In the best way possible, the last three months have been a whirlwind of excitement, travel, and new experiences. Before returning, I had made myself a promise that I would not take for granted all there is to see and do in my beautiful country of India. I am so glad I have had the opportunity to uphold this promise.
My journey started in the culturally vibrant city of Hyderabad and took me next to the vacation hub of India, Goa. I then ended the year in the lap of the Himalayas.
A Trio of experiences:
Each city has left its unique imprint on me. Whether it was the architectural marvels of Hyderabad, the warm sands of Goa Beaches, or the slow pace of Bir, each city had something to offer, and I accepted it with open arms. So here are my moments of joy from each place.
Hyderabad: The city of pearls
Hyderabad felt like a warm embrace, with a Fellow hosting us and the Diwali lights engulfing the city, I couldn’t have asked for a better time to visit the city. We started by visiting the spectacular Telangana Secretariat surrounded by beautiful lush green freshly cut grass opposite a street full of local street food.
The next day was the highlight, where we started the morning by cooking breakfast and realising that there was some last-minute shopping to do. We embarked on a mission to clear our shopping list. Experiencing any city in autos is the best way to look around and still get things done. After visiting multiple shops decorated with piles of sarees, we finally found everything we were looking for and returned home to do Diwali preps. Food was ordered, lights were put up, diyas were placed, and everyone was ready to immerse in the festival of Diwali. It was a night of laughter, sharing memories, and indulging in delicious local food. As I looked around the room with other fellows, my newfound family filled my heart with joy.
The next item on the list was the magnificent Hyderabad markets circling the magnificent Charminar. The Charminar was everything I imagined it to be and more. All six of us stood inside it, listening to the hum of the city and absorbing the beauty of the mosque. We explored the market famous for glassware and bangles. After an evening of bargaining. We indulged in the famous Irani chai and Osmania biscuits and ended our day by filling our bags with memories and lots of jhumkis. It was an unforgettable experience.
Goa: Where Time Both Races and Stills
Goa is a paradox that works. It is where mornings extend lazily over tranquil lakes and evenings with the energy of crowded streets humming. The Fellows and I arrived willing to relax, but Goa had other plans. It didn’t just relax us; it invigorated us. We started our journey by exploring the bustling area of Baga, stocking up our kitchen and enjoying our much-anticipated rooftop pool. From teaching me swimming to exchanging music, the night is exactly what everyone needs after a hectic day of travel. We woke up the next day, super fresh and ready to take on Goa. We took a serene car drive to Panjim and started our journey to explore old Goa. This was unlike the party hub of North Goa. Here, life was slower and the streets were filled with locals. After walking a few streets, we went to our lunch location and dare I say, it might have been one of the best meals of my life. We had the much-spoken-about Goa seafood and some other authentic Goa fusion food.
I saw a sunset there that I will never forget. The sky blazed with indescribable colors blending smoothly into the ocean, as though time itself had stopped to observe. The beaches and the clubs did not constitute the most memorable aspect of the trip; rather, several meaningful shared moments spent indoors did. In a living room, seventeen individuals, each occupying a meaningful portion of the space, articulate their many lives, varied dreams and large hardships. The experience of hearing many narratives deeply humbles one, each sophisticatedly twisted from a different region of the nation and yet all are exceptionally relatable.
Bir: In the lap of the mighty Himalayas
Bir was not just a location, it was a myriad of emotions. Snuggled in the embrace of the Himalayas, decorated by street markets, beautiful cafes and breathtaking monasteries, Bir is a small town surrounded by many snow-capped peaks standing watchfully, and each of its several corners presents a picturesque view. We arrived at the crack of dawn. As soon as we exited our cosy busses, we were greeted with a chilly breeze complimented by warm sunlight and a few friendly neighbourhood pups. We couldn’t have imagined a better arrival. After having a cup of warm local tea, we started the walk to our hotels. The first turn we took ushered in a view of the sun-kissed mountains and early morning paragliders spreading across the sky. We reached our accommodation, freshened up, and headed out for the day. First up on our agenda was food. After asking both those around us and Google, we found a cafe deep in the village, which was worth the walk. Surrounded by orange fields, with sprawling mountains all around and the smell of good food, we knew we found the place. We had our first Bir meal called it a day and headed back.
Our second day started with yet the same agenda, food, and this time we knew where we were going. The day prior, we had found this hidden gem serving hot dosas, and we knew this was where we had to be. I have to say, hands down one of the best dosas I have ever had and who knew I would find it in the most unlikely of places, the Himalayas. After filling our stomachs and hearts, it was time to head to the famous Chokling Monastery. After reaching the location, it felt like I had entered a Julius Shulman frame. Perfectly placed clouds, the symmetry of the monastery and the absolute quiet. We toured the premises and adored the intricate architecture. The Chokling Monastery is famous for its authentic architecture, and intricate work, and is the house of large stupas.
The rest of the trip included a dangerously adventurous hike, which included plunging into freezing water, barefoot and stopping to enjoy a bonfire in the middle of a flowing stream. Other highlights included a live music night on New Year’s and stargazing at midnight. I felt as though I had stumbled onto the set of at least one Imtiaz Ali film. The experience was such that it caused a certain degree of recollection in me; that sometimes, one is required to traverse periods of coldness to appreciate the warmth that results from one’s resilience fully.
That location provided an ideal setting for commencing the new year. Each morning vibrantly awoke with the intensely sharp, exquisitely sweet and comforting warmth of honey ginger lemon tea and evenings serenely settled around an enthusiastically crackling fire, with cherished friends and beloved family members at my side.
However, Bir was far from simply being a place of comfort. I undertook a strenuous hike, a deeply unexpected challenge that rigorously tested every belief I held about my capabilities. The frigid waters of below zero degrees Celsius numbed my two feet and each step forward felt insurmountable. My shaky yet steady voice provided me with several unexpected sources of strength as I listened to it. I had not planned for a single revelation, but Bir gifted me at least one anyway.
Looking Ahead
The journey so far has been the most rewarding and rich experience. From moments of hearing someone’s story and feeling like you’ve lived it to diving into the unknown with fear only to be rewarded with more appreciation for life, there have been so many incredible moments. I can’t wait to see where 2025 takes me, but at least I have my next two destinations set – Mumbai and Guwahati. The city of dreams and the gateway to the northeast both hold the promise of new stories, lessons, and memories waiting to unfold.
Here’s to the upcoming journeys, to the unexpected adventures, and to finding magic in the most ordinary of moments.
