The greatest part of my failed attempt to travel around India for a year was the 17 days I spent traveling Gujarat in the summer of 2014. Subramanian, my friend from college was pursuing his post graduation at SVNIT in the diamond city of Surat and was kind enough to let me bunk with him for a few nights.
Given that this was the first time during the trip that I would be actively traveling alone into uncharted territory, I decided to leave my car, Matilda, in the campus and backpack around Gujarat.
As I boarded the bus from Surat to Bhuj in the Kutch district with a packet of Thepla, a generous gift from Subramanian, I had no idea as to how much of an adventure the trip was going to be.
Endless Salt Dessert Near Kala Dungar, In Kutch.
This post is not intended to document the details of what I experienced in Gujarat but rather to share my two cents on why I think solo travel is important.
But to keep things interesting (and so that I can brag), here is a summary: During my 17 days, I climbed the 10,000 steps of Girnar, trekked to the highest point in Kutch, saw lions hunt in the wild at Gir National Park, got the closest I have ever seen death trying to explore the white desserts of Kutch, walked miles along completely deserted roads and trails and hung out with sadhu’s, slept with peacocks and ants, read the Gita, hung out with a bunch of BSF guys, stayed in a village with a population of just 800 people for 30 just rupees a day, meals included, and had the most amazing sweets one could ask for on a hot sunny afternoon.
Climbing The 10000 Steps At Girnar
There are the obvious benefits for traveling solo like the alone time, or having the absolute freedom to choose where you want to go and what you want to do.
On the other side, traveling with someone means you get an automatic 50% discount on many things like hotel rooms and side dishes and there is always a constancy in the middle of all the unknown.
But if I had traveled with someone else, I wouldn’t have had the same experiences I had.
Chilling With Rajesh Patel, The Forest Officer. Sitting On The Salt Dessert.
I am not saying that traveling solo is the only way to do it right. It would be lying if I told you that I never for once wished I had company during this trip. And I am not saying that its the safest way to travel, but make an entry in your bucket list to travel solo and then actually do it for once. You will know the difference.
As always, once you pack up and leave, the hardest part is over.
Exactly … 🙂
Not sure what to make of it, but thanks for agreeing 🙂