Soulful Sojourns

My trip to Shantiniketan took place before the COVID-19 pandemic. Before we proceed, let me explain where Shantiniketan is located and why it is famous. As a native of West Bengal, I can attest to the state's rich traditions in culture, art, and history. Bengal has produced numerous freedom fighters and well-known personalities. Shantiniketan served as a residential school and art center that drew inspiration from ancient Indian traditions and aimed to foster unity among humanity, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned figure, founded Visva Bharati University, and it is also the place where he spent his last days. Another notable personality associated with Shantiniketan is Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, who used to reside in the area. Shantiniketan is situated in Bolpur, Birbhum district, approximately 150 km away from Kolkata. The closest railway station is Bolpur, where you can disembark and then take an e-rickshaw to reach Visva Bharati Uni...

  I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful experience I had at ATS Cafe Kasol during my recent trip to Kasol. I have already shared my travel experience in my Kasol Blog, but I wanted to dedicate a small section specifically to this incredible cafe. I'm sure you must have seen the Instagram reel featuring ATS Cafe, located in the charming Katagala Village near Hangover Bridge in Kasol. To reach this cafe, you simply need to cross the bridge, and you'll find yourself near the riverside. It's a breathtaking location, with numerous camps, hostels, and even a recently opened Zostel nearby. While the food at ATS Cafe may be a bit pricey, the ambiance and vibe of the cafe are absolutely delightful. The flowing river and beautiful view create the perfect setting, making it one of the most picturesque cafes I have ever visited. It reminded me of a similar experience I had at Lush by Th Anjuna in Goa. What makes ATS Cafe truly special are ...

Are you in search of a serene and tranquil cafe in Kasol? A breathtaking location enveloped by majestic mountains? I am delighted to introduce you to a marvelous establishment known as Holy Cow Cafe in Kalga, Kasol. L et me begin with a quote that resonated with me: "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it." Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a truly remarkable and serene place during my travels. Himachal never fails to amaze with its scenic beauty and picturesque locations. While on a trip to Kasol, we stumbled upon a hidden gem in Kalga. Getting to Kalga was not easy; we took the Barshaini route with a scooty and had to cross the Pulga DAM. From there, we had to hike for approximately 30 minutes. Even after that, we had to walk for another 15 minutes to reach the Holy Cow Cafe. However, the view from the cafe was breathtakingly beautiful. The effort and sweat were definitely worth it. The mountains, covered in snow, were a sight to behold. Surprisingly, there ...

Recently in November, I traveled to Kasol, which is located in Parvati Valley. I booked a hostel in Parvati Valley, as it offers budget-friendly rooms for backpackers. The trip lasted four days and was mostly spent riding scooters. Kasol is a beautiful place, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. It is known for its hippie culture and is a popular destination for Israelis. I will now share the itinerary and things to do in Kasol for a short trip. We took a bus from MKT to Bhuntar, and from there, a Sumo was provided by the bus carrier. The scenic beauty of the mountains is always captivating. P laces to visit around Kasol: Since it was a short trip, I tried to cover all the major tourist attractions. The first day started with a visit to Manikaran Sahib. We also visited the nearby Shiva Temple. The hot water spring was a unique experience for me, as rice is prepared using the hot spring water. After spending about half an hour there, we headed to Tosh. Tosh is located at an elevat...

In May 2023, we visited Bir Billing, a rural village located in the west of Joginder Nagar Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Bir is known as the paragliding capital of India and is home to the Bir Tibetan Colony, which was established in the 1960s as a settlement for Tibetan refugees. Bir serves as the landing site for paragliders, while Billing is the starting point. Personally, I did not try paragliding due to my fear of heights. Our trip lasted for four days, and the highlight was spending time at the beautiful landing site and witnessing the breathtaking sunset. Regarding our accommodation, we booked a room at The Birdhouse Villa in Chaughan, Bir. The room was a basic one with all the necessary amenities, and it cost us around Rs 7,000. Although the room was good, it was not excellent. However, the balcony offered an awesome view of the tea garden and the surrounding greenery. In terms of sightseeing, there are many places to visit in Bir Billing. However, ...

I traveled to Pondicherry from February 6th to February 9th th, 2023. This was my first trip to the southern part of India. We arrived at Chennai Airport and the journey from Chennai to Pondicherry took about 4 hours. The transit from Chennai to Pondicherry was scenic and the landscape was beautiful. Although I was only in Pondicherry for a short time, the experience was memorable, especially the Pichavaram mangrove forest. In my blog, I will share my experiences, places to visit, where to stay, and the total expenses I incurred.   For our accommodation, we rented a homestay in White Town, a quaint fishermen village in the French colony. The homestay was a small place with a kitchen and terrace. The view from the rooftop was stunning, especially at night when you could see the clear sky and hear the sound of the ocean. It's important to be respectful towards the locals in the fishermen village and a simple smile goes a long way. I want to mention one particular starry night that wa...

During my recent trip to Goa, I had the opportunity to visit a lesser-known fort called Reis Magos. This fort is situated on the banks of Mandovi, Nerul and is quite isolated, which is why it is not frequently visited by tourists. The fort is open until 5.30 pm. The journey to the fort is quite picturesque, with plenty of greenery to admire along the way. Reis Magos Fort was originally built by the Portuguese to defend against sea invasions. You can still see the cannon area where soldiers would keep watch for enemy invasions. What I found interesting about this place is that the monument is covered in algae, giving it a vintage appearance. There is also a specific area known as the "death hole," where captives or trespassers were kept and tortured with oil poured from the top. Additionally, the fort has historical significance as it once held freedom fighters captive. There is also a Portuguese-built church within the fort premises.   Just outside the fort gate, you ca...

My first solo trip began in Goa, where I spent five days ( A exploring the state on a scooter and discovering some hidden gems). Since I had already visited Goa in 2022 with my partner, I made sure to visit some isolated and unconventional places and try out the local Goan cuisine. I will provide detailed information in bullet points about the dishes I tried and also offer recommendations on where to stay and how to have a cost-effective trip. Additionally, I would suggest taking it slow if you are traveling alone. Accommodation: If you are traveling alone, consider staying in hostels. There are plenty of options available at affordable prices. It's best to explore and negotiate deals in person rather than booking online. There are mixed dorms with 4 or 6 beds available. I personally stayed at Zostel, Morjim, but there are other options such as Whoopers in South and North Goa, as well as local hostels. My stay at Zostel cost me around 5,000 rupees for 5 nights. I would recommend Ho...

I wanted to share with you an incredible experience I had recently during my trip to Pondicherry. Let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical! On the 6th of February 2023, I embarked on a journey from Chennai to Pondicherry. The picturesque cab ride took approximately 4 hours, allowing me to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. As soon as I arrived, I headed straight to the renowned ROCK Beach in Pondicherry. And oh, what a sight it was! On the 8th of February, the moon shone brightly, casting its radiant reflection on the tranquil seashore. It was a dream come true for me, witnessing such a breathtaking view. The ocean exuded an incredible energy, showcasing its mighty force. I was completely mesmerized, as if time stood still. The beauty was so overwhelming that words cannot do it justice. Additionally, the roaring noise of the waves added to the awe-inspiring power of nature . To make the experience even more special, I was fortunate enough to have someone special ...