Wandering into Wonder: My First Adventure in Incredible India

I decided it was time to embrace the unknown, take that leap of faith, and finally booked my ticket to India. It was time.

Sense of Wander: ★★★★★

On a sunny morning, the warmth of the sun embraces a man as he stretches outside the Shri Galta Peeth temple in Jaipur.

Much like many of you, India had been a constant daydream on my bucket list — a destination I’ve longed to explore at least once in my lifetime. It’s not just a place for a soul-searching odyssey that promises more than mere self-discovery; it’s a place where enlightenment, much like the journey of Gautama Siddartha eons ago, feels within reach.

Unlike those whose first impressions of India are shaded by negative news, my first encounter with this incredible land was through the vibrant strokes of its arts and culture. During my postgraduate studies, India unfolded its captivating story before me — beginning in Hindu scriptures, navigating through the ruins of Mohenjo-daro, exploring the inception of gold coins during the Kushan period, and unraveling the complex layers of colonial history that have left an indelible mark on this vast region.

Just like many, doubts and safety concerns lingered on the threshold of my journey to India, especially as a female traveller. These hesitations took root even before the trip started taking shape. But drawing from the experiences gained from living and travelling worldwide over the past two decades, I decided it was time to embrace the unknown, take that leap of faith, and finally booked my ticket to India. It was time.

In the streets of Jaipur, an elderly woman is seen adding the final touches to a pottery.

My first adventure in India turned out to be briefer than I had anticipated, constrained by unforeseen limitations. What was initially envisioned as a long and immersive adventure was distilled into a mere two weeks. Despite the brevity, this condensed timeframe offered me a snapshot of India — a firsthand experience, unfiltered by media or third-party narratives.

After my return, while sorting through photos and prepared to chronicle my experiences, an unexpected obstacle emerged. Unlike my usual practice of translating thoughts into words after my travels, this time, articulating my reflections proved to my a difficult task. Ideas that once flowed seamlessly now resist capture, prompting me to reflect on the reasons behind this challenge.

A profound, once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a sadhu near Galta Ji Temple in Jaipur.

India is blessed a rich tapestry of landscapes, rich heritage, diverse culture, and a myriad of flora and fauna. What is it then that hinders me from sharing the beauty of this incredible nation?

As I grapple with the challenge of expressing my thoughts and emotions about my visit, I’ve realised that I’m hesitant to reiterate what countless other travellers have already written. Focusing solely on touristy sites seems like merely scratching the surface of what I had experienced in India, and a fraction of what this nation has to offer. I want to convey a unique perspective, one distinct from the mainstream narratives.

In retrospect, my initial fascination with UNESCO sites waned during my trip. The silent structures, now revered as architectural heritage or tourist attractions, weren’t the catalyst for my love of India. It was the energy and the people I encountered that won my heart.

They are the individuals with whom I shared a fleeting moment, exchanged glances, or crossed paths on the road without acknowledgment. Whether a passing sadhu with a simple “namaste,” acknowledging our once-in-a-lifetime encounter, or the strangers navigating congested roundabout streets, every interaction became a unique thread in my Indian experience.

“Each smile willingly exchanged, a few words spoken, or even silent observations of those navigating their daily lives added layers to my affection for this place.”

Those people were street vendors, workers, shoppers, local tourists, and even the guards stationed at the entrance to monuments. Each smile willingly exchanged, a few words spoken, or even silent observations of those navigating their daily lives added layers to my affection for this place. In my view, it’s the lively human tapestry in India that forms a profound connection between me and this extraordinary land, sparking a curiosity within me to explore further into its rich culture and diverse communities.

In alignment with the astute observation by Shashi Tharoor, a renowned Indian author, politician, and former international diplomat, I share the sentiment that “India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its rich history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one…”

Though not my first time savoring langar, it was indeed my first time partaking in this communal meal with this many people inside a Gurdwara.

If my journey through Egypt in 2023 was a transformative experience — touching me both spiritually and intellectually (do check out my blog series Wander in Egypt) — this year’s adventure in India left an even deeper imprint on my soul.

It wasn’t merely coming face to face with the historic artefacts or monuments I had studied that left me awestruck, but rather the individuals I encountered throughout the entire expedition. Somehow, my interactions with them have unexpectedly paved the way for me to connect with some of the most extraordinary people in my life.

In the weeks ahead, I’m eager to share some of my most fascinating moments in India through the Wander in India series. While some aspects might be difficult to articulate, I’ll do my best.

In the upcoming stories, my aim is to unfold the enchantment of India — the warmth of its people, the flavours of its cuisine, the charm of its heritage, and the enduring wisdom that lights the way for many even today. As I embark on this personal storytelling adventure, I’d like to leave you with a quote from Mark Twain’s “This is indeed India!” that perfectly captures my sentiment:

[India is the] one land that all men desire to see,
and having seen once, by even a glimpse,
would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the world combined.

If you’re up for it, buckle up and join me on this journey to Incredible India!