My feet itch if I am stationed at home for long periods. It aches for new travel and new experience and I am sure majority agree with me that there is no better therapy than travel. As Ibn Battuta quotes,
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”
With corona policing our lives, the traveling did take a hit. Where we were global travellers, we now became local travellers. The past 18 months gave me an opportunity to glimpse into our culture more deeply as we began visiting rural areas tucked somewhere deep in the heart of the state. Tasting the local food, meeting the local people and listening to their stories resonated an echo that no matter what the difference; urban or rural, educated or uneducated, socially advantaged or disadvantaged, FAMILY came first for all. Everybody wanted to protect and safeguard their family.
I had never realized the past few decades living in Maharashtra that deep in Igatpuri, would be natural wonders. The place is so untouched and raw that you pray that no one comes and commercializes it. I am sure looking at the pictures, you feel the same.
The past few months, with Covid cases reducing, we took trips to other states and having heard of the Statue of Unity, we first took our trip to Gujarat. The statue of Sardar Vallabhai Patel standing at 182m is a wonder to behold. You feel an immense sense of pride and patriotism observing the hard work put in by all the people to create this majestic place with gardens, cafes and much more. Talking to the people at Kevadia, I realized that this project transformed the small unknown place into a tourist attraction and has created a sustainable livelihood for them. Even in the month of August, under the scorching heat they had numerous visitors and their joy was boundless.
A few days back, I visited Benares and having heard of it through countless history books, novels and grandparents, I was excited and curious. My husband had visited it years back and came back disappointed as the lanes were too narrow and crowded. As I landed, I was greeted by smiling faces and the travel from the airport to the city was smooth. The roads were broad and there was immense construction work happening all around. With my friends, Tanya and Nivedita and a wonderful host, Utsav Tiwari, we visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple [https://www.shrikashivishwanath.org/] and watched the
Ganga Aarti. The entire aarti was mesmerizing as the pujaris showcased complete coordination with their movements. The entire energy was divine. We visited the numerous Ghats, appreciated the heritage passed onto us by our ancestors and ate the traditional, tasty Baati Chokha . Moreover, Benares is the hub for shopping and every woman will lite up with the vast range of offerings the markets provide. I do recommend Benares for every avid explorer.
Last week, I visited Rishikesh and Haridwar and the spiritual engagement prevailed. There is something magical about these places as you wish to spend some time going inside than outside your body. You wish to synergize the energies and reflect on the true purpose of your life. The people out here are warm and helpful. If you are travelling this side, do carry proper woolens and immerse yourselves in the variety of activities like rafting, yoga, trekking and much more. It isn't a shoppers paradise but definitely a showstopper paradise.
India is a treasure trove and every state you visit will offer different experiences. I am eager to visit the North east and other spaces to interact with the locals there and study their cultures and traditions. So even though we fear Covid and its consistent mutations, try to invest in a few trips following all protocols this new year with your loved ones and venture into unknown places. Who knows, you might come back feeling completely rejuvenated and creative and most importantly positive. Life is beautiful and travel makes it all the more precious.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes,
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”
