Hyderabad:
A 65-year-old cyclist from Hyderabad, Major General Dr. AVK Mohan, has completed an amazing 1,450 km cycling tour. His goal was to encourage people of all ages to stay healthy and fit while also promoting stronger ties between India and Sri Lanka.
The journey began with 470 km of cycling from Bengaluru to Nagapattinam Seaport in Tamil Nadu. From there, he cycled another 980 km across Sri Lanka.
In an interview with The Hans India, Dr. Mohan shared details about his adventure. He started his ride in Bengaluru, cycling to Nagapattinam Seaport. After crossing the Palk Strait by ferry, he resumed his cycling in Sri Lanka, starting from the northernmost point at Sakkotei Cape in Point Pedro. His journey then took him all the way to the southernmost point, Dondra, near Galle. Dr. Mohan described the journey as challenging due to the humid weather, but also exciting and emotional, as it marked his first return to Sri Lanka—particularly Jaffna—since 1987. He also praised Sri Lanka’s traffic management and enjoyed connecting with locals, promoting the benefits of cycling.
During his trip, Dr. Mohan visited many historic and cultural landmarks. He saw the Sri Lankan end of Adam’s Bridge (Ramasetu) at Thalaimannar and visited Ashok Vatika in Nuwara Eliya, where it is believed Sita was kept. He also explored the Ravana Waterfalls in Ella, the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple of Lord Buddha in Kandy, and the famous Cave Temples and Golden Temple at Dambulla, home to the largest Buddha statue in Dharmachakra posture. He also visited the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Galle, Dr. Mohan explored the Dutch Fort, another World Heritage Site, and admired Sigiriya Lion’s Rock Fort near Kandy. While cycling along the Western Coast Highway from Galle to Colombo, he passed the area where the 2004 tsunami washed away an entire train. He also visited the Kosgoda Sea Turtles Conservation Project, the Independence Square in Colombo, and the Nallur Kandawamy Temple in Jaffna.
Additionally, his journey took him to the Nagaviharaya Buddhist Temple and the Shaktipeeth Nagapooshana Temple on Nainateevu Island. He also visited the Ravaneswar Temple at Ponnalai near Jaffna and the Jaffna Dutch Fort.
