Couple set out on world tour on two-wheeler

Darjeeling: A couple from Kolkata has set out on a world tour on motorcycle. They plan to explore the whole country and 13 other nations with a message to conserve tigers.

Rathindra Nath Das and Gitanjali Das had met on a social networking site.

Their love for adventure and animals brought them together.

They got married in 2017 and at present they live in Salt Lake. After marriage, they decided they would not lead a mundane life so they planned a tour on two-wheeler to explore the world. They have visited various different parts of the country on the two-wheeler with the message of animal conservation. After marriage, they had first visited Rajasthan. "This time, we have decided to explore 13 countries along with various places in India. With the message to save tigers we will visit different states of India mainly the states where there are ongoing tiger conservation projects," Rathindra Nath Das said.

The list of countries that the couple plans to visit includes Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, China and Russia. Till now, Rathindra has visited more than 2,600 schools with the tiger conservation message.

"This time, the tour is very challenging. We have plans to travel more than 80,000 km on motorcycle," Gitanjali said. The couple arrived in Siliguri on Sunday. On Tuesday they will leave for Buxa Tiger Reserve. They will also be visiting Kolkata for processing travel documents.

The cost of the tour will be approximately Rs 40 lakh. Friends, relatives and a voluntary organization along with an automobile company have come forward to fund the tour of the couple.

"I have worked with wildlife officials in Assam. I quit my job for traveling and creating awareness on animal welfare," Rathindra said. Each day, the couple travels for 12 hours on the bike.