7 trips and 15 weekends

It has become 'the thing' to quit your job and travel these days. While I believe that 'quitting your job' and travelling is a cool thing to do, it is 'travelling and working' which requires real courage.

For some people like me, travel is a medium of escape from the daily routine. It is a way to explore the world while exploring your own self for which we need not quit our jobs.

In January 2016, I got free from a 11 months self imposed project I had picked up. Travel enthusiast as I am, I decided to travel actively on alternative weekends to nearby getaways without compromising with my regular professional life. To ensure a proper break, I decided to not carry my laptop while travelling. While I traveled extensively, I didn't take a day off from work. I traveled overnight on Fridays and Sundays to ensure that the day light was for exploring the destination.

The best part in my story is that my peers and manager are not sadists , in fact they encourage me for following my dreams.

The below is my journey of 7 trips and 15 weekends.

1. Warmup Trip to Kasauli via Chandigarh- Jan 10th weekend

I just wanted a break post the 11 months hardship. Nothing could have been better than Kasauli which is close to the town I was born and brought up. I took a Shatabdi from Delhi to Chandigarh and spent the weekend peacefully at Timber Trails Kasauli , a place which can be reached via a cable car.

Enclosing my picture at the resort.

2. Heritage trip to Jaipur-Jan 24th weekend

With peak winters kicking in, what could have been better than Jaipur- the city of forts. I again took a Shatabdi from Delhi to Jaipur and reached the pink city in ~5 hours. I spent 1 Night and 2 days exploring the forts of the city- Amer, Nahargarh and City Palace. The city offered innumerable options of local shopping and eating Rajasthani food.

Enclosing two pictures while I explored the beautiful City Palace.

3. Romantic day trip to Vrindawan- Feb 14th weekend

You end up spending the V-day in a pilgrimage destination when your parents decided to get hitched on 14th Feb 31 years ago. My brother and I celebrated parents' anniversary in the holy city of Vrindawan. We explored Banke Bihari temple while having a peaceful lunch in the city.

Enclosing a picture of the popular 'Kunj gali' of Vrindawan.

4. Trip to Nainital- Feb 20th weekend

Now was the time to take the casual strolling to a little up towards the hills. What could have been better than the city of lakes. A wonderful weekend was spent in the hills by sipping hot tea while it hail stormed in Nainital.

Enclosing two pictures a) from a hill top in Nainital and b) Maal road. The hill top is famously called 'The Himayan Darshan' point.

5. Trip to Mumbai via Nashik-March 5th long weekend

Here was the long weekend and was the time to fulfill my parents' dream of a pilgrimage sojourn. I decided to accompany my parents on their pilgrimage journey to Shirdi-Nashik-Mumbai ( Sidhi Vinayak). The long weekend was one of the best one I have had. Its a surreal feeling to travel with your parents in your 20's. It helps in making the bond stronger.

Enclosing 2 pictures a) Some 700 year old architecture at Panchwati Nashik b) Ships harbored near Gateway of India- Mumbai.

6. Trip to Dadhikar fort- March 20th weekend

The bug had bitten me hard. This one was extremely last minute. For those who are not aware where Dadhikar fort is, this fort is 160 km away from Delhi in middle of Aravalis. It is more secluded and less commercialized version of Neemrana fort. My friend and I went for a day trip and had a pure veg. lunch in full Rajasthani traditional style at the fort.

Enclosing two pictures of my miserable attempt while posing in the fort.

7. Trip to Manali-April 23rd weekend

Here was the solo trip. The best one and the most overwhelming one so far. From bike ride to Rohtang paas to white water rafting, hot water spring bath at Vashisht temple, trekking and meeting locals, this trip just amazed me to the hilt.

Enclosing a vedio of the overwhelming bike ride ( Manali offers paid bike riders) to Rohtang paas and pictures in the following order: a) Roof top restaurant in Manali b) A picture taken while trekking b) A picture of local from Kullu, who told me all I need to know about Rishi Vashisht while we were sitting in Vashisht temple.

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