Travel Journal: Northern India Adventure
**Date:** June 5th
**Location:** Delhi
**Companions:** Maya and Rahul
**Entry 1: The Beginning**
Delhi is the place where all of us have grown up and it was here that our journey started. Maya, Rahul
and I, wanted to break the mundane routine of everyday life and explore the diverse culture and
geography of Northern India. The trip was planned immediately after Maya’s final tests and Rahul’s
major work assignment, therefore, early June would be the most suitable time for it.
Thus, we chose the train ride because we wanted to really engage with the experience and people
during the journey. Our excitement was palpable as we boarded the train to our first destination: Jaipur.
**Entry 2: Finally, their arrival in Jaipur **
The train journey to Jaipur took approximately six hours and we got in at the stroke of evening. The pink
buildings and markets of Jaipur were indeed eye pleasing for me. The next three days were spent on
visiting Amber Fort, City Palace and Hawa Mahal, which only got better with each sightseeing.
On one particular day, we ordered food from a nearby restaurant and we tasted the local specialty
known as dal baati churma. The taste was so yummy and different that I decided to try it while
preparing it at home.
**Entry 3: Spiritual Rishikesh**
The next day we boarded a train and after a night’s travel reached Rishikesh located in the Himalayan
foothills. The landscape of Ganges River and the spiritual aura of the city made a lasting impression on
all of us. Our daily activities included Yoga, morning meditation near the river, and even tried our hand
at white-water rafting.
I learned important lessons about balance and pursuing mindfulness in this part of the trip. Of course,
these practices would come in handy when planning for future trips and during day to day activities.
**Entry 4: Modern Chandigarh**
For our last site, we chose a city of modern design – Chandigarh, contrasting with cultural and religious
heritage of Jaipur and Rishikesh. Taking a bus from Rishikesh to Chandigarh took approximately five
hours to complete the journey. At least, the novel’s depiction of Chandigarh’s architecture was
refreshing, signifying its modernity and systematic planning.
I saw the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake and the Rose Garden which were at their silent and serene best
with the city’s natural beauty. On one of the days there, we also got to eat makki di roti which is a type
of Punjabi flatbread served with sarson da saag, a kind of mustard greens. This simple but well
nourished meal ignited a desire within me for attempting it once I get back home.
**Entry 5: Reflections**
Thus, each of them is unique and constructing a successful and enriching story. We had travelled
through rich historical and cultural perspectives topical in places such as the pink city of India, Jaipur, to
the spirituality of Rishikesh, or the city beautiful Chandigarh. I really enjoyed this trip, as we
strengthened our friendship and had a chance to know more about our historical places.
These items share the balance, mindfulness, and culinary arts that we carry along with us, and while
they are not tangible, lessons like these will indeed impact the way we travel and have adventures in the
future.
