We, the city people, carrying utter chaos in our head, often want to run away from everything. We wish to get lost. Sometimes, it’s good to get lost to find ourselves again. And trust me; nothing can heal our souls more effectively than travelling. Go close to nature and find yourself coming close to the person you actually are. If you believe in God, then surrendering yourself to nature or God is almost the same thing. And while doing so, choose a place where you have less option available other than enjoying your own company.

Recently, I visited a picturesque hamlet in North Bengal named Tukdah. Just 30 kilometres away from Darjeeling, Tukdah is a place, breathtakingly beautiful, yet almost unknown to many tourists.

1. Less chaotic, more peace 

Who are you running from? The people? Simple; choose a place that is less popular and far away from the madding crowd. In Tukdah, people are hard to find after evening. It feels like the whole surrounding is meditating. Unwind yourself in the lap of nature, gaze at the stars, listen to the silence around and take a deep breath… you’ll eventually find the peace within.

The meditating hill

Calm village

Green hills

2. Explore nature

Panoramic view of the mountains, luscious green tea estates, idyllic view of the Teesta valley, mysterious wilderness of pine and cedar trees…do you need more reasons to get tempted? If you are a seeker of romance in nature, then it has more to offer than expected. Nature is generous enough to provide calm to your senses and fill your heart with joy.

Cloud meets hill

Entrance of monastery

Picture perfect view

Teesta valley

Tea estate

3. See life closely 

Other than only visiting popular tourist spots nearby, plan a day walking along the streets. Watch people, observe their customs, taste the local food, interact with the people, be a part of them…everything will make you see life with a new perspective. British bungalows reminiscing the old charm of the era, the prayers and chanting sound from the monastery, tea plucking activities by local women, children happily climbing up-hills to reach schools, men walking miles to work and survive, their daily struggle… all these might make you feel thankful for this life. Your heart may get filled with gratitude instead of complaints.

4. Take advantage of the solitude

Remind yourself why you have come for a holiday. You needed a break, right? Get detached. Forget wifi, mail, social network while travelling. Solitude is hard to achieve. Once you achieve it, appreciate. Enjoy your own company. Solitude is the glory of being alone. You are surely going to rediscover yourself and find solutions for problems that went unanswered by your mind.

5. Get adventurous, create memories

Ever walked on a lane without destination? Got lost in an unknown lonely place? And, and discovered a broken temple after climbing up innumerable stairs? Or, without knowing, reached at the top of a hill and admired the city beneath, looking like scattered stars? Or, sat alone whole night in the balcony of a lonely place to witness the sunrise? Travelling to offbeat places provides lot of opportunity to get adventurous. If you love the thrill of adventures, go for it! The memories will surely bring a smile on your face anytime!

There is a little difference between a tourist and a traveller. And it is easy to be a tourist. To enjoy an offbeat place, you must see things with a traveller’s eye. Take your time to admire a place, indulge in some quality time and rejuvenate like never before.

Tempted enough to pack your bags? What are you waiting for?