Sudharshan Doddamallajjar Thippeswamy, a young adventurer from Chitradurga, Karnataka, has embarked on an extraordinary international cycling tour, with a unique companion: his loyal pet dog.
Known as ‘Sudharshan Sanchari’ or ‘Cycling Nomad,’ Sudharshan is currently heading towards South Africa, following extensive travels across several Asian nations.
Having already covered an astounding 60,000 kilometers over four years cycling through Southeast Asia, this particular journey marks a new chapter with the addition of Bhairava, his trained indigenous mongrel. A friend, recognizing Sudharshan’s deep affection for dogs, generously loaned him Bhairava to share in this grand escapade.
This ambitious expedition to Cape Town, South Africa, is projected to last approximately 780 days. Sudharshan meticulously plans Bhairava’s route, ensuring they only traverse countries that permit pet cross-border travel. For nations with stricter regulations, a thoughtful contingency plan is in place: Bhairava will temporarily return to friends who will lovingly care for him until Sudharshan’s return.
The current leg of his adventure kicked off recently from Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. Just a few days ago, he passed through Belagavi en route to Goa, where he connected with local cycling clubs, sharing his infectious enthusiasm for the journey. During his visit, he screened “Sri Lanka The Forgotten Heaven,” a documentary he filmed during his time on the island nation. He candidly recounted his extensive travels through Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, openly addressing the numerous challenges he encountered.
Beyond personal adventure, Sudharshan is also cycling for a cause. He is actively seeking support to rebuild his alma mater, a government-aided high school in Kariyammana Halli, near Hanumanahatti village in Chitradurga district. He established a foundation dedicated to fundraising for the school, aiming to collect ₹1 crore. To date, he has successfully raised approximately ₹1.5 lakh.
Members of the Venugram cycling club, along with notable marathoners like Raghuram Nidavanda and Niranjan Patil, have engaged with Sudharshan and pledged their support for his mission.
Sudharshan views himself as a “social impact traveler.” He revealed, “The more time I spend on the road, the more I feel this is a journey of discovery.” He openly shared a significant personal transformation: “A few years ago, I was consumed by communal thoughts and would lecture my friends about right-wing ideology. If I hadn’t embarked on this cycling trip, I believe I might have become like Puneeth Kerehalli or Chaktravarthy Sulibele. But that didn’t happen. Now, having visited numerous cities and countries, I’ve come to understand that both good and bad individuals exist across all faith groups. My perspective on Muslims, for instance, completely shifted after visiting several Islamic nations and Indian cities like Hyderabad. I’m now truly beginning to see things in a new light.”
Sudharshan’s unique path began after he left school following class 10 to work as a salesman. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he lost his job and felt deeply betrayed when his employer initially refused severance pay. In protest, he embarked on a journey from Chitradurga to Hyderabad, Telangana, with a poster on his back declaring his company’s betrayal. After a week in Hyderabad, he learned that the company had a change of heart and settled his outstanding dues.
It was during this period, he recalls, that he “realized I was a changed man too. It was then that I decided to cycle around the world.”
What sets Sudharshan apart from many other adventurers is his remarkable thriftiness. He proudly recounts completing multi-nation trips on a minimal budget, often just a few thousand rupees. “The most important thing,” he emphasizes, “is that I don’t need petrol. It’s my calories that fuel my passion.” He embraces simplicity, pitching his tent in open fields or roadside bays and cooking basic meals for himself and Bhairava. Along the way, he naturally forges new friendships and connections.
His minimalist gear includes a butane gas-powered stove, essential for preparing simple yet nourishing meals, typically rice and eggs supplemented with fresh vegetables he gathers during his travels.
While he doesn’t actively solicit funds, he gratefully accepts donations that come his way, helping to sustain his journey and cause.
Over his years of travel, he has ridden various types of bicycles, including all-terrain bikes, roadies, and racers. A generous Sri Lankan bicycle manufacturer even donated a roadie bike for his travels. Sudharshan has mastered minimal maintenance, always carrying a trusty toolbox. He also documents his adventures through videos and reels for social media, some of which have been monetized, providing a steady income to support his incredible odyssey.