Planning a trip with friends is so exciting! But planning to go on a trip alone is quite overwhelming. That too when you are 30 and unmarried.

When all my friends are getting married and having babies – all I should worry about is getting married! Instead I went for a solo trip. What audacity!

It was my 5^th visit to North Bengal. So exploring the place was secondary. I was more desperate to spend some days quitting the world I belong to – a world that is constantly chasing me to become a part of the crowd. At the same time, I was afraid it might be a boring trip where there will be nobody to talk to. I packed a book, downloaded enough movies to give me company, a copy to write journals – just everything that will save me from the boredom!

Day 1:

Getting down at NJP station, it felt like I’m free. Free to go anywhere, do anything. Our itinerary included Lataguri, Samsing, Suntalekhola, Rocky Island and Lava. I thought, why not go to Darjeeling after that? What’s stopping me? My job? Well, I can quit that! Or, maybe not. Whatever…

Reaching the resort, my room got allotted and boy, it was beautiful! A queen-size bed, balcony, wardrobe and most importantly the bathroom will be used by only me. A clean and dry bathroom whenever you enter. Great!

We had to freshen up quickly and leave for Medla forest safari. Btw, I went with a travel agency with a few families who were complete stranger to me. Solo trip doesn’t always have to be wandering in unknown forests and hills alone in search of ‘Moksh’. It can be a planned trip where you get to spend time alone, do your thing, find a little peace of mind and most importantly, be completely responsible for your actions.

Moving on, Medla Forest is situated in Gorumara National Park. You need to book the watchtower visit which includes an entry permit, guide, jeep etc. at the Lataguri counter. After a certain point, no car is allowed inside except bullock carts. This is actually an initiative to strengthen the local economy that is mostly depended on tourism. The jungle pathway is enchanting with trees leaning from both sides creating a long archway. Towards the watchtower, it’s a beautiful country road with vast stretches of grassy land and shrubs on both sides and you can see the Murti river flowing ahead. The guide asked us to walk without making any noise. It is a basic forest rule – when you enter the territory of animals, you have to follow their rules. You can listen to the melody of the forest if you stay calm and quiet. But who can stop tourists to make overenthusiastic noise seeing something?!

We got to see many peacocks and for the first time in life, I saw a peacock rattling his spectacular tail feathers to lure the peahens. We saw a mommy and baby rhino grazing there. And lastly, a bison who literally posed for the shutterbugs out there. We were a lucky lot that day.

At the end of the safari, it was time for enjoying the tribal dance. With a setting sun at the backdrop, and piping hot tea it was musical as well as a visual treat. The day went well.

Day 2:

The next day, we set out for Murti, Samsing, Suntalekhola and Rocky Island. In North Bengal, you can’t expect to see different landscapes in different places. Green hills, beautiful ‘Jhoras’ and luxuriant forests are all you can see. Yet, each of this place has its own charm. Jaldhaka river flowing through the rock was an amazing sight. I sat there dipping my feet in the water. The water was chilled yet it felt so good.

If the weather is clear, you can witness the outstanding vista of the mighty Himalayan range. Suntaleykhola is famous for its trekking trails. Tourists like me, who want to go on a trip to breakfree from the chaos within and outside can be healed here. A quiet stroll through the undulating view of scenic gorge will give you the much needed peace. Keep your eyes and ears open to catch a glimpse of pretty blue-eared Barbet, sunbird or black tailed crake on your way. Unfortunately, I couldn’t capture any of them on my camera as I just packed the camera inside to imbibe the vibe whole heartedly. And who cares what I capture on camera! I was not there for some photography expedition. Duh!

We reached a hanging bridge and clicked some photos there. The colourful bridge posed as an uncanny contrast to the green surrounding.

It was already dark when we started for our resort that day. Hill roads are not very safe at night. But who cares! I was busy watching the sky full of glittering stars. I realized it has been years since I haven’t looked up to watch the sky. The sky was densely populated with stars and suddenly, life was good.

Day 3:

We started our journey to Lava. On our way, we stopped at a tea estate. The vast stretches of green made me standstill. I closed my eyes and took a deep breathe. There was peace at that moment.

Unfortunately, the famous Lava monastery was closed for tourists due to COVID. It was my third visit to Lava, still, it was disappointing.

Quick plan made, we headed for Rishop which is 5km from there. Going uphill through the pine forest where sunshine hardly touched the ground, was an exhilarating journey. When our car was in a hairpin bend, ‘Kanchan da’ waved at us! The mighty Kanchanjunga! From the white cloud, he said, ‘peek-a-boo’, just for a few minutes. We stared at the sight till it lasted. But couldn’t take a great picture. It was my third visit to Rishop – and each time it feels the same beautiful. The small hamlet feels so cozy that I never get tired of admiring its beauty.

Coming back to the resort, it was the barbeque night. The set up was absolutely lit! The playlist at the party started from the usual Bollywood party song but the famous ‘Sholay’ tune in mouthorgan played by one of our travel mates simply took the mood to a different level. Barbeque fire, chicken kebab and the melody… life is all about living these moments, right? I always thought of myself to be an introvert and never thought I will make some special bonds with my amazing travel mates!

P.S – Experiencing a ‘solo trip’ was never really there in my wishlist. Still, I did take the opportunity. Fiddling our phone or scrolling through Facebook haven’t we felt we are living a miserable life and others are definitely happier than us? You might ping people for no reason or involve in meaningless banter randomly with somebody just to escape the engulfing loneliness. But sitting inside a dimly lit resort room alone at midnight, probably at 1 or 2am, writing my journal with headphones on – I did not feel lonely. There was a sign of relief, at least I have not lost myself. I have me with all my intellect, strength and flaws. I own them. Sometimes, you just need to be alone to realize how fun you are in your own company.

And, I didn’t get time to watch a single movie during my trip!