I have lived in United Kingdom since 2021. These past years have been very tricky in terms of setting long and finding a job, but I still managed to do some traveling whenever it wasn’t too wet weather or too expensive to travel. While there was so much to explore, I still miss some experiences I had in India. Something that was very warm and cozy. And that why I still miss traveling around in India and experiences that I am hooked to.
Hiking to the offbeat places and feel so welcomed by the locals and their kids that you wont feel like you are away form home.
The particular experience made an impression on me- from the Nag Tibba trek. I found a bunch of locals trekking up the mountain and got into a chat with them. They told me all about their local culture and festivals. That they make a particular chutney out of the flowers that bloom in that season. Some young girls went all they way up hiking with me, took care of me as I was feeling a bit out of sorts because of my periods. When I came down the mountain next afternoon, I had a totally unexpected encounter. Those girls who walked with me the other day, came up to me and said – ” Didi, we have this chutney made for you to taste. Take it with you and let us know how was it.’ For those who don’t know the meaning of ‘Didi’ , it means sister in Hindi. This is something which was very sweet of them.
I always knew that I would definitely find some vendors selling tea and food even at nights.
When the whole town is sleeping, the streets outside of railways station or government bus stands will have some shops/vendors open. Thanks to overnight services of trains and buses, these vendors have a reason to be open an earn their living while being a savior to many of us.
I never had to care so much about the weather when I had to plan for trips in India.
Whatever the season be, I always had some places to go and explore. India had very predominant weather during a particular season. Generally speaking, the major seasons are – winter followed by summer and then monsoon (Season of rain) and then again winter. So you always know what to expect. Though 2 -3 months of summer are a bit unbearable, rest is mostly good to travel. Word of caution- Please don’t travel to the mountains of North, South and North East during the monsoon season. They are very prone to Landslides and not at all safe.
If I ever was lost and stranded, I will be hopeful to find some help
Not that I wont be scared in such a situation but those previous experiences give me hope. Usually when you are out and about especially in small towns and villages, people are generally very hospitable. They will be so happy to provide overnight stay or food or any help of that sorts. Trusting them is something that I will leave to my gut in such a dire situation.
I will find some transport option to go places whatever time of the day/night.
There are overnight local buses that connect cities, towns and villages. There are private taxis/ milk vans or some local car passing by who will be willing to give a lift if you are stuck somewhere or lost.
One thing that irritates a lot of foreigners that come to India is ‘Lots of people everywhere’. (Read more about it in the blog- https://triplogues.com/culture-shocks-and-experiences-in-india-be-ready-for-these/ ). But having these people around at any time of the day has come to rescue at so many situations for me. They act as your host when your are stranded, as you driver when you are lost, as your provider when you are stuck somewhere or don’t have money, as your safeguard when you feel scared. Long time of traveling in India- these are the Experiences I miss so much that I havent found a replacement yet.
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