Traveling alone in India: am I crazy?
As I awake from my slumber and look out the bus window, I’m transported back into a dream. Clusters of pine trees arise from amid the clouds and reach out to the Himachal sky. I instinctively turn left, but there isn’t anyone to soak in that view with. In my long battle with my parents on traveling alone, I forgot to think it might be intimidating. And intimidating it is.
I immediately look back at my a-second-ago-dreamland, only to feel a desperate moment of anxiety. My mind is retrieving everything that’s been planted in it about a girl traveling by herself in India. Putting my sweaty palms together, I’m almost tempted to pray that the bus doesn’t break down, that I don’t get stuck in the dark on this isolated road, that no one tries to rob me of my insignificant belongings, that I don’t get kidnapped, murdered, raped, killed…
A 20-hour journey to Spiti awaits me, through dirt roads and landslide-prone zones. Where’s the romance in traveling alone, I wonder.
We stop at a roadside Dhaba to grab a bite. I get off, determined to make small talk with the first approachable person I see. I spot a victim, a young girl who seems to be by herself too. I take my food and sit opposite her, forgiving myself for the desperate attempt. We eat in silence for half the meal, and I abruptly break it asking her if she’s going to Spiti. Half way, she replies, and my small talk instantly becomes a full-fledged conversation. By the time we’re back on the bus, I’ve regained my confidence to enjoy the breathtaking views again. I had forgotten how easy it was to make friends, especially in India, where everyone has a story to tell and a million questions to ask of you.
Through my days in Spiti, I meet people from all parts of India and the world. Some become acquaintances, some friends and some close friends. I meet people who marvel at the notion of me traveling alone, primarily Indian families. I meet people who’ve come in search of life’s answers, found some in the mighty Himalayas, but mostly left realizing that the answers are really the folks they love back home. Some nights, I stay up thinking about my own folks…
I learn to hitch-hike up mountain roads. I learn about Syrian music, Israeli food and books from Europe. I hear tales of social good from Denmark, Auroville and Gujarat. I meet a Belgian couple who cycled all the way from Belgium to Southeast Asia, took a flight from Singapore to Kerala, and cycled up into Nepal; they’ve been on the road for 2 years, 4 months, and Ladakh is their destination next. I share life stories with strangers, and dreams with people I may never see again.
I discover the romance in solo travel. I wouldn’t do it any other way, in India.
what an adventure! What is that place in your last picture?
It was indeed
The last picture is a hike to Key monastery, perched atop a hill in the distance. It’s located in the Key village of Spiti valley in India. A must, must visit 
This is seriously a trip/journey of a life time. You are fortunate to be able to travel as the way you are as not everyone gets the chance. Admittedly, not everyone has enough courage to be able to take on a adventure especially on their own, against all the odds. However, reading about your adventure it just makes me feel as if I am able to bring into vision your experience.
I hope to one day, plan an adventure to South Asia and travel freely. I’m somewhat planning this now but not sure when it will become possible.
Thanks for sharing with us.
I’m glad you could experience it with me, at least virtually
And you’re so right, I consider myself very lucky for the option & courage to travel. It teaches you so much more than anything else in life.
I hope your South Asia trip materializes sooner than later. It’s a beautiful place to visit, especially the Himalayas. Let me know if you need help with planning or any recommendations
Its volume of places to visit can be intimidating.
Yes – thank you for your offer – I will take any help I can get…
Well written mam!!!!
Thanks Gaurav
and welcome to The Shooting Star!
Shivya,
I think you are on a travel spree. Interesting travelogues.
Chitra, I just got back to work from 2 months on the road. The 2 months flew by, and the days are crawling now. Such is life! Thanks for reading, as always
Wow, looks like you had quite an adventure..
here’s to more travels..
Thanks Aarti, I did indeed
Welcome to The Shooting Star & hope you continue to join me virtually on my journeys!
Woohooo…Someday(pretty soon) I am going to hit the road, just like that
And you’re going to love it, just like that
hey,
u r nt crazy..just have the guts to travel solo.go girl..thanks for the inspiration..i would start putting my solo travel proposal before my family..wish me luck..
Good luck Gautami! Let me know if you need any tips & tricks. I’ve learnt plenty by now
ohh ofcourse shivya. my first task is to convince my mom..and thats the toughest part..
There is a certain romance to solo travel. You just have to work a little bit more to find it. I think starting conversations with people is key. I interviewed by hotel owner for a story while traveling alone in Ireland and it was an interview I know I won’t forget. There are so many stories out there to discover about people and I think solo travel opens you up to them even more than traveling with someone.
So true, Suzy. It takes time, yes, but once you discover the romance, you just can’t do it any other way. I read a solo travel post on your blog, about walking alone into an Irish bar and ordering beer, and that was my trigger to just do this fearlessly. Thanks for being that inspiration
Great, great post. I am just wrapping up my time here in Nicaragua. Having come here alone, I too discovered adventures and make friends with people that I hope to see again some day. I was a little freaked out before I left, but now in the end, I wouldn’t have done it any other way.
Oh wow, that’s great Claire! Nicaragua must’ve been a rather interesting experience
I’m glad we both manage to discover the charm in solo travel. Cheers to us!
You have gone places girl and I admire you for that, in all my 34 years I havent met anyone as gutsy as you, why even me would hardly dare to travel alone to offbeat places. Admire your passion for travelling and seeing that nothing stops you from enjoying yourself.
And I am proud you are Indian
Thanks Austin
It definitely took guts to do it alone, but India is such a beautiful place, how can you not? Hope you dare to do it soon too, with your long break coming up. The anxiety is so worth the thrill.
Sounds beautiful! I love that people who have been on the road for a while are so open to sharing their stories and talking to strangers. There’s something special about the bonds you make while travelling. I think that is what draws me to travel
You’re so right Audrey, I think it’s what draws me to travel too. It’s amazing how we start with fears & intimidations, lose them along the way, and come back a person full of stories & friendships.
If you’re crazy, so am I! I have traveled for more than a year altogether in India, by myself. Loved every moment
Mariellen
AKA Breathedreamgo
Wow, that’s amazing Mariellen! It must have been a lovely experience. I shall read all about it on your blog & look forward to connecting with you more on the blogosphere
sincere appreciation to your courageous step of knocking down the mundane way of traveling…. a free spirit you are…
Keep traveling and Keep posting
Vishnu
Thanks Vishnu
Hope to do more of it!