Abu Dhabi based father-son duo travel to India, break world record

Thahir believes this experience was an educational one for his son,.- Supplied photo

An Abu Dhabi-based father and son were part of an adrenaline-pumping world record in India, where they managed to visit the most number of Unesco world heritage sites in less than 12 hours using public transport!
The father-son duo visited seven different heritage sites in India and travelled nearly 300km in exactly 11 hours, 33 minutes and 18 seconds recently. The spots covered were the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Keoladeo National Park, Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar.
The Guinness World Record title of 'most Unesco world heritage site visits in 12 hours by public transport' was bagged by the India-based Expeditions and Transcend Adventures firm. A total of 22 people were part of the record-breaking feat. The previous record was held by a duo in the Netherlands and was completed in 24 hours.
Mohammed Thahir, a 36-year-old IT professional in Abu Dhabi, wanted to partake in the world record feat with his five-year-old son, Mohammed Aayan, to teach him about perseverance and about the culture of their home country, India.
"I was exhausted due to the hot and humid climate and so was Aayan to an extent, but liquid intake at regular intervals helped overcome it," Thahir said. "Aayan surprised all of us by walking alone in the last stretch of 2.5km to reach the final destination (Qutub Minar)."
In order to achieve the record, the participants were required to reach the sites by public transportation means - a move which was designed to promote sustainable mobility.
"The journey was completed using electric rickshaws, autos, cabs, public buses, trains and Metro, and also with brisk walk and running," Thahir said. "Public transportation is the best way to know more about the country during travel."
He said dehydration was the biggest challenge they faced while trying to set the world record. However, they remained optimistic and resilient as they moved forward to the next heritage site.
The only time they rested was when they waited for a train or bus to arrive, which also gave them time to eat. "The waiting time for our transport means at each location gave us minimal breaks and we just relaxed during our train journey to Delhi from Bharatapur, where we had our breakfast. We couldn't sleep at all," he said.
Thahir believes this experience was an educational one for his son, as he was able to learn about important heritage sites in India. "It's very important for future generations to know about the culture sights as we are losing that with today's fast world moving to digital. My son also learned more about public transport."
Thahir said that his son received a warm send-off as he left and a warmer welcome back when he returned.
"It was very heartwarming to see that young students from Ryan International Group of Schools welcomed Aayan's return with great cheers. They celebrated the occasion on the spot itself," he said.

The record feat