Indian adventurer Daman Thakore has kindly taken time out of his transcontinental journey to share us a little bit of information about the amazing expedition in a 73-year-old car!

On September 2, Thakore, along with his family and friends, arrived in Iran amid a warm welcome from local authorities and ordinary people.

Intended to commemorate 76 years of India’s Independence, their 12,000-km circuit that is destined for England, passes through UAE, Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, and France.

It is not only a test of the travelers’ endurance but also a testament to the durability of their beloved 1950 MG YT, which they call Lal Pari.

So far, they have visited attractions in several Iranian cities, such as Bandar Abbas, Lar, Shiraz, Abadeh, Isfahan, Kashan, Tehran, and Zanjan.

Let’s discover directly from Thakore about his experience of visiting Iranian soil:

How did you find the local people in Iran? Were they welcoming and helpful?

The Iranian locals have been extremely kind, loving, and helpful in every part of the journey. They are eager to listen to our stories and share their culture with us. Interactions that we have had in each city have been so special to us in their own unique ways.

In each city, we were welcomed in their own unique style. In Bandar Abbas, a team came and received us inside the airport, welcoming us with flowers!  In Lar with a traditional drink in a special earthen pot, or abradeh with a visit to a wooden carving market full of people waiting to receive us late at night to the incredible convoy reception at Shiraz and Isfahan.

What inspired you to embark on this 12,000-km overland journey on a 1950 MG YT and camper van?

We have traveled the length and breadth of India and over 30 countries by road. Lal Pari has been part of my life since I was 3 years old and bedtime stories that my mother used to tell me were about adventures around the world in Lal Pari. I am just trying to recreate those bedtime stories to real life. Lal Pari has given so much joy to our family, and we wanted to share that pure joy and happiness with people all over the world.

Which cities or tourist attractions did you enjoy during your trip to Iran and why?

This being a unique road trip in a 1950 classic car, all our energies and time are dedicated to getting it to the next destination. In the limited time that we had, the tomb of Hafez in Shiraz was on my list for Iran because he has been one of the pillars of Persian literature. The gardens create an atmosphere of calmness and serenity and one could just sit there for hours and read poetry written by him.

Every city has its own charm, so we can’t really pick and choose a few, but architecturally, the Nasir al Mulk mosque in Shiraz and the Blue Mosque in Isfahan stole our hearts with their pastels, symmetry, and grandeur. Lal Pari loved to visit the Naqsh-e Jahan Square and Azadi Tower and drive on the highways of Iran.

Before entering Iran, your perspective of the country was largely influenced by narratives and media outlets. However, after visiting various cities and meeting Iranian locals, you now have a better understanding of the country. How does your current impression of Iran compare to your previous perspective shaped by the media?

We all need more love in this world, and the Iranian people have selflessly given it to us. India and Iran have had years of friendship behind us, but we got to witness it firsthand this time. Iran is vibrant with colors in its architecture, vast in its geography, and rich in its culture. Iran has left a long-lasting impression on our hearts and we are waiting till the time we can come back here.

When we were planning to visit Iran, people had apprehension, but it was clear that people everywhere in the world are nice. We insisted that my daughter and wife would also join in the visit. After coming here, we have realized how exceptionally helpful people are and have had a great time here.

In your opinion, what was the most interesting cultural experience you had during your time in Iran?

In Shiraz, when we were on our way to visit the city we saw a procession going on in front of us. Everyone was dressed fully in black and they all looked like they were mourning someone very important to them.

Later they told us that it was Arabeen, the fortieth day after Imam Hossein’s martyrdom and everyone would walk together in his remembrance. It was truly a heart-touching moment and it was an honor that they could share it with us.

How do you recommend Iran as a travel destination to your friends and family?

If any person likes to travel and experience various cultures, Iran should definitely be on their visiting list. We have traveled to a lot of countries around the world and this country is very unique in its own way and gives you a plethora of new experiences. It is also a very good value-for-money proposition for travelers.

Which cultural commonalities can you conceive that are shared between Indian people and Iranians?

When we landed in Bandar Abbas, we observed similarities in facial structures, spices, and cultures between India and Iran. As we traveled further and heard about its history and language, there were so many words that are almost the same in Hindi and Farsi, friendship being one of them.

The way people welcome you to make you feel at home reminds me of my city and province where anyone you meet would invite you to their home for a meal and exchange of stories.

Can you describe the local food scene in Iran? What were some of your favorite dishes?

Being vegetarian, we had limited options, but my friends enjoyed eating chicken. Kesar Ice Cream and Faloodeh were highlights for us.

What challenges have you faced so far while traveling in Iran, and how have you overcome them?

I think the only little challenge we had was getting fuel due to fuel cars, but again, people at the gas station were so kind and the TACI team had help. Language, thanks to a translating app, has not been an issue.

What are some of the most interesting sights you have seen during your travels in Iran?

This being a road trip in a 73-year-old car, we have not had a chance to see many places during our travel. However,  the (Imam) Square, (the Imam) Mosque, [Ali Qapu] palace, [Si-o-seh Pol] bridge, a carpet weaving workshop, and a wood museum are some highlights. We were also very impressed as to how clean the cities and towns were, even in remote and heritage parts of the country.

How did you choose your route, and what criteria did you consider while planning your journey?

Considering our very old vehicle, we had to break the route down to a 250 km gap. We also had to go in as straight a line as possible, but at the same time wanted to spend some time looking at the beautiful country and its culture.  We kept one day per week as spare just to take care of any breakdown along the way.

What has been the most memorable experience of your journey in Iran?

We have had many incredible experiences in Iran. Being able to witness the silent procession of mourning for Imam Hossein was unexpected and stands out the most. The welcome and hospitality of the people of Iran, especially the Shiraz branch of the TACI (Touring and Automobile Club of the Islamic Republic of Iran) was incredible. A convoy of motorcycles and cars would welcome us 10-15 km before the city entrance. The support and friendship that we felt for us and Indians in general will stand out in our memories for a long time. Once, Lal Pari broke down at night and they not only helped us get it fixed from 9 pm to 6 am, they stayed with us overnight in the garage! To show so much love for strangers is heartwarming.

What impact do you think such a journey can have on people's perceptions of travel, adventure, and cultural exchange?

Such journeys can be life-changing. Travel should not be only about seeing things, it should be about experiencing the country. Sometimes, too much planning spoils the opportunity to explore local events.

As my daughter Devanshi says, one of the best things about traveling is the lessons you take with you, valuing the time you have, the people you meet, and the connections you make.

 AFM