Ivan Mascarenhas
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Jun 30: A young woman is on an adventure of a lifetime, riding solo all the way from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

Mumbai-based Merryl D'Souza, daughter of Paul D'Souza and the late Helen D'Souza, rode into Santhekatte here on Tuesday June 30 where she was accorded a warm welcome.

Speaking about her incredible journey on her Avenger bike traversing nine states of India, Merryl said, "I started my journey last Wednesday (June 24) and I plan to reach Kashmir in a month. I ride only during daytime, till around 4 or 5 pm, and then next morning I get up at 5, do yoga and meditation and then start off after breakfast at 7.30-8 am."

On what inspired her to take up this adventure, she said, "I like to ride and travel. I am working for Godrej Properties and they have this platform called Godrej Loud where every year employees can submit their dreams, and the best dream wins Rs 1.5 lac. This year I won and they are sponsoring my journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, within Rs 1.5 lac, which is a lot."

That's not all. Merryl D'Souza is a lady with a mission, and wants to send across a strong message to all the women out there about safety. "I am working for an NGO called 'Safe City' which promotes safety for women all over India. So basically, by doing this travel solo, I am trying to promote safety for all the women out there so that they can also travel alone."

Asked if she faced any problems during her journey so far, she said, "It was raining a lot which slowed me down. In September all the highways close in Kashmir so I want to reach before that.

"Once a cop stopped me in Tamil Nadu but he was very sweet. He mistook me for a man at first, then asked 'ladies?' Then he let me go," she added with a laugh.

"Overall it has been a very good journey. People in Kerala are very nice and helpful," she said.

So far, she has travelled through Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and will be next riding to Maharashtra via Hubballi and Belagavi. "I am planning to ride through Sangli, Solapur, Indore, Jaipur and Agra. I have a proper road map with all the state and national highways and the small roads are marked. Also, I have GPS on phone," she said.

In Santhekatte, Merryl visited her aunt. She has been working for Godrej Properties at Vikhroli, Mumbai for the past four years. She has two elder sisters.

Here's wishing Merryl a happy and successful journey to Kashmir and back!