Going Solo

I was about board the bus to Dalhousie, but suddenly a drunkard comes in my way. I am bit taken a back but he insists I buy a book from him otherwise he cannot buy his good night drink tonight. Having experienced alcoholism first hand, I empathize with him. I decide to looks through his stack. He has got the all favorite Men’s Health and Cosmopolitan, Durjoy Dutta ( the guy who discreetly promotes infidelity in India, Bajrang Dal is going to target him soon ). But the book that catches my eye is the “The Monk who sold his Ferrari”. I had heard this name before, I used to hate self-help books but I was not myself that day, so impulsively I decided to buy it. We strike a deal with his first bid and I was off to Himachal. After a while in the bus, annoyed of all street lights and those damned car headlights, I pulled my curtains and switched on the reading lights. And little did I know that reading that book will give birth to a new me. Call it coincidence or destiny, like me the protagonist was travelling to Himalayas in search for something which nobody understands “the true meaning of life “. To cut the long story short, the book advises you to follow your heart and do what you love. I have always been a meek guy but at the top of that cliff in Himachal away from all the commotion and competition which had almost murdered the creativity in me, I realized that it is only me who can change my life.

And then followed the most memorable trip of my life. When I stepped out of the bus at Dalhousie bus station, I reveled in the fresh air and the at sight of mountains. I took the bus and I was on my way to Khajjiar. It is a beautiful place, truly it is the Switzerland of India. The lush green meadows with the sight of sheep and horses grazing around. You can go for zorbing and horse riding. Going further from Khajjiar, I landed up in Jot. I fell in love in the place and decided to spend the night there. The view from the top of the hill is amazing and the peacefulness and tranquility adds to the atmosphere. Next day morning, I left for Dharmshala. Again the bus the ride will mesmerize you for the whole time.In Dharmshala I visited the Norbulinka Monastery and the Gyuto Monastery. The Norbulinka is a one of a kind monastery, you can visit the different art workshops and see the Mons working. And make sure to visit the Lolsek Doll Museum. From there one I went to Mcloedganj. Mcloedganj is the place where you want to be, if you want to experience the hippie culture. Lots of foreigners chilling around, having coffee writing blogs.The must visit places here is the Dalai Lama Temple and Bhagsunag waterfalls.

After this trip I can say that I am happily infected by the travel bug for life. I urge you to do the same. Travel, because there is no better time than now.