A Scenic Odyssey from Bhubaneswar to Bangalore
The Journey Begins: Bhubaneswar’s Baramunda Bus Stand
Good morning from Bhubaneswar! It’s 6:27 AM, and I’m standing at the iconic Baramunda Bus Stand, a world-class facility that puts many city terminals to shame. With modern amenities, air-conditioned lounges, and spotless washrooms, this place is a traveler’s dream. Our ride today is Shyamoli Paribahan’s cream-white BharatBenz sleeper bus—a beauty that screams luxury and comfort. As I board, I’m handed a snack box filled with goodies: a cake, a wet wipe, an orange cookie, a Paper Boat chikki, and some savory moong dal. It’s a small gesture, but it sets the tone for the journey ahead—thoughtful and delightful.
The Route: A 1500-km Scenic Marvel
This isn’t your average 500-km bus ride. We’re covering a whopping 1500 km from Bhubaneswar to Bangalore, passing through stunning landscapes and vibrant towns like Khurda, Berhampur, Ichchapuram, Palasa, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Guntur, Ongole, Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor. The route is a visual treat, with the Eastern Ghats, Chilika Lake, and Godavari River painting a breathtaking backdrop. Our captain is driving smoothly, and the road feels like a canvas of nature’s finest work.
Inside the Bus: Luxury on Wheels
Stepping into the bus feels like entering a cozy, high-end cabin. The cream-white interiors are pristine, and the 2x1 configuration offers both sleeper and seater options. My upper berth is surprisingly spacious, with ample headroom to sit up comfortably. The amenities are top-notch: USB charging points, AC vents, reading lamps, a mobile holder, a soft pillow, and a clean blanket. There’s even an emergency exit hammer and CCTV for safety. The air suspension makes the ride so smooth that potholes feel like a distant memory. Shyamoli Paribahan, with its 100+ bus fleet, has truly mastered the art of luxury travel.
Chilika Lake: A Moment of Serenity
As we cruise alongside Chilika Lake, I’m mesmerized. The lake stretches endlessly, its calm waters reflecting the morning sun. I launch my drone to capture the magic, and let me tell you, flying a drone from a moving bus is no easy feat! Sadly, my drone takes a hit, crashing into a pole and damaging a propeller. But the show must go on! I patch it up quickly, determined to capture more of this scenic route. The ghats, the greenery, and the lake’s tranquil beauty make my heart sing—moments like these remind me why I travel.
Berhampur and Beyond: A Taste of Andhra
We stop at Berhampur’s bypass around 9:45 AM, where the city’s charm unfolds with distant hills and a passing train. The journey continues to Palasa for a quick tea break, where I grab a piping-hot samosa. By lunchtime, we’re at a rest stop savoring Andhra-style biryani—spicy, flavorful, and served with raita and salan. The food is a highlight, though the drone takes another tumble during a shoot. No worries, I’m back in action, ready for Visakhapatnam’s bypass, where hills and beaches tease from afar.
Godavari River and Golden Hour
Crossing the Godavari River near Rajahmundry is a moment of pure awe. The water shimmers under the golden hour light, and I can’t help but feel a deep connection to this land. The drone captures the river’s beauty, and I’m reminded of the song, “Tu hi hai, tu mera hissa, tu hi hai, tu mera sansaar” (You are my part, you are my world). This journey is more than a bus ride—it’s a love letter to India’s landscapes and the people who make it special.
Vijayawada and Nightfall
By 5:15 PM, we reach Vijayawada, crossing the Krishna River as darkness falls. The bus’s cream-white exterior glows under the streetlights, and the cabin feels like a cozy haven. At our dinner stop at PS5 dhaba, I’m impressed by the spacious setup, though the service is a bit slow. The food, however, is decent, and I’m fascinated by the daily ritual of applying tilak to the bus’s bonnet—a South Indian tradition called gandam that blesses the vehicle after washing.
Arrival in Bangalore: A Journey to Remember
It’s 5:15 AM when we near Bangalore, and I wake up refreshed after a surprisingly comfortable sleep. The bus glides past Volvo’s factory, and I spot brand-new buses ready for delivery. My drop-off at Marathahalli Multiplex arrives at 7:20 AM, and I step off feeling grateful for this incredible journey. Shyamoli Paribahan’s service was exceptional—clean bedsheets, a thoughtful snack box, and a smooth ride that made 1500 km feel effortless.
Why Shyamoli Paribahan?
Shyamoli Paribahan, once a single Volvo bus operator from West Bengal, now boasts over 100 buses, including 45 in South India alone. Their reliability and network make them a top choice for routes like Bangalore-Mumbai, Bangalore-Pune, and Bangalore-Kerala. For Odia folks heading to Bangalore for IT jobs or other work, this bus is a game-changer, especially when flights are pricey and trains unreliable. Their transit option from Kolkata, with a 1-hour layover in Bhubaneswar’s AC lounge, is a lifesaver.
Final Thoughts
This journey was more than just a bus ride—it was an emotional rollercoaster through India’s heart. From Chilika’s serene waters to Godavari’s golden hues, every mile told a story. If you’re planning a trip, check out Shyamoli Paribahan’s website (shyamolibusservice.com) for bookings. Let me know in the comments how you liked my Odia accent and this epic vlog! Until next time, keep exploring, and as I always say, “Tufaan, aandhi, barsaat—har Mangal, Shukra aapke saath!” (Storm, wind, rain—every Tuesday and Friday with you!)
