one of my best days of my life….the memories of this trip will never be erased in my life time….my next road trip will only be with Adventures Overland and I recommend them blindly to anybody who’s planning a road trip in India or abroad!

Anurag Shrivastava

Road To London was really a treat to my Mindset, then heart-set and finally to my soul-set. I can only say “End of a great TRIP is START of a NEW JOURNEY” . Everything AO does on a road trip just substantiates why road trips are the best way to explore a place.

Delhi to London (by road) in 70 days

Between the mid-1950s and late 1970s, Hippie Trail was a hit. Groups of people used to pack their bags and travel from Europe to Asia in buses. Now, Gurugram-based travel company Adventures Overland that offers road trips and cross border drives across six continents, is working to replicate that idea with their ‘Bus to London’. This first-ever hop-on/hop-off bus service between India and London will cut through 18 countries, covering 20,000 km in 70 days. 

“We tried and tested this route in 2017, 18 and 19, with a 50-day journey from Delhi to London in customers’ self-driven cars. At that time, we got requests from people wanting to travel in leisure. So, we thought of a bus,” says Co-Founder, Sanjay Madan. 

A 45-seater bus will be converted into a 20-seater bus with business class seats. The number of buses and journeys will depend on the number of bookings. The ceremonial flagging off will be done from India Gate in Delhi in May 2021, but the actual journey will commence from Imphal as the road route will proceed from Myanmar.

“We will take charge of documentation, paperwork, visas, and permits to ensure that the participants get to completely focus on experiencing the journey. An experienced English speaking local guide will travel with the group to ensure smooth communication,” adds Co-Founder Tushar Agarwal, 39. 

Madan and Agarwal met in 2011 when the two had registered their names in the Limca Book of Records. While Madan had become the first Indian to drive to the world’s highest motorable road at Khardung La (5,602 m) in a Tata Nano (626 cc), Agarwal was the first Indian to drive from London to India.

“Since both of us were on the same page, we got together and formed this company in 2012. In 2013, we did several trips, and we went on to make 14 Limca Book Records together,” says Madan. Till date, the duo has taken passionate road trippers to more than 70 countries around the world. And with the Bus to London, they hope add another record.Out of 70 days, 45 days are chalked out for travel and the rest for sightseeing and stay.

Madan, 44, says, “For instance, we will go to France by bus and from there, then cover a distance of 100km out of the total distance of 20,000km in a ferry. The total cost of the one-way trip amounts to `15 lakh per person.” 

The duo has not started taking bookings yet. “We are waiting for the new travel guidelines post COVID. The plan is to have one bus but we can make it two buses also, one after the other,” informs Agarwal and Madan adds, “When we start taking bookings, submitting a COVID-19 negative report will be made compulsory.” 

Like every other travel firm, the pandemic has impacted their business. “Our last trip was the Winter Drive to Russia in February. After that till now there has been no trip. But, we wanted to do this bus trip, and the lockdown gave us the time to plan it. We are also planning domestic trips to Rajasthan in December. Let’s see how things change by then,” adds a hopeful Agarwal.

On its return journey from London, the bus will be renamed ‘Bus to India’, and participants have the option to join for the entire duration or one or more legs. 

To sign up, log on to: bustolondon.in

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Accommodation Where to sleep in London

• From £99 The Sanctuary House Hotel Fabulous 8.6 378 m - 33 Tothill Street, London SW1H 9LA Book details 
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• From £101 Bright 2 Bedroom Flat in Central London Fabulous 8.7 414 m - London SW1H 9DP Book details 

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• Around £40 The Cinnamon Club 9 (634 reviews) 381 m - The Old Westminster Library, London SW1P 3BU Book details 
• £££ The Pem MICHELIN 2024 443 m - 22-28 Broadway, St James’s, London SW1H 0BH details 
• Around £35 Afternoon Tea at The Orchard Room 8.9 (67 reviews) 451 m - 22-28 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH Book details 

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Thank you AO for organizing such a lovely and memorable road trip.. the experiences I

Rudra Biswas

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The attention to detail that the folks over at AO put into every little thing to make

Srivijay Ravi Sastry

RTL Aug 2022

If I had to describe in one word, my experience with Adventures Overland, it would be

Tarana Bindra

Lahaul & Spiti Sep 2022

Had a wonderful memorable road trip…. thanks to Sanjay, Prachur, and team AO

Brazil Nov 2022

Choosing Adventures Overland for the Jordan Expedition is one of my best decisions. W

Potluri Srinivasa Rao

Jordan April 2023

We had been doing very well, and we went on the 4-day trip to a composite where we hu

Giovanni Karl Vaz

Morocco Feb 2023

Great event guys. Made new friends too. Looking forward to some future road trips onc

Kyrgyzstan Dec 2022

It was a beautiful and amazing drive. The cars were just out of the world and I felt

Sagar Maheswari

Supercar Drive - July 2023

Adventures Overland surpassed all expectations with their exceptional organization an

South Africa May 2023

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Rasalika Maskara

Ladakh June 2023

What a wonderful time we had together, amazing memories were created once again. Ever

Nishita Sarvaiya

Adventures Overland overturned my inhibitions and ideas on group travel. Their whole

Prithivi Yashini

Morocco April 2023

Excellent curation of places to visit. They were highly receptive to each guest’s n

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South Africa- May 2023

For those who love driving, and exploring places, and for whom the roads are a “

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Jordan March 2023

I am still in that Nostalgic feeling of our trip, adventures, learning, understanding

Kalpana Chitnis

RTL Oct 2023

Thank you Adventures Overland for introducing us to 1/3 rd of Kyrgyzstan 😍 can’t

Golda Ponraj

Guys thanks a lot for such a great time and amazing memories. Made some great friends

Hey guys, It’s been a fun-filled road trip, and going back with lovely memories. Fo

I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of Adventures Overland. Mr. Sanjay, Mr. Tusha

Lahaul & Spiti June 2022

One of the most thrilling, challenging, and rewarding journeys I have had so far! Eve

First time trip with most unknown people and my first time with Adventures Overland.

Deepesh Agarwal

Iceland Mar 2023

Thank you, Sanjay and the AO team for dishing out an amazing and memorable experience

I was very excited about the Morocco road trip. I was looking forward to having a nic

It was a great experience to be there in the middle of the Sahara, especially in that

Amandeep Sinola

Hi, team Adventures Overland 🥂 and all participants @Morocco…It was my pleas

Adventures overland – South Africa garden route was meticulously planned with t

Vikash Mantri

It was a very well-curated trip, meticulously planned & executed with great prec

Rohini Vijayan

Ladakh 2023

What a wonderful way to experience Ladakh! Adventures Overland took care of the minut

Nidhi Luharuwalla

Ladakh Jun 2023

I traveled with AO in the epic Road to London and drove the Europe belt. It was an am

Swati Saraogi

RTL April 2019

What an experience it is to travel with team AO. Went to Jordan with them in 2022 and

Rishika Gupta

Jordan Nov 2022

This was our first trip to Spiti with AO and feel very confident saying it won’

Lahaul & Spiti June 2023

Tushar and Sanjay are visionaries in the true travel space. Going on a road trip with

Priyanka Bakhru

Jordan March 2022

I must say that the group trip to ICELAND I recently went on was simply amazing! I wa

Aaditya Kashyap

Iceland Oct 2023

I am out of words, I don’t know if my review will do justice, the Ladakh Expedition

Monisha Karnani

Ladakh Sep 2021

What an Epic trip the Super Car Drive turned out to be!! AO you have surpassed every

I couldn’t imagine doing it in a better set of cars. And the fact that we got t

Excellent tour with awesome people. Very much enjoyed the road trip to Jordan differe

Manoj Peshavaria

Dear friends, Thank you all for a wonderful road trip filled with memories of a lifet

Thank you Sanjay and Tushar for making this crazy dream of ours come true. Finally, I

Hemang Thakker

Very a very beautiful and Adventurous journey, I would love to go again with AO to ne

Suman Aggarwal

The warmth that Tushar & Sanjay give off from the first day itself, rubs off on

Sia Sarvaiya

Lahaul & Spiti July 2022

Adventures Overland is one of a kind. We were lucky to have Tushar, Sanjay, Shailin,

Anand Lakshmanan

Changed me from a Tourist to a Traveller!!. The only word I have is “Amazing

Sachin Bansal

Thanks for Adventures Overland! We went to Iceland in a convoy of 6 cars, and it was

Amazing experience. The team is not just your friends, they are your Jeannie. Seeing

My experience with Adventures Overland has been one to remember for life. I was on th

Utkarsh Agarwal

Ladakh July 2021

When it comes to road trips, it’s Adventure Overland only. This company gives a new

Ladakh July’21 was a 15-day dream road trip and am still dreaming and driving away�

Anita Patel

What a stupendous Ladakh trip we had in June, organized by Adventures Overland group.

Dr Ashok Kumar Mathur

The 2-week driving expedition to Leh Ladakh was an absolute joy from start to finish.

Sunita Varadarajan

I and my 72-year-old father went to Ladakh with Adventures Overland and were simply b

Ankit Mathur

Thanks a lot, everyone for your wonderful company and some awesome moments. Catch you

Ranjeet Damodar Thakur

Thanks, Friends for the lovely company and the amazing journey. Wish to see you all s

Absolutely fantastic! And we were so comfortable on the roads with the car. So it was

Yogesh Manek

Hello 👋 we are off on a flight back home… would like to thank you Sanjay and

Zakkir Ahmed

Speechless!! Excellent. The perfect combination – group travel, excellent organ

Nooruddin Kantawalla

Ladakh 2021

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Why choose adventures overland.

Embarking on a journey with Adventures Overland is like diving into a world of excitement, exploration, and limitless possibilities. We are a community of like-minded people who have one true love; road trips.

Our services encompass meticulously planned overland expeditions that cater to both the thrill-seekers and the wanderers-at-heart. Whether you're a solo traveler or looking to bond with family and friends, we have something extraordinary for everyone.

Picture this: You're seated in a custom-fitted 4x4 vehicle, wind in your hair, as you journey through the majestic mountains and lush valleys. Our experienced guides, who double up as storytellers and local experts, will take you off the beaten path, unveiling the heart and soul of each destination. No stone goes unturned as we curate self-drive road trips that ensure a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion.

With Adventures Overland , you won't just see the world; you'll live it.

International Road Trips:

• Road to London: The epic road trip where we drive from India to London by road in a span of 65 days, covering 20 countries.
• Super Car Drive: Our Super Car Drives are all about you and the fleet of your dreams i.e. McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and more exploring the best of Europe .
• Jordan Overland: Jordan Overland is a self-drive tour where we conquer desert trails, indulge in adventure activities, and experience the best of Jordan .
• Iceland Expedition: The Iceland Expedition is all about conquering icy terrains, witnessing the northern lights, and exploring the breathtaking scenery of Iceland in a sturdy 4x4 vehicle.
• Brazil & Peru Overland: In the tropical escapade that we like to call “ Brazil & Peru Overland ”, we traverse the iconic route of emotions, dive into the Amazon rainforest, party with locals, and discovers the magic of Peru, all in one single road trip.
• Morocco Overland: The Morocco Overland starting from Merrakesh is all about sand dunes, sunsets, and steering wheels. From the snow-kissed peaks of the High Atlas to the spice-scented souks, this overland drive is your ticket to a whole new world.
• Kyrgyzstan Overland: A road trip that takes you through the land of nomads and into endless adventures, our Kyrgyzstan Overland drive is full of mystical experiences. Witnesseagle hunters in action, feast on delectable cuisine, and more.
• Scandinavia Overland: A 23-day thrilling drive through the best of Scandinavia , where you get to conquer the iconic Nordkapp, witness jaw-dropping fjords, chase northern lights, and more with the coolest convoy.
• Road to Lhasa: From a heart-pounding flight over Mount Everest, where you’ll witness the world’s highest peak in all its glory to conquering high passes like Lhachen La, each turn of the wheel uncovers a new thrill in the lap of the Himalayas on this Road to Lhasa Drive .
• Mongolia Overland: Mongolia Overland is every traveler's dream come true. The diverse landscapes of this country call foran electrifying 4×4 expedition consisting of heart-pounding drives, navigating mountain passes, and exploring mystical valleys making it a road trip unlike any other.
• Namibia Overland: From conquering towering dunes to off-roading through gravel roads, every moment on Namibia Expedition is spent redefining adventure. A self-drive adventure consisting of navigating expansive desert terrains, exploring wildlife, and having the time of your life with the coolest convoy.

Road Trips in India:

• Ladakh Expedition: The Land of High Passes is best explored on 4 wheels and that’s exactly what we do on our Ladakh expeditions as we explore Ladakh via two of the most iconic routes. Ladakh via Manali and Ladakh via Srinagar , both of which have their own charm. From conquering the high-altitude passes to discovering hidden gems, we do it all.
• Lahaul and Spiti Expedition: Our Lahaul & Spiti Expedition is all about traversing wicked Himalayan trails, ticking off all the attractions, and making sure that by the time the road trip ends, you have an entirely new definition of thrill.
• Northeast Expedition: The ultimate adventure in India’s Northeast where you get to traverse winding roads and peel back the curtain to find hidden gems as you explore Ziro Valley, Majuli, Meghalaya, and more in your 4x4 beast.

Here’s what you get:

• Guided Expeditions: Adventures Overland's guided self-drive expeditions are the epitome of immersive travel experiences, led by seasoned experts who unravel the hidden gems of each destination, ensuring that every moment becomes a cherished highlight of your adventure.
• Luxury Road Trips: Adventures Overland sets the gold standard for luxury road trips , providing travelers with top-notch experiences. Picture yourself cruising through the scenic Italian countryside in a sleek sports car or exploring the rugged beauty of Iceland in a luxury 4x4. These journeys combine high-end comfort with breathtaking destinations, creating travel memories like no other.
• Global Destinations: Adventures Overland offers an array of remarkable global destinations to explore, such as the mystical landscapes of Iceland, where you can chase the Northern Lights, or the rugged terrains of Kyrgyzstan, where you can experience nomadic traditions firsthand. These road trips around the world promise an enriching blend of adventure and cultural discovery.
• Customer Reviews/Testimonials: Adventures Overland stands out as an exceptional choice for travelers due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from thousands of adventurers. These testimonials highlight our commitment to delivering unforgettable and well-organized self-drive road trips that consistently exceed expectations.
• The option to choose: Adventures Overland provides travelers with a unique blend of options, allowing them to embark on road trips tailored to their specific desires through customized itineraries, or join fixed departure tours for a convenient and well-organized exploration of diverse destinations, ensuring an unforgettable travel experience.
• Explore More: Provide a button or link to explore all available expeditions and road trips.
• What are Guided Self-Drive Expeditions? Guided Self-Drive Expeditions with Adventures Overland are meticulously planned journeys where participants explore stunning destinations in their own vehicles while receiving expert guidance.
• Are these road trips suitable for beginners? Our road trips cater to all levels of experience, making them suitable for beginners and seasoned travelers alike.
• What destinations do you offer? We offer a diverse range of destinations, including but not limited to Iceland, Jordan, Morocco, Brazil, and Kyrgyzstan. We also organize the iconic Road to London trip that covers 22 countries which is epic on its own.
• What's included in a Luxury Road Trip package? Our Luxury Road Trip packages encompass premium accommodations, gourmet meals, and exclusive experiences, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey.
• Can I customize my expedition or road trip? Yes, you can fully customize your expedition or road trip to meet your preferences and requirements.
• Do I need to bring my own vehicle? Participants are welcome to bring their vehicles, but we also offer rental options for added convenience.
• How do I book an expedition or road trip? Booking is easy through our website, where you can choose your desired expedition and follow the booking process.
• What safety measures are in place during expeditions? Safety is our top priority, and we have comprehensive measures in place, including experienced guides, medical support, and well-equipped vehicles.
• Can solo travelers join your expeditions? Solo travelers are encouraged to join our expeditions and form lasting connections with like-minded adventurers.
• How can I get in touch with your team for more information? For more information, reach out to our team through our website contact us via phone at 9911599811, or drop us an email at [email protected]

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• Delhi to London By Road: These 3 Indian Super Moms Drove Across 17 Countries in Just 95 Days

27 Mar 2023

A travel tale of three mothers who drove from New Delhi to London, covering 23,700 Kms, crossing 17 countries in just 95 days. Join them and know how they reached from India to London by road as they take us through the most EPIC road trip journey EVER!

Delhi To London By Road

A road trip is like a travel none other. And to do that across 17 countries, covering Delhi to London distance by road of 23,700 kilometers in over 95 days is life changing to say the least.

Road trips are unpredictable and unstructured and add to that, the thrill that there are countless amazing destinations waiting to be stumbled upon. To us, the world has always been a large ball of twine, just waiting to be unraveled and what better way to do it than with the wind in your hair and the road ahead of you. Here is our account of Delhi to London by road.

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How It All Started!

It all began with Women Beyond Boundaries. Women Beyond Boundaries is conceptualized by Nidhi Tiwari and Smita Mazumdar. WBB is a platform to empower women drivers with skills to reach out to other women in far-flung areas, in difficult terrain in order to deliver goods and services.

When Nidhi proposed this crazy expedition from Delhi to London in an Indian car, across 17 countries, we promptly hitched our excitement to hers, packed our bags and jumped into the car. Incidentally, Nidhi was the solo driver for the expedition.

Suggested Read: London vs Paris: Which City Would You Prefer For A Fancy Holiday?

The Journey Across 17 Countries

The three of us flagged off from Dhyanchand Stadium on the 23 rd of July 2015 and reached London on the 28 th of October 2015, after having traversed across Myanmar, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, France and UK.

The Indian leg was surprisingly the most exciting and adventurous. All went as planned till Manipur. Driving from Kohima to Imphal, we were stuck in the middle of the road due to a strike called at Imphal. The roads were blocked and we could not move further or go back to where we started. So, we were sitting in the car with nowhere to go, watching the protesters pass us by, some with sticks and stones in the hand!

They looked on us curiously wondering what these women were doing on the road. One guy, drunk to his gills, walked up to us and started talking to us. We kept a straight face and humored him by making some polite conversation. He told us all about how we reminded him of his sisters back home, for about 15 minutes and then moved on.

Phew! So we thought to ourselves, this is what we will have to endure for the next 7 hours. Then came another bunch of guys who first passed us by and then came back curiously peering into our car.

One of them told us that it was not safe for us to be sitting in the car during these protest hours and urged us to come to his house where he could organize lunch for us. We were in a dilemma now, to trust or not to trust? Just trusted our instincts and drove behind him to his house.

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To Trust Or Not To Trust

When we parked the car outside his house, it was a by lane with a small wooden entrance and just as we parked, about 4 guys walked out to check us out. We were now getting slightly panicky! Was it a wrong decision to trust our instincts and follow him? He kept asking us to come inside his house. We asked him where his family was and he urged us to come inside his house yet again.

We stepped into his house with a lot of trepidation only to be greeted by the most welcoming smiling faces of his mother and two sisters. What a relief! From then on, till 7 in the evening, we probably had a wonderful time.  His mother cooked the most awesome pork and some authentic Manipuri food for us, after which we went for an off-road drive to a picnic spot by the Sekmai river, he played the guitar for us, sang songs and made us feel so at home and like a part of his family.

These were the first of the many people we met en route who went out of their way to help us.

Most Memorable Part

On completing the trip, people always ask us, what was the most memorable part of the trip? Well, the ‘Stans! Driving through the erstwhile silk route was an onslaught to the senses from the quirky to the exotic, Las Vegas meets Purani Dilli.

Deserts, Mountains, High altitude lakes, Lush valleys, this region has it all! Dictators and nomads, yurts and palaces, the soviet detritus and the excitement of a new nation, over a 1000 years of history to explore and we were straining at the leash!

You Are Only A Stranger Till You Say Hello!

We were completely blown over and amazed by the impact that the Indian culture has over this region, particularly Bollywood. It is almost reverential. We got the first taste of this when we crossed over from China to Kyrgyzstan.

Disco Dancing In The ‘Stans

It was quite chilly and we were waiting for the customs to clear our papers. This big and burly officer walks up to us and says, “ Hindustan?” we nod yes and he gives us a big grin and breaks into a gig, singing” Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy”! He then went on to ask us about Mithun Chakraborty!

We never thought we would be having a sign language conversation with a Kyrgyz official about Mithun’s health and acting prowess! And it has been like this throughout central Asia. The moment the locals would figure out we were Indians, they would either start singing or dancing to Mithun’s songs.

At a few places, they would even whip out the mobile phones, play the songs and request us to dance along with them. Dancing to “I am a disco dancer” on Tashkent streets is probably our most bizarre but favorite memory.

We have always believed that no one parties like the Punjabis, but believe us, they are not a patch on the Uzbekis. They are tireless. This one time, we were at a restaurant and on the way to the restroom, we passed a table of Uzbeks who were celebrating the birth of a child of one of their mates.

Next thing we know, we were practically kidnapped, boxed in between these people, no way out, gyrating to what? I am a disco dancer! Again!

The most bizarre experience would probably be when the ladies would plonk their kids in our arms and demand to click pictures with them. The experience was unsettling and surreal to say the least.

What’s Was Like Traveling As Women Through Central Asia?

These countries are Muslim, but of a more moderate, open and secular variety than you might find in parts of the Middle East. This combined with Soviet and Russian influence, can make Central Asia feel like the land of paradox. It never felt unsafe and we were treated like royalty. We for one felt like exotic spices on this silk route!

Another most frequently asked question is how easy or difficult it was to get the permit. The process is laborious but doable. Myanmar and china require permits if you plan to drive. Myanmar regulations require that an escort vehicle follows you from entry to exit. The fee included our accommodation and meals.

Also, China requires an English speaking guide in the car for self-drive vehicles. We also had to take care of the food and accommodation of the guide. The best way to go about it is to contact travel agencies in these countries and they would process it for a fee (and it doesn’t come cheap!)

On a journey of this magnitude, the challenges are as much within as outside. But pushing those boundaries was what this expedition was all about.

Suggested Read: 40 Romantic Things To Do In London For A Trip For Two In 2022!

A few tips:

• Make sure the paperwork and visas are in order before you leave.
• If you are planning a road trip, the procurement of visas needs to be a well-choreographed dance, given that some of the countries issue transit visas for a few days only.
• The entry, traversing the country and the exit need to be well planned.
• Ensure that all the papers are in order. Make sure you have enough number of copies. If stopped by police, preferably show the copies instead of the originals. Especially, Central Asia and Russia.
• Diesel was a problem in Uzbekistan in the sense that they didn’t have any! Had to buy in black and adulterated one at that.
• Ensure that the basic maintenance of the vehicle is carried out every 5000 kilometers.
• Split your money between travel cards and cash.
• If traveling in the winter, make sure that you are geared up with enough warm clothing. The cold is brutal. We have the deepest appreciation and respect for Bangalore weather post this expedition.
• Lastly, ensure that you pack an open mind and a whole lot of curiosity. Travel is liberating and the learning is immense.

So, next time you plan a trip abroad, we recommend Central Asia. Just get off the plane/car and yell “Mithun Chakraborty” and let the magic unfold!

A Delhi car in London- Yes, a feeling of accomplishment!

Further Read: Celebrate Your Honeymoon In London Like A Royal Affair With This Travel Guide!

Book your trip to London with TravelTriangle now!

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Schedule

Besides the above info, you must be aware of the upcoming Cricket World Cup tournament. So, if you are a cricket lover and eagerly waiting for it, here is ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Time Table ! Check-out!

Frequently Asked Questions About Delhi To London By Road

Can we go to London by road from India?

Yes, you can definitely travel to London from India by road just like these Indian mothers did. You will have to cross boundaries of 17 countries i.e. 23,7000 km approximately. You would need multiple permits to cross international boundaries. The road trip can be expensive and requires meticulous planning. However, if you do it right, it could be the most epic journey of your lifetime.

Can we go to Russia by road from India?

Yes, you can travel to Russia from India by road but you will require an international driving license and the same permit for your car. It won’t be an easy journey but it will the most amazing road trip of your life. You have to be careful as you will cross countries like Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Kazakhstan. Some of these countries are rampant with terrorism and unrest.

Is there a roadway from America to India?

No, there is no direct roadway from America to India as the two continents are not joined. You will have to cross the oceans to reach America from India or vice versa. It is better to take a flight which is long and an ordeal itself.

Which city is called the London of India?

Mumbai is known as the London of India owing to its architecture and being the financial capital of India. You will even find the weather contrasts between the two cities.

Which country can we visit by road from India?

One can easily go for a road trip from India to Europe, Malaysia, Thailand, Middle East, Myanmar, Bhutan and more after completing all the necessary paperwork.

Can we go by road from India to Dubai?

One can travel by road from India to Dubai and cover the distance of 2196 kilometers depending upon the speed of the vehicle.

Can we go to Singapore by road from India?

Yes, one can easily travel from India to Singapore via the India-Myanmar-Thailand-Singapore highway (AH2).

Can we go to China by road from India?

There is only one way to reach China from India by road and that is bypassing through Nepal via Tibet.

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• Bus and Train Travel

Visit 18 Countries on This 70-day Bus Trip From India to England

An India-based company will launch the epic journey through 18 countries for 20 passengers in May 2021.

Update (April 23, 2021): The Bus to London, originally scheduled for May 2021, has been postponed to April 2022, due to COVID-19.

Traveling around the world in 80 days may have been a feat for Jules Verne, but an India-based travel company is launching an equally impressive 70-day bus ride from Delhi to London, departing in May 2021.

The Bus to London will travel 12,427 miles (20,000 kilometers) through 18 countries, including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

The service will be operated by Adventures Overland , whose founders Sanjay Madan and Tushar Agarwal came up with the idea to mimic the “magic buses” that traveled on the Hippie Trail from Europe to Asia between the 1950s and 1970s, Lonely Planet reports .

Bus to London will take 20 passengers from Delhi, India, to London, England, and then reverse the journey back to India, with stops to see Myanmar’s pagodas, visit Chengdu’s giant pandas, hike along the Great Wall of China, cruise the Caspian Sea, and enjoy time in Moscow, Vilnius, Prague, Brussels, and Frankfurt.

The journey will take place on a Wi-Fi-equipped luxury bus with business-class seats , each with its own entertainment system, USB ports, and electricity plugs, as well as partitions between seats for privacy. The common spaces include a mini pantry with a cooler for beverages and snacks. Each passenger can bring two full-sized suitcases and will also have their own locker to store valuables.

To sign up for the ride, first download the Bus to London brochure . During the process, you’ll be given the options to join legs in Southeast Asia for 12 days, China for 16 days, Central Asia for 22 days, or Europe for 16 days — or the entire trip for 70 days. The reverse itinerary is also available. Preference will be given to those who sign up for the entire stretch.

This isn’t the first time Adventures Overland has led trips from India to London. In 2017 , 2018 , and 2019 , it led a caravan of travelers, each in their own cars, traveling the route in 50 days.

Rachel Chang is travel and pop culture journalist who grew up in the California Bay Area and lives in New York City (well, Hoboken, NJ). She’s a solo travel advocate, dumpling addict, and reluctant runner — who managed to finish the NYC marathon twice. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram .

• Forbes India Blogs

Riding from India to London through the Silk Route, on a motorbike

The ambitious journey will traverse 21 countries and three continents in 85 days, on a route specially designed for an all-women biker group from surat.

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Kumar Shah is a motorcycle enthusiast who realised his dream of riding across the world at 52, despite three heart attacks. A newspaper proprietor and editor of Vadodara Samachar, a daily newspaper in Vadodara, he rode from Vadodara, Gujarat to London, United Kingdom on his 1994-make Royal Enfield in 2013. Shah has been an active part of the motorsports community in India, organising blind car rallies and motorcross events in his hometown since the 1980s. He is an award-winning golfer, and spends his free time coaching a university football team—he was the goalkeeper of the same team in college. He launched Ride Your Dreams a year ago to design and curate extraordinary journeys for biking enthusiasts. In May 2019, he has set off on the maiden journey to London with motorcycles and a back-up car in tow. Follow this blog for live updates of the journey.

• India to London road trip, part 13: Paris to Barcelona, Spain to Morocco
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• India to London road trip, part 9: Feeling like a king in Kazakhstan
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The dream was to do a bike journey halfway across the world – once. It was a dream that I had been harbouring since 1983, when I was only a 22-year-old college student. So in 2013, when I began riding my 1994-make Enfield, from Vadodara, Gujarat to London, United Kingdom, it was a culmination of a desire of 30 years and the euphoria of the journey was unparalleled. I knew then that this was just the beginning.

On May 30, 2019, I set off for the journey again; only this time, I‘m taking the Biking Queens of Surat on a specially designed route, across 21 countries and three continents.

In 2013, when I got home after being on the road for 76 days and riding across 14 countries, sure, I was expecting attention from the press. The small-town press has always been focused on the endeavours of its people. What I wasn’t expecting was emails and phone calls and unexpected visits from travel and biking enthusiasts from every corner of the country, seeking help to design similar, inspiring journeys for them. My Facebook profile was flooded with friend requests and my phone wouldn’t stop ringing.I’m sure I’m not the only one who thought of a journey like this. Many tried. In the 1980s, a few of my friends tried to go through Pakistan, but returned in a few days because their papers were not in order. Charting out your route through 19,000 km, through countries that aren’t the obvious choices for tourists, isn’t a walk in the park. Then there’s the gargantuan task of getting visas for various countries without flight tickets. Insurance, visas for vehicles, explaining to every stunned visa officer that you’re indeed going on a motorcycle--the sheer logistics and planning involved in an expedition of this magnitude is enough to dissuade most enthusiasts.

The Silk Odyssey 2.0 route passes through 21 countries, including Kyrgystan, Russia and Lithuania. Currently, the group is passing through China.

It took me many months to finalise my Silk Odyssey, taking the ancient silk route that was used to trade mainly silk and spices through China, India and many countries. The Silk Road got its name in 1877 by a German geographer. I tried the easy way out-–I spoke to travel planners and experts but at the end of the day, all of them gave up. It can’t be done, I was told. It’s too difficult; it’s a mad man’s plan, they said. That’s when I spoke to the people who have been a part of the madness. I spoke to bikers around the world and got a sense of the expedition I was about to undertake. But none of them had taken the route I had planned, so I was left to fend for myself.

Eighteen months later, I had my route planned down to the towns I will be halting at, the ones that have inns and gas stations, the prices of fuel in each city, village or town across 14 countries. It was the sheer might of the 30-year-old unfulfilled dream that drove me. The unanswered part was getting a vehicle insurance and the cost involved. I only learned of it once I set out. Formalities at various borders was a challenge too. Some border crossings would be smooth while some could take up to six hours. Language was going to be a challenge as many countries do not speak English at all. I learnt about police harassment on some routes and ways to address them. Acquiring a Carnet De Passage was expensive. It allows a temporary import of your vehicle into other countries for a fee and deposit, with an assurance to bring the vehicle back to the country, else pay the export duties.

Planning and executing such a huge expedition takes a lot of understanding about the regulations of the countries I had to go through. Endless logistics had to be worked out. I searched for Indians who would have ventured out but found none. I only got a note from a friend’s friend, that, in the early sixties, some police officers had ventured to London from India, but other than that, got no more information. I searched for more details through my network but unfortunately could not locate a single member of that expedition. I became a member of various international motorcyclist forums and motorcyclists riding around the world.

This brought clarity to some of my queries. Even then, there were a few loose ends. I finally found my answers from riders coming to India from various countries. I met up with a few and invited a couple to stay with me. Finally, all my questions regarding logistics were answered from the horse’s mouth. It was only after this that I set out on my motorcycle tour to London.

After returning, I realised that the lack of adequate information is a problem that every traveller faces. Soon, many people came to me to plan the details of their trips. This is when I decided to design road journeys for others using my experience, and make them a blue print. It was a laborious task and I was later shocked to learn that none of the nine clients I had, had ventured out. The blue print remained in their closets, because of an underlying fear of venturing out on their own. This gave birth to ‘Ride Your Dreams’ and I am now going to conduct my first great tour under it, the India-UK Motorcycle Tour 2019. This tour is specifically designed for an all-women riding group called ‘Biking Queens’, Surat.

The India-UK Motorcycle Tour 2019 kicked off on June 6 from Varanasi, and will conclude in London on August 25. The route goes through 21 countries and three continents in 85 days. The entire group consists of three motorcycle riders on KTM 390 cc and two members, a mechanic and a photographer in the back up vehicle, ISUZU D-max, which I will be driving.

Stay tuned for dispatches from the road, as we travel through fascinating Silk Route countries along the way.

The author is a motorcycle enthusiast who realised his dream of riding across the world in his 50s, despite three heart attacks

The thoughts and opinions shared here are of the author.

Check out our end of season subscription discounts with a Moneycontrol pro subscription absolutely free. Use code EOSO2021. Click here for details.

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Many thanks for sharing your trips. Could you confirm that your Royal Enfield is a 350cc & not the 500cc ??? Thanks PS: Although I\'m 74 & riding a fun bike, a Yamaha MT03 660cc, I really like the KTM 390: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fsQi5UzmxU&ab_channel=Srkcycles How was the technical part of your second trip? Were you also riding a KTM 390 or your \"old faithful\" Royal Enfield?

its amazing.....& truly inspirational for bikers

India to London by motorcycle cost Explain me

Awsum experience ol life on bike.

Quite impressive and am following your postings in FB and tour diary. Beat of luck. Post your return would like to catch up with you. Tks. N. Sekar.

LONDON TO INDIA: THE EPIC ROAD TRIP

My journey from uk to india by road, final day – 62nd day thurs 12th june: udaipur to ahmadabad – final leg of our official journey, trip from uk to india..

Left Udaipur at about 11.30 am to complete the final leg of our road trip.

Udaipur has numerous lakes with lovely settings, but unfortunately we would have to leave this for another time. The immediate focus was to reach Ahmadabad by about 4.30 pm at a well known sports club, where we would be greeted by some local and national press. Did not know what to expect regarding the press, arrangements had been made by Kirit’s friend, at whose house incidentally, we were staying this evening.

I drove all the way to Ahmadabad, needed to do this after the incident the other day.

Experienced the now usual traffic and highway violations on route and I had to be attentive right throughout the journey. The start of the journey was quite unusual, when we had to dodge an elephant at a junction. Yes this time, in this very animal friendly country, it was the elephant’s turn to test our driving skills.

Click to Watch Video of Elephant

Made Ahmadabad by about 5pm, the following hour and a half that followed at this popular … club was an experience and a half.

As soon as we arrived and entered the building, Jayesh – Kirit’s friend here, informed us that some of the press were already here and they would like to conduct interviews as soon as possible.

Like proper celebrities we were escorted into a posh conference room, seated and interviewed by a particular news paper reporter. No sooner had he finished when another two suddenly arrived, and they too sat around us and started asking similar questions about our trip.

It was great fun, but it was starting to become organised chaos, so what was suddenly decided – and it worked – was to split Kirit, Manvir and myself so that we now sat individually with the reporter.

Quick firing questions and hopefully we gave a good account of ourselves and of the journey we have just undertaken. Its very easy to give top layer answers to the best and worst moments on the trip, but for me, it will take a bit of time and more reflective thought to convey with greater detail my feeling about the trip. Unsure how at present but I would like to break the thoughts into smaller pieces – about the countries and their people, the journey itself and importantly whether this experience has changed me in anyway.

Kalpesh Solanki – Pharmacy Business, was in town and was also present here – this time not as a reporter, nice of him to come and share the moment.

Back to the board room scene – We were now told that the photographers were waiting outside and wanted to take photos of us and the Land Cruiser.

Our fridge was already switched on, and we demonstrated how cold it was with the beer we had inside. They took numerous snaps of Manvir and myself holding a couple of cans of beer we had previously purchased in China. Thinking afterwards about this, hope the reporters don’t run with the story – World road travellers caught without liquor permit! Gujarat is a dry state – where liquor permits is required. Too much to think about at the present time, we will cross the bridge when and when it happens.

This chap was the campaign manager and helped Mr Modi, during the recent general elections.

Even so soon after the end of our journey, there was a happy feeling, a feeling of contentment that a dream has been fulfilled. Importantly we had all returned safely and all of us will be shortly making our way home back to England. The day ended with a small party at Kirit’s friends house .

A really big thank you, to you all, for following my blog over the last two months. Its been a great adventure and ticked so many boxes for me. Although it’s been hard work keeping a daily record, it’s been absolutely worth it because it will act as a great reference point in years to come.

In the next few days, I am going to try to give a brief overview of the trip.

THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN AND PLEASE DON’T FORGET, IF YOU ARE ABLE TO GIVE SUPPORT TO OUR NOMINATED CHARITY – PHARMACIST SUPPORT – PLEASE SUPPORT IT. https://www.justgiving.com/pharmacistsupport/

Hiten Patel

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Received coverage in local and national news papers including India Times, and also on newspaper websites the following day (13th June).

THE JOURNEY STARTED ON 12th April 2014 AND WAS COMPLETED ON 12th JUNE 2014

61st day wed 11th june: jhansi/orchha to chittorgarh or better still – udaipur.

If we achieve the latter then we would have covered 560km today. Started the journey this morning with the knowledge we would have to do a lot of miles by the end of the day if we were to have a relaxing day tomorrow, travelling to our final destination of Ahmedabad.

The day started pleasantly, I was driving and the first challenge of the day was to cross a narrow bridge across a pretty river setting – why? Just because it was a bit of a challenge. A bigger challenge would have been to cross the bridge in reverse gear.

A very pleasant river setting, near where we stayed the night in Orchha.

Me at the wheels, crossing the narrow bridge – great experience, wonder how I would have coped if the river was swollen form the monsoon rains.

Very picturesque.

Sudden abrupt end of the highway – No signs, no diversion notice – nothing!

The roads we have travelled on so far in India, especially the main highways, between the cities, have really been excellent – not one pot hole! However signposting and discipline of drivers, especially those travelling in the wrong direction on a duel carriageway is a major safety issue and one which you need to be constantly vigilant of whilst driving. It does sap your energy and in fact both driver and co- driver need to be equally aware.

Couple of videos below showing some of the dangers we faced whilst driving:

Click to Watch Oncoming Bike in Wrong Direction

Click to Watch Goat on the Road While Driving

A very sad incident : The road was good and I was doing a steady 65mph when suddenly completely out of the blue, a major situation developed - On this particular patch, where the duel carriageway was separated by an elevated island, there were a large number of thick overgrown bushes running along its length. Although I was completely focused on the road, with both my hand on the steering wheel, a large cow ran out of these bushes and straight onto the road. I did hoot and in desperation did put my foot firmly on the breaks. Neither was enough and the cow took the full force and impact of the bull – bar protecting the front of our Land Cruiser. It was literally flicked, with such ease, several feet in the air and landed off the road on the LHS. The Land Cruiser did not flinch an inch and I brought the vehicle to a stop.

We got out of the car and I went straight to where the animal had been thrown too, the poor thing still had its eyes wide open, was lying almost motionless. I felt pretty helpless, nothing I could do would comfort it. It was probably for my own benefit that I gently stroked it’s head several times and tried to close its eyes.

By now a few people had gathered around, they all looked like local farmers. In terms of our location we were well into rural area, so the site of the incident was remote. A couple of the farmers were very pragmatic, saying they had seen what had happened, I could not have avoided the animal and it’s best to move on. They also said these type of accidents occur regularly, the cow could not be helped and was about to die. At that particular instance the only way, and there are no guarantees with this, was for me to take a sharp left or right turn with the consequence that I might have hit either end of the stationary cow, but the car itself could have flipped – thereby endangering the lives all of us sitting in the car.

Felt a bit sick about the whole incident and I will have to deal with what occurred in my own way.

The remainder of the journey seemed obviously longer for me, but everyone was very supportive.

Random monsoon rain – which lasted very briefly..

Click to Watch Monsoon Rain Video

My favourite photos – India shining in the sunset Made it to Udaipur – travelled nearly 500 miles today. It was a massive achievement. And it means the last day of our official trip, travelling to Ahmedabad will take about 4 hours and will be more relaxed and hopefully incident free.

Final day tomorrow !!!

Map of today’s journey!

60th day Tues 10th June : Sightseeing in Lucknow and then drive to Jhansi

Count down to the last few days of our Epic Road Trip.

Spent the morning, driving around Lucknow and visiting a few sights. The main one being the Bara Imambara monument.

This was a pretty unique building – with sounds travelling through it’s many walls. Pretty large, impressive and imposing building, with a lot of history and of particular interest was how it was originally constructed. We took lots of photos.

Possibly the largest arched wall building in the world.

Our guide lit a match at the very far end of the hall and we could hear it at the far end, where we were standing.

The whole building is made of small size bricks and lime plaster. No wood or metal has been used in the construction which took 11 years and started in 1784. It was built as a part of a relief project for a major famine that took place in that year.

The amazing hollow walls of the central hall not only keeps it cool during summer but also help to lighten the load of the structure. You can view the grave of Nawab Asaf-ud-Dowlah and his crown is also kept in the central hall.

The Bara Imambara has a unique style of construction. The central hall of Bara Imambara is said to be the largest arched hall in the world. The hall measures 50 meters long and goes up to a height of 15 meters. What makes the construction unique is the fact that the blocks have been put together with interlocking system of bricks and there has been absolutely no use of girders and beams. The roof stands steady till date without any pillars to support it.

Looks pretty majestic.

Possibly the first selfy taken at the Bara Imambara monument.

We were viewing this and other places in temperatures over 45 degrees C. I haven’t ever experienced such high temperatures, it felt extremely close and suffocating, the heat was intense and when walking, you got from A to B in a straight line and as quickly as possible. I was actually dripping sweat. The monsoons are late and are being effected by some Al Nino jet streams – let’s hope the rains come soon. Easy for us to travel in an air conditioned car, difficult to imagine the challenges ordinary people face, going about their every day lives and coping with such high temperatures, but they do – absolutely amazing, the resilience they show.

Some photos – on leaving Lucknow.

From what we saw its a lovely city and would have liked to have spent some more time here.

You can see that the crack on our windscreen has been progressing very well. Good thing we don’t have that much more travelling to do!

We had already decided, now that our main objective of driving from London to India had been achieved – the key was now to drive to Ahmedabad (our final destination) as quickly as possible. We still had well over 1,000 miles to go, but were determined to reach there the latest by Thursday 12th June afternoon.

We started today ‘s journey in the afternoon, thankfully even after contending with the extreme heat and normal chaotic traffic conditions.

You wouldn’t believe the incredible loads, some of these lorries were carrying. Health and safety is still a long way away in India.

We arrived at Orchha Resort at 10 pm (near to a town called Jhansi), a four hour journey that took over six and a half hours.

Our map of today’s journey:

59th day Mon 9th June: Now In India, we travelled from Gorakhpur to Lucknow in India

Big day for me – I drove the whole 270kms to Lucknow. My first ever drive in India. The roads were pretty good, getting out of Gorakhpur town had its own particular challenges but when you are driving the big beast, you do have certain advantages, importantly you do start to gain the technique of gently, but with steely determination nudging your way through the mangled mesh of traffic.

Driving up to Ayodhya.

Fresh Sugarcane juice being extracted.

Today’s drive.

On the way, we stopped at Ayodhya where in 1991 were the scenes of major Hindu/ Muslim troubles, in which to maintain crowd control, police killed a large number of Hindus over a disputed site, which the Hindus claim was the birth place of Lord Rama. This place is beneath the Babri Mosque built by Babur (the first Mughal ruler in India), though deserted now for many years. The demands that a temple should be built on that spot caused widespread tension between the Hindu and Muslim communities. The site was later excavated and remains of a temple beneath the structure of the mosque were found.

Priest in deep meditation in one of the temples

Quite a character.

Short break before getting back on the road again.

This was the temperature today – stifling to put it mildly!

We were really entertained by a 12 year old boy, an enterprising kid who wanted to show us around the temples in Ayodhya – I have posted a short clip of him in action.

Click Here to Watch The Video of the Boy

Gift of the gab!

Got to Lucknow in good time, had a nice hotel to stay in – for the first time!

Time to relax after the long drive.

We then went to a local Kebab restaurant for our evening meal – what an experience. This is where we eat this evening – pretty good food.

Click Here to Watch Our Chef for the Evening Dinner

Dinner, this evening.

58th day Sun 8th June – The day we reached India : Second attempt to see The Mountain Peaks and then to the Nepal / Border

An even earlier start to the day then yesterday.This was going to be a long and challenging day.

We were at the airport by 6am, to make our second and final attempt to see Everest and all the associated peaks. The omens were good, the weather seemed a bit clearer then yesterday, the aircraft was bigger and more comfortable.

The flight was for an hour, and it was probably one of the best hour I have ever spent looking at such natural beauty.

Lots of great shots of the Mountains from The Nepal side.

A view from the cockpit.

Click to watch Mountain Flight Video 1

Click to watch Mountain Flight Video 2

Click to watch Mountain Flight Video 3

Click to Watch Mountain Flight Video 4

Click to watch Mountain Flight Video 5

Click to watch Mountain flight Video 6

These were breathing scenes.

Numerous peaks of snow capped mountains, being seen from the top of the world, in the comfort of an exclusive flight. The bonus, and it was a big bonus we also got to see the views from the cock – pit of the air craft. The whole viewing experience was completed with exceptional friendliness from the aircraft staff. This was a big tick in the box, particularly when it was possible to relate one particular peak – The North Face to the time we spent at Everest Base Camp, only last week.

Service with a smile – This Air Hostess is wasted on Yeti Airlines.

Coming into land – fairly smooth.

Click to Watch Our Plane Landing Video

Got back to the hotel, had a quick breakfast and we were soon on our way to the Nepal border – the mission was to cross over into India today.

We had a long tiring journey ahead of us.

A bit complicated to explain – but effectively it would be Peter’s last journey with us on this road expedition. Because we had to sort out the Carnate (a vehicle thing), some of the car documents were in his name, he was going to cross the border, with us into India and then rejoin his family back in Nepal.

Two cars were travelling to the border crossing, and mine and Kirit’s wife were going to rejoin us for the India leg of the journey.

Journey to the Nepal / India border, fraught with danger.

Nepalese side of immigration and Car registration formalities.

I drove the first leg of the journey, hell raising or what – anyway we finally reached the border crossing. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the customs formalities on both sides of the border were completed without too much fuss or bother. After passing through 16 countries this was our last border crossing and symbolically for us the most satisfying because we had almost completed our intended mission, of driving from London to India. Just going to repeat it for my benefit – have driven from London to India!! We have waited a long time to see this posting – and very welcomed it was too.

Said our farewells to Peter who was going to spend a little more time in Nepal. Have spent a lot of time together in the last eight weeks and it will be unusual not to have him travelling with us from now. No doubt we will all catch up soon, after we return to England.

And now to deal with the Indian side. Indian customs were pretty relaxed about inspecting our vehicle – a pleasant first. I didn’t get any of my photos deleted on this occasion, they were quite relaxed about photographs being taken.

Area of Border crossing in Nepal:

Saying our farewell to our fellow traveller, Peter – wishing him well with his onward journey. No doubt we will do a catch up as soon as we are all back home.

And Welcome to India and traffic!

It was now almost 6.30pm and we were on the Indian side near the border and we still had 100 miles still to go to get to the nearest, decent sized town. Unfamiliar roads, still had to get the direction sorted out, lightening had suddenly started- seemed after the euphoria of crossing into India a realisation that we still had a bit of work still to do.

The beautiful scenes of the mountains this morning were, for the present a distant memory.

The drive to Gorakhpur was challenging, in pitch dark, vehicles coming towards you with full beam on, we were now driving on the RHS of the road for the first time in a vehicle which had a LH steering wheel. So many vehicles coming towards us, with no lights or even reflectors who we had to suddenly avoid. We made it in one piece, determined we will make every effort not to drive in the dark in the few remaining days we now have left, before our journey comes to an end. We were also lucky it did not start to rain, the monsoon season is late by a week in these parts and any rain would have made driving very hazardous indeed.

Happy memories of Nepal.

Just one scene of the types of challenges we faced driving in the dark towards Gorakhpur.

Journey today – From the mountains of Nepal – Kathmandu to border town Sonauli to Gorakhpur in India.

57th day Sat 7th June – Plane journey to the mountain peaks‏

Got up at 5 am this morning to go and see the mountains by plane. It was a short journey to the local/international airport in Kathmandu. Not the same level of security we are use to. After a delay for an hour, on safety grounds we were given the green light to board our small air craft. Had to crouch and crawled my way inside to get to my seat.

Unfortunately a somewhat wasted journey, all we got to see, when we got to the maximum height was a wide variety of fluffy white clouds – but no mountain peaks. We were going to get another opportunity tomorrow early morning.

Back to the hotel and caught up on some desperately needed sleep.

Fast approaching the end of this ‘epic’ road trip. Tomorrow we will be attempting to cross the Nepal/India border into India and enter the final leg of our journey.

Went to a traditional Nepalese Restaurant in the evening.

Pilot going for a leak – seriously he was!

All smiles before take off.

Jane a bit apprehensive mis way through the flight and Peter with a comforting hand.

Traditional Nepalese meal in the evening.

56th day Fri 6th June – Some White Water Rafting to be done today‏

Had a very early start this morning. Had to leave the hotel in Kathmandu by 7 am. We were off to do White water rafting.

To reach the starting point we had to undergo again, the tedious journey on the same dangerous road we took to go to Pokhara.

Finally we were all set to get started – my first White Water Rafting experience. We were told by our particular instructor that the river could in places get to a grade 3 or 4 level rapid and that our journey would be about 20 kms.

Again, as with the Para sailing in Pokhara, there was a gradual build up of excitement. Got the helmet and life jackets on; took on board some rowing and safety instructions being given to us and soon we were all set to go.

Turned out to be extremely enjoyable and particularly thrilling experience especially when we did encounter the grade 3 and 4 rapids. Another definite activity for me to do again in the future. The nearest I had got to doing this in the past was in one of the water rides in Disneyland Florida! We also had some decent water fights with the other boats on our 20 km track. I was unable to take too many photos for obvious reasons, but did get some.

What a day.

All getting ready to go on our little adventure on our way!!

The motley crew on the river trip.

A selfy with wifey.

The only part I intentionally allowed myself to get wet – I think the life jacket is too small for me:

A short video clip of our River Trip:

Click to watch the video of the river trip

Evening meal – Pizza at a local Restaurant in Kathmandu with friends and partners, some of whom had joined us for the next few days.

55th day Thurs 5th June – in Kathmandu, visiting local sites‏

Went to Nagarcot which is 30 miles from Kathmandu with the hope of viewing the mountain range. Unfortunately due to the heat and pollution the range was hidden behind a cloud of smog, but the views of the valley were absolutely amazing. On our return to Kathmandu we visited a Buddhist temple called the Monkey Temple. As it’s name suggests, quite a few monkeys here. Also great view of the city from the top.

Local, tribal Nepalese lady gathering dried grass.

Nice backdrop

The inevitable selfy:

On route to Nagarcot:

With Ragini.

Photos from Nagarcot: Managed to climb the tower, for an even better view from Nagarcot

View from the Buddhist Monkey Temple, near Kathmandu.

Some – monkey scenes. With a magnificent background views.

Not quite – Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Say No Evil.

Click to watch video of monkey mischief

Back to our hotel.

Bricks manufacturing.

Broken down, on the way to Nagarcot.

In the evening went to Ragini’s old school friend ‘s house for dinner – They had got in touch recently via Facebook after almost 35 years. Had a really good time, great hospitality and got a very informative and impressive insight of Rajni’s Royal connection with Nepal going back generations.

Ragini – finally gets to meet her friend Rajni, after 35 years.

We had a wonderful home cooked Nepalese dinner.

54th day Wed 4th June – Half a day in Pokhara and then back to Kathmandu‏

Spent the morning in Pokhara. The morning was superb, birds singing, clear blue sky- there is just an air of tranquility and calm about this place. Would love to come back to discover it more in the future.

Beautiful scenes of Lake Phewa in Pokhara.

Drove to a Lake ….. And spotted a lot of para – gliding activity up in the hills.

On seeing this – the dye was cast,we were going to do this.

  One enquiry, followed another and we landed up ourselves high in the skies.

ParaSailing – Here we come!!

It was thrilling and exciting to drive to the top of the hill overseeing Lake …… There was an air of anticipation and nervous excitement when the harness was put on me. Instructions were given on what I and the instructor had to do to lift off into the skies i.e. basically run in tandem down the hill. It was as simple as that and within a matter of seconds I was nearly a mile up into the sky.

One way of travelling to the top of the hill.

Click to watch the video of travelling up the hill

The whole flight was being recorded, the views were superb of the lake and surrounding area. I knew it was going to be risky but I had to take a few video clips and photos with my iPhone. Thankfully I managed it without dropping it. My instructor was superb.

Just before take off.

Click to watch the video of take off

In the air – in the hands of the instructor, air currents and God!

Click to watch the video of in the air

Gliding smoothly through the sky. What a scene.

Safe landings for all – brilliant experience!

As soon as we had finished we got into the car and headed straight back to Kathmandu because we knew it was going to be, again a long and treacherous journey, managing the curves and bends of the mountain road. We would have to take on the lorries and have to contend with the heavy oncoming traffic.

Passenger on lorry, oblivious of the world around him. 

Some of the traffic we had to contend with on our journey back.

Sunset scenes:

On arrival it was great to see Ragini again after almost eight weeks of leaving London. She and Nalini (Kirit’s wife) will be joining us for the rest of the trip, into Gujarat in the car.

The whole group had a wonderful meal together at New Orleans restaurant. From previous visits to Kerala in South India I have really loved the flute and tabla played together, but this was the first time a guitarist was also involved. Absolutely brilliant – (video clips attached).

Click to watch music clip 1

Click to watch music clip 2

Click to watch music clip 3

Click to watch music clip 4

Had a really good day.

17 Countries, 97 Days, 3 Mothers Travelled From Delhi To London by Road

Do you find driving from Delhi to Gurgaon everyday worthy of a pat on your back? Well, you do. But three women pushed the bar pretty damn high. Rashmi Kapoor, Dr. Saumya Goyal and Nidhi Tiwari share more than just a bond of friendship. With one driver (Nidhi herself), a jeep by Mahindra First Choice (no back up vehicle) and determined spirit, these mid-30 year old mothers pushed through 600 kms everyday and completed the journey of a lifetime by travelling from Delhi to London by road.

How they travelled from Delhi to London by road

The journey of 21,477 km, 17 countries and 92 days started in June and came a full circle in December. As they ventured across countries, the three musketeers spread awareness about women empowerment.

Nidhi took to the wheels as already specialises in outdoor education, off-the-road jeeping, long-distance and high-altitude driving. She proposed the idea of going Delhi to London by road to her friends and they jumped at the opportunity.

Must Read: Road trip from India ,  cheap places to visit in delhi , BYOB bars in Delhi NCR

The journey of Delhi to London by road of Women Beyond Boundaries started in New Delhi, India and went onto Myanmar , China, Kyrgyzstan , Uzbekistan , Kazakhstan , Russia , Finland , Czech Republic, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Their jeep in fact become the first Indian vehicle to cross the Arctic Circle.

Putting their resourcefulness to use, Women Without Boundaries approached a few big guns to sponsor their trip making Delhi to London by road possible. With around 30 lacs in budget, their travel was happily sponsored by big guns such as The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of External Affairs, India, Mahindra First Choice Wheels, Lenovo India and Via.com

Unlike driving from Delhi to Gurgaon their only trouble was not a horrendous traffic jam, but forces of nature and society. Rashmi recalls how they were stuck in Imphal for 3 hours due to collapsed bridges in heavy landslide. But like many travellers who explore the goodness of humanity through their travels, Women Without Borders experienced the same.

"When we were stuck due to a landslide in Manipur , the locals offered to help us. We trusted them and stayed with their families and also got to taste home-cooked Manipuri food. The trip reinforced my faith in human goodness."

With constant support from friends, family and Indian government, they have an important message to share.

"We wanted to tell the women of the world that such expeditions are possible and that there was nothing to be scared of."

Read the complete article here .

All pictures are taken from facebook page of women beyond boundaries ., frequent searches leading to this page:-.

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'The ultimate adventure': Why more Indian travelers are taking extreme road trips

Meenakshi Sai, 51, looks like any other Indian woman, dressed in a saree and sporting a bindi on her forehead.

But unlike many women in her country, she's been driving since she was 18 years old. As of 2020, less than 7% of India's 236 million drivers were women, according to the data website Statista.

"I have been driving since I was legally allowed to and have always enjoyed the freedom it afforded me and the feeling of being independent," said Sai. "After my only daughter went away to boarding school, I had a lot of time on my hands. I started traveling a lot, both solo and with friends."

Sai was one of a team of eight Indians who drove 20,000 km (12,430 miles) across five countries from Coimbatore, India to St. Petersburg, Russia to spread awareness about cervical cancer.

More Indians are taking road trips these days — both within the country and beyond, solo and in groups — as access to better vehicles and better roads grows in the country.

There's also the rise of slow travel. However, Sai took her first road trip back in 2016, before it became a trend.

"I drove to Thailand with a group of 20 people," she said, "from Manipur in India's northeast to Bangkok, which took us 13 days."

Her next big road trip was from India to London, which she called "complicated."

"It took me six months to draw up the itinerary," she said. "It was difficult to find anyone in my own circle of friends and family who had the time or were willing to invest the money in this trip."

In the end, she found two women through social media — one from Mumbai, the other from Pollachi — who were interested in joining her.

Tata Motors sponsored the trip, which stretched for more than 14,900 miles and coincided with the 70th anniversary of India's independence. The journey took 70 days, taking the three women across 24 countries, including Russia, Poland and Uzbekistan.

"We drove around 600 kilometers a day," Sai said. "Many countries had given us date-specific visas so we could not afford to be delayed, even by a few hours." 

Road conditions combined with changing weather and altitude levels made the trip difficult, she said — as did the fact that she's vegetarian, which made suitable food options challenging to find in many countries.

"I ate a lot of potatoes and bread in countries like Kyrgyzstan where there was a lot of meat," she said. 

Sai now runs an overland driving company that organizes road trips across countries like Namibia, Georgia, Armenia, Nepal and Mongolia.

"Driving through a country is the way to see it, connecting with locals, stopping where you feel like, border crossings, and thriving on uncertainty. I also love the freedom that the open road gives me," she said.

100 road trips, 50 countries

In 2001, Mumbai-based Rishad Saam Mehta, 51, drove from Delhi to the Nubra Valley, an area of Ladakh in northeast India.

"It was my first drive in the high Himalayas, and I didn't know how dangerous and narrow and high the roads were, and the havoc that altitude can play on one physically. It was a lesson learnt the hard way," said the journalist and author.

Since then, Mehta has taken more than 100 road trips across some 50 countries. One really exciting one was the drive from Munich to Mumbai, which lasted two months and covered eight countries, he said.

He also drives different cars, depending on the trip, he said.

"I did a drive in a Ferrari through the Bavarian and Austrian Alps, then a snow drive in Spiti in Northern India in a Toyota Fortuner, then a fall drive in New England in a Ford Bronco," he said. "These were all favorites."

His advice? "There are many great drives around the world, some I come across by chance, some I research beforehand … but the company has to be good, otherwise, it is a disaster," he said.

The 'Great India World Trip'

Tushar Agarwal, a software engineer, drove from London to Delhi in 2010.

He said the journey of 51 days was life-changing and prompted him to resign from his job in London, move back to Delhi, and co-found a company called Adventures Overland with his friend Sanjay Madan in 2012.

"I felt that this was my purpose in life…  there was no looking back," said Agarwal.   

Today, Adventure Overland is one of India's biggest road trip companies. It organizes curated driving trips across the globe.

Agarwal has traveled to 92 countries and gone on road trips in six continents. His most adventurous trip, called the " Great India World Trip ," is now a 10-episode series on Discovery Channel. Along with his co-founder Madan, the journey took them across six continents and 50 countries, securing them a Guinness World Record for the longest journey by car in a single country for their 10,600-mile trek across Australia.

Traversing beautiful terrains and driving through unknown territory, border crossings and contending with unfamiliar food and inclement weather may not be for everybody.

But as Mehta said, "The sense of freedom and not being shackled to timetables and schedules … and also the spontaneity it affords, makes driving the ultimate adventure."

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Map shows London Marathon route map and road closures for 2024

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Thousands of people will be making their way into the capital today for this year’s London Marathon.

Crowds of people will be supporting the runners as they take on the 26.2 mile course through the city.

The course will set off in Blackheath and will take the runners past such sites as the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, Canary Wharf, The Shard and Tower Bridge, before finishing up at St James’s Park.

There will of course be travel disruptions and road closures today, so read on to find out where you can expect them and from what time.

Which roads will be closed for London Marathon 2024 and at what times?

Which roads are closed for the marathon?

Here are the closures to be mindful of:

• Charlton Way, Greenwich: 4am to 1pm
• Shooters Hill Road: 4am to 1pm
• St John’s Park: 7am to 1pm
• Charlton Park Road: 7am to 1pm
• Old Dover Road: 7am to 1pm
• Little Heath: 7am to 1pm
• Charlton Park Lane: 7am to 1pm
• Artillery Place: 7am to 1pm
• John Wilson Street: 7am to 1pm
• Woolwich Church Street: 7am to 2pm
• Woolwich Road: 7am to 2pm
• Trafalgar Road: 7am to 3pm
• Creek Road: 7am to 3pm
• Evelyn Street: 8am to 4pm
• Surrey Quays Road: 8am to 4pm
• Salter Road: 8am to 4pm
• Brunel Road: 8am to 4pm
• Jamaica Road: 8am to 4pm
• Tower Bridge: 8am to 7pm
• The Highway (south side): 8am to 7pm
• Narrow Street: 8am to 7pm
• Westferry Road: 8am to 7pm
• East Ferry Road: 8am to 7pm
• Marsh Wall: 8am to 7pm
• North Colonnade: 8am to 7pm
• Poplar High Street: 8am to 7pm
• Commercial Road: 8am to 7pm
• The Highway (north side): 8am to 7pm
• Byward Street: 7.30am to 8.30pm
• Upper Thames Street: 7.30am to 8.30pm
• Victoria Embankment: 7.30am to 8.30pm
• Birdcage Walk (westbound): 6am on April 21 to May 18
• Birdcage Walk (eastbound): 7.30am on April 22 to May 18

There will be closures right across the route of the London Marathon occurring at separate times throughout the day.

For more information on road closures, download the official guide from the  TCS London Marathon website .

London Underground on marathon day

The  London Underground , London Overground and Docklands Light Railway are running extra services throughout marathon day and are recommended as the best way to get around to keep up with the race action.

Due to the nature of the day, expect services to be busy with crowds of spectators along the route.

Stops near the Marathon route are likely to be very busy, especially the Jubilee, Circle and District lines, and the DLR.

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To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

Transport for London is encouraging everyone to plan their journeys in advance and check the  TfL website  or TfL Go app for the latest travel information.

London Marathon 2024

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Buses on marathon day

Bus routes along the route of the marathon will either be diverted or will not run the length of their usual journey until the roads are back open.

If travelling by bus on the day, visit  tfl.gov.uk/bus/status  to see if your bus route is affected.

What time does the London Marathon start?

The race will kick off at around 8.30am with professional athletes leading the way.

The rest of the runners will then set off in waves from rom 10am to 11.30am, with gaps in between to allow the course ahead to clear. All start lines will be closed by 11.30am. 

Start waves and times are allocated based on runners’ predicted finish time, which will have been given to organisers ahead of time.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

MORE : Alexander Munyao wins London Marathon as Briton Emile Cairess secures third spot

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MORE : Headteacher comes up with plan to help children’s phone addictions that the kids won’t like

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Politics latest: Polls open in local elections in England and Wales - as senior figure expected to announce SNP leadership bid

England and Wales are holding a series of elections, with several regional mayors and police and crime commissioners being decided as well as council seats up for grabs. Polling stations will be open until 10pm. In Scotland, a leadership battle could start today in the SNP.

Thursday 2 May 2024 10:26, UK

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• Polls open across England and Wales  I How to watch Sky News coverage
• Elections taking place across 107 local authorities in England
• Mayoral contests are also taking place, including for London mayoralty 
• Twenty-five London Assembly seats are up for grabs
• A by-election is taking place in Blackpool South
• Voters across England and Wales will elect 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs)
• John Swinney expected to declare bid to become new leader of the SNP
• Connor Gillies : Swinney expected to be 'unity candidate'
• SNP's Kate Forbes also expected to make a statement 
• Live reporting by  Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

John Swinney is expected to declare his bid to become the new leader of the SNP later today, Sky News understands.

Kate Forbes is also expected to make a statement later on Thursday.

It comes after Humza Yousaf announced he was standing down as SNP leader and Scotland's first minister following his decision last week to cut power-sharing ties with the Scottish Greens - a move which saw his leadership collapse.

Mr Swinney previously served as SNP leader between 2000 and 2004; later becoming Nicola Sturgeon's number two from 2014 to 2023.

He is considered a front-runner for the top job once again, having garnered support from senior figures within his party, including from the SNP's Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn.

The Perthshire North MSP is expected to make a statement in Edinburgh on Thursday morning.

However, he could face competition from the party's former finance minister Ms Forbes, who narrowly lost out to Mr Yousaf in last year's leadership election.

Though the Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch MSP has not confirmed her intention to enter the leadership contest, she has so far refused to rule herself out of the race.

Read more here:

Voting is taking place in 11 mayoral elections across England today. 

They include a contest for mayor of London, as well as elections to the London Assembly, with 25 seats available.

Metro mayor contests are also taking place today in:

• East Midlands
• Greater Manchester
• Liverpool City Region
• South Yorkshire
• Tees Valley
• West Midlands
• West Yorkshire 
• York and North Yorkshire

Metro mayors are directly elected leaders who chair combined authorities. 

Of these mayoral posts, three - East Midlands, the North East, and York and North Yorkshire - are newly created and are holding their inaugural election.

There is also one city mayoral election in Salford.

Kate Forbes narrowly lost out to Humza Yousaf in last year's SNP leadership contest.

Ms Forbes has told Sky News she is considering entering the race again in the wake of Mr Yousaf's resignation.

The former finance secretary faced backlash during her campaign last year after admitting she would have voted against gay marriage in Scotland when it was made legal a decade ago.

The Free Church of Scotland member also told Sky News that having children out of marriage was "wrong" and something she would "seek to avoid".

However, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch stressed that "in a free society you can do what you want".

Ms Forbes had argued that "continuity won't cut it".

After losing to Mr Yousaf by 48% to 52%, she said: "If we are to continue to win elections, we need to continue to listen and maintain trust."

Ms Forbes turned down the role of rural affairs minister, which at the time was seen as a demotion.

Although her views on social issues remain unpopular with some of her MSP colleagues, she was one of the few SNP ministers who did not delete her WhatsApp messages during the COVID pandemic.

Ms Forbes would face resistance from the Scottish Greens, who have previously ruled out working with her.

SNP colleague Fergus Ewing is backing Ms Forbes, saying she is "head and shoulders" above any other potential candidate.

Candidates in the race for London mayor are casting their votes this morning. 

Current mayor of London and Labour Party candidate Sadiq Khan was pictured arriving at a polling station in south London with his wife Saadiya Khan and dog Luna. 

Conservative Party candidate Susan Hall arrived at a polling station in London's Hatch End Lawn Tennis Club. 

The full list of London mayoral candidates is as follows:

• Sadiq Khan - Labour Party
• Susan Hall - Conservative Party
• Zoe Garbett - Green Party 
• Howard Cox - Reform UK
• Rob Blackie - Liberal Democrat
• Femy Amin - Animal Welfare
• Count Binface - Count Binface
• Natalie Campbell - Independent
• Amy Gallagher - Social Democratic Party
• Tarun Ghulati - Independent
• Andreas Michli - Independent
• Brian Rose - London Real
• Nick Scanlon - Britain First

London is one of a number of mayoral races taking place across England today. 

By Jenness Mitchell , Scotland reporter

John Swinney is a name that has kept coming up since Humza Yousaf announced his resignation as SNP leader and Scottish first minister this week.

He's received the backing of party heavyweights like Stephen Flynn and Ian Blackford, and was the first to announce he's giving "very careful consideration" to running for the leadership.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Swinney said: "I've been somewhat overwhelmed by the requests that have been made of me to do that, with many, many messages from many colleagues across the party."

There and back again?

Mr Swinney stood down as deputy first minister following Ms Sturgeon's shock resignation in 2023.

The MSP for Perthshire North, who was finance secretary under Alex Salmond's government, has the experience to hold the fort following Mr Yousaf's departure.

He ruled himself out of the 2023 leadership race, citing that he had to put his young family first.

Mr Swinney said he's got "lots of things to think about".

He added: "There's the whole question of my family. And I have to make sure that I do the right thing by my family, they are precious to me.

"I have to do the right thing by my party and by my country. So, there's lots to be thought about, and I'll give all of that consideration in the days to come."

 It wouldn't be an election day without pictures of dogs at polling stations - and we are happy to oblige. 

The first images shows the handsome Norbert at Weetwood ward in Ireland Wood, North West Leeds

Then we have Cinna, a beautiful eight-year-old rescue dog from Greece, pictured arriving at a polling station at St Alban's Church in south London.

We will be sure to bring you more dog updates throughout the day. 

John Swinney is expected to launch his campaign this morning to become leader of the SNP for a second time ( see post at 6.45am ).

Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies says we can expect an announcement at around 10.30am this morning. 

Connor says Mr Swinney already has the backing of most of the current Scottish cabinet and prominent SNP figures. 

He says there is a sense Mr Swinney should be a "unity candidate"; however, there are others who see him as an establishment figure "at a time for change".

Former finance minister Kate Forbes, who narrowly lost out to Humza Yousaf in last year's leadership election, has also expressed an interest in standing, although she has not declared.

Connor says he understands talks have been taking place between the Forbes camp and the Swinney camp and there is some speculation over whether a deal can be struck which will see the pair running on a single ticket.

Connor says he is told Ms Forbes will be watching Mr Swinney's pitch "very closely".

Voters have started casting their ballots across England and Wales

People are pictured arriving here at St Alban's Church in south London. 

Polling stations opened at 7am. They will close at 10pm tonight. 

People voting in local elections in England will need to provide photo ID.

It is the second year the requirement has been in place - but in 2023,  14,000 people couldn't cast their ballot because they didn't take ID to the polling booth.

There are 22 different types of ID you can use - and if you don't have any of them, you can register for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Here's everything you need to know to avoid being caught out:

Polls have opened for a series of elections across England and Wales. 

More than 2,600 council seats are up for grabs across 107 councils in England, along with mayoral races, including for the London mayoralty, and 25 London Assembly seats.

A total of 37 police and crime commissioners will also be decided at ballot boxes in England and Wales.

And a new MP will be chosen for the seat of Blackpool South in a by-election.

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