Oasis Holidays: Indian Destinations

Indian Destinations

Showing posts with label Indian Destinations. Show all posts

Airports are crazy places. Generally they're exceptionally busy, and the larger ones in the country can be quite big and confusing. Often the security measures can also be quite intimidating.In this article we'd like to walk you through how Indians kill time in airports before the flight departure gates open ;)

1) Search desperately for Free Airport Wi-Fi

2) Find phone charging ports frantically

3) Use the entire lounge seating to stretch out and sleep like its :"Mera Baps"

4) Go to the gate every 10 minutes and ask the staff if the flight is delayed (even if the screen shows scheduled on-time departure details)

5) Ponder if its worth buying a coffee for rs.60 versus inside the airport versus Rs.10 outside

6) Social Networking: selfies with the chairs, selfies in the restrooms, selfies with planes taking off in the background...selfies...selfiesss....till its time to go to point number 2.

Please feel free to add in your pointers too if it does tickle your funny bones.. :)

I remember humming a soft tune as I walked down the beautiful Kudle Beach at Gokarna – a town kissed by the Arabian Sea in the South Indian State of Karnataka.

The melody of the tune was completed by the sweet sounds of the crashing waves, regular chirping of the coastal birds, shouts of kids playing soccer and the whispers of lovers walking on the beach. I also remember splashing waters on to my friend’s faces as all of us joyously bathed in the cool Arabian waters. The gradually receding beach was both merciful and welcoming. In the evening, nearly forty pairs of eyes stood staring at the beautiful sunset as the sea gulped the sun, to keep it safe in its hiding for the night. Quite a love story. And quite a sight to behold.

I remember walking down the streets of the beautifully antique town of Gokarna to reach Kudle Beach. I bumped into some really interesting people and sights on the way. And as my eyes caught the glimpse of the beach through the leaves of an ancient tree, I blessed the walk that had led me to it.

But what I remember the most from those two days at Kudle Beach, is a longing – a longing to let go. A longing to delve deeper and understand. A longing to stay.

When we travel, we come across numerous beautiful roads and destinations. And very often, we spend days at these locations and then move on to other places and things. Sometimes we come back from journeys and the places we saw take deep roots in our memories, as our minds get exposed to the realms of everyday life. But at times, we visit places we just can’t get enough of. At times, we feel the strong urge to call a distant land our ‘home’. At least for a while.

Such was the case with Kudle Beach and me. Having been there several times, I still feel the longing to stay there for a longer duration. Still feel the need to stare at the Kudle sunset for days together.

And it’s very difficult to state the reason why. It is definitely not the most enchanting place I have ever been to. But there was something in the way my thoughts completely melted and mixed with the aroma of the place. It lent me a peaceful, easy feeling very difficult to replace. I felt that I completely belonged to the place, at least for the time I spent there. So much so that I’ve been planning to go and stay there for a month or two.

I don’t feel the urge to spend my life away at Kudle. But for what she gave me, I definitely owe her a month of my heart and soul. For me, it will always be my favourite escape.

Things to Do in Gokarna

When in Gokarna, do not miss out on the following:

· - Trek from Kudle Beach all the way up to Om, Half Moon and Paradise Beach. The beach trek is an amazing experience. You are bound to bump into some amazing travellers and picturesque locations.

· - See some beautiful temples and walk the old markets of Gokarna town. Gokarna is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Shiva. Delve in its history and culture.

· - If you are going to stay for long, you can also take Yoga classes near Kudle beach.

· - Go on a boat ride and if you are lucky, you can spot dolphins in the sea!

· - You can get a nice massage and spend the day out in the beach sun.

· - The bike ride around Gokarna is really beautiful. // Amarpreet Singh for Oasis Holidays

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For an all-India tour in 22 days, you may want to check out this video.

For Tour and Travels India as well as International packages from India, please contact us at Oasis Holidays.

Unshod Rover is a worldwide-eyed wanderer currently based in Bangalore, India. You may follow his musings and wanderings on this blog. "Unshod in India" is a series of articles based on Mr. Rover's adventures and discoveries in this very interesting and incredible subcontinent.

{About the Author}

Amarpreet Singh is 25 and lives in Bangalore, India and apart from journeying with a waste management organization called Daily Dump, likes to spend his time scribbling words wherever he can. His passion is penning down random sets of words that may seem gibberish to most people and may make perfect sense for some insane ones out there. He doesn’t seem to stop any time soon too. Poetry is what people say he is good at. Music and Football are his other hobbies.

India, undoubtedly, is a land of wonders! There are many off-beat destinations which are unexplored, unknown and unspoken of! Many of them have made a mark on the world’s map owing to their unique perspective. They stand different when compared to cliche destinations and hence should be visited once for an enthralling and exciting experience.

Here we unravel a few unconventional travel options which might offer splendid joys if you are an inquisitive traveller. The journey to top 10 off-beat wonders starts here:

1. Muzhappilangad Beach in Kannur, Kerala, is the longest drive-in beach in Asia

Imagine a long stretch of sandy land and blue waves hitting the black rocks while you drive on the sea shore. This visual experience becomes a reality when you reach Muzhappilangad Beach in Kannur. It’s the longest drive-in beach in Asia, where you can drive or bike along the 4 km pristine stretch. There are clusters of green trees on the other side which make the scene all the more appealing. To add more to its beauty is the amazing view of sunset.

How to reach:
By air: Nearest airport is Kozhikode International Airport which is 100 km from Kannur
By rail: Nearest Railway Station is Kannur-15 km
By road: Kannur is 155 km south of Mangalore

2. Drass is the second coldest inhabited place in the world

India is home to the second coldest inhabited place in the world! Surprised? But yes, it is a true fact. Drass in Jammu and Kashmir enjoys the credit of being the second coldest inhabited place in the world! The temperature here dips to -50 degrees and the snow layer touches the height of 35ft. River Indus gets its water from this glacier.

How to reach:
By air: Nearest airport is Srinagar Airport (SXR) 98 km away
By train: Drass does not have any train station. Nearest option is Udhampur which is 176 km from Drass.
By road: The driving distance between Srinagar and Drass is 151 km

3. Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya, is the tallest plunge waterfall in India

You might have enjoyed the beauty of several cascading waterfalls but are you aware which one of them is the tallest plunge waterfall and in which part of India is it located?
It’s Nohkalikai Falls located near Cherrapunji, which is a 3-hour drive from Shillong, and is said to be the tallest waterfall plunge of India. The gushing water cascades from a height of 1115 feet (340 metres) from this waterfall.

How to reach:
By air: The nearest airport is Guwahati airport which is128 kms from the site.
By road: From Guwahati it’s a 4 hour journey to Shillong, which is about 54 kms distance to Cherrapunji. From Cherrapunji main town, it’s a 10 mins journey to the falls. One can also hire a taxi to reach the falls.

4. Mawlynnong Village in Meghalaya, the cleanest village in Asia

At a time when Clean India campaign has made waves across the nation, not many of us might be aware that one of the north-eastern states houses the cleanest village in Asia.
You can visit Mawlynnong Village and can trust your eyes by looking at this “Cleanest village in Asia”. Tucked in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, this place is also known as ‘God’s Own Garden’. The credit of attaining such a high quotient of cleanliness goes to the local community which has made an honest attempt to maintain its pristine ambience. The narration of this place goes incomplete without mentioning about the Living Root Bridge, which is yet another wonder.

How to reach:
By air: The nearest airport is Shillong Airport in Umroi, Meghalaya
By train: The nearest railway station is Guwahati (120 kms)
By road: Mawlynnong is 90 kms southwards of Shillong.

5. Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh, where the earliest rock paintings took shape

This is the place where a new era started! Bhimbetka marks the beginning of the South Asian Stone Age. Declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, it contains the earliest rock paintings. These are as old as 30,000 years old and are the first proof of human life in the Indian subcontinent.

How to reach:
By air: The nearest airport is Bhopal airport which is 55-km from the site.
By train: Bhopal railway station. You can find taxi service easily.
By Road: You can reach Bhopal by road which is well-connected by road.

6. Lonar Crater Lake in Maharashtra created by meteor impact

Many years back, the mysterious Lonar Crater Lake was created by a meteor impact. This is a saline soda lake which is one of the most interesting offbeat places to visit in India. Besides scientists, the Lonar Carter Lake also attracts numerous travellers. The lake is also surrounded by diversified flora and fauna, which make it a lot more exciting!

How to reach:
Air: Nearest Airport is Aurangabad which is 122 km from the site.
Rail: Nearest Railhead is Malkapur on the Mumbai-Bhusawal line, or Jalna 90 km.
Road: Lonar is well connected by regular bus service from Malkapur, Khamgaon, Aurangabad, Ajanta, Buldhana, Jalgaon & Mumbai in Maharashtra.

7. Borra Caves in Andhra Pradesh making yet another natural wonder in India

Borra Caves in Andhra Pradesh are yet another wonder in Incredible India! They date back to over million years. Discovered by Willian King George in 1807, these caves originated from river Gosthani owing to its continuous flow over the limestone terrain. The presence of mercury, sodium vapour and halogen illuminates the Borra Caves. Situated at a height of nearly 4265 feet above sea level and around 95 kms away from Vishakhapatnam, these caves are the biggest in India considering the geographical area they are spread on.

How to reach:
By air: The nearest international airport is Visakhapatnam Airport, 76 km (47.2 mi) from Borra caves and 12 km from the Visakhapatnam city center.
By road: You can reach Vishkapatnam which is 90 km away from the site
By train: The train journey is over a distance of 100 km (62.1 mi) from the Vishkapatanam railway station. It takes about 5 hrs to the railway station near the caves called the Borra Guhalu Railway station.

8. Loktak Lake in Manipur, the only floating lake in the world!

Another incredible fact in Incredible India! The country is home to the one and only floating lake existing in the world. Besides, Loktak Lake is also the largest freshwater lake in northeast India. It got its name as the floating lake due to the large number of phumdis present on the surface. Phumdis are heterogeneous mass of organic matter that have solidified over the years. This ancient lake also has the only floating park in the world.

How to reach:
By air: The closest airport to Phumdi, Loktak Lake is Imphal Tulihal Airport
By rail: The closest junction to Phumdi, Loktak Lake is Dimapur railway station
By road: Phumdi, Loktak Lake is easily accessible by using Manipur State Road Transport Corporation and some private bus services from all major towns of Manipur and surrounding areas.

9. Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim is one of the highest lakes in the world!

Situated at a height of 17,000 feet above sea level, the Gurudongmar Lake enjoys the credit of being one of the highest lakes in the world. Throughout the year, the lake water looks milky. And the view of water merging with mist is quite stunning here.
The Gurudongmar Lake also enjoys religious significance and is considered sacred by the Hindus and Buddhists as well. During winters, the entire lake freezes except one side which people believe is blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.

How to reach:
By air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri, which is at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok
By road: It is a 7-8 hour journey from Gangtok through lush greenery and waterfalls as one reaches the Lachen village, which is the base for the trip to Gurudongmar.
By Train: The nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri which is well-connected to most of the major cities in India.

10. Barren Island in the Andamans is the only active volcano in South Asia!

The Andaman & Nicobar islands in the East houses the little Barren island, which is home to South Asia's only active volcano. It is basically composed of the volcano and its debris.
The volcano's last eruption was reported on July 19, 2009 and till date, it continues to exhale clouds of ash. This island was uninhabited a few years back, however, many wild goats have secretly made it their home. You will be surprised to see them going down to the sea to drink salt water.

How to reach:

The only way to reach Barren Island is by Ship. A passenger ship with a capacity of 75 pax goes to Barren Island from Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of the week. It starts from Port Blair at 09.00 pm and comes back next day 11.00 am.

Tickets are issued from Inter Island Ticketing Counter between 1400 hrs. to 1500 hrs. on the day of sailing.

PC: Jenu Prasad

Why do people travel?

It’s an extremely existential question that doesn’t need any answers. Some wander to escape the trials and tribulations of every day life. Some do it in search of peace and tranquility. While some do it for the sheer pleasure of breathing in some fresh foreign air and staring at beauty that escapes them everyday.

Whatever your reasons are, nothing beats the feeling of returning from a distant vacation and then recounting the entire experience through photographs, coffee table conversations and memory.

But what do we truly remember when our journey is done? Do we remember the place itself? The landscape? The people?

What is amazing to witness is that there are always those little solitary moments from a trip that seem to linger on in the depths of our minds a lot longer then some of the other things do. Sometimes it’s a conversation that you stole atop a bridge. Sometimes it’s a house you saw beside a hill. Sometimes it’s a walk across the sea shore. Like life, the trip is incomplete without these little moments. The intricacies that matter.

PC: Daniel Zrihen (Source)

There is one moment that has lived on with me from one of my trips to Hampi - a village and temple town from Northern Karnataka.

PC: Vijaya Narasimha (Source)

Famous for it’s magnificent ruins from the 13th Century, towering boulders and beautiful sunsets, Hampi is a wanderer’s dream come true. After wandering through the town for nearly 3 days and seeping in it’s historical beauty, I decided to go for a thoughtful night stroll at about 11 pm and descended on the steps to the Tungabhadra river. There was a strange calmness in the air. The place which was filled with boatmen, tourists and locals during the day was all empty and quiet now, filled only with the moist night air. The river divided the town into two parts and the only way to get to the other side was to hire a boat ride, which was available for cheap during the day. Suddenly, a boatman appeared with his rickety old rowboat and asked me if I wanted to reach the other side. I had nowhere to go but the idea of rowing a small boat through the night river excited me. We rowed on for nearly 10 minutes until we reached the middle of the slow flowing river.

PC: Jatin Sethi

Suddenly, I caught the site of the shining moon and the it’s beautifully scattered image in the river. Magic. I told the boatman to stop rowing and both of us sat staring at the natural magic that unfolded so effortlessly. The mysterious night river was barely visible. The picture of the moon in it though, was as clear as crystal. It was as if the river had secretly gulped the moon and was presenting it to us. We could only watch and admire. Even today, I find it easy to close my eyes and transport myself back to that time and place. To that moment. To all the elements that completed that scene to perfection.

Very often travel offers you the gift of these moments and all you can do is collect these gifts like coins and keep them safe in the piggy bank of your memories. Photos and diaries can help you recollect these moments to an extent. Silence and closed eyes can almost take you back there.

PC: Shri Ram (Source)

A Few Tips when Travelling in Hampi

· 1. Even though you would be tempted to lose yourself in the busy Bazaar and intricate temples, do not miss out on the ‘other’ side of the Tungabhadra river (Anegundi). Chill out in the wilderness. Meet some new interesting people and give way to the artist within you when you can.

· 2. Rent a two wheeler – the best way to explore the inner reaches of Hampi. You might bump into some beautiful lakes while you are at it!

· 3. Avoid tourist guides – buy a Hampi historical guide from the children selling it at the main temple. Read about each temple’s history when you are going there. You will feel the medieval times coming alive again. The book will cost a mere Rs 100 – 150.

· 4. Drink a lot of water and brace yourself to walk the ruins through and through. Hampi holds a surprise in every nook and corner.

5. Climb the boulders at Anegundi and watch the beautiful Hampi sunset. You may also want to do a few rock climbing sessions that frequently happen over there.

· 6. Climb the Matanga hill! It’s a must. Historians have described it as one of the most beautiful views in South India. // Amarpreet Singh

{About the Author}

As the summer gets hotter and hotter in India, people are escaping to the north in search for cool winds and some chill. Little do they know that the hills of the Western and Eastern Ghats provide a cloak of pleasant weather throughout the year (excluding a few monsoon months).

So, if you have been planning your summer vacations and are dead tired of considering the same old towns on the Himalayan foothills, then give these hill stations in south India a shot this time.

Nelliyampathy

Where: Palakkad, Kerala

The Nelliyampathy hill range that stretches across the Palakkad district of Kerala is a gem of the Western Ghats that you can visit from the town of Nenmara. The hills of Nelliyampathy go as high as 5,000ft, and the best places to view its expanses are the Pothundy Dam and any of the several viewpoints on the Ghat Road. You can go boating at the lake formed by the Pothundy Dam or make your way to the vast tea estates and orange plantations that Palakkad is famous for. Just 8km from Nelliyampathy is Seetharkundu, where you can trek to a 100m high waterfall of the same name.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Nelliyampathy is Coimbatore International Airport (55km away) and the nearest railway station is in Palakkad (56km away). If you are driving, then take the road from Nenmara towards Pothundy Dam.

Lakkidi

Where: Wayanad, Kerala

Home to the mighty Thamarassery Ghat Pass, Lakkidi is considered the gateway to Wayanad and one of the highest spots in the Western Ghats. Other than visiting the nearest town of Vythiri, which is just 5km from Lakkidi, you can also check out Pookot Lake, a freshwater lake spread across 15 acres. Lakkidi is also renowned for its proximity to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot endangered and rare animal species such as lion-tailed macaque and Indian shag. There is a popular legend of the chain-bound ficus tree, which is said to hold the spirit of a tribal youth named Karinthandan, who was killed by a British officer after he unveiled the hidden trails of Western Ghats to him.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Lakkidi is Calicut International Airport (70km away) and the nearest railway station is in Kozhikode (40km away). If you are driving, then take the Thamarassery to Lakkidi Ghat road, which is part of NH 212.

Lambasingi

Where: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Lambasingni is a small hidden village in Visakhapatnam, which is lovingly called the 'Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh', as in winter it can go as low as 0° Celsius here. Because of the elevation and the dense green forests around Lambasingni, the village never gets too hot and is therefore a habitat for several rare plants and flower species. Other than being the coldest place in Andhra Pradesh, Lambasingni is renowned for its coffee around the country! Definitely visit the coffee plantations if you are here. Just 27km from the town are the majestic Kothapally Waterfalls, which you will have to hike to reach.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Lambasingni is Visakhapatnam International Airport (107km away) and the nearest railway station is in Chintapalle (19km away). If you are driving, then take the NH5 from Vizag.

Vagamon

Travancore, Kerala

Located along the Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala, Vagamon is a small plantation town in Travancore, which is still hidden from widespread mainstream attention. Other than having breathtaking ravines and rivulets spread across undulating green hills, Vagamon is also a great paragliding destination. The meadows of Vagamon provide an ideal location for paragliding and Kerala Tourism even organised an International Paragliding Festival here, which welcomed glider pilots from all around the world in 2016. If gliding is not your thing, then trek to any of the three hills in the area: Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala Hill.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Vagamon is Cochin International Airport (75km away) and the nearest railway station is in Kottayam (64km away). If you are driving from Cochin, then take the SH14 to Vagamon, which will take you around 3 hours to reach.

Araku

Where: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Nestled between the mountains of Galikonda and Chitamogondi, the Araku Valley is a hidden hill station in Visakhapatnam. The area is home to tribal farmers who were the first harvesters of coffee in India, you find out more about the tribal history of Araku at the Araku Tribal Museum. Araku Valley is also surrounded by the stunning waterfalls of the Eastern Ghats. Just 30km away from the main town, you can visit the Chaaparai Waterfalls in Paderu, and if you have more time then also head to the Talimada or Anantagiri Waterfalls that are near the Anantagiri village.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Araku is Visakhapatnam International Airport (109km away) and the nearest railway station is in Araku (3km away). If you are driving from Visakhapatnam then it will take you around 3 hours via the Visakhapatnam-Araku Road.

Kotagiri

Where: Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu

Tucked between Ooty and Coonoor is a quiet hill station of Tamil Nadu, Kotagiri. Speckled with tea plantations and picturesque misty mountains, Kotagiri is primarily visited by people for the various trekking routes it offers. Some of the most loved trails in Kotagiri are Catherine Falls, towards Kodanad and Longwood Shola. The Kodanad Point offers a great spot for photographing a panoramic view of the Western Ghats. Other popular attractions in the area are Elk Falls, Doddabetta Range and the Rangaswami Pillar.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Kotagiri is Coimbatore International Airport (76km away) and the nearest railway station is in Coimbatore (21km away). If you are driving from Mysuru then it will take you around 4 hours via the Mysuru-Ooty Road.

Ponmudi

Where: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Ponmudi is a famous yet quiet hill station in the Thiruvananthapuram district. The route from Trivandrum to Ponmudi has approximately 22 hairpin bends, making it just the perfect destination for an exciting road trip. Other than being an ideal road trip destination, Ponmudi is also known for its trekking and hiking spots. Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, is also found in this region. You can also visit the Meenmutty Falls (3km from Kallar Main Road) and the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Ponmudi is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (60km away) and the nearest railway station is in Thiruvananthapuram (57km away). If you are driving from Trivandrum then it will take you around 2 hours via the Thiruvananthapuram- Ponmudi Road.

Kemmannugundi

Where: Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka

The hamlet of Kemmanagundi was once the royal summer retreat of King Krishnaraja Wodeyar. This hill station in south India is blessed with natural wonders of Karnataka and is a haven for trekking enthusiasts. Kemmanagundi is home to the tallest, as well as the second tallest peaks of Karnataka. While Mullayanagiri, the tallest peak of Karnataka, is a destination in itself; Baba Budangiri is revered as an auspicious place and has a temple at its summit. The duo of Kallathi and Kalahasthi Falls falls just 10km from the town of Kemmanagundi. The water here cascades down 122 meters and the temple near it dates back to Vijayanagar empire.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Kemmanagundi is in Mangalore (150km away) and the nearest railway station is in Tarikere (35km away). If you are driving from Bangalore then it will take you around 6 hours via the Bangalore-Shimoga Road.

India is indeed a masala of many wonderful, interesting things. However, for the first-time traveller, the variety of elements you have to deal with could be a little dizzying. It is, therefore, road-smart to equip your backpacks with these useful travel buddies. So as not to send you into tilt or derail you from making happy holidays, let’s stand by what #Rover Recommends.

1. Water Bottle. While it’s general travel wisdom to keep oneself always hydrated, it is doubly important to always carry with you a bottle of water anywhere in India. That is, water that you are already used to. Bottled water is available everywhere as well as those in jugs with a common glass readily offered to random passersby. However, your system may not be as ready to take in different types of water. So, better safe than sore tummy. [One curious detail though is my preference for that warm, pinkish water that they usually serve in Kerala homes. This ayurvedic mix is made by boiling water along with the hard part of the sappan wood or East Indian red wood. It is said to be both a purifier and a cure for many diseases. But then, again, it needs some getting used to.]

2. Wet Wipes/Toilet Paper. Okay, let’s start from the beginning of the digestion process. Most of the time, you would be taking food and meals using your hand. Therefore, it is always wise to wash your hands or in the absence of water, use wet wipes. By the end of the process, repeat step one. Trust me on this. Like, really. Sometimes, clean water and soap may not be available, and many times, toilet paper is still scarce. That leads me to these amazing…

3. Green Pearls. A very concerned friend suggested it to me in one of my earlier travels around India. These are wonder gems made mainly of Pudina Satva that provide quick relief from stomach ailments. I’m not sure yet as to how medically safe they are, but for sure, they have helped me keep the toilet away, which may not always be around the corner anyway. Especially during long trips with irregular meal schedules, these green pearls come in handy along with candies, dark chocolate, and light biscuits. [Personally, I have been war-trained by my grandmother not to eat during a trip. And so, I could actually survive an all-nighter without eating. But that’s just between me and my grandmother.]

4. Sturdy Sandals/Chappals. They help you walk the talk. There’s a lot of walking (and sometimes running and pushing and shoving) involved here in India, and on roads less travelled or badly beaten at that. Shoes are fine, but with the weather varying around the subcontinent, an ever reliable pair of sandals could be one small step for man, one giant leap over potholes and dead animals sometimes. Rain or shine, chappals could be your stepping-stone to wanderlust success.

5. Neck pillow. When you are not walking, most likely you are on a bus or on the train. You might as well keep your neck relaxed and secure, whether on sleep or sightseeing mode. India is big. A three-hour ride is near, eight-hour trips are normal, and hope springs eternal.

6. Blanket/Towel. Please refer to number 2. Well, seriously, your modest accommodation either on the bus or train or during your stay may not provide for these two important pieces of cloth. AC buses or trains could get exponentially cold, while open-air transportation could be a little, well, breezy and/or open to air. Also, you don’t want to catch yourself after-bath without a towel.

7. Mosquito repellent. Quite simply, to repel mosquitoes unless you intend to spend most of your time body-clapping.

8. Water-proof Things/Bags. Aside from the sporadic rain, be ready for your bag to also get sweaty, moist, sauced, etc. There’s also a lot of sweating and washing involved, so a ready water-proof bag for wet clothes could prove to be the hottest deal.

9. Books/Music/Movies. Please refer to number 5. Aside from long rides [which I really, really like, by the way], you will always have some spare time while waiting for your flight, bus, meal, service, etc. So, while trying to learn the ropes tied to the Indian sense of timing, you can read a chapter, listen to an album, watch an episode. In case, these do not suffice. You can go back to sightseeing and people-watching.

10. Camera/Diary. Despite the difficulties and the inconvenience, travelling around India could prove to be the deepest and most enriching human experience one could ever have. It is for me. I have never felt so close, elbow to elbow, with humanity, the essentials of life. It has a way, sometimes charming, sometimes confusing, of keeping yourself grounded. Of course, without much exoticising or dramaticising one’s experiences, you’d thank me later for having told you to keep some memories through photographs and writings. Besides, who knows other people outside of your family and friends could also benefit from your travel stories. Take my word for it, literally.

11. Family Picture. As a family-oriented and friendly bunch, Indians get really curious about your age, your work, your social status, your family background. Showing them a picture of your family is like welcoming them into your home back where you come from. And since all of a sudden you all become one family, a new family selfie is also required. And the whole world becomes one big happy family.

12. Smile. Again, despite the difficulties and the inconvenience, a smile is your map, guidebook, and welcome and parting gift all in one. It will lead you to open arms, and doors and homes, and maybe wrong directions, but still more smiles and even lasting friends. With a smile, come an open mind and a happy disposition. Then, beyond money and/or any other material remuneration, a smile could prove to be the best gift and greeting you could give and leave a host or a stranger. In a world of walls and borders, it is the most effective icebreaker, to begin with.

So, let’s get this packing started. // Unshod Rover for Oasis Holidays