Two French tourists, cycling from Delhi to Kathmandu, take an unplanned detour due to a Google Maps shortcut, find shelter with locals in Bareilly.
January 25, 2025: Two French tourists, Brian Jacques Gilbert and Sebastian Francois Gabriel, embarked on an adventurous cycling journey from Delhi to Kathmandu but ended up stranded in Bareilly after being misled by Google Maps. The navigation app suggested a shortcut via Baheri in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, leading the tourists to a deserted road near Churaili Dam late at night.
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The cyclists were spotted by local villagers around 11 PM on Thursday. Unable to understand their language, the concerned villagers escorted them to the Churaili police outpost to ensure their safety. To provide temporary accommodation, the police arranged for the travelers to stay at the house of the village Pradhan overnight.
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Baheri Circle Officer Arun Kumar Singh shared that the French duo had flown to Delhi on January 7 and planned to cycle to Nepal via Tanakpur in Pilibhit. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when they relied on Google Maps for navigation in the dark.
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Senior Superintendent of Police Anurag Arya, upon learning about the incident, interacted with the tourists and ensured they were guided properly. On Friday, the police provided them with detailed route instructions and sent them safely on their way.
This incident highlights the potential challenges of relying solely on digital navigation in unfamiliar territories, especially during nighttime.
Tags:
TravelMishaps, FrenchTourists, GoogleMapsFail, BareillyNews, CyclingAdventures,