Introvert's first solo trip experience to Alleppey

I am big time introvert and when it comes to travel it becomes exhausting. So going solo was never an option for me. I always tried to see if any friends would join me or join a group so that I don't have to worry about having a company.

Let me tell you first about the level of introvert that I am. I need a preparation time to pick up a call of a stranger. I feel uncomfortable in any setting where there are strangers around. If I see someone familiar also, I find it hard to strike a conversation unless they are chatty. In a completely new setting, I am more uncomfortable and anxious. A small simple task of talking to strangers is big thing for me.

Over the years, I have learnt to manage it but during travel it is difficult to enjoy with this level of introvert nature. So I always look for groups. So that's how I had booked a group tour to Lakshadweep but unfortunately it got cancelled due to PM's visit. However, my flight was booked to Kochi and I didn't feel like wasting that. As I had a friend staying in Kochi, I decided to go there and meet him. However, due to his work schedule he couldn't spend much time with me.

Then I was thinking of things to do and was not so keen on exploring alone. I had interacted with a person on couchsurfing platform and decided to visit Alleppey. He was running a hostel there and I stayed there.

The hostel was simple and was located right on the beach. Its called Beachcampers. The almond tree covered the hostel from view and gave shade and privacy. I instantly got comfortable with that. That's what an introvert needs!

The host Jay was also very friendly and I felt comfortable instantly. Having built a rapport over some years through Instagram made a difference. I didn't feel I am meeting a stranger at all. He helped me have a comfortable stay, introduced me to others and helped plan my activities while I am there.

I still yearned for a company to explore Alleppey with and missed having a group or friends but at the same time I enjoyed the company of Jay and other guys while sitting at the hostel sit-out area.

This experience made me confident and helped me go outside my comfort zone. This was a first of many things for me. This was the first time to go for solo travel, first time for staying in a hostel and first time for being hosted by couchsurfer. All three went overall well for me. While I wouldn't say I would prefer this kind of travel always but once in a while we need to go outside our comfort zone and challenge our limits. The experiences we get are worth it.

While I was there, I did nothing much. I spent most of the time at the beach outside the hostel on the hammock overlooking the beach. I would also spend time with people who would also sit on the sit out area of the hostel and constantly chat in Malayalam. By the end of my time there even though I didn't understand the language, I somehow started making a broad sense of what they were talking about, and I was responding to them!

Being a vegetarian I had less options but whatever I got were really amazing. I enjoy the local flavors of Kerala. And sometimes I just explored the streets of the neighborhood.

A major activity I did was sunrise kayaking which I would say is a must if you are there in Alleppey. This was a wonderful suggestion by Jay. You can experience the backwaters of Alleppey from the houseboat or the other boats but kayaking experience will be on another level altogether.

And in the evenings, sunsets at the beach are amazing. Jay has a local raft used by local fishermen for fishing. He gave a ride in that raft in the choppy waters of the sea and this was very thrilling experience.

As I visited there in during the end of March it was very hot and humid and not the ideal weather. I would suggest going during winter months. The temperatures will be bearable.

As I left the serene backwaters and the beach behind, I carried with me not just memories of Alleppey’s beauty but a deeper connection to myself. For any introvert hesitant to embark on a solo journey, take the leap—it’s a voyage well worth taking