All about my first ever solo trip
Traveling is an ally. It is a soul-enriching experience. For some, it is an escape; for some, a stress buster. For some, it’s a trip; For some, it may be home. Whatever the definition of travel may be, it always leaves a sense of joy, fulfillment, and excitement within us.
Here in this blog, I will spill beans on my very first (and hopefully not the last) solo trip. The experience was nothing but wholesome. I will be talking in detail and with utter honesty about every aspect of the journey. Whuuhuuu. Let’s dive right in.
- Why?
Though there is no concrete answer for this question, several factors influenced me to make this move. I am listing them below:
- Peer impact: My friend Eshan Shukla has been traveling solo for months. I was often in awe of his adventures, learnings, and joys of his solo trips. His narration and instances made me wonder about the excitement and thrill I would experience if I were to take a trip myself.
- Need for a break: Adulting hit me hard and in a way that was nothing but unexpected. I was overwhelmed with the amount of pressure I felt. My mind was anxious about the future, and my heart was filled with the sorrows of the past. It was nothing but chaos in my mind. I sulked but never lived my present fully. So like many great men have said that travel makes us live in the moment, this trip was it for me.
- Independence: The rebel in me took over a dominance when I graduated in 2021. My parents denied every request for night-outs, trips with friends, parties, and many other things throughout my college life.
- Because why not? I have seen it all over social media, in the newspaper, on blogs, and heard it from people. Even the thought of a solo trip gave me a gush of energy. The other reasons fueled the need for me to live this experience but the urge and thrill to do something daring also played a role in the decision making.
- When?
January 2022 is the time when I had planned the trip in my head XD I was already at Udaipur, Rajasthan, when the process of trip planning came to my mind. For context, I had received an offer from TheMathCompany, and the joining date happened t be 10th January. My MBA entrance exams were scheduled till 3rd January. So as per my planning, I had a week for myself wherein I had to rejuvenate, enjoy, and contemplate life.
- Where?
The city I had in mind had to be familiar, tourist-friendly, and safe for female solo travelers. Also, as I was already at Udaipur, I had in mind Jodhpur or Jaipur. Another important reason was that my relatives were staying in these two cities. God forbid, any mishap happens with me; I have someone to fall back on. At last, I decided to go to Jaipur for the trip also because some of my friends from Manipal were also here.
- How?
The easiest way for me to get to these places was air travel. But I knew in my heart that if the trip was happening, it had to be budget travel. Hence, I booked a Volvo AC sleeper bus from Udaipur to Jaipur as it was the cheapest and, of course, a comfortable, safe mode of transport.
- Place of stay?
My travel had to be budget-friendly; I had to find a safe and financially okay place. Also, Eshan made me aware of the concept of dorms/hostels. When I searched about them, I learned that they’re fun and a fantastic way to connect with other travelers who plan to embark on a similar journey. After researching, thinking, and budget allocation — I decided to stay at The Hosteller.
There were dorms specially dedicated to girls with good amenities, the best co-working space / common area, and a great location from famous sightseeing places.
- Challenges?
The hardships of the trip for me would be classified into two parts:
- Challenges before the trip
- Challenges during the trip
Let’s dive in:
1. Challenges before the trip
- The reluctance from parents and family members
- The mental and emotional baggage of the past events, MBA exams, and the doubts of family members
- Safety factors while traveling as a female
- The chances of uncertainty for and during the trip
2. Challenges during the trip
- Safety factors during the night or early in the morning
- Fear of being duped by localites
- Doubtful about the intentions of the other travelers
- Scared about the new Covid Variant
- Anxious about the possible and probable events of the future
- Safety?
The Hosteller — my place of stay was safe for me. The vibe there was chill, and people also helped me be comfortable. While Safety regarding the city of Jaipur — I have been there a couple of times and found it secure. Also, as it is a tourist place, the people welcome and respect the tourists. To conclude, I did not face any form of fear or threat concerning my Safety and stay as a female solo traveler.
- Experience?
Wholesome. The word sums it all. The adventure was exciting, fun-filled, overwhelming, and filled with uncertainties. Each day, every hour, each moment was different from the other. The five-day venture made me feel alive and aware. I fall short of words if I think about it. But all in all, it was the experience of a lifetime. It is because every passing moment was risky, unpredictable, and gave a sense of achievement as well as thrill.
- People?
Yayayyay. People were the best best best part of my trip. It is because I met sooo mannnyy amazingly talented and sweet people under one roof.
I learned a lot from them, had a great time, and exchanged meaningful conversations with these amazing people.
- Itenary:
My stay was for five days, and here’s what my days looked like:
Day 1: The Mix bag of emotions
Places Visited: Birla temple, Moti Dogri temple, Akshardham Temple, Albert Hall Museum.
Food: Chole Bhature at Shree Shyam Bhature Wala.
People: Pankaj Gautham (Manager, The Hosteller), Radhika Ganesh (Best bae), Samiksha Chaudhary (Nerdy bitch).
Details:
I reached the Hostel at 6.30 am. Crashed on the sofas as check-in was at 11 am. So I got freshened up in the shared bathroom and started my journey. A bike taxi was my preference for travel as it is cheap and affordable.
I believed in God and wanted to thank him for making this happen. Then headed towards the Birla temple and went to Moti Dogri temple.
From there, I headed towards Akshardham Mandir.
The temple was serene and beautiful from where I walked towards a famous chole bhature joint.
After shopping for some essentials, I headed back to the Hostel to settle into my dorm. The rest of the day I spent with my friend Eshan.
We then went for a ride to Albert Hall Museum and had dinner at Masala Chowk.
Day 2: Nostalgia and Love
Places visited: None
Food: Sev Tamatar Sabzi, Roti, and Bondi Raita from Desi Dhabha
People: Praddy, Arjun, Faizan, Nehal, Rahul, Sanat, Labhanshu, Aakash, Bhuwan, and many, many more amazing people.
Details:
The second day started with me being emotional about Eshan leaving the town. The vibe of meeting my good old friend and letting them go (literally and otherwise) hit me hard. After having lunch with him, I wrapped myself in my little dormy cocoon bunk bed and slept over the sadness.
Before sunset, Samiksha asked me to join her at the rooftop, where all the hostellers/travelers hang out for chilling. This day, I understood what solo traveling was all about — the people. We played games, joked around the bonfire, and spoke about life. Even the thought of the day fills my heart with so much joy. I also didn’t know I was to meet the coolest people today, with whom I’d share unique relations.
Day 3: Adventure, travel, and thrill
Places Visited: Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Night view
Food: Chai at GulabJi Chai wala, masala maggie, Dominos pizza, and Aloo parantha from Kanha
People: Samiksha, Archana, Chirag, Nikhil, Malhar.
Details: I woke up and hung around in the corridor just when Sanat asked me if I wanted to join him and others at GulabJi chai wala. We were at Gulabji — Archana, Samiksha, Faizan, Sanat, and me in no time. We had a fun time there and then headed back to the Hostel and took an auto. The ride was also so much fun, and it made me realize the smallest joys in life.
I wanted to visit the forts today. The weather was funny, and it was about to rain. There was inevitable turbulence within me due to the predictable storms from my parents back at home. After a much-needed pep talk from Radhika, I headed to the rooftop to ask mates whether and if anyone was interested in visiting the forts.
Bhuwan, being the sweetheart, agreed.
The girl gang from my dorm gathered simultaneously there, and we posed for photographs.
Parallelly, Shrishti and Chirag also decided to tag along. I waved at the most generous and hottest guy at the Hostel. He greeted me with the most beautiful smile, and I melted ;) They were kind enough to get me aloo parantha for breakfast from Kanha.
Shrishti and I had to wait for Bhuwan and Chirag to get a two-wheeler for our local visit.
On reaching Amber, we hired a local guide to have an insightful and memorable visit to the fort.
After touring the fort, we had maggie and tea at the local shops. It already was gloomy and also drizzled a little.
We then went to Jal Mahal for a quick stop and picked some beer to chill at Nahargarh. The vibe, place, and route to it were horrifying and fun. We let our hearts out, vibed to songs, and just laughed. It was a wholesome experience there. On our way back, the tire of one of scooty also flattened. After repairing it, we returned the Hostel en routing Hawa Mahal.
I had my sweet little me time ordering Dominos pizza, and having to share it with anyone was the happiest feeling. Later the same day, I headed to the rooftop to chill with the other Hostellers. That day was for a jam session. Arjun nailed the session with some other mates. Radhika and I had our little pep talk again in the secret corner. In the background, Hey ya was played by Rahul, and I was very tempted and impressed by it.
Modiji and I had a heartfelt conversation till 3 am in the night after.
Day 4:
Places visited: Amar Jawan Jyoti, Gaurav Tower, Patrika Gate
Food: Rajasthani Thali at Eclectica, Coffee at a fancy cafe
People: Prakriti, Aditi Bhabhi, Arnav Bhaiya, Nidhi
Details: I wanted to see Eclectica for lunch as I had been there earlier with my dad and cousin. Bhuwan accompanied me to the restaurant.
Then, I went to Patrika Gate, where I met Prakriti, my batchmate from college. We then headed for having coffee.
Over coffee, we discussed career, love life, Manipal, and general life issues.
From there, I ordered a cake for the Hostellers and came back to my dorm. I had to complete certain formalities for the new company I was joining and hence was busy with it.
Later, I went upstairs by around midnight, and everyone was playing Antakshari. I joined in and had a great time.
I also happened to give an emotional farewell speech and cut the cake. After which, I had a wonderful time with all the Hostellers.
As the night became darker, it began to rain, and the weather was sexy asf. Rahul, Praddy, Archana, and Nidhi had a good time. At around 2am at night, one gave me a beautiful keychain with my name. We also had a moment of gracious closeness later by 4.30 am.
Day 5: Goodbyes and Hellos
Places visited: None
People: Nikhil
Food: Chai at Gulab Ji Chai wala, Kachori at Rawat Misthan Bhandar, Aloo Parantha from The Hosteller cafe.
Details: I slept by 5am and woke up by 8am. I needed sleep very severely but still was in the hangover of the earlier day. I asked Bhuwan if he would accompany me to Gulab Ji.
But five of us ended up going for breakfast -Nikhil, Arnav Bhaiya, Aditi Bhabhi, Bhuwan, and me. It was wholesome again as we discussed being Marwadi, marriage, and career. Later we also went to Rawat Misthan Bhandar to have kachori. Little did I know spending time here with them would make me late for my train. I rushed back Hostel. Arnav bhaiya was kind enough to help me with cleaning up my stuff.
I asked Labhanshu bhaiya to click my photos at all the significant places in the Hostel and met someone who was finally up.
After bidding farewell, I left the Hostel.
Bhuwan, Chirag, Arjun, Pankaj, and Rahul came to see me off. While Bhuwan dropped me off at the station and into my boogie. The trip ended with nostalgia, fun, and a bag full of emotions.
- How much?
The trip’s expenses can be divided into travel, accommodation, and food. Below is the breakup of how much money I spent on each of the following:
1. Food — INR 2000
2. Travel — INR 700 (Bus from Udaipur to Jaipur)
INR 2300 ( TRAIN 2AC from Jaipur to Bombay)
INR 1000 (approx for travel in and around Jaipur)
3. Stay: INR 1300 (approx for the entire stay at The Hosteller)
- Learnings?
The most favorite part of my blog of mine is this section. So jumping right in for it:
- Life is too short to live by rules.
- Travel is how one lives in the present and becomes mindful.
- A place is wholesome because of its people.
- The chances of uncertainty will be high how much we plan things, and you will need your presence of mind in those instances.
- Solitude is bliss for you but might be hell for some.
- Everyone has a story they don’t read out loud.
- Intoxications are away for a few people. They’re not necessarily cruel from the heart; it’s a phase or their way of life.
Thoughts as of 13th February 2022:
It’s been more than a month since my first ever solo trip. I am still very much in touch with beautiful people from the journey, including Radhika, Samiksha, Sanat, Rahul, Faizan, Labhanshu, Aditi bhabhi, Nidhi, and Archana. Fortunately, by God’s grace, I had the privilege of meeting a few of the Hostellers on my way back from my native place, Jhunjhunu. Meeting them was so wholesome, overwhelming, and nostalgic.
Grateful and blessed. This trip has been the most exciting thing I’ve done so far in my life so far. Ganapati Bappa Morya. Thanks for reading :)
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