All Set...

I got my cycle serviced and most nuts checked. Front and back tyres, tubes are also replaced. I asked my cycle mechanics Lalu and Akram to thoroughly check everything and am quite satisfied with how everything has turned out. I had a short(!) test ride today. Hope I get a zero percent downtime due to the cycle. This time I have decided not to carry a puncture kit - it hasn't turned out to be useful in most of my previous trips. If something happens, let it happen!

I've made a shortlist of things which I will be taking with me in my bag. It always helps for the last minute cross-check!

I will carry two bags - one on my back and one will sit on the cycle carriage.

The bag on my back will contain my digital camera - a Fuji FinePix S5000, a 3.2 MP camera, SLRish looks with 10x Optical Zoom -- good enough! Also in the bag will be a small diary for noting down place, time, odometer reading.

The bag that sits on the carriage will have (it will be fastened using an elastic cord):

1. Clothes - 3 pairs for cycling, 1 pair for sight-seeing, and any spares!
2. Dailty use items - sunscreen(getting sun-burnt is not an option), soap, brush, toothpaste, towel, panche(dhoti), socks, underwear ...
3. Electronics - Camera charger + accessories, Mobile charger, CD with software for camera and other utils
4. Stationery - Pen, Travel Diary (yes!), Lonely Planet Map, Survey of India Map(maybe)
5. Cycle Headlight
6. Return ticket from Kolkata!
7. Cash - an unspecified amount ;)
8. Hawaii Chappal
9. Spare plastic covers

I will be carrying my HSBC debit card which I works in most ATMs (except SBI :().

I will reach Majestic (Kempegowda Bus Stand) at around 10:30 PM. Getting a bus to Chennai should be a breeze. Ravi has planned a send off for me - I am really looking forward to what they will do!

The route for the journey is tenetatively: Chennai - Nellore - Guntur - Vijaywada - Rajahmundry - Vishakapatnam - Chlika Lake - Puri - Konark - Bhabaneshwar - Cuttack -- after this I have not decided how I will reach Kolkata!

The important tourist places identified are: Amaravati, Vijayawada, Kolleru Lake, Vishakapatnam, Chilika Lake, Puri, Konark, Gopalpur(?), places near Kolkata - preferrence to Sunderbans...