Did You Know There Was A Bus That Took Travellers From London To Kolkata?

If you consider Delhi to Manali to be a back-breaking journey, this story might not be for you. A few decades ago, there was a bus that ran from London in the UK to our very own Kolkata in India, covering 33,000kms on an epic 50-day road trip! Called the London-Calcutta Bus Service, or more famously the “Hippie Route”, this bus service operated from the 1950s through the 1970s, and was arguably one of the most ambitious bus routes ever created. History of London-Calcutta Bus Service This service was the brainchild of Albert Travel, a British company that sought to connect two continents, and vastly different worlds.

The idea was to create an overland route that offered adventurous travellers a unique way to experience the globe. The journey spanned 50 days, starting in London and winding through multiple countries before reaching Calcutta (now Kolkata) in India. In fact, it made its maiden trip on April 15, 1957, and reached Kolkata on June 5.

If you’re thinking it was a regular Volvo, well, think again. The bus had plenty of amenities–reading facilities, individual sleeping bunks for passengers, fan-operated heaters, and a fully equipped kitchen. The upper deck featured a forward observation lounge, providing scenic views along the way.

And there was a radio and music system, ideal for hosting small parties. The itinerary of the journey also let travellers explore iconic destinations in India, such as Varanasi and the Taj Mahal by the Yamuna River. You could also get.