Places That Call: Travels Of The Heart

It was late afternoon on a balmy July day in 2022. My friend from many moons ago and I were on one of our routine albeit essential catch-up calls where the humdrum goings on of life are exchanged. Earlier in the day, I’d worked on a write-up on 75 years of the Partition that had opened up a flood of childhood memories of my father and grandmother’s reminiscences of their Lahorewala ghar and the life they had to leave behind. The stories had stayed with me, evoking the need to understand the events that changed their lives along with millions of others. Now, more than ever, with both of them having passed on, a visit to the Partition Museum was akin to a pilgrimage calling me.

I mentioned it to my friend and asked if she’d be interested in travelling to Amritsar. Her prompt reply was, “Let’s go! I also want to visit the Golden Temple.” And within the hour we booked our tickets from Delhi and Chandigarh respectively. Two days later, we met at the Amritsar railway station.

July 2022, Amritsar.

The morning at the Partition Museum was a lesson on why history must never be forgotten so that it is never repeated. Amritsar, as expected, was a delight with the usual suspects on the to-do, must-see and the have-to-eat list. What wasn’t so usual, was me making travel plans and following through so spontaneously.

You see, I am the kind who plans, then mulls over the plan and chews on the specifics before hanging it out to dry for the proverbial bucket list. This trip made me realise that not all travel needs to adhere to the same process. If a place calls you and tugs at your heartstrings – pause and listen. And if it doesn’t go away – take note and make it happen.

It was an epiphany, and what followed was life changing travel to incredible places, great experiences and unforgettable adventures.

September 2022, Pondicherry.

When I first experienced the magic of the former French port town, I instantly knew that I was going to return some day. A decade later when I did, the only thing that had changed was its name. The divine energy of the Ashram and Auroville was the same. It permeated the air as we wandered around the tree lined cobbled lanes and arched doorways that opened into mustard and blue coloured heritage homes. Colourful quaint cafes framed by bountiful bougainvillea invited us in with the aroma of freshly brewing coffee and the many baked delights. From the sea to the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the expanses of rocky-sandy beaches, forgotten by-lanes of magnificent ruins and trees that hold the sky to the ground – Pondy is an emotion, not a place.

March 2023, Meghalaya.

I remember the moment when I saw the image of a boat and the boat man reflecting in the Umngot river. My first thought was, “Surely, that’s not real!” On its heels followed, “There is only way to find out!” And so, in early spring, my travel bestie and I travelled to Meghalaya. A treasure trove of natural wonders – spectacular waterfalls and surreal caves, ancient forests and sacred groves – the place and the people are simply astounding. The feeling  of walking on a living root bridge, looking down at the crystal clear river bed, hiking through its gorgeous trails, and wandering around its beautiful villages – it is an affirmation of people and nature coexisting in harmony.

November 2023, Sri Lanka.

Imagine a country where you can traverse the hills, the sea and the plains all in the span of a single day! Not that we did it, but just imagine it. So, when the girls in my book club decided to travel to the island formerly called Ceylon, it was with a mix of anticipation and adventure. Suffice to say, we were more than rewarded. A city around a lake that’s home to a sacred relic; beautiful winding roads with tea gardens dotting the hillside; gorgeous scenery rushing past our train window; beautiful colonial structures frozen in time; and endless views of blue seas and golden sand – Sri Lanka is truly serendipitous.

March 2024, Thailand.

The year began with the marvels of Siam with my significant other. I remembered the island from an earlier trip with my mom and sis as an easy going place that offered plenty of sightseeing, shopping and foot massages. This time around, I saw how vibrant, alive and colourful it is. Exotic yet modern with ancient monasteries and tuk tuks as much a part of the landscape as glitzy malls and sky trains -Thailand does super affordable and utterly luxurious travel with equal ease. From floating markets and rooftop bars alongside street food and Michelin stars, its gorgeous beaches, rich culture, friendly people and amazing food, make it a traveler’s dream you definitely want to return to.

May 2024, Bhutan.

For the longest time, Drukland was on my bucket list. It fascinated me. When I was at school, I saw a movie about a mythical kingdom called Shangrila – for me, Bhutan was that kingdom. So, when my book club girl gang mooted the idea of travelling to the mountain kingdom, I knew it was Shangrila calling me.

It was a magical journey of 7 days on winding roads with lush forests as far as the eyes could see as we went up passes, crossed rivers and saw the beautiful valleys. It’s as if Bhutan’s frozen in time – the architecture of its dzongs and homes, people clad in their national dress, prayer flags fluttering in the wind and prayer wheels echoing through its mountains. The kind eyes and smiling faces, melt-in-the-mouth food, and the abundant bounties of nature make this country with no traffic lights truly a blessing.      

As I write this, the new year has crossed over the threshold and brought with it a wish-list of places that are on every travel itinerary worth its salt. Some I’ve heard of and read about, and some are the “hidden” gems that are in plain view. For me though, it’s easy – I just have to listen to the travels of the heart that call out to me.