French tourists lost in Uttar Pradesh due to a misleading Google Maps shortcut have made headlines in Indian media. According to Indian media, two French tourists, who were supposed to cycle to Nepal, ended up in a village in Uttar Pradesh due to blind reliance on Google Maps.
The tourists, Brian Jacques Gilbert and Sebastian François Gabriel, were traveling from Pilibhit to Tanakpur, aiming to reach Kathmandu, Nepal. However, Google Maps suggested a shortcut through a route in Baheri, Bareilly, leading them to get lost and eventually reach the Churili Dam.
Local villagers, who saw the tourists cycling at 11 PM, didn’t understand their language. To ensure their safety, the villagers took them to the Churili Police Station. After hearing their story, the police escorted them to the village head’s house for the night.
Senior Police Officer Anurag Arya met with the French tourists, reassured them, and instructed the police to ensure their safety. The next day, the police guided them back on track, and the tourists resumed their journey to Kathmandu. They had departed from Paris to Delhi on January 7th.
This unusual incident highlights both the challenges and unpredictability of long-distance cycling tours. While technology often makes traveling easier, complete reliance on navigation apps can sometimes create difficulties, especially in rural areas. Fortunately, the French tourists lost in Uttar Pradesh were helped by kind-hearted villagers and attentive police officers, ensuring that their adventurous journey could safely continue.
